What term encompasses any variable that can influence the interpretation of results?

The term that encompasses any variable that can influence the interpretation of results is referred to as an extraneous variable. Extraneous variables are not the primary focus of a study but can impact the dependent variable, thereby confounding the results and making it difficult to establish clear cause-and-effect relationships. By controlling for these variables, researchers enhance the validity and reliability of their findings, ensuring that any observed effects can be attributed more confidently to the independent variable rather than to external influences.

The other terms in the choices refer to different concepts within a research context. The dependent variable is what researchers measure in an experiment, as it is expected to change in response to manipulations of the independent variable. A constant refers to a variable that remains unchanged throughout the research, thereby providing a stable environment for testing. The independent variable is the one that researchers manipulate to observe its effect on the dependent variable. However, none of these terms describe variables that might interfere with or influence the interpretation of results the way extraneous variables do.