Do you have an understanding of what a 'control' or 'control group' is?
Control is the standard by which experimental observations are evaluated. In many clinical trials, one group of patients will be given an experimental drug or treatment, while the control group is given either a standard treatment for the illness or a placebo. If you have worked with clinical trials/observations, you will clearly understand what the 'control' or 'control group' is. If you have not, say what you do know. In most cases, an interviewer will see if you already have clinical trial experience and know where to guide you with a question like this.
"Yes, I understand the importance of a 'control/control group' in trials. I assisted with documentation for a clinical trial when I worked at XYZ. Part of my responsibilities included monitoring the differences in the patients' vital signs who were given a placebo compared to those who were taking the trial drug."
"I am familiar with a control/control group. It is my understanding that when a clinical trial is being conducted, some participants are given the trial drug while the 'control group' is given either the standard treatment or a placebo, but only the person administering the drug knows who is receiving which."
Focus on being honest in your response. Tell the interviewer if you understand what control or a control group is and give an example of each. If you are unfamiliar with the terms, let the interviewer know and ask if they can provide a brief explanation.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
A Control group is a basis of comparison or observation in an experiment.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! You might also say that the control group in an experiment receives the standard treatment, a placebo, or no treatment at all so that they can be compared against another group that gets the experimental treatment. Consider including an example of a control group to further show your understanding of this concept to the interviewer.
