CPIM Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of asking "why" five times in problem-solving?

1. To identify the ultimate cause of a problem

2. To provide multiple solutions to a problem

3. To ensure all team members agree on the problem

4. To document the problem-solving process

The correct answer is: To identify the ultimate cause of a problem

The primary purpose of asking "why" five times in problem-solving is indeed to identify the ultimate cause of a problem. This technique, often referred to as the "5 Whys," encourages deeper analysis by prompting individuals to delve beneath surface-level symptoms to uncover the root causes. Each response leads to another question, creating a dialogue that helps to trace the problem back to its origins. This method is valuable because it differentiates between symptoms of a problem and the underlying issues that need to be addressed for a lasting solution. While the other options address different aspects of problem-solving, they do not capture the essence of the 5 Whys method. Providing multiple solutions, ensuring team consensus, or documenting the process do not inherently lead to uncovering the root cause, which is the fundamental goal of this inquiry approach. Therefore, identifying the ultimate cause stands out as the core purpose of the 5 Whys technique.