1. Baseline Establishment: Control samples help establish a baseline measurement in an experiment. This is necessary to determine the natural state of the system before the introduction of any experimental variables.
2. Validity and Reliability: They enhance the validity and reliability of the results. By comparing the results of a treated group with those from a control group, researchers can determine the true effect of the substance.
3. Error Reduction: Control samples reduce the likelihood of errors in the experimental setup. They help identify any unintended variables that might be affecting the results.