A control variable is a variable or element that is held constant throughout an experiment or research study in order to assess the relationship between multiple variables. It is also known as a constant or scientific constant. Control variables are not of primary interest to the experimenter, but they are important because they could strongly influence experimental results if they were not held constant during the experiment.
Control variables can be anything that is held constant or limited in a research study. They may be controlled directly by holding them constant throughout a study, such as controlling the room temperature in an experiment, or they may be controlled indirectly through methods like randomization or statistical control. Identifying the necessary control variables from the beginning will make for a more complete and valid study.
In summary, a control variable is an experimental element that is constant and unchanged throughout the course of the investigation, and it is held constant in order to assess the relationship between multiple variables.
