Which types of formal peer reviews are recognized?

The correct answer is inspection. Inspections are a formal type of peer review characterized by a structured process in which a group of individuals examines a work product (such as code, requirements, or design documents) to identify defects and improve quality. This type of review follows a specific protocol, often including defined roles, predefined criteria for evaluation, and documented outcomes. The overall goal of inspections is not merely to find defects but also to ensure that the work adheres to established standards and to facilitate knowledge sharing among team members.

While other types of reviews, such as walkthroughs and technical reviews, are commonly used in software testing and development, they are generally less formal than inspections. Management reviews focus on evaluating project performance regarding schedules, budgets, and quality metrics rather than on specific work products. Thus, inspections stand out as the recognized formal peer review type due to their structured nature and focus on defect identification and quality assurance.