Critical Thinking Techniques Used in Root Cause Analysis Root cause analysis is a term commonly used by investigators and analysts that means different things to different people. However, in its most literal sense, root cause analysis requires the actor to systematically break down a situation into individual components or processes in a search for truth that can be supported by facts (Eckhardt, 2007). This analysis should be conducted in the form of an investigation into the apparent symptoms of a situation as well as the causes that led to the situation being analyzed. As an example, if done correctly, a police investigation will use root cause analysis to first determine what happened, and only once the event is understood will the investigator will begin to determine who (if anyone) might have been responsible for the situation that took place. sweated. Proper investigation may lead the investigator to conclude that even if a cause for the incident existed, no fault can be attributed to any individual. Performing any type of root cause analysis necessarily requires using critical thinking techniques when attempting to uncover clues that might help determine what happened. The analyst must be prepared to eliminate all preconceived ideas and consider the situation as objectively as possible to avoid contaminating the investigation. Because of the need for objectivity, critical thinking becomes a tool that can help the user uncover clues and facts that will later support a conclusion. Critical thinking, by its very nature, requires the thinker to be flexible and willing to shape conclusions around the facts discovered and not the other way around (Kitzmiller, January-February 2003, p. 22). At this point, many thinkers begin to create an outcome based on what they believe, not what they discover. This assumption creates problems in the critical thinking process and can produce erroneous root cause analysis. The result will potentially be incorrect due to subjective reasoning that has clouded the investigator's judgment. As one progresses through the steps necessary to isolate a problem, it is important to systematically examine and eliminate potential factors in the same way an electronics technician would troubleshoot a circuit. advice. This action requires the analyst to understand the components involved and the process being studied. By considering and then discarding or retaining scenarios that could have caused the situation, the analyst will be able to narrow the scope of the investigation until the source of the problem is discovered...