What is a run chart primarily used to display?

A run chart is primarily utilized to illustrate data trends over a specific period of time. By plotting data points sequentially, it provides a visual representation that helps identify whether there are patterns, increases, decreases, or any changes in the performance or measurement over time. This capability makes it particularly valuable for analyzing the stability and variation of processes, as trends can emerge clearly, enabling teams to make informed decisions.

While the other choices represent important aspects of data analysis, they do not accurately capture the primary function of a run chart. Statistical averages pertain to summarizing data rather than tracking changes over time. Data distributions focus on how values are spread across different ranges, which is typically seen in histograms or other types of charts. Individual data points can be plotted on a run chart, but the main objective is not to highlight each point individually but rather to observe trends across those points over time.