How to Create a Cause & Effect Diagram
A cause and effect diagram is a simple way to examine the reasons why things happen and find solutions if there are problems in a process. Sometimes called a fishbone diagram because of its design, the idea behind the diagram is to visually explore how and why a certain result or effect happens so it can be studied and repeated if it is desirable, or corrected if it is undesirable. It can also be used as a teaching tool to document why certain things happen in real life or stories.
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Instructions
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Draw a box labeled “effect” on the far right side of the paper. Then, write the effect being studied in the box. This should be stated clearly and simply, for example: “car accidents.” Also, be certain that you explore only one effect.
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2
Draw a horizontal line from the left margin of the paper to the left side of the “effect” box. Draw an arrow on the end pointing toward the box to indicate that everything connected to that line is a cause or contributes to the effect being studied. This line is called the spine.
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3
Draw four boxes labeled “cause:” two above and two below the line. In these boxes, write things that cause the effect being studied. Once again, keep your causes simple, for example: “reckless driving,” “drunk driving,” “road hazards” and “falling asleep.” Draw arrows from the “cause” boxes to the line indicating visually that they are reasons the effect has happened.
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4
Identify details related to the causes. An easy and effective way to come up with these details is to keep asking the question why. These details can be written in the white space around the causes with an arrow pointing toward the main cause it is related to. Continue with this step until you are sure you have exhausted all possible reasons. Some examples for reckless driving might be “left home late,” “talking on a cell phone,” “putting on make-up,” “showing off” and “changing the radio station.”
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Analyze what you have written. If you are problem solving, look for things on the graph you can change. If you are studying, look for things on the chart you know little about and research them. If you are documenting, make sure your chart is thorough.
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