Which interface control allows only one selection to be made from a group of options?

The radio button is the interface control specifically designed to allow only one selection to be made from a group of options. This control provides a visual representation where multiple choices are available, but only one can be selected at any given time. When a user clicks on a radio button, any previously selected option within that same group is automatically deselected, ensuring that only one choice is active.

Radio buttons are particularly useful in situations where mutually exclusive options are required, such as selecting a payment method (e.g., credit card, PayPal) or choosing a preferred contact method (e.g., email, phone). This clear delineation between options helps prevent confusion and ensures that the user makes a definitive choice.

In contrast, checkboxes allow for multiple selections, and a dropdown menu typically requires a user to click to reveal options but can also limit choices depending on its setup; however, none of these options can enforce a single selection logic as effectively as radio buttons can. A text field allows for free-form input and does not provide predefined options from which to choose, further distinguishing it from the functionality of radio buttons.