Final answer:
The typical test objective is comparing actual results to expected results, which is vital in quality assurance and ensures software meets defined requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the given options, comparing actual results to expected results is a typical test objective in the context of quality assurance and software testing. This process involves the meticulous examination of the outputs of a test case against predetermined expected outcomes. Doing so helps to ensure that the software meets the defined requirements and specifications. Preventing defects is an objective of good software development practices, and repairing defects is more of an action taken than a test objective. Similarly, analyzing the cause of failure is also a subsequent action rather than an immediate objective of testing.