Which of the following statements correctly describes a 'depth-first approach' to managing risk based testing? SELECT ONE OPTION

In risk-based testing, test execution can be organized using different sequencing strategies to optimize risk mitigation. A 'depth-first' approach involves executing tests in strict risk order. This means that all tests associated with the highest-risk items are executed completely before the team moves on to execute any tests for lower-risk items. This strategy ensures that the most critical and high-risk areas of the application are thoroughly tested as early as possible in the execution phase, maximizing early risk reduction.

A. This describes risk-based effort allocation (testing higher risks more thoroughly), not the 'depth-first' execution sequencing strategy.
B. This describes a 'breadth-first' approach, where a sample of tests is run across all risk levels to gain broad, early visibility before diving deeper.
C. Test execution order is based on risk priority, not on whether previous tests have passed; blocked or failed tests do not necessarily prevent executing other tests.

- ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level Syllabus - Test Manager (2012), Section 5.3.4 "Test Execution", p. 45.