controlled experiment

noun

plural controlled experiments

: an experiment in which all the variable factors in an experimental group and a comparison control group are kept the same except for one variable factor in the experimental group that is changed or altered

… few controlled experiments have been formally conducted by an impartial organization to prove or disprove the claims.

—Noel Vietmeyer

In the next few years, non-university researchers will run controlled experiments with the fungi on mosquitoes in Africa and locusts in China.

—Carrie Wells

… Bat Conservation International conducted a controlled experiment in which some of the turbines were temporarily shut down during specific wind conditions.

—Kirk Swauger

compare control experiment

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

controlled experiment

noun

: an experiment in which all the variables in a control group and an experimental group are the same except for one