Which of the following is a benefit of test independence?

Test independence refers to the practice of having individuals who are not involved in the development of the software to perform testing activities. One significant benefit of test independence is that it helps to avoid author bias in defining effective tests. When individuals who are not part of the development team assess the software, they bring an outside perspective, which enables them to identify potential issues or areas of improvement that the developers might overlook due to their familiarity with the code and the intended functionality.

This fresh perspective is particularly crucial in ensuring that tests cover a wide range of inputs and scenarios, as independent testers are not constrained by pre-conceived notions or biases shaped by their involvement in the creation of the software. Consequently, this leads to more thorough and objective testing outcomes, ultimately improving the quality of the software product.

While other options present various viewpoints on test independence, they do not capture this essence of overcoming personal bias as effectively. The rationale emphasizes that independence directly contributes to the effectiveness of the testing process by ensuring that the tests are designed and executed based on an unbiased understanding of the software's requirements and potential risks.