Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

______ is a test case design technique that produces test cases based on intuitive and expert knowledge of test team members for defining potential software errors.

1. Cause-effect graphing

2. Logic coverage

3. Error guessing

4. Boundary value analysis

The correct answer is: Error guessing

Error guessing is a test case design technique that leverages the intuitive and experiential knowledge of the testing team, focusing on potential software errors that developers may overlook. This approach derives test cases from the testers' previous experiences with similar applications, their understanding of system functionality, and common error patterns. By anticipating where issues might occur, testers can effectively validate areas that are likely to contain defects, improving the overall quality of the software being evaluated. In contrast, the other techniques mentioned have different focuses. Cause-effect graphing is a formal method that establishes relationships between inputs and outputs, helping to derive test cases based on logical relationships. Logic coverage deals with ensuring all logical paths are tested, which may not directly account for real-world operational errors. Boundary value analysis specifically targets testing at the edges of input value ranges rather than relying on speculation about where errors might occur. Thus, while each approach has its merits, error guessing directly aligns with leveraging personal insights to uncover potential software issues.