Which of the following processes involves recognizing that sounds can be varied across different words?

The process that involves recognizing that sounds can be varied across different words is phoneme identity. This concept focuses on understanding how the same sound can appear in different words and how those sounds can be identified and categorized. For example, in the words "bat," "bit," and "but," the initial sounds are variations, but they share the same phonetic unit, which is what phoneme identity recognizes. This skill is essential for developing phonemic awareness, as it helps learners discern and manipulate sounds, which is foundational for reading and spelling. Understanding phoneme identity is instrumental in teaching children how to recognize, compare, and differentiate sounds in language.