CQIA Data Collection & Analysis Methods 5

Question 1

What is a key limitation of using correlation analysis to establish a quality improvement action?

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not prove causation between variables

Answer

Even a strong correlation coefficient does not establish that one variable causes changes in the other; additional investigation is needed.

Question 2

A hospital tracks patient wait times and plots them on a run chart. The chart shows a pattern alternating above and below the centerline every other point. This pattern is MOST likely caused by:

Accepted Answer

An alternating special cause such as two alternating staff shifts

Answer

A consistent zigzag alternating pattern suggests a systematic special cause like alternating between two different process conditions.

Question 3

Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a data collection plan?

Accepted Answer

To define what data to collect, how, when, and by whom before collection begins

Answer

A data collection plan is developed before data gathering to ensure consistent, relevant, and complete data capture.

Question 4

In a process capability study, a Cpk value of 0.85 indicates:

Accepted Answer

The process is not fully capable and may produce out-of-specification output

Answer

A Cpk below 1.0 indicates the process is not fully capable, meaning some output will fall outside specification limits.

Question 5

A quality improvement team wants to verify whether a change in supplier material caused an increase in defect rates. Which data analysis approach is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Compare defect rate control charts before and after the supplier change

Answer

Overlaying or comparing before/after control charts allows the team to detect whether a shift in defect rate coincides with the supplier change.

(CQIA) ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate Practice Test

(CQIA) ASQ Certified Quality Improvement Associate Practice Test

CQIA Data Collection & Analysis Methods 5