Which property is characteristic of the normal distribution?

The characteristic that the normal distribution is bell-shaped is fundamental to its definition. This bell-shaped curve signifies that most of the data points cluster around the mean, with the probabilities tapering off symmetrically towards the extremes. This symmetrical property is essential because it indicates that extreme values are less likely to occur than values closer to the mean.

While the other characteristics are indeed properties of the normal distribution, the shape of the distribution itself is a defining visual representation. The normal distribution’s symmetry and the specific bell shape influence many statistical methods and inferences, making it a cornerstone of statistical analysis in healthcare and other fields. Understanding this shape helps in grasping how data behaves and the implications for various statistical outcomes.