# Root-cause analysis (RCA) Root-cause analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving method where the focus is put on the root causes of a problem or defect. Instead of fixing symptoms, the goal is to identify and (help) fix the root causes. Importantly, it helps remove confusion between problems, causes, symptoms, and effects. ## Steps - Identify and describe the problem clearly (effects) - Establish a timeline from the normal situation until the problem occurrence - Distinguish between the root cause and other causal factors (i.e., event correlation, [[Correlation is not causation]]) - Establish a causal graph between the root cause and the problem (e.g., using [[Ishikawa diagrams]]) Similar: - Use the [[Five Whys Technique]] - Use the [[Why Test]] ## Related - [[Ishikawa diagrams]] - [[Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle]] - [[Correlation is not causation]] - [[Correlation does not mean causality]] - [[Five Whys Technique]] - [[Why Test]] ## References - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_cause_analysis