Problem-Cause-Solution
Movement Pattern
Problem→Root Cause Analysis→Solution (addressing causes)
Definition
An expanded problem-solution structure that inserts a diagnostic stage: after identifying the problem, the text analyzes its root causes before proposing solutions that address those causes rather than just symptoms.
Examples
Example 1
"Student test scores are declining (Problem). The cause isn't lazy students — it's that standardized curricula have eliminated the inquiry-based learning that builds deep understanding (Cause). We need to restructure curricula around guided discovery (Solution)."
Education policy — the diagnostic stage changes what solution is appropriate
Example 2
"Hospital readmission rates are rising (Problem). The root cause: patients are discharged with instructions they don't understand, written at a college reading level (Cause). Plain-language discharge summaries with follow-up calls would address the actual mechanism (Solution)."
Healthcare improvement — root cause analysis redirects the solution
Example 3
"Voter turnout in midterms is under 40% (Problem). It's not apathy — it's that Election Day is a Tuesday, polling places are understaffed, and registration is burdensome (Causes). Automatic registration, vote-by-mail, and a weekend election would remove structural barriers (Solution)."
Civic reform — diagnosing causes prevents treating symptoms
AI Detection Note
AI often skips genuine root cause analysis, jumping from problem to solution without investigating why the problem exists — or provides superficial causes.
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