What defines a control variable?

A control variable is defined as a factor that is kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable alone. By maintaining control variables, researchers can minimize the influence of external factors on the outcome of the experiment. This allows for clearer analysis and understanding of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

For example, in an experiment testing the effect of temperature on plant growth, factors such as the type of plant, amount of water, and type of soil would all be control variables. If any of these were to change during the experiment, it could impact the growth of the plants and confound the results, making it difficult to determine the true effect of temperature.

Understanding what control variables are is crucial in designing a scientifically valid experiment, as they help ensure that the experiment's results are reliable and can be replicated in future studies.