[Campbell Biology P.75] What is the primary characteristic of a controlled experiment? | Practice Question

What is the primary characteristic of a controlled experiment?

  • A: It involves observing natural phenomena without manipulation.
  • B: It ensures that all variables are kept constant throughout the experiment.
  • C: It compares an experimental group to a control group, differing by only one variable.
  • D: It prioritizes speed in data collection over accuracy.

Explanation

A controlled experiment is designed to isolate the effect of one variable. This is achieved by comparing an experimental group, where the variable of interest is manipulated, to a control group, where that variable is kept constant. All other conditions are kept as similar as possible between the two groups.