Conversation

A proximate cause is an event immediately responsible for some outcome, as opposed to the root cause - the ultimate, "real" reason something happened.

To diagnose the real cause, you can use "5 Why's" method.

For example, a problem:
I got a speeding ticket.

- Why?
Was driving too fast. (Proximate cause)

- Why?
Was late for work.

- Why?
Woke up late.

- Why?
Went to sleep late.

- Why?
Watched Netflix whole night. (Root cause)