Final answer:
When conducting an experiment, the control group, independent variable, hypothesis, and dependent variable are key components that structure the research and ensure it can properly test the hypothesis. These terms are foundational in setting up an experimental design for studies in various scientific fields.
Step-by-step explanation:
The terms you are asking about are part of the experimental setup when collecting data for any research in fields like biology, psychology, and many other sciences. The following explanations should help clarify them within the context of an experiment:
- Control group: A control group serves as a benchmark to compare results and control for random factors by keeping such factors constant. The experimental manipulation is the sole difference between the control and experimental groups.
- Independent variable: An independent variable is what the researcher manipulates in an experiment. It is the presumed cause that affects the dependent variable.
- Hypothesis: A hypothesis is an educated guess or prediction about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
- Dependent variable: The dependent variable is the outcome that the researcher measures; it's the effect observed due to changes in the independent variable.
In an experimental design, these elements are crucial for structuring an experiment in order to test a hypothesis. For example, if a psychologist were studying the effect of tableware size on food consumption, the population would be all college students, the sample would be the 100 college students in the study, and the experimental units are the students. The explanatory variable would be the size of the tableware, the treatment would be the use of different-sized tableware, and the response variable would measure the amount of food consumed.