In an experiment studying the effects of a new drug on blood pressure, what was the control group?

• A. The group receiving no treatment at all
• B. The group receiving the new drug
• C. The group receiving a higher dose of the drug
• D. The group receiving a placebo

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of a control group in an experiment: A control group is used as a baseline to compare the effects of the experimental treatment. It helps to isolate the effect of the treatment by providing a standard for comparison.
2. Identify the different groups in the experiment: In this scenario, there are several groups mentioned - the group receiving no treatment, the group receiving the new drug, the group receiving a higher dose of the drug, and the group receiving a placebo.
3. Recognize the role of a placebo: A placebo is a substance with no therapeutic effect, used as a control in testing new drugs. It is given to the control group to mimic the experience of the experimental group without the active ingredient.
4. Determine which group serves as the control: The control group should be the one that receives the placebo, as it allows researchers to compare the effects of the new drug against a group that believes they are receiving treatment but are not.
5. Conclude that the correct control group in this experiment is the group receiving a placebo, as it provides a baseline to measure the drug's effect on blood pressure against those not receiving the active treatment.