Which type of testers typically has the highest level of independence?

The highest level of independence among testers is typically found in independent test specialists for specific test types. This is because these specialists are focused solely on testing activities and are not directly involved in the development of the software. Their primary objective is to ensure that the software meets quality standards and requirements, free from any bias or influence from the development team.

Independent test specialists bring a unique perspective and can provide an objective assessment of the software. Since they are not involved in the development process, they can identify issues and discrepancies that might be overlooked by those who are more closely tied to the project. Their specialized knowledge allows them to carry out focused testing activities effectively, such as performance testing, security testing, or usability testing, which require deeper expertise that may not be present within the development team.

In contrast, other types of testers, such as independent testers within development teams or those from the user community, may have varying degrees of influence or involvement in the development process. This can lead to biases based on their roles or relationships, which can compromise the objectivity needed in testing.