--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What appears to be a set of solutions is…" description: "\"“What appears to be a set of solutions is merely a set of initial hypotheses, proposed explanations that now must be rigorously tested. A good problem ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/dave-mckinsey-91320_problem-solving_what-appears-to-be-a-set-of-solutions-is_1611993.jpg" --- # What appears to be a set of solutions is merely a set of… ![“What appears to be a set of solutions is merely a set of initial hypotheses, proposed explanations that now must be rigorously tested. A good problem solver will search for facts, all the while updating the hypothesis. Great problem solvers not only seek information that confirms their hypothesis…” quote by Dave McKinsey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/dave-mckinsey-91320_problem-solving_what-appears-to-be-a-set-of-solutions-is_1611993.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/dave-mckinsey-91320_problem-solving_what-appears-to-be-a-set-of-solutions-is_1611993.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ebb/dave-mckinsey-91320_problem-solving_what-appears-to-be-a-set-of-solutions-is_1611993.jpg) > ““What appears to be a set of solutions is merely a set of initial hypotheses, proposed explanations that now must be rigorously tested. A good problem solver will search for facts, all the while updating the hypothesis. Great problem solvers not only seek information that confirms their hypothesis but also mercilessly hunt for disconfirming information.”” Dave McKinsey ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective problem solving requires testing hypotheses and seeking disconfirming evidence. **In simple terms:** Test ideas, seek contrary evidence. Key Takeaway Embrace rigorous testing of assumptions. Themes critical thinking scientific method problem solving hypothesis testing learning Mood analytical inquisitive Type educational When to use this quote - science projects - business strategy - personal decision making Key Concepts Epistemology cognitive bias research methodology Questions to Reflect On - How do you challenge your own assumptions? - What methods ensure thorough testing? A Different Perspective Confirmation bias can hinder objective analysis. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Problem solvers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-solvers/) [Problem solving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem-solving/) ## Related quotes > [IF YOUR JOB IS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, YOUR REAL JOB TITLE IS PROBLEM SOLVER.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/if-your-job-is-customer-satisfaction-your-real-job-title-is-problem/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [“Do not wait for the government to provide solutions to the people when you can be their answer”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sunday-adelaja/do-not-wait-for-the-government-to-provide-solutions-to-the-people/) [Sunday Adelaja](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sunday-adelaja/) > [Failure is information-we label it failure, but it's more like, 'This didn't work, I'm a problem solver, and I'll try something else.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carol-s-dweck/failure-is-information-we-label-it-failure-but-it-s-more-like-this/) [Carol S. 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