DPI Continual Improvement Practice Question
An enterprise improvement team is using root cause analysis (RCA) techniques to investigate recurring major incidents in an e-commerce platform. They apply the '5 Whys' technique. What is the primary risk of relying exclusively on the 5 Whys without broader validation?
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
✓
It is overly subjective and can lead investigators down a single linear path, missing multi-factor systemic causes.
The 5 Whys technique is linear and subjective, depending heavily on the investigator's personal bias and knowledge. Without validation (such as data analysis or fault tree analysis), it can lead to incorrect or superficial root conclusions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It requires excessive computational resources and specialized statistical software.
Why it's wrong here
The 5 Whys is a simple qualitative technique requiring no specialized software.
- ✗
It automatically escalates all findings to the Board of Directors.
Why it's wrong here
The technique is operational and does not trigger automated board escalations.
- ✗
It is prohibited by ITIL 4 service management standards.
Why it's wrong here
ITIL 4 explicitly endorses the 5 Whys as a valid diagnostic technique.
- ✓
It is overly subjective and can lead investigators down a single linear path, missing multi-factor systemic causes.
Why this is correct
The 5 Whys is subjective and linear, making it susceptible to bias and incomplete systemic analysis.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official AXELOS / PeopleCert exam blueprint
This DPI practice question is part of Courseiva's free AXELOS / PeopleCert certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DPI exam.