Explains root cause analysis techniques
Describe where the failure occurs first, then ask why until a process or design that can be changed is reached: five whys, Ishikawa (cause-and-effect) diagrams, Pareto analysis. 'User error' leads on to why the error was possible (DMBOK2 ch. 13, 4.6; ISO 8000-61).
Can AI do this?
AI does this well Most of the tested AI models master this. 3 of 4 models in the current benchmark master it.
| Model | Tier | Probability of mastery | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| gemini-4-argon | Flagship | 100% | Mastered |
| gemini-3.5-flash-lite | Low cost | 100% | Not shown |
| gpt-6-luna | Low cost | 100% | Mastered |
| claude-haiku-5-5 | Low cost | 100% | Mastered |
Mastered means a probability of at least 90% that the model has this knobit, estimated from its graded answers. “Not shown” means the answers do not settle it either way. How the models are tested.
What it looks like in practice
Expected result: Describe where the failure occurs first, then ask why until a process or design that can be changed is reached: five whys, Ishikawa (cause-and-effect) diagrams, Pareto analysis. 'User error' leads on to why the error was possible (DMBOK2 ch. 13, 4.6; ISO 8000-61).
How it is assessed: Answers a written question on the root cause analysis correctly
Related knobits
Needed for
- Q-502 Recognises user error given as a root cause
- Q-553 Explains testing a root cause against the evidence
All 9 knobits of Analyse the root causes.
Source: Practice the stage 5 reference and review checklist rest on