Independence of Testing – Benefits vs Drawbacks
1. Introduction
In the ISTQB Foundation Level syllabus, the independence of testing concept explains why testers who are independent from developers can add value.
However, independence also comes with potential drawbacks. This question checks whether you can correctly identify the benefits.
ISTQB에서는 테스트 독립성(Independence of Testing)의 장점과 단점을 모두 이해하는 것이 중요합니다.
이 문제는 그중에서도 장점에 해당하는 항목을 고르는 문제입니다.
2. Practice Question
❓ Question
Given the following benefits and drawbacks of the independence of testing:
- The testers work in a different location from the developers
- Testers question the assumptions programmers make while writing code
- A confrontational dynamic has been established between testers and developers
- Developers have convinced themselves that testers are mostly accountable for quality
- Testers have different biases than those held by the developers
Which are MOST likely to be considered benefits?
- a) i, iv
- b) ii, v
- c) i, iii, iv
- d) ii, iii, v
✅ Correct Answer: b) ii, v
3. Explanation
✔ b) ii, v — Correct
✔ ii) Testers question the assumptions programmers make — Benefit
Independent testers often have different backgrounds and perspectives.
This allows them to challenge assumptions made by developers and other stakeholders, which increases the likelihood of finding defects.
독립적인 테스터는 개발자와 다른 관점을 가지고 있기 때문에 개발자가 당연하다고 여긴 가정을 비판적으로 검토할 수 있습니다.
✔ v) Testers have different biases than developers — Benefit
Developers may unconsciously avoid areas they believe to be correct.
Testers with different biases are more likely to identify different types of defects and failures.
테스터는 개발자와 다른 인지적 편향을 가지므로 더 다양한 결함과 실패를 발견할 가능성이 높습니다.
❌ i) Testers work in a different location — Disadvantage
Physical or organizational separation can reduce collaboration and communication.
테스터와 개발자의 물리적 분리는 협업을 방해할 수 있으므로 단점입니다.
❌ iii) Confrontational dynamic between testers and developers — Disadvantage
An adversarial relationship harms teamwork and reduces overall effectiveness.
대립적인 관계는 팀워크를 해치므로 테스트 독립성의 단점입니다.
❌ iv) Developers feel less accountable for quality — Disadvantage
A known drawback of independent testing is that developers may wrongly assume testers are solely responsible for quality.
개발자가 품질 책임을 테스터에게 떠넘기는 것은 테스트 독립성의 대표적인 단점입니다.
4. Summary Table
| Item | Description | Benefit? | 구분 |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | Different location | ✖ No | 협업 저하 |
| ii | Challenge assumptions | ✔ Yes | 관점 다양성 |
| iii | Confrontational dynamic | ✖ No | 대립 관계 |
| iv | Reduced developer accountability | ✖ No | 책임 전가 |
| v | Different tester biases | ✔ Yes | 결함 발견 증가 |
5. Final Takeaway
For the ISTQB exam, remember this rule:
Independence of testing is beneficial because testers challenge assumptions and bring different biases.
시험 대비 핵심 문장입니다.
테스트 독립성의 장점은 가정을 비판하고 다른 관점으로 결함을 발견하는 것이다.
Related: More ISTQB Posts | Next Question