Final answer:
A controlled experiment involves at least two groups, where the experimental group is exposed to the variable being tested, and the control group is not, allowing for a comparison of outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A controlled experiment is an essential part of a scientific study where one group, known as the experimental group, is exposed to the variable being tested, while another group, the control group, is not exposed to the experimental treatment and serves as a benchmark for comparison.
This design ensures that any differences in outcomes between the groups can be attributed to the experimental manipulation rather than other factors.
The statement that describes a controlled experiment is: a) an experiment with at least two groups, one of which does not receive the experimental treatment.
This statement effectively encapsulates the essence of a controlled experiment wherein one group is exposed to the experimental condition while the other group is not, allowing researchers to observe the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.