What could be a primary use of a Cause-and-Effect Diagram?

A primary use of a Cause-and-Effect Diagram, often referred to as a Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram, is to identify the various factors that lead to a particular effect or problem. This visual tool helps teams systematically explore different causes of an issue by categorizing them into major categories such as people, processes, materials, and environment. By mapping out potential causes, teams can better pinpoint the root causes of specific outcomes and work toward addressing them effectively.

This method is particularly valuable in quality management and continuous improvement processes, as it fosters a collaborative environment where team members can contribute their insights and expertise to uncover underlying problems. Ultimately, identifying these causes is pivotal for devising actionable solutions, making the Cause-and-Effect Diagram an essential part of quality improvement initiatives.

In contrast, the other choices either pertain to different methodologies or focus on aspects that do not directly align with the primary use of a Cause-and-Effect Diagram. For example, validating designs and assessing calibration processes relate to testing and evaluation, while visualizing data trends through averages concentrates on statistical analysis rather than cause identification.