Cause and Effect Diagrams
Category of
Causes
Category of
Causes
Primary Cause
Primary Cause
Primary Cause
Secondary Cause
Primary Cause
Secondary Cause
Primary Cause
Secondary Cause
Statement of the
Observable Effect
Secondary Cause
Primary Cause
Primary Cause
Primary Cause
Primary Cause
Secondary Cause
Primary Cause
Secondary Cause
Category of
Causes
Category of
Causes
Description:
Cause and Effect Diagrams are used to help structure the examination of a problem in order to determine the root
cause of the problem rather than the symptoms. The process is useful on a wide variety of problem types.
General Directions:
Begin by drawing the basic Cause and Effect Diagram. This consists of the Effect box at the right, the center line,
and branches to Categories of Causes. Determine the Categories. (As a starting point, the standard categories
are Machines, Materials, Methods, Manpower, and sometimes Money.) Any categories that are appropriate to the
problem can be used.
Standard Cause and Effect Analysis Directions:
Begin brainstorming causes within each category. As causes are identified, it may become apparent that there
are secondary causes driving the primary cause. These are branched from the primary cause. If a cause seems
significant enough, it can become the Effect in another analysis. Once causes have been identified, data can be
collected to determine the extent and impact of each cause.
Alternative Applications of this Tool:
Process-Analysis Cause and Effect Analysis Directions:
To look at a complete process using this technique, create a series of diagrams corresponding to the steps in the
process. The Effect of each diagram is the output of that step of the process. The Causes of each Effect are the
process activities that create the output. Processes can be examined for efficiency, effectiveness, and problems
created along the process.
Reverse Cause and Effect Analysis Directions:
Cause and Effect Analysis can also be used to determine the “Causes” needed to create or drive a desired
“Effect.” For this analysis, place the desired “Effect” in the Effect box. Create the Categories and brainstorm the
“Causes” that will create the desired “Effect.”
© 2000 Crow Development Corporation