Identify the independent and dependent variables in the following sentence: joan is collecting data on gender differences (male, female) in the ability to empathize.

The independent variable is the variable that is controlled by you, and the dependent variable is the variable that changes AS A RESULT of the changes you made to the independent variable.

In this case, Joan is controlling the gender, thereby changing the ability to empathize.

Therefore, the independent variable is gender and the dependent variable is the ability to empathize.