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Quizzes > Business & Finance

Root Cause Analysis Quiz: 5 Whys and FMEA

Quick, free 5 whys quiz with FMEA coverage. Instant results and explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Aryan AgarwalUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of puzzle pieces magnifying glass and gears symbolizing root cause analysis quiz on coral background

This root cause analysis quiz helps you spot true causes, not symptoms, using 5 Whys and FMEA. Work through short scenarios, get quick feedback, and apply what you learn at work. For more practice, try the 5 whys quiz and this cause and effect quiz, or explore incident cases in the workplace incident investigation quiz.

What is the primary objective of Root Cause Analysis?
Identify the underlying cause of a problem
Document only the observed symptoms
Implement quick fixes to symptoms
Assign blame to individuals
Root Cause Analysis aims to identify and address underlying causes of problems instead of only treating symptoms. By uncovering the true origin of a problem, organizations can implement solutions that prevent recurrence. This process improves quality, safety, and efficiency.
Which tool is represented by a fishbone diagram?
Control chart
Pareto chart
5 Whys
Ishikawa diagram
The fishbone diagram, also known as the Ishikawa diagram, organizes potential causes into categories branching off a main spine. It helps teams visually map factors contributing to a problem and encourages thorough brainstorming across multiple dimensions.
What does FMEA stand for in Root Cause Analysis?
Fault Management and Evaluation Assessment
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
Failure Management and Effective Action
Functional Modes and Effects Assessment
FMEA stands for Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, a systematic method for identifying potential failure points in a process or product. It evaluates the severity, occurrence, and detectability of each failure mode. Teams use FMEA to prioritize risks and develop mitigation plans.
According to the Pareto principle, what percentage of problems are caused by the vital few?
50% of problems come from 50% of causes
80% of problems come from 20% of causes
20% of problems come from 80% of causes
100% of problems come from 20% of causes
The Pareto principle, often called the 80/20 rule, suggests that roughly 80% of problems stem from 20% of causes. It guides efforts to focus on the vital few issues that yield the biggest impact. By addressing these key causes, organizations can achieve significant improvements.
In 5 Whys analysis, what is the first step?
Implement a solution immediately
Define the problem clearly
Conduct a brainstorming session
Measure post-implementation outcome
The first step in the 5 Whys technique is defining the problem clearly to ensure the investigation is focused. Without a precise problem statement, subsequent 'Why' questions can become irrelevant or misleading. A clear definition sets the foundation for accurate root cause drilling.
What is considered a symptom in Root Cause Analysis?
A preventive action taken
A corrective measure implemented
An observable effect of a problem
The underlying cause of a problem
In RCA, a symptom is an observable sign or effect of a deeper problem, such as a machine breakdown or a customer complaint. Distinguishing symptoms from root causes prevents teams from applying superficial fixes. Focusing only on symptoms can lead to recurring issues.
The 5 Whys technique is most suited for which type of issues?
Simple, repetitive issues
Strategic planning matters
Complex, systemic failures
Interpersonal conflicts
The 5 Whys is best for straightforward problems where a chain of cause-effect can be traced with limited complexity. It may not adequately address systemic or highly complex failures that involve multiple interrelated causes. In simple, repetitive issues, it quickly uncovers root causes without extensive data analysis.
Which category is NOT commonly used in an Ishikawa diagram?
Materials
Measurement
Money
Methods
Standard Ishikawa diagram categories include Methods, Materials, Measurements, Machines, People, and Environment. 'Money' is not one of the classic six M categories. Using consistent categories ensures comprehensive cause identification.
Fault Tree Analysis primarily uses what logical symbols?
Fishbone categories
AND and OR gates
Pareto bars
5 Whys chains
FTA employs Boolean logic gates - AND and OR - to map the logical relationship between faults and the undesired top event. AND gates require all input events to occur, while OR gates need only one. This structured approach helps teams understand how combinations of events lead to system failures.
What is a key limitation of the 5 Whys method?
It needs specialized software
It requires statistical expertise
It can oversimplify complex problems
It always finds multiple root causes
A key limitation of the 5 Whys method is that it can oversimplify problems by focusing on a single causal chain and overlooking multiple or systemic causes. Complex issues often require more robust analytical tools or data-driven approaches. Teams must use additional methods when deeper insight is needed.
In an FMEA, what does the Detection rating assess?
Likelihood of detecting a failure before it occurs
Cost impact of failure
Frequency of occurrence
Severity of the failure effect
In FMEA, the Detection rating measures the probability that existing controls will catch a failure mode before it reaches the customer. A low detection rating indicates that the failure is unlikely to be caught, increasing the overall risk priority. Detection is one of three factors used to compute the RPN.
Which statement best describes a corrective action in RCA?
Addresses only the symptoms of a problem
Focuses solely on financial impact
Eliminates the root cause to prevent recurrence
Delays the problem-solving process
Corrective actions are steps taken to eliminate the root cause of a problem and prevent recurrence. They differ from symptom-based fixes, which often address only the visible effects. Effective corrective actions require accurate RCA to target underlying issues rather than surface-level effects.
How is the Risk Priority Number (RPN) calculated in FMEA?
Occurrence × Severity × Detection
Severity × Frequency
Likelihood × Cost × Frequency
Probability + Impact + Time
In FMEA, the Risk Priority Number (RPN) is calculated by multiplying the ratings for Occurrence, Severity, and Detection. This quantitative value helps teams prioritize failure modes based on combined risk factors. Higher RPNs indicate higher urgency for mitigation efforts.
What is the primary purpose of a control chart in RCA?
Prioritize failure modes
Identify root causes directly
Monitor process stability over time
List corrective actions
A control chart tracks process data points over time against control limits to determine if the process is stable or experiencing special cause variation. It does not directly identify root causes but signals when investigation is needed. This makes it critical for ongoing monitoring and early detection of deviations.
In Pareto analysis, what data is plotted on the vertical axis?
Time sequence
Frequency or count of occurrences
Cumulative percentage
Severity rating
A Pareto chart displays individual frequencies on the vertical axis, ranking causes from most to least frequent. The cumulative percentage line is plotted on a secondary axis to show combined impact. This visual aids in prioritizing the 'vital few' issues.
What is a latent cause in root cause analysis?
Training material for staff
The immediate observable cause of a failure
A short-term fix applied after a failure
Hidden system errors that exist before the event
A latent cause refers to hidden flaws in processes, systems, or organization that lie dormant until they combine with active errors to produce failures. They differ from active causes, which are the immediate errors or symptoms. Identifying latent causes is critical for comprehensive prevention.
The Design of Experiments (DOE) technique is primarily used to:
Create fishbone diagrams
Map process flow steps
Identify factors influencing a process through controlled tests
Calculate RPN in FMEA
DOE systematically tests process variables to determine their effect on outcomes, supporting root cause identification. By conducting controlled experiments, teams can pinpoint the most critical factors leading to defects or variation. This method is especially useful for complex processes.
In the 8D problem-solving method, which step focuses on root cause analysis?
D4 (Identify and verify root causes)
D6 (Implement corrective actions)
D1 (Team formation)
D8 (Closure and recognition)
Step D4 of the 8D method is dedicated to identifying, verifying, and validating the root causes of a problem using tools like 5 Whys or Fishbone diagrams. This structured approach ensures that root cause findings are confirmed before moving to corrective actions. Accurate root cause identification is vital for effective long-term solutions.
For independent events A and B in a Fault Tree Analysis OR gate, the combined probability is:
P(A) - P(B)
P(A)×P(B)
P(A)+P(B) - P(A)×P(B)
P(A)+P(B)
For independent events, the OR gate probability equals P(A) plus P(B) minus their product to avoid double-counting: P(A or B)=P(A)+P(B) - P(A)P(B). This formula ensures accurate representation of the likelihood of at least one event occurring.
What is a major criticism of using RPN for prioritization in FMEA?
Different factor combinations can yield the same RPN, masking distinct risk profiles
RPN always overestimates severity
RPN uses a logarithmic scale
Calculation ignores detection
RPN can be misleading because disparate Severity, Occurrence, and Detection ratings can produce identical RPNs while representing different risk levels. This may lead to improper prioritization of issues. Alternative ranking methods or weighting schemes are often recommended.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core RCA Techniques -

