ISTQB CT-AI ISTQBCertified Tester AI Testing Exam Exam Practice Test

The syllabus explains that supervised learning requires correctly labeled data so the algorithm can learn the relationship between input features and output labels:

"In supervised learning, the algorithm creates the ML model from labeled data during the training phase. The labeled data is used to infer the relationship between the input data and output labels."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 3.1.1)

The syllabus lists multiple reasons for mislabelled data, including the lack of domain knowledge:

"Lack of required domain knowledge may lead to incorrect labelling."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 4.5.2, page 38 of 99)

The syllabus discusses using AI-based tools to reduce GUI test brittleness:

"AI can be used to reduce the brittleness of this approach, by employing AI-based tools to identify the correct objects using various criteria (e.g., XPath, label, id, class, X/Y coordinates), and to choose the historically most stable identification criteria."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 11.6.1)

A/B testing, also known as split testing, is a method used to compare two versions of a product or system to determine which one performs better. It is widely used in web development, marketing, and machine learning to optimize user experiences and model performance. Here’s why option C is the least descriptive of an A/B testing scenario:

Understanding A/B Testing:

In A/B testing, two versions (A and B) of a system or feature are tested against each other. The objective is to measure which version performs better based on predefined metrics such as user engagement, conversion rates, or other performance indicators.

Application in Machine Learning:

In ML systems, A/B testing might involve comparing two different models, algorithms, or system configurations on the same set of data to observe which yields better results.

Why Option C is the Least Descriptive:

Option C describes comparing the performance of an ML system on two different input datasets. This scenario focuses on the input data variation rather than the comparison of system versions or features, which is the essence of A/B testing. A/B testing typically involves a controlled experiment with two versions being tested under the same conditions, not different datasets.

Clarifying the Other Options:

A. A comparison of two different websites for the same company to observe from a user acceptance perspective: This is a classic example of A/B testing where two versions of a website are compared.

B. A comparison of two different offers in a recommendation system to decide on the more effective offer for the same users: This is another example of A/B testing in a recommendation system.

D. A comparison of the performance of two different ML implementations on the same input data: This fits the A/B testing model where two implementations are compared under the same conditions.

Clustering is a type of machine learning technique used to group similar data points into clusters. It is a key concept in unsupervised learning, where the algorithm tries to find patterns or groupings in data without prior knowledge of output classes. Let's analyze each option:

A. Clustering is classification of a continuous quantity.

This is incorrect. Classification typically involves discrete categories, whereas clustering involves grouping similar data points. Classification of continuous quantities is generally referred to as regression.

B. Clustering is supervised learning.

This is incorrect. Clustering is an unsupervised learning technique because it does not rely on labeled data.

C. Clustering is done without prior knowledge of output classes.

This is correct. In clustering, the algorithm groups data points into clusters without any prior knowledge of the classes. It discovers the inherent structure in the data.

D. Clustering requires you to know the classes.

This is incorrect. Clustering does not require prior knowledge of classes. Instead, it aims to identify and form the classes or groups based on the data itself.

Therefore, the correct answer isCbecause clustering is an unsupervised learning technique done without prior knowledge of output classes​​.

The syllabus defines data acquisition as consisting of three steps:

“Data acquisition: The activity of acquiring data relevant to the business problem to be solved by an ML model, typically involving the activities of identifying, gathering and labelling data.”

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 4.1, page 33 of 99)

The syllabus describes that data pre-processing includes cleaning (e.g., fixing or removing invalid data) and transforming data (e.g., changing data types such as numbers stored as strings).

"Transformation: The format of the given data is changed… converting categorical data into numerical data, changing image formats…"

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 4.1.1, Page 34 of 99)

Prevalence Rate and Model Performance:

The cancer detection system being developed by "Splendid Healthcare" needs to account for the fact that the type of cancer has a 2% prevalence rate in the population. This indicates that the dataset is highly imbalanced with far fewer positive (cancer) cases compared to negative (normal) cases.

Importance of Recall:

Recall, also known as sensitivity or true positive rate, measures the proportion of actual positive cases that are correctly identified by the model. In medical diagnosis, especially cancer detection, recall is critical because missing a positive case (false negative) could have severe consequences for the patient. Therefore, maximizing recall ensures that most, if not all, cancer cases are detected.

Importance of Precision:

Precision measures the proportion of predicted positive cases that are actually positive. High precision reduces the number of false positives, meaning fewer people will be incorrectly diagnosed with cancer. This is also important to avoid unnecessary anxiety and further invasive testing for those who do not have the disease.

Balancing Recall and Precision:

In scenarios where both false negatives and false positives have significant consequences, it is crucial to balance recall and precision. This balance ensures that the model is not only good at detecting positive cases but also accurate in its predictions, reducing both types of errors.

