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PK0-005 Tools and Documentation Practice Question

A project manager is reviewing a control chart for a manufacturing process. Several data points fall outside the upper control limit (UCL). What type of variation do these points indicate?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

Special cause variation

Data points outside control limits indicate special cause variation, which is unusual and not part of the normal process. Common cause variation is inherent and stays within limits. Random variation is not a standard term; it is similar to common cause. Assignable cause is another term for special cause, but the question asks for the type of variation, not the cause.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
Common cause variation
Why it's wrong here
Common cause variation stays within control limits.
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Assignable cause
Why it's wrong here
Assignable cause is a source of special cause variation; the question asks for the type of variation.
✓
Special cause variation
Why this is correct
Points outside limits indicate special cause (assignable cause) variation.
✗
Random variation
Why it's wrong here
Random variation is usually within limits and part of common cause.

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PK0-005 Tools and Documentation Practice Question

Why each option matters

Option-by-option breakdown

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