What can be a potential disadvantage of using a control group?

Using a control group can indeed increase the total time of an experiment. This is primarily because having a control group requires additional steps in the experimental design, including the need to maintain and monitor that group alongside the experimental group. Researchers must ensure both groups are tested under the same conditions, which can lengthen the duration of data collection and analysis.

Moreover, if the control group requires specific conditions or continues over a longer period, it can extend the timeline of the overall study. This additional time can be critical for projects that have strict deadlines or require timely insights. The need to balance both the experimental and control groups often leads to more extensive preliminary research and follow-up, therefore extending the experiment's duration compared to studies without a control group.