controlled vs. experimental areas

[shortylilly]

not sure if this is the correct area to post my question, but could someone tell me the difference between controlled and experimental areas? thanks in advance

[doglady]

The controlled area is the area where nothing happens. The experimental area is the area where the experiment takes place.

All the conditions in the controlled area should be exactly the same as in the experimental area, except for whatever is being used for the experiment. E.G. if you were testing for the effects of caffine on the time it took to add 2 and 2, ideally the room should be exactly the same layout, with the same temperature etc. And you should give your subjects in the controlled area a hot drink without caffine (hot water), just to show it was the caffine having the effect and not the drink itself.

[shortylilly]

thank you ever so much doglady! much appreciated!