In an experiment, what is the term for the subjects who are exposed to the independent variable?

The term for the subjects who are exposed to the independent variable in an experiment is the experimental group. This group is critical for testing hypotheses, as it allows researchers to observe the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable. For example, if a researcher is investigating the impact of a new medication, the participants receiving the medication would constitute the experimental group.

In contrast, the control group, which is sometimes compared in experiments, does not receive the treatment or intervention but may be subjected to other conditions. The control group serves as a baseline to understand the changes caused by the independent variable. The sample group refers to the broader group from which the experimental and control groups are drawn, while the testing group is not a standard term used in experimental design. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the structure and purpose of experiments in sociology and other fields.