CBAP · Question #250
Martha is observing Gary complete several activities as part of her requirements elicitation process. Martha is simply observing the steps Gary takes to complete his work and she is taking notes. In…
The correct answer is C. Passive. Passive observation is an elicitation technique where the observer watches and records activities without interacting with or asking questions of the subject.
Question
Martha is observing Gary complete several activities as part of her requirements elicitation process. Martha is simply observing the steps Gary takes to complete his work and she is taking notes. In this instance Martha does not ask Gary any questions. What type of observation technique is Martha completing?
Options
- AShadowing
- BActive
- CPassive
- DUsage consideration
How the community answered
(47 responses)- A9% (4)
- B15% (7)
- C72% (34)
- D4% (2)
Why each option
Passive observation is an elicitation technique where the observer watches and records activities without interacting with or asking questions of the subject.
Shadowing involves closely following a person through their work and typically includes follow-up interaction or questions to clarify observations.
Active observation involves the observer interacting with the subject, asking questions, or participating in the activity being observed.
Passive observation is defined by the observer watching the subject perform work without any interaction, questions, or influence on the subject's behavior. Martha's approach - simply watching Gary and taking notes without asking questions - matches this definition precisely. It allows the analyst to capture natural, uninfluenced work behavior.
Usage consideration is not a recognized elicitation or observation technique in business analysis practice.
Concept tested: Passive vs active observation elicitation techniques
Source: https://www.iiba.org/standards-and-resources/babok/
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