What best describes the 5 Whys technique?

• A. It uses quantifiable questions that build one upon the next
• B. It uses a Fishbone diagram
• C. It relies on a single question
• D. It relies on statistical testing

Answer: (A)

The technique is an iterative questioning method used in root cause analysis that uncovers the underlying causes of a problem. The best description is that it uses a sequence of why questions, with each answer forming the basis for the next why, to drill down to a root cause. It’s not about a single question or a one-shot inquiry, and it doesn’t rely on diagrams or statistics. While a Fishbone diagram helps map multiple potential causes, and statistical testing involves data analysis, the essence of the 5 Whys is the step-by-step questioning that reveals why a problem occurred and often points to a systemic issue rather than a instance-specific fault. In practice, you usually start with “Why did this happen?” and keep asking why several times—often about five times, though the exact number can vary—to reach a deeper cause that can be addressed.