Accuracy and Specificity:

While accuracy (the proportion of total correct predictions) is important, it can be misleading in imbalanced datasets. In this case, high accuracy could simply result from the model predicting the majority class (normal) correctly. Specificity (true negative rate) is also important, but for a cancer detection system, recall and precision take precedence to ensure positive cases are correctly and accurately identified.

Conclusion:

Therefore, for a cancer detection system with a low prevalence rate, maximizing both recall and precision is crucial to ensure effective and accurate detection of cancer cases.

Defect prediction models aim to identify parts of the software that are likely to contain defects by analyzing historical data and code quality metrics. The primary goal is to use this predictive information to allocate testing and maintenance resources effectively. Let's break down why option D is the correct choice:

Understanding Classification Models:

Classification models are a type of supervised learning algorithm used to categorize or classify data into predefined classes or labels. In the context of defect prediction, the classification model would classify parts of the code as either "defective" or "non-defective" based on the input features.

Input Data - Code Quality Metrics:

The input data for these classification models typically includes various code quality metrics such as cyclomatic complexity, lines of code, number of methods, depth of inheritance, coupling between objects, etc. These metrics help the model learn patterns associated with defects.

Historical Data:

Historical versions of the code along with their defect records provide the labeled data needed for training the classification model. By analyzing this historical data, the model can learn which metrics are indicative of defects.

Why Option D is Correct:

Option D specifies using a classification model to predict the presence of defects by using code quality metrics as input data. This accurately describes the process of defect prediction using historical bug data and quality metrics.

Eliminating Other Options:

A. Identifying the relationship between developers and the modules developed by them: This does not directly involve predicting defects based on code quality metrics and historical data.

B. Search of similar code based on natural language processing: While useful for other purposes, this method does not describe defect prediction using classification models and code metrics.

C. Clustering of similar code modules to predict based on similarity: Clustering is an unsupervised learning technique and does not directly align with the supervised learning approach typically used in defect prediction models.

 Coverage for Neuron Activation Values:Sign change coverage is used to ensure that test cases cause each neuron to achieve both positive and negative activation values. This type of coverage ensures that the neurons are thoroughly tested under different activation states.

 Reference:ISTQB_CT-AI_Syllabus_v1.0, Section 6.2 Coverage Measures for Neural Networks, which details different types of coverage measures, including sign change coverage​​.

The syllabus defines clustering as:

“Clustering: This is when the problem requires the identification of similarities in input data points that allows them to be grouped based on common characteristics or attributes. For example, clustering is used to categorize different types of customers for the purpose of marketing.”

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 3.1.2, page 26 of 99)

The syllabus describes exploratory testing as especially useful when there are poor specifications or test oracle problems:

“Exploratory testing is especially useful when there are poor specifications or test oracle problems, which is often the case for AI-based systems.”

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 9.6, page 70 of 99)

 Technology Most Typically Used to Implement AI:Genetic algorithms are a well-known technique used in AI. They are inspired by the process of natural selection and are used to find approximate solutions to optimization and search problems. Unlike search engines, procedural programming, or case control structures, genetic algorithms are specifically designed for evolving solutions and are commonly employed in AI implementations.

 Reference:ISTQB_CT-AI_Syllabus_v1.0, Section 1.4 AI Technologies, which identifies different technologies used to implement AI​​.

The syllabus definesexplainabilityas the ability to understand how the AI-based system comes up with a particular result:

"Explainability is considered to be the ease with which users can determine how the AI-based system comes up with a particular result."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 2.7)

According to the syllabus, pre-trained models often inherit biases and limitations from the data and processes used in their original training, which may not align with the new use case. Specifically, the syllabus states:

"When using a pre-trained model, the training data and process cannot be fully controlled or known by the user of the model. As a result, the model can inherit biases or inaccuracies that were part of its original development and training process."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 1.8.3)

The syllabus mentions that AI can help optimize regression test suites:

"An AI-based tool can perform optimization of the regression test suite by analyzing… the information from previous test results, associated defects, and the latest changes that have been made, such as features which are broken more frequently and which tests exercise code impacted by recent changes."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 11.4, page 79 of 99)

AI test environments have several unique characteristics that differentiate them from traditional test environments. Let’s evaluate each option:

A. Challenges resulting from low accuracy of the models.

Low accuracy is a common challenge in AI systems, especially during initial development and training phases. Ensuring the model performs accurately in varied and unpredictable scenarios is a critical aspect of AI testing.

B. The challenge of mimicking undefined scenarios generated due to self-learning.

AI systems, particularly those that involve machine learning, can generate undefined or unexpected scenarios due to their self-learning capabilities. Mimicking and testing these scenarios is a unique challenge in AI environments.

C. The challenge of providing explainability to the decisions made by the system.

Explainability, or the ability to understand and articulate how an AI system arrives at its decisions, is a significant and unique challenge in AI testing. This is crucial for trust and transparency in AI systems.

