Software Quality Assurance Practice Exam

Which method is NOT typically associated with software usability testing?

1. Focus groups

2. A/B testing

3. Hallway intercept testing

4. Code review

The correct answer is: Code review

In the context of software usability testing, the focus is primarily on evaluating how easily and efficiently users can interact with a software application. This approach generally encompasses methods that involve observing users as they engage with the software, gathering qualitative feedback, and analyzing user behavior to improve the overall experience. Code review, on the other hand, is a critical technique used primarily in the software development lifecycle. It involves systematically examining the source code of a program to identify bugs, ensure coding standards are met, and improve overall code quality. While code review is essential for ensuring software reliability and quality, it does not focus on user interaction or usability, which are the core components of usability testing methodologies. The other methods—focus groups, A/B testing, and hallway intercept testing—are commonly used in usability testing. Focus groups gather qualitative feedback from a representative set of users about their thoughts and feelings regarding a product. A/B testing compares two versions of a product to determine which one performs better from a user perspective. Hallway intercept testing involves briefly gathering user feedback in an informal setting, typically outside of a formal testing environment. Each of these methods emphasizes understanding user needs and preferences, which is not the focus of code review.