Which one of the following is not a definition of error ?
2014
Which one of the following is not a definition of error ?
- A.
It refers to the discrepancy between a computed, observed or measured value and the true, specified or theoretically correct value.
- B.
It refers to the actual output of a software and the correct output.
- C.
It refers to a condition that causes a system to fail.
- D.
It refers to human action that results in software containing a defect or fault.
Attempted by 204 students.
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Correct answer: C
Answer: The statement "It refers to a condition that causes a system to fail." is not a definition of error.
Error: A mistake or discrepancy — for example, a discrepancy between a computed/observed value and the true value, or a human action that leads to an incorrect result.
Fault / Defect: A flaw in the software (a condition in the code or design) that can cause incorrect behavior. This corresponds to the statement 'a condition that causes a system to fail.'
Failure: The observable incorrect behavior or output (for example, when the actual output differs from the correct output).
Why the chosen statement is not a definition of error: The statement describes a condition that causes failure, which is the role of a fault or defect. The other statements either describe a discrepancy between values or the human action that introduces a defect — both are accepted meanings of error in different contexts. Therefore, the statement about a condition causing failure is not a definition of error.