Which term best describes a method as a collection of statements?

The term that best describes a method as a collection of statements is often referred to as an operation. In programming, particularly in Java, a method consists of a defined sequence of statements that are executed when the method is called. This encapsulated behavior allows for the execution of specific tasks or operations, which can be reused throughout the code.

When you define a method, you are essentially creating an operation that can perform calculations, manipulate data, or execute complex sequences of commands based on the inputs provided (parameters). This operational aspect is central to how methods function within the broader context of a program, making the term "operation" particularly fitting.

While the other terms like loop, variable, and program are related concepts in programming, they do not effectively capture the specific role of a method. A loop is a control structure for repeating a block of code, a variable is a storage location with a name, and a program refers to a complete set of instructions executing a task. Thus, "operation" is the most accurate descriptor of a method within this context.