Supporting Root Cause Analysis with Defect Classification CTAL-TA Practice Questions (Page 2)

Questions 6–10

1. 6expert · hard

   A test team is analyzing a cluster of defects where users are intermittently logged out of the application. The 5 Whys analysis has reached: 'Why are users logged out? Because the session token expires. Why does the token expire? Because the session timeout is set to 5 minutes. Why is the timeout set to 5 minutes? Because the security team recommended it.' The team is now stuck. Which action best continues the analysis to reach a root cause?

   • AStop the analysis because the root cause is clearly the 5-minute timeout.
   • BSwitch to a fishbone diagram to list all possible causes of session logout.
   • CAsk why the security team recommended a 5-minute timeout and whether it was based on a specific threat model or a default value.
   • DConclude that the security team is responsible and recommend changing the timeout to 30 minutes.
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2. 7application · medium

   A test team is using the 5 Whys technique to analyze a defect where a user's password is not updated after a successful change. The first 'why' reveals that the update function is called but the database write fails silently. The second 'why' reveals that the error is not checked after the database call. What is the most appropriate next step in the 5 Whys analysis?

   • AClassify the defect as a database error and close it.
   • BStop the analysis because the root cause is clearly the missing error check.
   • CRecommend adding more test cases for password changes.
   • DAsk why the error is not checked after the database call, continuing to trace the process gap.
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4. 8foundation · easy

   A fishbone diagram is also known as which of the following?

   • AControl chart
   • BPareto chart
   • CScatter diagram
   • DIshikawa diagram
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5. 9foundation · easy

   What is the primary purpose of using a defect classification scheme during root cause analysis?

   • ATo determine which tester is responsible for fixing each defect
   • BTo assign a severity and priority to each defect for scheduling fixes
   • CTo track the status of each defect from discovery to closure in the defect management tool
   • DTo group defects by their underlying causes so that patterns can be identified and addressed systematically
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6. 10application · medium

   A test team has completed a root cause analysis on defects from the last release. The classification data shows that 60% of defects are due to 'incorrect requirement interpretation' and 25% are due to 'incomplete specification'. The team wants to recommend a process improvement that will have the most impact on preventing these defects. Which recommendation is best aligned with the data?

   • AMandate code reviews for every change to improve code quality.
   • BIncrease the number of test cases for the next release to catch more defects during testing.
   • CSwitch to a different test automation tool to speed up regression testing.
   • DIntroduce a formal requirements review and clarification workshop before development begins.
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