--- title: "Problem Tree Analysis | Common Ground Consulting" description: "A visual framework for understanding root causes and effects. Learn how to use problem tree analysis in advocacy campaigns." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to Conduct Problem Tree Analysis for Advocacy", "description": "Step-by-step guide to using problem tree analysis in advocacy campaign planning", "step": [ { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Gather participants", "text": "Assemble your team and stakeholders, including people with direct experience of the problem." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Define the core problem", "text": "Write the central problem as a clear, specific statement in the center of your workspace." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Map the effects", "text": "Ask what happens because of this problem. Write effects above as branches." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Identify the causes", "text": "Ask why this problem exists. Write causes below as roots." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Review and refine", "text": "Check for missing causes or effects." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Select advocacy targets", "text": "Identify which root causes your campaign could realistically address." } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://commongroundconsulting.ai/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Resources", "item": "https://commongroundconsulting.ai/#services" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Advocacy Planning", "item": "https://commongroundconsulting.ai/resources/advocacy-planning" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Problem Tree Analysis" } ] } ] --- [![Common Ground Consulting logo: stylized circular emblem with the firm's name, linking to the homepage](/assets/commonground-logo-white-RKdLhTAB.png)](/) [Home](/)[About](/about#company-metrics)[Partnership](/strategic-implementation-partnership)[Cases](/case-studies)[Clients](/clients)[Blog](/blog) - About - Services - Interventions - Resources Search Search 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Resources ](/#services) 3. [Advocacy Planning ](/resources/advocacy-planning) 4. Problem Tree Analysis Analysis Tool # Problem Tree Analysis A visual framework for understanding the relationship between a problem's causes and effects. Craig A. Bowman, Common Ground Consulting Updated February 2026 ## What is Problem Tree Analysis? Problem Tree Analysis is a visual tool that helps advocacy teams understand the relationship between a problem's causes and effects. Like a tree, the analysis has three parts: the trunk (core problem), branches (effects), and roots (causes). This helps teams move beyond symptoms to identify root causes for lasting change. ## The Three Parts BRANCHES Effects & Consequences TRUNK The Core Problem ROOTS Underlying Causes ### Trunk: The Core Problem Write the central problem as a clear, specific statement. Phrase it as a negative condition that's actionable but broad enough to capture the issue's scope. ### Branches: Effects and Consequences Map what happens because of the problem—direct and indirect effects, short-term and long-term consequences. First-level effects lead to second-level effects. ### Roots: Causes Identify immediate causes (directly create the problem), underlying causes (create conditions), and root causes (fundamental factors). **Advocacy is most effective when addressing root causes.** ## How to Facilitate a Session 1 Gather your team: Include people with direct experience of the problem. 2 Write the core problem: Place it in the center of your workspace. 3 Map the effects: Ask 'What happens because of this problem?' Write effects above as branches. 4 Identify the causes: Ask 'What causes this problem?' Write causes below as roots. Keep asking 'why?' 5 Review the tree: Check for missing causes or effects. Verify relationships. 6 Select advocacy targets: Identify which root causes your campaign could realistically address. ## From Problem Tree to Objective Tree Flip your problem tree to create an "objective tree" by converting negatives to positives: - • **Problem** → **objective** - • **Effects** → **outcomes** - • **Causes** → **strategies** ## Tips for Effective Analysis - **Include diverse perspectives,** especially those directly affected - **Be specific**—vague causes lead to vague strategies - **Don't stop too soon**—keep asking "why?" to find root causes - **Focus on causes you can influence** through advocacy - **Document your analysis** for future reference **Attribution:** Problem Tree Analysis is a widely-used participatory planning tool. This guide reflects Common Ground Consulting's approach. 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