Final answer:
The term for isolating and reducing variables in an experiment to study their specific impact is known as scientific control. It is crucial for demonstrating causal relationships between variables in scientific research. correct option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of isolating and reducing variables in an experiment to understand the impact of a specific variable or variables on the outcome of a study is known as scientific control. Scientific controls are essential in experimental design, as they allow researchers to minimize the effects of variables other than the one being studied.
The control group acts as a standard of comparison by maintaining consistent conditions across groups, highlighting the effect of the independent variable when changes are observed in the dependent variable. By controlling variables, scientific research can more accurately determine causal relationships between an independent variable and a dependent variable.
The concept described as the isolation and reduction of variables in an experiment to understand the impact of specific variables on the study's outcome is known as **variable control** (option a). This involves manipulating or holding constant certain factors to observe the effects of the independent variable. A **scientific control** (option b) refers to a standard for comparison in an experiment.
The term "control variable size" (option c) is not standard scientific terminology. **Sample size** (option d) refers to the number of subjects or observations in a study but is not specifically about manipulating variables for control in an experiment.