Analyzing Root Causes of Problems: The "But Why?" Technique
"Root causes" are the basic reasons behind a problem
What is the "but why?” technique?
Why should you identify root causes? It can be used to find which individual factors could provide targets of change. It can explore social causes. It can uncover multiple solutions for a problem.
When should you identify root causes? Whenever addressing a community problem. When there is support for a "solution" that does not seem to get at the real causes. When there is ignorance or denial of why a problem exists.
The “But Why” Technique Problem: Too many (too few) people are ________. Q. But why? A. Because . . . Q. Could that have been prevented? A. Yes. Q. How? (and so forth)