ISTQB Fundamentals of Software Testing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'test basis'?
- The environment in which tests are executed
- Any artifact from which test conditions can be derived (Correct answer)
- The baseline version of software under test
- The set of test cases that form the regression suite
Correct answer: Any artifact from which test conditions can be derived
The test basis includes any artifact (requirements, design docs, user stories, etc.) from which test conditions can be identified.
Question 2: What is the MAIN purpose of a test oracle?
- To generate test data automatically
- To determine whether a test has passed or failed (Correct answer)
- To schedule test execution order
- To manage defect tracking workflows
Correct answer: To determine whether a test has passed or failed
A test oracle is a source of expected results used to determine whether actual test outcomes match expected outcomes.
Question 3: In ISTQB terminology, what is a 'test condition'?
- A precondition that must be met before test execution
- A testable aspect of a component identified as a basis for testing (Correct answer)
- The environment configuration required for a test
- A boolean expression evaluated during test execution
Correct answer: A testable aspect of a component identified as a basis for testing
A test condition is a testable aspect of a component or system that can be exercised by one or more test cases.
Question 4: Which testing principle states that exhaustive testing is impossible?
- Pesticide paradox
- Testing shows presence of defects
- Exhaustive testing is impossible (Correct answer)
- Defects cluster together
Correct answer: Exhaustive testing is impossible
The principle 'Exhaustive testing is impossible' states that testing all combinations of inputs and preconditions is not feasible except in trivial cases.
Question 5: A tester finds that repeated use of the same test cases over time stops detecting new defects. Which ISTQB principle explains this?
- Early testing saves time and money
- Defects cluster together
- Testing is context dependent
- Pesticide paradox (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Pesticide paradox
The pesticide paradox states that if the same tests are repeated, they eventually stop finding new bugs and must be reviewed and updated.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a DYNAMIC testing technique?
- Walkthrough of a requirements document
- Static analysis of source code
- Executing a program with specific input values (Correct answer)
- Reviewing a test plan
Correct answer: Executing a program with specific input values
Dynamic testing involves executing the software under test, whereas static testing examines artifacts without execution.
Question 7: What does 'test coverage' measure?
- The number of testers assigned to a project
- The proportion of a test basis covered by test cases (Correct answer)
- The percentage of defects fixed relative to total defects found
- The ratio of automated to manual tests
Correct answer: The proportion of a test basis covered by test cases
Test coverage measures the degree to which a specified coverage item (e.g., statements, branches) has been exercised by a test suite.
ISTQB Fundamentals of Software Testing 2
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'test basis'?