Final answer:
A hypothesis is a testable statement about the relationship between variables, and the correct choice is 'b) Hypothesis'. A hypothesis is less robust than a theory, which is a confirmed explanation, and both differ from a law, which mathematically describes behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A hypothesis is a tentative and testable statement (prediction) about the relationship between 2 or more variables.
In the scientific method, a hypothesis is an initial, tentative explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through further investigation and experimentation. It's a prediction about the relationship between variables that researchers test to determine its validity. On the other hand, a theory is a well-supported and confirmed explanation for a set of observations or phenomena, often broader in scope. Scientists develop theories by accumulating a large body of evidence that supports a particular explanation.
Meanwhile, a law is a description, frequently formulated mathematically, of the behavior of an aspect of nature under certain conditions, summarizing the relationship between variables. If a hypothesis is continually supported by experiments and research, it may contribute to the development of a theory. However, a hypothesis can be disproven through testing, which either leads to modifications of the hypothesis or the development of new hypotheses.