control experiment

USAGE SUMMARY

"control experiment" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It refers to a type of experiment that is designed to test a particular research hypothesis, by isolating and holding constant all variables except for the one being studied. For example, "The scientist conducted a control experiment to test the effect of different types of fertilizer on crop growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our control experiment shows that our design works well.

Plosone

Alas, we have no control experiment.

The New York Times

A ground control experiment was simultaneously replicated.

Advances in Space Research

The control experiment in dark was also performed.

Nature

rhCox17p served as positive control experiment.

Molecular Genetics and Metabolism

An open air control experiment has also been carried out.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

I challenge intelligent design advocates to create a control experiment for their hypothesis.

The New York Times

These observations constitute a control experiment for the search for extraterrestrial life by modern interplanetary spacecraft.

Nature

As a control experiment, they also cultivated embryonic stem cells in the same way.

MIT Technology Review

We performed a control experiment with a pH 9 aqueous solution of NaOH (Supplementary Note 4).

Nature

A control experiment using lysozyme absorbed onto silica was also performed.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your experimental setup, clearly state which group served as the "control experiment" and why. This ensures reproducibility and helps readers understand the basis for comparison.

Common error

Avoid attributing effects solely to the experimental variable without confirming that the "control experiment" genuinely isolates that variable. Consider potential confounding factors that might influence the results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "control experiment" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it refers to a designed test where all variables are constant except one. It denotes a standard for comparison in scientific or other investigatory contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

85%

News & Media

8%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "control experiment" is a crucial term in scientific methodology, denoting an experiment designed to isolate and test a specific variable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to establish a baseline for comparison, ensuring that observed effects are attributable to the tested variable. This phrase is most commonly found in scientific and academic contexts, appearing frequently in journals such as Nature and PlosOne. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to use "control experiment" accurately, ensuring that the experimental setup truly isolates the intended variable and avoids confounding factors. Alternatives like "controlled study" or "benchmark experiment" may be suitable in certain contexts, but they don't fully capture the specific function of a control in experimental design.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

controlled study

Focuses on the study design being controlled to isolate variables.

benchmark experiment

Emphasizes the use of the experiment as a standard for comparison.

reference experiment

Highlights the experiment's role as a reference point.

baseline study

Implies the establishment of a baseline for future comparisons.

standard experiment

Refers to an experiment that follows established protocols.

sham experiment

Mimics an experiment without the active treatment.

placebo-controlled trial

Specifically involves a placebo group for comparison.

comparative analysis

Highlights the act of comparing different experimental conditions.

experimental control

Emphasizes the controlling aspects of the experiment.

unperturbed condition

Focuses on the undisturbed, baseline state of the experiment.

FAQs

How is a "control experiment" used in scientific research?

A "control experiment" establishes a baseline by isolating the variable being tested, allowing researchers to accurately assess the impact of that variable on the outcome.

What distinguishes a "control experiment" from other types of experiments?

Unlike other experiments, a "control experiment" specifically includes a group or condition where the key variable is absent or standardized, providing a basis for comparison.

What are some alternatives to saying "control experiment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "controlled study", "benchmark experiment", or "reference experiment".

Why is a "control experiment" important in experimental design?

A "control experiment" minimizes bias, confirms causality, and validates that observed effects are due to the manipulated variable and not extraneous factors.