Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesMedium
During a Sprint Retrospective, the Scrum Team identifies that their Definition of Done (DoD) is too vague, leading to inconsistent quality and misunderstandings with stakeholders. They decide to update the DoD with more specific criteria and examples. Which aspect of Empiricism does this action primarily demonstrate?
- AInspection
- BPredictability
- CTransparency
- DAdaptation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Adaptation
The team first 'identifies' the vagueness (Inspection) and then 'decides to update' the DoD (Adaptation). The act of updating the DoD with more specific criteria is a direct adjustment to the process based on the insights gained from inspection. This continuous adjustment is a core component of Adaptation within Empiricism.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Inspection is the act of reviewing the DoD and its consequences (identifying vagueness), but the subsequent change is adaptation.
- B. Predictability is not a pillar of Empiricism; Scrum embraces adapting to unpredictability.
- C. Transparency is about making the DoD visible, but the act of changing it is adaptation.
Empiricism: Adaptation
Adjusting the process or the material being processed if any deviations are detected from acceptable limits.
- Occurs as soon as possible to minimize further deviation.
- Relies on prior transparency and inspection.
- A core mechanism for continuous improvement and responsiveness to change.
Memory trick: After seeing and checking, you must adapt and alter.