Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving Flashcards
7 cards from real CQIA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving flashcards as text
A quality team uses the '5 Whys' technique. What is the PRIMARY goal of this method?
Answer: To identify the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking why
The 5 Whys technique involves repeatedly asking 'why' to drill down past symptoms to uncover the underlying root cause of a problem.
Which of the following is a key difference between a flowchart and a process map?
Answer: A process map can show swim lanes with responsibilities; a flowchart typically does not
A process map (cross-functional flowchart) adds swim lanes to show which department or role is responsible for each step, while a basic flowchart just shows the sequence.
Which statement BEST describes special cause variation in a process?
Answer: It is caused by identifiable, assignable factors outside the normal process
Special cause variation arises from specific, identifiable sources outside the normal system and causes unpredictable, non-random patterns in process output.
A quality improvement team wants to prioritize which problems to solve first. They have limited time and resources. Which tool should they use FIRST?
Answer: Pareto chart
A Pareto chart helps teams prioritize by identifying the vital few problems that account for the majority of issues, enabling efficient resource allocation.
What does a bimodal distribution in a histogram typically suggest about a process?
Answer: The data may come from two different process streams or conditions
A bimodal histogram with two peaks often indicates that data was collected from two distinct populations, machines, shifts, or process conditions mixed together.
In a control chart, a point falling outside the upper or lower control limit indicates:
Answer: A special cause has likely affected the process
A point outside control limits is a statistical signal indicating that a special cause of variation has likely occurred and should be investigated.
Which tool is used to show the RELATIONSHIP between two continuous variables to determine if a correlation exists?
Answer: Scatter diagram
A scatter diagram plots pairs of data points for two variables to visually reveal whether a positive, negative, or no correlation exists between them.