ISTQB Foundation 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'pesticide paradox' in testing?
- Testing tools can kill the test environment if overused
- Repeating the same tests over time will stop finding new defects (Correct answer)
- Testers become less effective as projects grow larger
- Automated tests are more reliable than manual tests
Correct answer: Repeating the same tests over time will stop finding new defects
The pesticide paradox states that if the same tests are run repeatedly, they will no longer find new bugs, requiring tests to be regularly reviewed and updated.
Question 2: Which artifact is produced as the PRIMARY output of the test planning activity?
- Test summary report
- Test plan (Correct answer)
- Defect report
- Test execution schedule
Correct answer: Test plan
The test plan documents the scope, approach, resources, and schedule for testing activities and is the main output of test planning.
Question 3: In a decision table, what does each column typically represent?
- A single test condition
- A unique combination of conditions and corresponding actions (Correct answer)
- One expected output value
- A sequence of test steps
Correct answer: A unique combination of conditions and corresponding actions
Each column (rule) in a decision table represents a unique combination of input conditions and the expected system action or output.
Question 4: Which of the following is a NON-FUNCTIONAL test type?
- Boundary value testing
- Equivalence partitioning
- Reliability testing (Correct answer)
- Unit testing
Correct answer: Reliability testing
Reliability testing is non-functional because it measures how consistently the system performs its functions over time, not whether specific functions are correct.
Question 5: A software system crashes every time 500 simultaneous users log in. What type of testing would MOST directly detect this issue?
- Functional testing
- Load testing (Correct answer)
- Usability testing
- Unit testing
Correct answer: Load testing
Load testing simulates a specified number of concurrent users to evaluate system behavior and identify breaking points under high demand.
Question 6: Which of the following is the CORRECT order of the fundamental test process phases?
- Test planning → Test analysis → Test design → Test implementation → Test execution → Test closure (Correct answer)
- Test design → Test planning → Test analysis → Test execution → Test implementation → Test closure
- Test analysis → Test planning → Test design → Test execution → Test implementation → Test closure
- Test planning → Test design → Test analysis → Test implementation → Test execution → Test closure
Correct answer: Test planning → Test analysis → Test design → Test implementation → Test execution → Test closure
ISTQB defines the fundamental test process as: planning, analysis, design, implementation, execution, and closure.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a PRODUCT RISK in software testing?
- Insufficient time allocated for testing
- High staff turnover on the testing team
- A critical payment module that may contain defects (Correct answer)
- Inadequate test tools available
Correct answer: A critical payment module that may contain defects
Product risks relate to the software itself potentially failing to meet requirements or causing harm, such as defects in critical modules.
ISTQB Foundation 4
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'pesticide paradox' in testing?