From the IDEO Method Cards: Five Whys?

HOW: Ask “Why?” questions in response to five consecutive answers.
WHY: This exercise forces people to examine and express the underlying reasons for their behavior and attitudes.

My two and a half year old is a master of this method. It is a fun and refreshing exercise that keeps me on my toes. I find myself asking five whys quite a bit lately and finding it difficult to get to root causes. Maybe I need to go back and listen to this episode of This American Life again.