Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

What type of analysis is used to determine the major causes of defects in a process?

1. Pareto Analysis

2. Histogram

3. Fishbone Diagram

4. Control Chart

The correct answer is: Pareto Analysis

The correct choice is Pareto Analysis because it is specifically designed to identify and prioritize the major causes of defects or issues within a process. This analysis is founded on the principle that a small number of causes (often referred to as the "vital few") contribute to a large percentage of the problems (the "trivial many"). By visualizing the factors that cause defects in order of their impact, teams can focus their improvement efforts on the areas that will yield the most significant results. Pareto Analysis typically involves constructing a bar graph, where individual bars represent different causes of defects, arranged in descending order of frequency or impact. This visual representation allows organizations to see at a glance which issues warrant immediate attention, guiding resources and efforts toward the most critical areas. In contrast, the other choices serve different purposes. A Histogram is used to depict the distribution of data and understand variations but does not focus on identifying the root causes of defects. A Fishbone Diagram, while valuable for identifying potential causes of a problem, does not quantify their impact and is more geared toward brainstorming rather than prioritization. A Control Chart monitors process performance over time and helps in identifying trends or variations, but it does not focus on identifying defects' primary causes. Therefore, Pareto Analysis