ISTQB-CTFL-FOUNDATION practice question 5 of 35

Which of the following statements contradicts the general principles of testing?

Full set: 403 questions

Answer options

A: Most defects are found in a small subset of a system's modules.

B: If new defects are to be found we should run the same test set more often. Correct answer

C: Testing is better if it starts at the beginning of a project.

D: How testing is done, is based on the situation in a particular project.

Correct Answer:

B. If new defects are to be found we should run the same test set more often.

Explanation

The statement "If new defects are to be found we should run the same test set more often" directly contradicts the "Pesticide paradox" testing principle. This principle states that if the same tests are repeated over and over again, eventually the same set of test cases will no longer find any new defects. To overcome this, test cases need to be regularly reviewed and revised, and new and different tests need to be written to exercise different parts of the software or system to find new defects.

Why Incorrect

A. This statement aligns with the "Defects cluster together" principle, which is a valid testing principle.
C. This statement aligns with the "Early testing saves time and money" principle, a valid testing principle.
D. This statement aligns with the "Testing is context dependent" principle, which is a valid testing principle.

References

ISTQB® Certified Tester Foundation Level Syllabus V4.0, 2023; Section 1.3, "Seven Testing Principles (K2)", Principle 6: Pesticide paradox, p. 12.

ISTQB® Glossary of Testing Terms v4.0, 2023; Entry for "pesticide paradox", p. 45.

Keep practicing

Take the free ISTQB-CTFL-FOUNDATION practice test

Ten exam-style questions with answers and explanations, plus the exam facts and study guides.

Start the free practice test