Concept dictionary
Root-Cause Hypothesis
A root-cause hypothesis is a proposed explanation for what is actually producing an observed problem, stated in a form that can be tested. Until evidence supports it over the competing explanations, it stays a hypothesis, not a finding.
- Review state
- Reviewed in POC
- Freshness
- Current
- Version
- 3
Also called
- root-cause-hypothesis
Remember it this wayA cause is a hypothesis until evidence holds it up.
In plain language
A root-cause hypothesis is an evidence-seeking guess about what is producing a problem. The team tests it against observations and other possible explanations before treating it as the cause.
Why it matters
Friction mapping should not treat every first explanation as fact.
Good discovery separates what was observed from what may be causing it.
Example
Observation: The team keeps a spreadsheet outside the CRM.
Hypothesis: The CRM does not provide a scheduling view that the team trusts.
Common misconception
A plausible explanation is not automatically the root cause. The first explanation may describe a symptom, omit contributing factors, or fail when tested against the evidence.
Related terms
Not connected yet.
Sources
- ASQ, "What is Root Cause Analysis?"approaches for uncovering causes and connecting them to corrective action.
- ASQ, "What is Problem Solving?"diagnosing and verifying causes before selecting a solution.