Which option signifies a higher level of testing independence?

Outsourcing testing generally signifies a higher level of testing independence because the testing team is not involved in the development process and functions as an independent entity. This separation can lead to a more impartial evaluation of the system being tested, as an external team may lack preconceived notions about the system and are less likely to be influenced by internal biases or relationships. Consequently, they can focus solely on identifying defects and assessing the quality of the product without any conflicts of interest that might arise from being part of the same organization that developed the software.

Independence in testing is crucial because it can lead to more objective results, as independent testers are typically more focused on user requirements and can provide a fresh perspective on the software. This can help uncover issues that might have been overlooked by those who are closely involved in the development process.