Scrum Theory and Empiricism Flashcards
7 cards from real Professional Scrum Master practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Scrum Theory and Empiricism flashcards as text
Which of the three pillars of empiricism does a Sprint Review primarily support?
Answer: Inspection
The Sprint Review is an inspect-and-adapt event focused on the Increment and the Product Backlog.
A Scrum Team notices their velocity has been inconsistent for three Sprints. What does Scrum theory suggest they do?
Answer: Inspect the cause and adapt their process accordingly
Empiricism requires the team to inspect what is happening and adapt based on evidence rather than changing tools or adding resources blindly.
What is the primary reason Scrum uses fixed-length Sprints rather than variable-length iterations?
Answer: To create a regular cadence that establishes a consistent heartbeat for inspection and adaptation
Fixed-length Sprints create a predictable cadence that supports empirical process control by establishing regular opportunities to inspect and adapt.
Which statement best describes why transparency is considered a prerequisite for the other pillars of empiricism in Scrum?
Answer: Without shared visibility into the work and process, inspection and adaptation cannot be based on reality
If the work and process are not fully visible, inspection will be based on incomplete information, making adaptation ineffective or misguided.
A Product Owner updates the Product Backlog every day based on new stakeholder feedback. Which empirical pillar does this practice most directly reflect?
Answer: Adaptation
Continuously updating the Product Backlog in response to new information is an act of adaptation — changing plans based on what is learned.
In Scrum, what is the relationship between the Definition of Done and empiricism?
Answer: It provides a shared standard that makes the state of the Increment transparent and inspectable
The Definition of Done creates the transparency needed for inspection by establishing a shared, unambiguous standard for what 'done' means.
Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking. What does lean thinking primarily contribute to Scrum?
Answer: A focus on reducing waste and concentrating on the essentials
Lean thinking contributes the principle of focusing on what delivers value while eliminating waste, complementing empiricism's evidence-based approach.