In Improvement work, teams bring to bear different types of evidence and knowledge to inform their understanding of a problem and the system in which it exists. This includes tapping into practical expertise by examining local data, hearing the voices of key stakeholders or users in the system such as students or families, and understanding how work takes place.
In addition, teams consult extant research and scholarly expertise to expand their understanding of the factors that may be contributing to the current state. Rarely does a single source of evidence provide sufficient information. The process of causal system analysis draws on these different forms of evidence and knowledge to identify root causes of a problem in a specific context.
A fishbone diagram is one tool used in causal system analysis to collect, organize, and summarize a group’s current knowledge about potential causes of problematic outcomes or variation in outcomes.
These resources provide an overview of the elements and purpose of causal system analysis as well as guidance to support building a fishbone diagram.
- Download the Causal System Analysis Quick Reference (PDF)
- Download the Fishbone Diagram Quick Reference (PDF)
Related Resources
Tools for Unpacking Local Data
Tools for Understanding User Experience and Perspective
