PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

Which chart is used to visually display the frequency of causes for a problem?

1. Histogram

2. Run chart

3. Pareto chart

4. Control chart

The correct answer is: Pareto chart

The Pareto chart is designed to visually represent the frequency of causes for a problem, illustrating the principle that a small number of causes often lead to a majority of problems. This chart is based on the Pareto principle, which states that approximately 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes. By using a bar graph format, the Pareto chart allows for easy identification of the most significant factors contributing to an issue, making it easier for project managers and teams to prioritize their efforts in addressing problems effectively. In contrast, while a histogram displays the frequency distribution of a single dataset, it is not specifically focused on identifying causes related to a problem but rather on showing how values are distributed across intervals. A run chart, on the other hand, is used to track changes over time, highlighting trends and patterns rather than the frequency of causes. Finally, a control chart monitors process stability over time by showing variations and trends, but it does not highlight the frequency of specific causes contributing to a problem. Thus, the Pareto chart specifically addresses the need for understanding the causes of problems and is the most suitable choice among the options.