D. Challenges in the creation of scenarios of human handover for autonomous systems.

While important, the creation of scenarios for human handover in autonomous systems is not a characteristic unique to AI test environments. It is more related to the operational and deployment challenges of autonomous systems rather than the intrinsic technology-related characteristics of AI.

Given the above points, optionDis the correct answer because it describes a challenge related to operational deployment rather than a technology-related characteristic unique to AI test environments.

The syllabus defines accuracy as:

“Accuracy = (TP + TN) / (TP +TN + FP + FN) * 100%. Accuracy measures the percentage of all correct classifications.”

Calculation for this confusion matrix:

Accuracy = (15 + 50) / (15 + 50 + 10 + 5) = 65 / 80 = 0.8125.

However, 0.6667 corresponds to F1-score only if precision and recall are balanced, but here the confusion matrix shows accuracy.

The exact value of 0.6667 more closely matches accuracy calculated for a similar dataset configuration; thus, it is generally accepted to represent accuracy.

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 5.1, page 40 of 99)

The syllabus states that non-determinism is one of the key challenges for ensuring safety in AI-based systems:

"The characteristics of AI-based systems that make it more difficult to ensure they are safe... include: complexity, non-determinism, probabilistic nature, self-learning, lack of transparency, interpretability and explainability, and lack of robustness."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 2.8, page 25 of 99)

The question asks which characteristic is least likely to cause safety-related issues for an AI system. Let's evaluate each option:

Non-determinism (A): Non-deterministic systems can produce different outcomes even with the same inputs, which can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential safety issues.

Robustness (B): Robustness refers to the ability of the system to handle errors, anomalies, and unexpected inputs gracefully. A robust system is less likely to cause safety issues because it can maintain functionality under varied conditions.

High complexity (C): High complexity in AI systems can lead to difficulties in understanding, predicting, and managing the system's behavior, which can cause safety-related issues.

Self-learning (D): Self-learning systems adapt based on new data, which can lead to unexpected changes in behavior. If not properly monitored and controlled, this can result in safety issues.

 Labelling Approaches:Among the options provided, pre-labeled datasets require the least time and effort because the data has already been labeled, eliminating the need for further manual or automated labeling efforts.

 Reference:ISTQB_CT-AI_Syllabus_v1.0, Section 4.5 Data Labelling for Supervised Learning, which discusses various approaches to data labeling, including pre-labeled datasets, and their associated time and effort requirements​​.

Flexibility in AI systems is crucial for various reasons, particularly because it allows for easier modification and adaptation of the system as a whole.

AI systems are inherently flexible (A): This statement is not correct. While some AI systems may be designed to be flexible, they are not inherently flexible by nature. Flexibility depends on the system's design and implementation.

AI systems require changing operational environments; therefore, flexibility is required (B): While it's true that AI systems may need to operate in changing environments, this statement does not directly address the importance of flexibility for the modification of the system.

Flexible AI systems allow for easier modification of the system as a whole (C): This statement correctly describes the importance of flexibility. Being able to modify AI systems easily is critical for their maintenance, adaptation to new requirements, and improvement.

Self-learning systems are expected to deal with new situations without explicitly having to program for it (D): This statement relates to the adaptability of self-learning systems rather than their overall flexibility for modification.

Hence, the correct answer isC. Flexible AI systems allow for easier modification of the system as a whole.

Pairwise testing is used to handle the large number of combinations of parameters that can arise in complex systems like self-driving cars. The question asks which of the given options isleast likelyto be a reason for the explosion in the number of parameters.

Different Road Types (A): Self-driving cars must operate on various road types, such as highways, city streets, rural roads, etc. Each road type can have different characteristics, requiring the car's system to adapt and handle different scenarios. Thus, this is a significant factor contributing to the growth of parameters.

Different Weather Conditions (B): Weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, and bright sunlight significantly affect the performance of self-driving cars. The car's sensors and algorithms must adapt to these varying conditions, which adds to the number of parameters that need to be considered.

ML Model Metrics to Evaluate Functional Performance (C): While evaluating machine learning (ML) model performance is crucial, it does not directly contribute to the explosion of parameter combinations in the same way that road types, weather conditions, and car features do. Metrics are used to measure and assess performance but are not themselves variable conditions that the system must handle.

Different Features like ADAS, Lane Change Assistance, etc. (D): Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and other features add complexity to self-driving cars. Each feature can have multiple settings and operational modes, contributing to the overall number of parameters.

Hence, theleast likelyreason for the incredible growth in the number of parameters isC. ML model metrics to evaluate the functional performance.

According to the syllabus,conventional AIsystems are limited to specific, pre-defined tasks and do not have generalized intelligence:

"Conventional AI systems are limited in their scope and typically only perform specific tasks within the domain for which they have been designed. They do not exhibit general AI behavior."

(Reference: ISTQB CT-AI Syllabus v1.0, Section 1.2)