It is a black box testing technique that provides a graphical illustration of an outcome and all the factors that led to it. The graph typically includes multiple causes, one after the other, leading to the result you have received. The diagram looks like this: Diagram There are certain circumstances where the test engineer or anyone working on the product development process needs to know the causes. That is where they use this testing technique. Some of the circumstances are: To find the precise reasons for a specific problem or the outcome you have received. To understand the relation of the interactions between two systems to infer how the organization can use it. Another situation where the cause-effect graph can help identify the problem so that you can create a plan of action to solve it on time. If you are in any of these situations, you can take resort to the cause-effect graph and work towards improving the system responses. It is an easy-to-understand graphical illustration for which you do not require any training or technical knowledge. Steps to using a cause-effect graph As mentioned earlier, it is an easy-to-use graph that you can start using with just a few steps. Step 1: Define the effect and identify it. Step 2: Fill in the effect box and create the spine of the graph. Step 3: Find out the causes contributing to the effect under question. Step 4: For every box or branch, you should identify the factors which may have led to causing that effect. Step 5: Level the causes and categorize them based on the relative reasons for the cause. With these simple five steps, you can start using the cause-effect graph and see how it can support your business growth.