Final answer:
The independent variable in this study is patient characteristics, while the dependent variable is hospital readmission following discharge.
Step-by-step explanation:
In experimental research, the independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates or controls to observe its effect on the dependent variable. The independent variable is the cause, and the dependent variable is the effect. In other words, changes in the independent variable are believed to lead to changes in the dependent variable.
The independent variable in this study is patient characteristics, while the dependent variable is hospital readmission following discharge. The purpose of the study is to examine how certain patient characteristics can predict the likelihood of being readmitted to the hospital after being discharged.