What is the term for the experimental factor that is manipulated in a study?

The term that refers to the experimental factor that is manipulated in a study is known as the independent variable. In an experiment, researchers change or control the independent variable to observe how it affects other variables, specifically the dependent variable. By adjusting the independent variable, scientists aim to determine if there is a cause-and-effect relationship, which is fundamental to the experimental process.

For example, if a researcher is studying the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight the plants receive would be the independent variable because it is what the researcher varies to see how it influences the plants' growth. This is distinct from the dependent variable, which would be the outcome measured, such as the height of the plants. The controlled variables are factors that are kept constant to ensure the validity of the results, while extraneous variables are those that could affect the outcome but are not the primary focus of the study. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing experimental design and results.