CBAP · Question #318
Mary is observing Jeff complete several activities as part of her requirements elicitation process. Mary is simply observing the steps Jeff takes to complete his work and she is taking notes. In…
The correct answer is C. Passive. This question tests the distinction between passive and active observation elicitation techniques. Passive observation means the analyst watches without interfering or asking questions.
Question
Mary is observing Jeff complete several activities as part of her requirements elicitation process. Mary is simply observing the steps Jeff takes to complete his work and she is taking notes. In this instance Mary does not ask Jeff any questions. What type of observation technique is Mary completing?
Options
- AComparing
- BActive
- CPassive
- DLight observation
How the community answered
(39 responses)- A8% (3)
- B13% (5)
- C74% (29)
- D5% (2)
Why each option
This question tests the distinction between passive and active observation elicitation techniques. Passive observation means the analyst watches without interfering or asking questions.
Comparing is not a recognized type of observation technique in BABOK elicitation; it is not applicable to this scenario.
Active observation requires the analyst to participate in or ask questions about the work being performed, which Mary explicitly did not do.
Passive observation is a technique where the business analyst silently watches a subject perform their work without interrupting, interacting, or asking questions, exactly as Mary is doing. This approach captures natural, uninfluenced work behavior and is documented in BABOK as a distinct elicitation technique variant.
Light observation is not a formally defined observation technique type in the BABOK Guide; it is a fabricated distractor.
Concept tested: Passive vs. active observation elicitation techniques
Source: https://www.iiba.org/standards-and-resources/babok/
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