Final answer:
A sample that goes through all the steps of an experiment without being exposed to the experimental variable is known as the control group, which helps researchers determine the effect of the variable by comparing it to the experimental group.
Step-by-step explanation:
You call a sample that goes through all the steps of an experiment but is not exposed to the experimental variable the control group. The control group is essential in an experimental design as it allows researchers to compare results and isolate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable. By comparing the control group to the experimental group, which does receive the experimental manipulation, scientists can determine if changes in the dependent variable are a result of the experimental treatment.
For example, in a study testing the effect of a particular nutrient on plant growth, the experimental group would receive the nutrient, whereas the control group would not receive the nutrient but would otherwise be subjected to the exact same conditions as the experimental group. This setup helps to ensure that any differences in plant growth can be attributed to the presence or absence of the nutrient and not to other factors.