The correct answer is A. The independent variable
Step-by-step explanation:
In this experiment, the boot camp is the factor Sharon considers can influence recidivism (the main variable studied or dependent variable). In this context, the boot camp is the independent variable because this is the factor that is considered a "special treatment" in the experiment because only some were in the boot camp program. Also, in experiments the independent variable influences another variable and this is independent because it is not affected by other variables. This occurs with the boot camps because boot camps influence recidivism but not the opposite.