The Risks of Risk-Based Testing

Risk-based testing has become an important part of the tester’s strategy in balancing the scope of testing against the time available. Although risk-based methods have always been helpful in prioritizing testing, it is vital to remember that we can be fooled in our risk analysis. Risk, by its very nature, contains a degree of uncertainty. We estimate the probability of a risk, but what is the probability that we are accurate in our estimate? Randall Rice describes twelve ways that risk assessment and risk-based methods may fail. In addition, he draws parallels to risk-based activities in other industries and discusses the important role of contingencies as a safety net when the unexpected occurs. Gain a greater awareness of safer ways to apply risk-based approaches so that you will be less likely to be misled by risk.