A Number of Studies Have Examined Whether Aggressive and Withdrawn

A number of studies have examined whether aggressive and withdrawn behaviors can be linked to maltreatment's effects at the level of the endophenotype, with different investigators focusing on the autonomic nervous system, HPA axis, and brain.The common question in these studies is ______?

A) whether or not the endophenotype is the best focus
B) whether the effects of maltreatment on the phenotype are mediated, or carried by, its effects on the endophenotype
C) whether the effects of maltreatment on the HPA axis are mediated, or carried by, its effects on the endophenotype.
D) whether or not the effects of maltreatment on the phenotype are caused by the effects on the HPA axis