A Researcher Was Interested in Studying the Possible Deterrent Effect

Short Answer

A researcher was interested in studying the possible deterrent effect of sentencing. A sample of 12 recidivists was compared with another sample of 12 who had stayed clean. Both groups had been convicted of distributing drugs and both groups had served time. For each subject the length of the previous sentence in months was found. $$\begin{array} { c c } \text { Non-Recidivists } & \text { Recidivists } \\36 & 60 \\48 & 72 \\54 & 59 \\32 & 35 \\66 & 56 \\45 & 55 \\37 & 42 \\46 & 57 \\35 & 60 \\42 & 64 \\28 & 97 \\24 & 28\end{array}$$
-Identify the independent variable.