In the cycle of the scientific method, statistics you
a. analyze your results after they are published in a research journal.
b. determine whether your hypothesis is supported.
c. determine whether your theory is supported.
d. define a hypothesis.

C would be correct. Statistics and measures taken from raw data help the researcher understand whether or not they have a hypothesis that has held up under testing. Continual support for the hypothesis (and others of the like) can move the concept closer to the category of "theory" or "law," the gold standard in science research.