Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

Which type of testing primarily evaluates the usability of an application?

1. Performance testing

2. Functional testing

3. User acceptance testing

4. Regression testing

The correct answer is: User acceptance testing

User acceptance testing focuses primarily on evaluating the usability of an application. This type of testing is conducted by the end users who will interact with the software in real-world scenarios. Its primary goal is to determine if the application meets their needs and expectations, encompassing factors such as intuitiveness, ease of use, and overall satisfaction. During user acceptance testing, real users test the software to ensure that it behaves as expected in practical use. They assess aspects like navigation, features, and how well the application helps them complete their tasks. This feedback is crucial since it comes directly from the users who will ultimately rely on the software, making this testing phase vital for ensuring that the application is user-friendly and aligns with user requirements. In contrast, other types of testing like performance, functional, and regression testing primarily focus on different attributes of the software. Performance testing measures how the system performs under load, functional testing addresses whether the software behaves as specified by requirements and specifications, while regression testing ensures that new changes haven't adversely affected existing functionality. These tests do not directly assess user experience or usability as user acceptance testing does.