Which term refers to variables that are kept the same across treatment conditions to prevent bias?

The term that refers to variables that are kept the same across treatment conditions to prevent bias is control variables. Control variables are essential in experimental research because they help eliminate potential confounding factors that could influence the outcome of the study. By maintaining control over these variables, researchers can ensure that any observed changes in the dependent variable can be attributed more confidently to the manipulation of the independent variable. This practice helps to enhance the internal validity of the experiment, providing clearer insights into the causal relationships being examined.

In contrast, independent variables are those that are intentionally manipulated to observe their effect, while dependent variables are the outcomes measured in the study. Extraneous variables refer to other factors that could affect the dependent variable but are not of primary interest; if they are not controlled, they could introduce bias and affect the results. Thus, maintaining control variables is crucial for achieving reliable and valid results in experimental research.