Seven Tools Testers Use for Reports

There are many test tools/graphs being used by software testers to help them analyze the test results while making test reports based on the information they have collected. Using tools helps testers display their findings to stakeholders. Take a look at the seven important tools used commonly.

1.    Pareto Charts: These are a combination of bar and line graphs. Here the bars indicate the causes of a problem based on its severity: largest to smallest problem. Testers can use it to underscore the major problems. They also help a tester determine what critical issues they must focus on.

2.    Cause and effect diagram: This method is also called the fishbone diagram. It is helpful when a tester wishes to visualize and understand what are the root causes of a problem. Inputs for this diagram usually come from brainstorming. Through this the testers can differentiate between real reasons and the symptoms of an issue.

3.    Check sheets: This tool could be used to record the number of incidents or occurrences that have happened in a specified span of time. It objectively supplies factual data to validate and assess problems which could be used for Pareto Charts and histograms.


4.    Histograms: Histogram is a method of grouping data by preset intervals to demonstrate the frequency of the data set. With ample data derived from a process or a problem, one can plot this into a histogram. The histogram will display the process central point (average), variation (range), and shape of distribution (normal, slanted, and clustered). Testers can then provide a chart on software capability.

5.    Regression Analysis: Regression Analysis is used to graphically show the relationship between two variables and the correlation between them. For example, software size and memory usage could affect performance and cost. The analyst could determine the cause of some undesired event/result by developing correlations between multiple variables.

6.    Scatter Plot Diagrams: A scatter plot diagram also illustrates the connection that might exist among two variables or factors. This tool is used for problem solving and understanding the cause and effect relationships. It is often referred to as “correlation” diagram, and the pattern of the plots will reveal correlation (positive, negative, linear, random, curvilinear, or cluster) between variables or factors.

7.    Multivariate Analysis: Multivariate Analysis is used to show how two variables are related. The concept of exploratory graphics is used in this analysis because many times the graphical information created is not enough or useful in identifying areas for further analysis. The results for exploratory graphics must be established through more investigation so that they may be used in presentations and reports. In most cases, regression statistics are used in this technique to produce the information required for multi-variable graph.