ABSTRACT
The analysis of data can be ambiguous if the basis of the investigation is skewed toward supporting a particular point of view. Force-field analysis assumes that the status quo is like a balanced see-saw, that is in a state of equilibrium where both the driving (positive) forces are balanced by restraining (negative) forces. By identifying and measuring the balanced forces we can develop a prioritized plan of action. The plan should reduce the forces of resistance, which will otherwise tend to grow to compensate for the increased driving force. The Ishikawa diagram is also known as the Fishbone Technique, Xmas Tree or the Cause-and-Effect Diagram. The Ishikawa diagram is a systematic technique for identifying the possible root causes of problems over a period of time. Influence diagrams are linked to Ishikawa and and Why/Why but different in that they attempt to arrange the components of the problem into a causal flow of events connected by arrows.