    Gain familiarity with methods like the 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and FMEA to tackle root cause analysis questions effectively.

  2. Identify Underlying Issues -

    Learn to pinpoint the fundamental problems behind symptoms using targeted questions for root cause analysis in real-world scenarios.

  3. Analyze Problem-Solving Scenarios -

    Apply critical thinking to diverse scenarios in our root cause analysis quiz and practice breaking down complex issues methodically.

  4. Apply Systematic RCA Approaches -

    Implement structured frameworks step by step to ensure thorough investigation and accurate determination of root causes.

  5. Evaluate Your Analytical Performance -

    Use quiz feedback to assess your problem-solving strengths and identify areas for improvement in your analytical approach.

  6. Enhance Future Problem-Solving Skills -

    Develop a sharper analytical edge and confident decision-making abilities applicable to both professional and personal challenges.

Cheat Sheet

  1. 5 Whys Technique -

    The 5 Whys is an iterative questioning method pioneered by Toyota to peel back layers of symptoms until you reach the underlying cause. When tackling root cause analysis questions, keep asking "Why?" up to five times, and use the mnemonic "Never Stop Asking Why" to lock in each step. This straightforward tool shines in a free root cause analysis quiz by revealing hidden failure points quickly.

  2. Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram -

    Also known as the cause-and-effect chart, the Fishbone Diagram groups potential causes into categories like Man, Machine, Method, Materials, Measurement, and Environment. According to university engineering labs, sketching these "bones" helps teams visualize how diverse factors feed into a single issue. In questions for root cause analysis, this technique ensures you consider all angles before settling on a hypothesis.

  3. Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) -

    FTA is a top-down logical approach that uses AND/OR gates to map how component failures combine to trigger a system-level fault. Research from IEEE outlines how binary logic in these diagrams quantifies failure probabilities, making it ideal for complex systems. Practicing these logic trees in a root cause analysis quiz strengthens your ability to calculate risk and pinpoint critical paths.

  4. Pareto Analysis (80/20 Rule) -

    Based on Vilfredo Pareto's principle, Pareto Analysis directs you to focus on the 20% of causes that create 80% of the problems. Plotting a bar chart of defect frequency helps you swiftly prioritize issues for deeper investigation. This method is a favorite in RCA quizzes because it combines simple math (% cumulative frequency) with powerful visual insights.

  5. DMAIC Framework -

    DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) is a Lean Six Sigma process that structures root cause analysis from problem statement to sustainable solution. Each phase offers clear deliverables - like SIPOC diagrams in Define or hypothesis tests in Analyze - so you can track progress and justify decisions. Mastering DMAIC techniques ensures confidence when you face any root cause analysis questions in professional assessments.

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