What term refers to factors that influence specific outcomes in research?

The term that refers to factors influencing specific outcomes in research is "variables." In the context of research, variables are the elements that can change, and they play a crucial role in establishing relationships between different concepts or phenomena. For instance, in a study examining the impact of music therapy on anxiety levels, the type of music used, the duration of therapy sessions, and the characteristics of the participants would all be considered variables.

Variables are essential for understanding how different factors can affect results and for determining causality within research settings. They allow researchers to manipulate conditions or group assignments to observe the effects on outcomes. This ability to change and measure variables is fundamental to experimental design and data analysis.

In contrast, constants represent conditions that remain unchanged throughout a study, helping to isolate the effects of the variables. Parameters define certain boundaries or limits within which research is conducted but do not themselves influence outcomes. Indicators serve as measurable signs of particular conditions or phenomena but are not necessarily the influencing factors themselves. Therefore, "variables" is the most fitting term to describe the elements that impact research outcomes.