In an experimental study, which element is used to compare outcomes between groups?

• A. Control and Experimental Groups
• B. Interview Scheduled
• C. Survey
• D. Questionnaire

Answer: (A)

In an experimental study, outcomes are compared by using two distinct groups: one that receives the intervention (the experimental group) and one that does not (the control group). The key idea is to measure how the outcome changes between these groups to determine the effect of the treatment, while keeping other conditions as similar as possible. Random assignment helps ensure the groups are comparable, so differences in outcomes can be attributed to the intervention rather than other factors.

Interviews, surveys, and questionnaires are data collection tools used to gather information about outcomes, but they are not the element that creates the comparison between groups. They help measure the results, while the true comparison backbone comes from having a control group and an experimental group.