The group that receives the experimental treatment condition is the

The group that receives the experimental treatment condition is the

(a) Experimental group

(b) Control group

(c) Participant group

(d) Independent group

✅ Correct option: (a) Experimental group

Explanation (200+ words):

In experimental research, the experimental group is the group of participants that receives the treatment or intervention being tested by the researcher. This treatment represents the independent variable whose effect on the dependent variable is being examined. The fundamental purpose of using an experimental group is to observe whether changes in the dependent variable occur as a direct result of the manipulation of the independent variable. The experimental group is contrasted with the control group, which does not receive the experimental treatment or receives a standard/placebo condition. This comparison allows researchers to attribute observed differences specifically to the experimental treatment rather than to extraneous factors. Without an experimental group, it would be impossible to test causal relationships in research. Options such as “participant group” and “independent group” are not recognized technical terms in experimental research methodology. Hence, the correct and conceptually accurate term is experimental group. Proper identification and handling of the experimental group enhance internal validity and help establish cause-and-effect relationships.

10 Related PPSC Facts:

Experimental group receives treatment. Control group provides comparison. Independent variable is applied to experimental group. Random assignment strengthens validity. Quasi-experiments may lack random assignment. Experimental groups are central to causal inference. Placebo may be used in control groups. Treatment effects are measured via dependent variables. Multiple experimental groups can exist. Ethical guidelines apply to experimental treatment.