Question

In a controlled experiment, a lab researcher grows peas in two separate pots to study their sprouting time. Pot 1 is never watered, whereas Pot 2 is watered daily. Otherwise, the plants are planted in an identical type and amount of soil, receive the same amount of sunlight, and are in the same kinds of containers. Which of the following statements is true about this experiment?

A) Pot 1 is the experimental group, and Pot 2 is the control group.
B) Pot 1 is the control group, and Pot 2 is the experimental group.
C) Both pots serve as control groups.
D) Both pots serve as experimental groups.

Answer 1

Pot 1, which was not watered, serves as the control group, whereas Pot 2, which was watered daily, serves as the experimental group. Their growth conditions were otherwise identical to ensure that the watering was the sole variable affecting sprouting time.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the case of the peas experiment, Pot 1 is the control group and Pot 2 is the experimental group.

A control group is essential for comparing results in an experiment. It represents the baseline or normal conditions. In the peas experiment, Pot 1, which was not watered, serves as the control group because it’s the group that did not receive the experimental treatment, which is watering. Pot 2, which received daily watering, is the experimental group because it’s subjected to the variable being tested, which is to determine the effect of watering on sprouting time.

In this experiment, other factors such as soil type, sunlight, and container type were kept constant across both pots to ensure that any difference in sprouting time could confidently be attributed to the variable of watering, thereby minimizing potential confounders.