Why-Why Analysis
Why?
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Why?
Cause
Original
Effect
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Description:
Why-Why Analysis is a variation of the Cause and Effect Diagram. Like Cause and Effect Analysis, it can be used to
uncover the root causes of a problem. Also, like Cause and Effect Analysis, the process can be reversed (See: HowHow Analysis) to develop the steps needed to achieve a desired effect.
Directions:
Begin by creating the first box of the diagram at the left side of the page (roughly in the middle vertically.) Place the
"effect" (the observable condition) in this box. Ask the question: "Why?" This is the question at every stage of this
process. "Why is this happening? Why is this the case?" Branch the most obvious answers into the next column to the
right. Then, taking each answer in turn, ask the "Why?" question again and branch those answers into the next column.
This process can be extended as far as necessary to uncover the root cause of the problem. As a general rule, if you
ask "Why?" five times, you will most likely reach the root cause of the situation.
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