CTE Problem-Solving and Decision-Making 3

Question 1

In a Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram, the 'bones' represent:

Accepted Answer

Categories of potential causes contributing to a problem

Answer

Possible effects of a single cause

Answer

Steps in the troubleshooting process

Answer

Individual team members responsible for a failure

Question 2

A technician applies a fix but the problem returns within 24 hours. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The root cause was not fully identified or addressed

Answer

The fix was applied incorrectly by another technician

Answer

The equipment is beyond repair and should be replaced

Answer

The problem is unsolvable with current technology

Question 3

Which problem-solving approach is most appropriate when time is critically limited and a perfect solution is unavailable?

Accepted Answer

Satisficing — choosing a solution that is good enough given constraints

Answer

Optimizing — continuing to search until the best solution is found

Answer

Deferring — waiting until more time is available

Answer

Delegating — assigning the problem to another team

Question 4

When conducting a failure analysis on a technical system, which step should come BEFORE any disassembly?

Accepted Answer

Documenting and photographing the system's current state

Answer

Replacing suspected faulty components

Answer

Ordering replacement parts

Answer

Consulting the manufacturer for a refund

Question 5

What is the primary risk of using 'trial and error' as a problem-solving strategy in complex technical systems?

Accepted Answer

It may introduce new problems or damage components

Answer

It always takes longer than systematic approaches

Answer

It requires more documentation than other methods

Answer

It is not recognized as a valid professional method

Question 6

A CTE professional disagrees with a team decision but the group has reached consensus. The professional should:

Accepted Answer

Implement the decision while formally documenting their concerns

Answer

Refuse to implement the decision until their view is accepted

Answer

Undermine the decision quietly to prove their point

Answer

Immediately escalate to override the team consensus

Question 7

Which cognitive bias causes technical professionals to favor information that confirms their existing diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Confirmation bias

Answer

Anchoring bias

Answer

Availability heuristic

Answer

Dunning-Kruger effect