A hypothesis is: a The average squared deviations about the mean of a distribution of values b) An empirically testable statement that is an unproven supposition developed in order to explain phenomena A statement that asserts the status quo; that is, any change from what has been c) thought to be true is due to random sampling order dA statement that is the opposite of the null hypothesis e) The error made by rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true

Answer: b) An empirically testable statement that is an unproven supposition developed in order to explain phenomena. Step-by-step explanation: b) An empirically testable statement that is an unproven supposition developed in order to explain phenomena. A hypothesis is an unproven supposition.This may be derived from previous research or theory and is developed prior to data collection. Note: Variance is the average squared deviations about the mean of a distribution of values.