CST Retrospective Formats & Anti-Patterns 3

Question 1

Which retrospective format structures discussion around a timeline of Sprint events and asks team members to add emotional reactions to each event?

Accepted Answer

Timeline Retrospective

Answer

The Timeline Retrospective maps Sprint events chronologically and layers emotional data, helping teams see patterns and turning points over time.

Question 2

The 'Starfish' retrospective format asks teams to categorize actions into five areas. Which option correctly lists all five?

Accepted Answer

Stop, Start, Continue, More Of, Less Of

Answer

The Starfish format uses five arms: Stop, Start, Continue, More Of, and Less Of — giving nuanced gradations beyond a binary keep/drop choice.

Question 3

A senior developer's opinions consistently override other team members' ideas during retrospectives. This exemplifies which anti-pattern?

Accepted Answer

HiPPO effect — Highest Paid Person's Opinion dominates

Answer

The HiPPO effect describes when the most senior or highest-paid person's opinion suppresses diverse input, reducing retrospective effectiveness.

Question 4

A Scrum Master wants to close a retrospective with a clear commitment. Which activity best achieves this?

Accepted Answer

Dot voting on top improvement actions and assigning owners with due dates

Answer

Dot voting surfaces the highest-priority actions, and assigning owners with due dates converts discussion into accountable commitments.

Question 5

Which statement best describes the 'blame storming' anti-pattern in retrospectives?

Accepted Answer

Discussions devolve into attributing failures to individuals rather than systemic issues

Answer

Blame storming shifts focus from systemic improvement to individual fault-finding, which damages psychological safety and inhibits honest retrospection.

(CST) Certified Scrum Trainer Practice Test

(CST) Certified Scrum Trainer Practice Test

CST Retrospective Formats & Anti-Patterns 3