Which technique helps develop a root cause analysis by asking a sequence of why questions to uncover underlying causes?

Which technique helps develop a root cause analysis by asking a sequence of why questions to uncover underlying causes?

• A. 5 Whys
• B. Fault Tree Analysis
• C. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
• D. Fishbone Diagram

Answer: (A)

The technique being tested is the practice of drilling down to a root cause by asking a sequence of why questions. It starts with the observed problem and, with each answer, asks why that happened, continuing the process until you reach a root cause that can be addressed. This iterative line of questioning helps move beyond surface symptoms to underlying factors, making it easier to implement effective corrective actions. It’s particularly useful in quick investigations and team-based problem solving because it’s simple, collaborative, and keeps focus on what change will prevent recurrence. Other methods approach root cause analysis differently. Fault Tree Analysis builds a structured diagram of how failures combine to cause a problem, using logical gates to map relationships—great for complex systems with multiple failure paths. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis proactively screens potential failure modes and their consequences to prioritize improvements. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) organizes possible causes into categories to visualize relationships, but it doesn’t inherently drive a step-by-step why-driven investigation.

The technique being tested is the practice of drilling down to a root cause by asking a sequence of why questions. It starts with the observed problem and, with each answer, asks why that happened, continuing the process until you reach a root cause that can be addressed. This iterative line of questioning helps move beyond surface symptoms to underlying factors, making it easier to implement effective corrective actions. It’s particularly useful in quick investigations and team-based problem solving because it’s simple, collaborative, and keeps focus on what change will prevent recurrence.

Other methods approach root cause analysis differently. Fault Tree Analysis builds a structured diagram of how failures combine to cause a problem, using logical gates to map relationships—great for complex systems with multiple failure paths. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis proactively screens potential failure modes and their consequences to prioritize improvements. Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa) organizes possible causes into categories to visualize relationships, but it doesn’t inherently drive a step-by-step why-driven investigation.