Which tool is used to analyze potential sources of process variation in a graphical format?

The cause and effect diagram, often referred to as a fishbone diagram, is an effective tool for analyzing potential sources of process variation visually. It helps teams identify, organize, and display the various factors that could contribute to a particular problem or effect. The structure resembles a fishbone, where the head represents the problem statement and the bones branching out indicate categories of causes.

By breaking down the sources of variation into categories such as people, processes, materials, equipment, and environment, this diagram provides a clear understanding of how different factors may influence the overall process. This visual representation facilitates discussion and problem-solving among team members, as it's easier to identify and prioritize potential areas for improvement or investigation.

In contrast, the other tools have different primary purposes. A process flow chart focuses on mapping out the sequence of steps in a process rather than identifying variations. A scatter diagram visually presents the relationship between two quantitative variables, which is useful for correlation analysis but does not categorize sources of variation. A control chart monitors process stability over time and is primarily used for detecting out-of-control conditions rather than the initial analysis of causes leading to variation.