5whys

Perform iterative root cause analysis by repeatedly asking why.

106|14|Updated Jan 10, 2026

Search Tags:#debugging #problem solving #root cause analysis #incident response #5 whys

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/neurofoo/agent-skills --skill 5whys-neurofoo

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: 5whys
Source: https://github.com/neurofoo/agent-skills/tree/main/5whys
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/neurofoo/agent-skills --skill 5whys-neurofoo

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps you move beyond surface-level symptoms to identify the fundamental root causes of problems, preventing recurring issues.

Core Features & Use Cases

Iterative Root Cause Analysis: Systematically asks "why" to trace a problem back to its origin.
Structured Output: Provides a clear breakdown of the problem, the "why" chain, identified root cause, and recommended actions.
Use Case: When a critical bug appears in production, use this Skill to understand not just what failed, but why the failure occurred in the first place, leading to a more robust fix.

Quick Start

Use the 5whys skill to analyze the problem 'Users are seeing 500 errors on the checkout page'.

Frequently Asked Questions about 5whys

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I perform root cause analysis for a production incident?▼

Root cause analysis for a production incident can be performed using iterative questioning to trace failures back to their origin. This approach requires a clear problem statement and factual answers at each iteration to identify fundamental issues.

What is the 5 whys method for debugging software issues?▼

The 5 whys method for debugging systematically asks "why" to move beyond surface-level symptoms. It traces a problem back to its origin, preventing recurring issues by revealing the fundamental reason a failure occurred.

How do I find the root cause of a critical bug instead of just fixing the symptom?▼

To find the root cause of a critical bug, use iterative root cause analysis to understand not just what failed, but why the failure occurred in the first place. This structured approach provides a clear breakdown of the problem and recommended actions.

Can I use this iterative questioning technique for process improvement?▼

Yes, iterative questioning can be used for process improvement scenarios. By repeatedly asking why and requiring factual answers at each iteration, you can identify fundamental issues and implement recommended actions for robust fixes.

What do I need to start a 5 whys analysis for incident response?▼

To start a 5 whys analysis for incident response, you need a clear problem statement and factual answers at each iteration. This allows the analysis to effectively trace causation and output a structured breakdown of the root cause.