Exploratory Testing – Key Characteristics
1. Introduction
In the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus, exploratory testing is described as an experience-based test technique that emphasizes learning, test design, and test execution at the same time.
This question checks whether you understand what exploratory testing really involves and what it does not involve.
ISTQB에서 탐색적 테스트(Exploratory testing)는 테스터의 경험과 학습을 기반으로 테스트 설계, 실행, 평가를 동시에 수행하는 기법입니다.
이 문제는 탐색적 테스트의 핵심 특징을 정확히 이해하고 있는지를 묻습니다.
2. Practice Question
❓ Question
Which of the following is true about exploratory testing?
- a) Test cases are designed before the exploratory testing session starts
- b) The tester can perform test execution, but cannot perform test design
- c) Exploratory testing results are good predictors of the number of remaining defects
- d) During exploratory testing the tester may use black-box test techniques
✅ Correct Answer: d)
3. Explanation
✔ d) Black-box techniques may be used — Correct
During exploratory testing, testers are free to use any test techniques they find useful.
This includes:
- Black-box test techniques (e.g., boundary value analysis)
- Experience-based heuristics
- Checklists or prior defect knowledge
Exploratory testing is not a replacement for other techniques; rather, it is a flexible approach that can incorporate them.
탐색적 테스트에서는 테스터가 유용하다고 판단하는 모든 테스트 기법을 사용할 수 있습니다.
따라서 블랙박스 테스트 기법을 사용하는 것도 완전히 가능합니다.
❌ a) Test cases designed before session — Incorrect
In exploratory testing, test cases are usually designed during the testing session, not in advance.
Test analysis, design, execution, and evaluation happen simultaneously.
탐색적 테스트에서는 사전에 상세한 테스트 케이스를 설계하지 않고, 테스트를 진행하면서 즉시 설계합니다.
❌ b) Tester cannot perform test design — Incorrect
This statement contradicts the core idea of exploratory testing.
In exploratory testing, the tester:
- Designs tests
- Executes tests
- Evaluates results
All of these activities occur together.
탐색적 테스트에서는 테스트 설계와 실행을 분리하지 않습니다.
따라서 b)는 명백히 틀린 설명입니다.
❌ c) Good predictor of remaining defects — Incorrect
The results of exploratory testing depend heavily on:
- The tester’s experience
- Domain knowledge
- Time spent exploring
Because of this variability, exploratory testing results are not reliable predictors of the total number of remaining defects.
탐색적 테스트 결과는 테스터의 역량에 크게 의존하므로,
남은 결함 수를 정량적으로 예측하는 신뢰할 만한 모델로 사용하기는 어렵습니다.
4. Summary Table
| Option | Statement | True? | 설명 |
|---|---|---|---|
| a | Test cases designed before session | ✖ No | 세션 중 설계 |
| b | No test design performed | ✖ No | 설계·실행 동시 |
| c | Predicts remaining defects well | ✖ No | 정량 예측 불가 |
| d | Black-box techniques may be used | ✔ Yes | 유연한 적용 |
5. Final Takeaway
For the ISTQB exam, remember this key point:
Exploratory testing is a flexible, experience-based approach where test design, execution, and learning happen together, and any useful test techniques—including black-box techniques—may be used.
시험 대비 핵심 문장입니다.
탐색적 테스트는 테스트 설계·실행·학습을 동시에 수행하며, 블랙박스 테스트 기법을 포함한 다양한 기법을 자유롭게 활용할 수 있다.
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