When experimental manipulation are conducted to test a hypothesis what is the purpose of including a control?

The purpose of including a control in experimental manipulation is to establish a baseline for comparison, allowing researchers to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. The control group helps to isolate the specific impact of the experimental treatment by accounting for other variables that could influence the outcome. This ensures that any observed changes can be attributed to the manipulation rather than external factors, enhancing the validity and reliability of the results.