Final answer:
Variations in an out-of-control process are caused by nonrandom events due to specific disruptions, contrasting with the expected random variations in a stable process. Option b is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a process is out of control, variations in the results of the process are caused by nonrandom events. Nonrandom variations suggest that there are specific causes or changes in the process that lead to unexpected results, in contrast to random variations typically associated with the natural dispersion of process outputs.
Examples of nonrandom causes include machine malfunctions, procedural errors, or environmental changes. These variations can heavily impact the predictability and stability of a process, and therefore, it's crucial to identify and correct these causes to bring the process back under control. A process that is out of control and exhibiting variations in the results can be caused by random events. Random events are unpredictable and do not follow a specific pattern or plan. These events can lead to inconsistencies in the process and affect the outcome.