## 5 Whys Analysis Template

**Issue Statement:** {Clear, specific problem statement}

### Why #1: Surface Level
**Question:** Why did {issue} happen?
**Answer:** {Immediate cause}
**Evidence:** {File reference, line number, quote}

### Why #2: First Layer
**Question:** Why did {answer 1} occur?
**Answer:** {Deeper cause}
**Evidence:** {File reference, line number, quote}

### Why #3: Second Layer
**Question:** Why did {answer 2} occur?
**Answer:** {Even deeper cause}
**Evidence:** {File reference, line number, quote}

### Why #4: Third Layer
**Question:** Why did {answer 3} occur?
**Answer:** {Root cause emerging}
**Evidence:** {File reference, line number, quote}

### Why #5: ROOT CAUSE
**Question:** Why did {answer 4} occur?
**Answer:** **ROOT CAUSE:** {True underlying issue}
**Evidence:** {File reference, line number, quote}

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## Root Cause Validation

**Is this truly the root cause?**
- [ ] Would fixing this prevent recurrence?
- [ ] Does this explain all symptoms?
- [ ] Is this within our control to change?
- [ ] Is this evidence-based (not assumption)?
