Which describes the Five Whys technique?

Which describes the Five Whys technique?

• A. A method to identify five of the most common hazards.
• B. A root-cause analysis method where you repeatedly ask 'Why?' to identify underlying causes.
• C. A document for listing five safety requirements.
• D. A check to verify five times that an incident occurred.

Answer: (B)

The main idea tested here is a simple, iterative problem-solving method that digs into cause and effect. The Five Whys technique is a root-cause analysis approach in which you start with the problem, ask why it happened, capture the answer, then ask why that happened, and continue this sequence until you uncover the underlying reason. This repeated questioning helps move beyond surface symptoms to address the fundamental issue, increasing the likelihood that the solution prevents recurrence. It’s a practical tool in safety investigations and continuous improvement because it’s easy to apply, doesn’t demand extensive data, and can involve a team to explore different perspectives. Other descriptions don’t fit because they focus on listing hazards, creating a requirements document, or simply verifying that something occurred, rather than providing a method to reveal the true cause by drilling down with successive “Why?” questions.

The main idea tested here is a simple, iterative problem-solving method that digs into cause and effect. The Five Whys technique is a root-cause analysis approach in which you start with the problem, ask why it happened, capture the answer, then ask why that happened, and continue this sequence until you uncover the underlying reason. This repeated questioning helps move beyond surface symptoms to address the fundamental issue, increasing the likelihood that the solution prevents recurrence. It’s a practical tool in safety investigations and continuous improvement because it’s easy to apply, doesn’t demand extensive data, and can involve a team to explore different perspectives. Other descriptions don’t fit because they focus on listing hazards, creating a requirements document, or simply verifying that something occurred, rather than providing a method to reveal the true cause by drilling down with successive “Why?” questions.