Which step confirms a theory in troubleshooting methodology?
Which of the following steps of the troubleshooting methodology should a technician take to confirm a theory?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
This question tests the order of the CompTIA troubleshooting steps, specifically that 'test the theory' involves duplicating the problem. The trap is confusing the initial information-gathering phase's duplication step with the later theory-confirmation step.
To confirm a theory in the CompTIA troubleshooting methodology, a technician must duplicate the problem to reproduce the issue under similar conditions. Community consensus points to Option A as the correct answer, as it validates the suspected cause against observed symptoms.
The most common wrong answer is C. 'Gather information.' Many test-takers associate duplication with the first step of information gathering, but confirming a theory requires actively reproducing the problem after a cause has been hypothesized, which is a separate action in the methodology.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
Comments & Corrections
No comments yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
The CompTIA troubleshooting methodology places 'Test the theory to determine the cause' as the third step. This testing typically involves duplicating the problem to replicate the symptoms and verify that the suspected cause produces the observed issue. As commenter [1] states, duplicating the problem helps validate the theory and provides evidence that the suspected cause is correct. Option A is therefore the direct action taken to confirm a theory.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B (Identify the symptoms) is part of the initial problem identification step, not the theory-confirmation phase. Option C (Gather information) is also part of the first step, used to understand the problem before forming a theory, and does not validate a theory. Option D (Determine any changes) is an information-gathering activity from step one, helping identify potential causes but not confirming them. Only duplicating the problem actively tests the hypothesis.
Community Comment Notes
Comments are unanimous for Option A, with two responders providing clear reasoning that duplicating the problem is the validation step. One commenter raised a concern about the official CompTIA site listing 'gather information' as part of the information-gathering phase, but that commenter later acknowledges the correct answer is A. The consensus correctly distinguishes between initial information gathering and the theory-testing action.
Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Memorize the seven-step troubleshooting methodology in order. When a question asks about confirming a theory, recall that 'test the theory' is the third step and involves duplicating/reproducing the problem. Be careful not to confuse the initial information-gathering steps with the later validation step.
Related Analysis
Practice All N10-009 Questions
Access 100 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.
View Full N10-009 Practice Test →