How Cognitive Biases Affect the Way We Test Software

Have you ever had unpleasant surprises when an unexpected bug is discovered in production? Were you ever so hyped about releasing a new feature just to discover at the last minute that a big functionality was completely overlooked??

Well, you aren’t alone. This kind of thing can happen from time to time and it has a lot to do with the way we think. Our unconscious biases can impact our ability to observe situations objectively. They can also affect how we test products, or what we don’t test. It’s one thing (and not a hard one) to make sure a feature meets agreed-upon requirements. But, it's a whole other thing (and a much harder one) to avoid the “unknown unknowns” that will cause customer pains in production.

So What Exactly is “Thinking Outside the Box"?

As testers, we hear the sentence “Think outside the box!” countless times during our careers. The whole idea it refers to is to find new perspectives, use our creativity, and allow us to come up with ways of thinking differently about testing situations.?

Thinking outside the box has several advantages:

• Innovative Solutions: Out-of-the-box thinking often leads to innovative solutions that may not have been discovered through traditional methods. It can help us think about new ways to test software and discover vulnerabilities and bugs, or solve existing problems in ways we wouldn’t have considered before.?

• Increased Adaptability: It enables individuals and teams to adapt to changing circumstances and tackle complex problems in flexible ways. Out-of-the-box thinking encourages them to adopt a mindset that is open to exploring new possibilities and making necessary changes when needed.?

• Enhanced Creativity: Engaging in out-of-the-box thinking improves creativity and pushes individuals to break free from rigid thinking patterns and unleash their creative potential, leading to fresh ideas.

However, we can’t really apply this all the time. Why? Because our cognitive biases strongly influence how we think and limit our creative thinking. Some of them relate to following the majority of our team’s approach (even when they may be wrong) or look to confirm our preconceptions.?

Adopting Lateral Thinking Over Vertical Thinking?

Vertical thinking is a systematic and logical approach to problem-solving that follows a linear progression toward a predetermined goal or solution. It relies on established rules, principles, and traditional methods to analyze information and make decisions. In vertical thinking, the focus is on moving directly from problem to solution, often through step-by-step reasoning and deduction. This method is characterized by a structured and disciplined approach, where the emphasis is on finding the most efficient and direct path to achieve the desired outcome.

On the other hand, lateral thinking is a creative and unconventional approach to problem-solving that involves exploring multiple perspectives and generating innovative ideas. Unlike vertical thinking, lateral thinking encourages breaking away from traditional patterns and exploring unexpected connections and possibilities. It involves thinking sideways: looking at a problem from different angles and considering alternative solutions that may not be immediately obvious. Lateral thinking often involves brainstorming, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking to arrive at inventive solutions that may not have been apparent through conventional methods.

Slow Thinking vs. Fast Thinking

Slow thinking, also known as analytical thinking, involves deliberate, conscious reasoning and requires rigorous cognitive processing. It's beneficial for complex problem-solving, allowing for thorough evaluation and more accurate decision-making.

Fast thinking, or intuitive thinking, relies on quick, instinctive responses based on gut feelings and past experiences. While useful for rapid decision-making, fast thinking can lead to errors due to oversights or biases.

Generally, people gravitate towards fast thinking, which can significantly impact the way they address software testing.

How Can We Overcome Cognitive Biases in Software Testing?

To learn more about cognitive biases, their impact on our testing efforts, and ways to identify and overcome them, join our webinar “Thinking Outside The Box: Cognitive Bias And Testing” with Lisa Crispin.

Key Topics:

• Exploring the impact of biases on testing effectiveness
• Strategies to foster innovative thinking in testing
• Practical exercises to enhance lateral thinking skills

Why Attend?

• Gain insights into identifying and overcoming cognitive biases
• Learn techniques to enhance creativity and problem-solving in testing
• Participate in interactive exercises to apply new concepts with your team

When: April 17th at 10:00 AM EDT / 16:00 CEST

Sign Up here