In this case:
A) Dependent variable: Reading level
B) Independent variable: Gender (Men or Women)
In this scenario, the variable being measured is the reading level, and the researchers are interested in comparing the reading levels of men and women.
Therefore, the gender of the individuals (men or women) is the independent variable, as it is what the researchers are manipulating or categorizing.
The dependent variable is the reading level, as it is what the researchers are measuring to determine if there is a difference between the two groups.
So, in this case:
A) Dependent variable: Reading level
B) Independent variable: Gender (Men or Women)