Which of the following depicts the degree of variation in a process?

The degree of variation in a process is best depicted by a control chart. Control charts are statistical tools that help monitor and control the variation in a process over time. They allow practitioners to visualize the stability of a process by plotting data points sequentially, creating a visual representation of the variation around a central line (usually the mean). This central line, along with upper and lower control limits, helps identify whether a process is in control or exhibiting unusual variation that may need investigation.

In contrast, a run chart merely shows data points in a time series without any control limits, which limits its ability to conclusively indicate the degree of variation or identify trends and shifts in a process. A fishbone diagram is a root cause analysis tool that helps identify potential causes of problems but does not directly represent the variation in a process. A histogram shows the distribution of data points across different categories but does not track variation over time like a control chart does.

Thus, the control chart is the appropriate choice for effectively depicting the degree of variation within a process, making it an essential tool for quality management and improvement efforts.