What is a method for brainstorming that helps to dig deeper into problem causes?

The 5 Whys is a powerful problem-solving technique used to investigate the root causes of an issue. This method involves asking "why" five times or more, to peel back the layers of symptoms and uncover the fundamental cause of a problem. For example, if a machine fails, the first question might be, "Why did the machine fail?" By following the chain of reasoning and continuing to ask "why" for each subsequent answer, it encourages deeper understanding and pushes past surface-level explanations. The 5 Whys method emphasizes critical thinking and fosters a culture of inquiry, making it effective for identifying underlying issues in processes.

In contrast, the Fishbone diagram is a visual tool used to categorize potential causes of problems but doesn’t delve as deeply on its own without supplemental questioning. Flow charts help visualize processes and identify inefficiencies but don't specifically focus on root causes. Run charts track performance over time but are not aimed at investigating causes directly. Each of these methods has its place in quality management, but the 5 Whys specifically targets the exploration of problem causes through a structured inquiry approach.