Which term refers to factors that are kept constant throughout an experiment?

In the context of an experiment, the term that refers to factors that are kept constant is "controls." Controls are essential to ensure that any changes observed in the experiment are due to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other external factors. By maintaining a consistent environment or set of conditions, researchers can better isolate the effects of the variable being tested.

Constants, while a similar concept, specifically refer to the factors that are deliberately held steady and are not changed during the experiment. They contribute to the reliability of the experiment by minimizing variability. However, "controls" generally encompass a broader range of conditions that include constants as well as other measures to account for variables that could affect the outcome.

Parameters refer to the measurable factors in a study but do not specifically imply that they are kept constant throughout. Variates, on the other hand, often refer to the different conditions or options that could be changed in an experiment, which is the opposite of what controls signify. Therefore, "controls" more accurately captures the concept of factors being kept constant to establish a reliable foundation for measuring the effects of the independent variable.