Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) Prasctice Exam

Which of the following would NOT be a major category in a cause and effect diagram?

1. Modifications

2. Methods

3. Materials

4. Machines

The correct answer is: Modifications

In a cause and effect diagram, also known as a fishbone diagram, major categories are typically related to the potential sources of problems in a process. The standard categories often include "Methods," "Materials," "Machines," and "People," among others. These categories help in systematically identifying and organizing potential causes of an issue. The category "Modifications" does not align with the traditional categories used in cause and effect diagrams. Instead, the focus is typically on factors that directly contribute to the problem at hand, such as the methods employed, the materials used, and the machines involved in the process. These categories are operationally significant because they represent the key influences that can affect quality and performance in any system. By utilizing the established categories like "Methods," "Materials," and "Machines," practitioners can effectively break down the potential causes of defects or issues in a structured way, leading to more effective problem-solving and quality improvement initiatives.