Which of the following is a benefit of test independence?

Question

Options

• AIt does not require familiarity with the code.
• BIt is cheaper than using developers to test their own code.
• CIt avoids author bias in defining effective tests.
• DTesters are better at finding defects than developers.

• A
  11% (4)
• B
  8% (3)
• C
  76% (29)
• D
  5% (2)

Explanation

Option C is correct because test independence means having someone other than the original author write or execute tests - and since developers are naturally inclined to test what they believe works (not what might fail), an independent tester avoids this author bias, leading to more objective and effective test cases.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is false - independent testers often do need code familiarity to write meaningful tests; independence refers to organizational separation, not ignorance of the code.
• B is false - independent testing typically costs more, not less, since it requires dedicated QA resources separate from the development team.
• D is false - this is an overgeneralization; developers can be excellent at finding defects, especially in unit testing. The issue isn't skill level, it's bias.

Memory tip: Think of it like proofreading your own essay - you'll often miss your own mistakes because your brain "sees" what you intended to write. An independent tester is like a fresh set of eyes that hasn't already formed assumptions about what the code is supposed to do. The key word in option C is "bias" - that's the core concept behind test independence.

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