What Controlled experiment is
A controlled experiment is an experiment that is designed to minimize the effects of variables other than the independent variable. This increases the reliability and validity of the results, often yielding an accurate representation of the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
The steps for a controlled experiment are as follows:
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Define the problem and research question.
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Identify the independent and dependent variables.
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Select the study participants and ensure they are randomly assigned to the experimental or control group.
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Administer the experimental treatment or condition to the experimental group.
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Collect data from both the experimental and control groups.
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Analyze the data to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
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Draw conclusions about the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.
Examples
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A researcher is interested in determining the effectiveness of a new teaching method for high school math students. She randomly assigns half the students to use the new method and the other half to use the traditional method. She then measures the grades of each group and compares the results.
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A pharmaceutical company wants to test a new drug to treat a certain type of cancer. Half of the participants are given the new drug, while the other half are given a placebo. The company then measures the efficacy of the new drug compared to the placebo.