Abstract
In solving problem or a task, investigation for grasping the situations and analyses for understanding the structure of problems are crucial. Such investgations, however, are often conducted in a trial-and-error manner because the problem is tackled without understanding the differences between "elements" comprising the problem and "factors" causing the problem. This paper discusses characteristics of and differences between "elements and "factors" and makes clear their roles in solving problem, recommending the clarification of the elements followed by the identification of causes. This paper also discusses the importance of clear understanding of differences between elements and factors of problems when applying QC tecniques to analysis of language data such as cause-and-effect diagram, relation chart and tree diagram.
