Learning Summary: Software Testing Mindset
This summary covers the Software Testing Mindset. It gives you a clear outline of how testers work with curiosity, logic, and teamwork to check software quality.
1. Curiosity & Continuous Learning
- Focus: Stay curious.
- Points to Remember:
- Ask questions about how features work.
- Challenge assumptions and test edge cases.
- Use philosophical ideas (from Marianne Talbot) to improve your inquiry.
2. Critical Thinking & Logical Reasoning
- Focus: Use clear, logical steps.
- Points to Remember:
- Build test scenarios based on “if...then” logic.
- Form hypotheses and test them.
- Watch for mental shortcuts by checking the List of Cognitive Biases on Wikipedia.
- Refer to Kevin deLaPlante’s ideas on propositional logic for structured reasoning.
3. User-Centric Perspective
- Focus: Think like the user.
- Points to Remember:
- Ask if the software meets user needs.
- A product with no bugs may still fail if users find it hard to use.
- Involve developers, product owners, and users early in the process (see Amir Gharai’s Agile Testing Mindset).
4. Adaptability & Collaboration
- Focus: Adjust your approach and work with your team.
- Points to Remember:
- Accept that requirements and risks change.
- Adapt testing methods based on the product type.
- Collaborate with teammates to cover different aspects of the product.
- Use regular team reviews to update your strategies.
5. Reflecting on Results & Questioning Assumptions
- Focus: Review outcomes and adjust tests.
- Points to Remember:
- Regularly look at test results and defect trends.
- Change your tests to avoid repetitive checks (the idea behind the Pesticide Paradox).
- Notice if a small set of modules shows most defects (defect clustering).
- Hold retrospectives to learn and improve your testing methods.
Quick Reference Table
Area | Key Focus | Study Points |
Curiosity & Learning | Ask questions; test edge cases | Use inquiry techniques from philosophy |
Critical Thinking & Logic | Form hypotheses; use "if...then" reasoning | Check cognitive biases; refer to propositional logic |
User-Centric Perspective | Think like the user | Confirm the product meets real user needs |
Adaptability & Collaboration | Adjust tests as needed; work in a team | Hold regular reviews; adapt to new risks |
Reflecting & Questioning | Review outcomes; update tests | Avoid repetitive testing; monitor defect trends |
Use these study points to shape your Software Testing Mindset. They help you work with logic, stay open to learning, and keep the user in focus.