Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

Which type of test demonstrates that a program does not match its external specifications?

1. Module test

2. System test

3. Acceptance test

4. Function test

The correct answer is: Function test

The correct choice is based on the function test, which focuses on verifying that a program meets its defined behavior and complies with the requirements laid out in the specifications. By conducting a function test, testers assess whether each feature of the application functions according to predefined expectations. This can include checking individual functions within the software to ensure they perform as intended. When discrepancies arise during function testing, it indicates that the software does not conform to its external specifications, revealing potential issues with either the implementation or the requirements themselves. Consequently, identifying these mismatches is critical for ensuring the quality and reliability of the software. In contrast, module tests generally concentrate on smaller, self-contained parts of the application and may not directly address how these modules fit into the broader context of external specifications. System tests evaluate the entire system's compliance but may not explicitly lead to the identification of mismatches between the external specs and how individual components behave. Acceptance tests are often final stages that focus on whether the system meets business needs, not necessarily checking alignment with specifications in a detailed manner.