How Does the Intervening Variable Relate to the Independent Variable

Multiple Choice

How does the intervening variable relate to the independent variable and dependent variable in a three-variable causal relationship?

A) The intervening variable acts as a dependent variable with respect to the dependent variable and acts as an independent variable toward the dependent variable.
B) The intervening variable acts as a dependent variable with respect to the independent variable and acts as an independent variable toward the dependent variable.
C) The intervening variable acts as an independent variable with respect to the independent variable and acts as an independent variable toward the dependent variable.
D) The intervening variable acts as a dependent variable with respect to the independent variable and acts as a dependent variable toward the dependent variable.
E) The relationship of the intervening variable to the independent and dependent variables is not fixed.