What critical thinking tool involves asking "why" repeatedly until a root cause is identified?

The tool that involves asking "why" repeatedly to uncover the root cause of a problem is commonly referred to as the 5 Whys. This method is a straightforward yet effective problem-solving technique that encourages deeper investigation into the reasons behind a particular issue. By repeatedly asking "why," you can peel back the layers of symptoms to reach the underlying cause, which is essential for implementing effective solutions.

This technique is especially valuable in business research and decision-making because it promotes critical thinking and helps avoid addressing only the superficial symptoms of a problem without understanding the fundamental issues. The iterative nature of the 5 Whys ensures that the analysis remains focused and pertinent to the root cause, facilitating more targeted and sustainable solutions.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically involve this repeated questioning technique. The 7 So Whats is a concept used to determine the significance of an issue but does not focus on uncovering root causes. DMAIC is a structured problem-solving framework used primarily in Six Sigma methodologies that involves several steps—Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control—that address problem-solving in a broader sense rather than focusing solely on root causes. Root Cause Identification is a general term for various methods to determine causes of problems but does not refer specifically to the iterative