Final answer:
The statement given by an expert on a professional matter is known as expert opinion. It relies on the qualifications and experience of the expert and is subject to scrutiny based on evidence and consensus among peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A statement given by an expert in a scientific, technical, or professional matter is generally referred to as expert opinion. Expertise is recognized through the individual's qualifications, experience, and acknowledgment by peers within a specific field. The reliability of an expert opinion usually depends on the expertise of the individual providing it and can also be influenced by factors such as biases, consensus among other experts, and the evidence supporting their assertions.
The scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world and can often be misunderstood in layman's terms as being just a guess or suggestion. However, in scientific contexts, a theory is based on a rigorous process of hypothesis testing, data collection, and analysis, often supported by a wealth of robust evidence. In comparison, a hypothesis is generally considered a tentative statement about reality, primarily used in the early stages of research as a suggested explanation for an observation, which then necessitates further testing.
Regarding the specific answer to the student's question, the correct choice is (c) Expert Opinion.