A controlled variable in science is a variable or element that is held constant or limited throughout an experiment or research study. It is not of primary interest to the experimenter, but it is important because it could affect the outcome of the experiment. A controlled variable is also known as a constant variable or control variable.
Control variables can be controlled directly by holding them constant throughout the study, or indirectly through methods like randomization or statistical control. In an observational study or other types of non-experimental research, a researcher cant manipulate the independent variable. Instead, control variables are measured and taken into account to infer relationships between the main variables of interest.
Control variables are important because they make it easier to reproduce the experiment and increase confidence in the outcome of the experiment. By controlling variables, researchers can ensure that the results of their experiment reflect the variables they chose to test for, rather than being impacted by variables that they failed to control.
