Which term refers to an aspect of an experiment that changes during the course of the experiment?

The term "experimental variable" refers to an aspect of an experiment that changes during the course of the experiment. This variable is manipulated or altered by the researcher to observe its effect on the outcome of the experiment. In scientific experiments, the purpose of changing the experimental variable is to investigate how it influences another variable; this is a fundamental aspect of experimental design aimed at establishing causal relationships.

In contrast, the independent variable is the specific variable that is changed or controlled to test its effects on the dependent variable. The dependent variable, on the other hand, is the outcome that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable. Control variables are factors that are kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are valid and that the influence of the independent variable can be accurately assessed.

Because the experimental variable represents the changeable aspect under investigation, it is vital for shaping the direction of the study and helping to draw meaningful conclusions from the results.