Which term refers to the variable that is kept constant throughout an experiment?

The term that refers to the variable that is kept constant throughout an experiment is a control variable. Control variables are essential in experimental design because they ensure that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed solely to the manipulation of the independent variable. By keeping certain factors constant, researchers can isolate the effects of the independent variable, which enhances the reliability and validity of the experiment's results.

In scientific experimentation, independent variables are those that are deliberately changed or manipulated to observe how they affect the dependent variable, while the dependent variable is the one being measured. Experimental variables, which may sometimes be used interchangeably with independent variables, are also manipulated during the experiment but do not encompass the importance of maintaining consistency that control variables do. Thus, understanding the role of control variables is vital for accurately interpreting experimental outcomes.