control
definition of control
1. in a clinical trial, the group of participants that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared with the group receiving the new treatment, to see whether the new treatment works. In an observational study, the controls are participants who do not have a particular health condition; the control group is compared with the group of participants who do have the condition to see if certain factors (such as diet, activity level, or use of dietary supplements) may be associated with developing or preventing the condition.1
control group
definition of control group
1. in a research study or clinical trial, the group that does not receive the new treatment being studied. This group is compared with the group that receives the new treatment, to see whether the new treatment works.1