CQIA Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A team is using a flowchart to document a process and encounters a step where two different outcomes are possible. Which symbol represents this decision point?
- Rectangle
- Oval
- Diamond (Correct answer)
- Parallelogram
Correct answer: Diamond
A diamond shape in a flowchart represents a decision point where the process branches based on a yes/no or true/false condition.
Question 2: When using a check sheet for data collection, which design feature is MOST important for reducing recording errors?
- Using a bright color for the form
- Pre-defining categories so collectors only need to make tally marks (Correct answer)
- Requiring written descriptions for each occurrence
- Collecting data once per week to reduce fatigue
Correct answer: Pre-defining categories so collectors only need to make tally marks
Pre-defining categories minimizes ambiguity and cognitive load, allowing data collectors to quickly tally occurrences without interpretation errors.
Question 3: Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of stratification in quality data analysis?
- Sorting defects from highest to lowest frequency
- Separating data into subgroups to identify patterns by source, shift, or machine (Correct answer)
- Plotting data points to find correlation between variables
- Creating a hierarchy of causes for a problem
Correct answer: Separating data into subgroups to identify patterns by source, shift, or machine
Stratification divides data into meaningful subgroups (e.g., by machine, operator, shift) to reveal patterns that may be hidden in aggregated data.
Question 4: A run chart shows seven consecutive data points trending steadily downward. What is the MOST appropriate conclusion?
- The process is in statistical control
- Common cause variation is responsible for the trend
- A special cause may be present and investigation is warranted (Correct answer)
- The measurement system is accurate
Correct answer: A special cause may be present and investigation is warranted
Seven or more consecutive points in a single direction (trend) on a run chart is a non-random pattern indicating a likely special cause that should be investigated.
Question 5: Which quality improvement tool would BEST help a team reach consensus on the root cause of a problem after generating many possible causes through brainstorming?
- Multivoting (Correct answer)
- Histogram
- Scatter diagram
- Run chart
Correct answer: Multivoting
Multivoting allows a team to collectively narrow down a large list of ideas by giving each member multiple votes, efficiently building consensus.
Question 6: In PDCA, after a successful 'Check' phase confirms the solution works, the NEXT step is to:
- Return to the Plan phase and set a new target
- Standardize the solution and train staff (Act phase) (Correct answer)
- Repeat the Do phase on a larger scale without changing anything
- Discard the pilot results and conduct a new experiment
Correct answer: Standardize the solution and train staff (Act phase)
The Act phase involves standardizing successful changes, updating procedures, and training personnel so improvements are sustained.
Question 7: A team wants to determine whether there is a relationship between ambient temperature and the number of surface defects on a product. Which tool should they use?
- Fishbone diagram
- Pareto chart
- Scatter diagram (Correct answer)
- Affinity diagram
Correct answer: Scatter diagram
A scatter diagram is the appropriate tool for analyzing the potential relationship between two continuous variables such as temperature and defect count.
CQIA Quality Tools & Techniques for Problem Solving 5
A team is using a flowchart to document a process and encounters a step where two different outcomes are possible.
Which symbol represents this decision point?