Identify and label the variables in the example below (e.g., as independent variables, dependent variable, etc.) in the following situation. Discuss the role of gender in the example.

A visitor to a factory observes that the workers in the packing department have to interact with each other to get their jobs done. The more they interact, the more they tend to stay after hours and go to the local pub together for a drink. However, the women packers, even though they interact with the others as much as the men, usually do not stay late and visit the pub after work hours.