A risk-based approach to testing provides information on the types of test techniques to be employed. This approach prioritizes the testing of features and functions based on their risk of failure and their impact on the organization. By identifying the areas of highest risk, test managers can allocate resources and select test techniques that are most likely to uncover defects in these critical areas. This approach ensures that testing efforts are focused where they are most needed. Reference: ISTQB CTFL Syllabus V4.0, Section 5.2 .QUESTION NO: 85
When assembling a test team to work on an enhancement to an existing system, which of the following has the highest level of test independence?
A. A business analyst who wrote the original requirements for the system.
B. A permanent programmer who reviewed some of the new code, but has not written any of it.
C. A permanent tester who found most defects in the original system.
D. A contract tester who has never worked for the organization before.
Answer: D
In this scenario, the contract tester who has never worked for the organization before has the highest level of test independence. The three others are less independent as they are likely to make assumptions based on their previous knowledge of the requirements, code and general functionality of the original system.
Note that independence does not necessarily equate to most useful. In practice most test or project managers would recruit a permanent tester who has worked on the original system in preference to a contract tester with no knowledge of the system. However, when assembling a team it would be useful to have staff with varying levels of test independence and system knowledge.
