CQIA Root Cause Analysis 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes a 'contributing cause' in root cause analysis?
- The single factor that directly triggers the failure
- A factor that increases the likelihood or severity of the problem without being the sole cause (Correct answer)
- A cause identified only after the root cause is fixed
- An external factor outside the organization's control
Correct answer: A factor that increases the likelihood or severity of the problem without being the sole cause
A contributing cause is a factor that worsens or enables the problem but is not sufficient on its own to cause it.
Question 2: A Pareto chart reveals that 3 defect types account for 78% of all defects. What should the improvement team do?
- Investigate all defect types equally
- Focus corrective actions on the 3 dominant defect types first (Correct answer)
- Discard the remaining 22% of defects as insignificant
- Wait until all defects are categorized before acting
Correct answer: Focus corrective actions on the 3 dominant defect types first
Focusing on the vital few defect types first yields the greatest impact, consistent with Pareto (80/20) thinking.
Question 3: In the context of RCA, what does 'escape point' refer to?
- The point where a defect leaves the facility undetected
- The stage in the process where the defect first became detectable but was not caught (Correct answer)
- The root cause that allowed the defect to form
- The exit path an operator uses during an emergency
Correct answer: The stage in the process where the defect first became detectable but was not caught
The escape point is the earliest opportunity in the process where the defect could have been detected but was missed.
Question 4: Which statement about the 5 Whys technique is TRUE?
- You must always ask exactly five questions
- It is only applicable to manufacturing processes
- The number of 'whys' may vary depending on the complexity of the problem (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for a fishbone diagram
Correct answer: The number of 'whys' may vary depending on the complexity of the problem
While five iterations are common, the analyst should stop at the number that uncovers the true root cause, which may be more or fewer than five.
Question 5: A team uses an Ishikawa diagram and brainstorms potential causes. The next logical step is to:
- Implement corrective actions for all identified causes
- Collect data to verify which potential causes actually contribute to the problem (Correct answer)
- Repeat the brainstorming session with a different team
- Present the diagram to management for approval before any analysis
Correct answer: Collect data to verify which potential causes actually contribute to the problem
After identifying potential causes, data collection and analysis are used to confirm which causes are real contributors.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a SYSTEMIC root cause rather than a human error root cause?
- An operator pressed the wrong button
- Training was never updated to reflect a process change (Correct answer)
- A technician misread a gauge
- A worker forgot to sign a form
Correct answer: Training was never updated to reflect a process change
An outdated training system is a systemic cause because it reflects a management or process failure that affects all operators, not just one individual.
Question 7: When performing RCA, 'containment action' refers to:
- Permanently eliminating the root cause
- Immediate steps taken to prevent a defective product from reaching the customer while investigation continues (Correct answer)
- Transferring risk to a supplier
- Documenting lessons learned for future reference
Correct answer: Immediate steps taken to prevent a defective product from reaching the customer while investigation continues
Containment actions are short-term measures to protect the customer while the permanent root cause fix is being developed.
CQIA Root Cause Analysis 3
Which of the following BEST describes a 'contributing cause' in root cause analysis?