Final answer:
The independent variable is the abstinence-until-marriage educational program, and the dependent variables are the rates of unwanted pregnancies, STDs, and emotional trauma outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Independent and Dependent Variables
In the context of an abstinence-until-marriage educational program, the independent variable would be the implementation of the program itself, which is the factor being studied for its effect on various outcomes. The dependent variables could include rates of unwanted pregnancies, the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and instances of emotional trauma, as they are the outcomes that may change based on the implementation of the abstinence program.
It is the variable that is manipulated or controlled by the program organizers. The dependent variables in this natural experiment are the outcomes that are being measured or observed as a result of implementing the program. These can include variables such as rates of unwanted pregnancies, rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional trauma.