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What is the procedure of choice if the cause of a problem is not immediately understood?

  1. Investigation

  2. Trial and error

  3. Elimination

  4. Documentation

The correct answer is: Elimination

The procedure of choice when the cause of a problem is not immediately understood is investigation. This method involves systematically examining the situation to gather enough data that can lead to a clearer understanding of the issue at hand. Investigation allows for a thorough assessment, enabling the identification of potential causes through observation, asking questions, and analyzing existing information. Elimination, while a valuable approach in troubleshooting, typically involves ruling out possible causes based on logical deductions and known facts. It is often used after some initial investigation has been conducted. In contrast, relying solely on trial and error can lead to inefficient problem-solving, as it does not leverage any systematic approach to understanding the issue. As for documentation, it serves more as a record-keeping practice and does not directly address the immediate need for clarifying the cause of a problem. Thus, selecting investigation as the primary procedure supports a more structured and informed troubleshooting process.