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CSQA FIELD GUIDE / Root cause

Comparing Root cause Results

To compare Root cause results, keep input, format and settings fixed and change one variable.

Updated 2026-11-01About 3 minLocal test
Quick answer

To compare Root cause results, keep input, format and settings fixed and change one variable. QA finds symptoms; root causes usually sit in knowledge, process, system or product.

Why it matters

Changing several variables at once makes results unattributable.

Use 5 Whys until you reach an actionable layer.

Step by step

  1. Define QA goals and observable behaviors before building a giant scorecard.
  2. Stratify samples by shift, channel and risk so they represent real problems.
  3. Calibrate scoring boundaries before ranking or performance decisions.
  4. Attribute issues to knowledge, process, system or people before choosing fixes.

Common mistakes

  • Scoring without calibration makes managers incomparable.
  • Sampling only easy tickets biases the result.
  • Using QA as punishment makes agents hide context.
  • Looking only at CSAT while ignoring resolution and rework.

Checklist

  • Scorecard has behavioral anchors.
  • Sampling has stratification rules.
  • Calibration records disputed samples.
  • Issues have owners and review dates.

Key facts

  • Use 5 Whys until you reach an actionable layer.
  • Separate knowledge gaps, process defects, system limits and execution.
  • Give every root cause an owner and verification metric.

FAQ

How do I compare two Root cause results?

To compare Root cause results, keep input, format and settings fixed and change one variable. QA finds symptoms; root causes usually sit in knowledge, process, system or product.

How long does it take?

Usually 1-3 minutes; for intermittent issues, run 30 seconds and retest elsewhere.

Is data uploaded?

Runs locally and does not upload video/audio; extensions may still read the page.

Source: ASQ