CQIA Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A quality team uses a scatter diagram and finds a correlation coefficient of +0.92. What does this indicate?
- No relationship between variables
- A strong positive relationship between variables (Correct answer)
- A strong negative relationship between variables
- The variables are causally linked
Correct answer: A strong positive relationship between variables
A correlation coefficient of +0.92 indicates a strong positive relationship, meaning as one variable increases, the other tends to increase as well.
Question 2: In a fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram, the 6M categories include Machines, Methods, Materials, Measurement, Mother Nature, and:
- Money
- Management
- Manpower (Correct answer)
- Marketing
Correct answer: Manpower
The traditional 6Ms in a fishbone diagram are Machines, Methods, Materials, Measurement, Mother Nature (Environment), and Manpower (People).
Question 3: Which run chart pattern indicates a potential special cause when seven or more consecutive data points fall on the same side of the median?
- Oscillation
- Run (Correct answer)
- Trend
- Mixture
Correct answer: Run
A run of seven or more consecutive points on one side of the median is a non-random signal suggesting a special cause in a run chart.
Question 4: A team wants to collect data on defect types during production. Which tool is BEST for tallying frequency of occurrence in real time?
- Pareto chart
- Check sheet (Correct answer)
- Histogram
- Control chart
Correct answer: Check sheet
A check sheet is designed for real-time structured data collection, allowing team members to tally occurrences as they happen.
Question 5: The 80/20 rule in quality improvement means that approximately:
- 80% of processes require 20% of resources
- 80% of effects come from 20% of causes (Correct answer)
- 20% of defects occur in 80% of products
- 80% of customers cause 20% of complaints
Correct answer: 80% of effects come from 20% of causes
The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) states that roughly 80% of problems or effects result from 20% of the causes.
Question 6: Which tool would BEST help a team understand the sequence and flow of a process before identifying improvement opportunities?
- Scatter diagram
- Histogram
- Flowchart (Correct answer)
- Control chart
Correct answer: Flowchart
A flowchart visually maps process steps and decision points, helping teams understand how a process works before seeking improvements.
Question 7: During a brainstorming session, a team member begins critiquing an idea as it is presented. What is the CORRECT action for the facilitator?
- Allow the critique since it improves idea quality
- End the session and restart
- Remind the group that no criticism is allowed during brainstorming (Correct answer)
- Record the critique alongside the idea
Correct answer: Remind the group that no criticism is allowed during brainstorming
A core brainstorming rule is to defer judgment; the facilitator should remind participants that criticism is not permitted during the idea-generation phase.
CQIA Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving 2
A quality team uses a scatter diagram and finds a correlation coefficient of +0.92.
What does this indicate?