In a Cause and Effect Diagram, where are the major categories of causes listed?

In a Cause and Effect Diagram, often referred to as a Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagram, the major categories of causes are typically listed in the main branches that stem from the central spine of the diagram. These branches represent the primary factors that lead to the problem or effect being analyzed.

By placing the major categories of causes in this area, the diagram visually organizes the potential origins of issues, allowing teams to identify, categorize, and prioritize factors that may contribute to the problem. This organization helps facilitate deeper analysis and discussion around each category, ultimately aiding in problem-solving efforts.

Other regions of the diagram serve different functions, such as listing specific causes or sub-causes related to the main categories and discussing effects or the problem itself, but the major categories are clearly represented at the beginning of the structure, making it easier to analyze the relationships between them and the resulting problem. This hierarchical representation ensures clarity as teams work to unpack complex issues systematically.