Final answer:
The correct answer is option 3, which describes the process of tracing software defects to their underlying causes using statistical methods to ensure software quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option 3, which involves tracing each defect to its underlying cause, isolating the vital few causes, and moving to correct them. This aligns with the principles of root cause analysis and continuous improvement in software quality assurance. Statistical software quality assurance aims to improve the quality of software by using statistical methods and tools to identify and address defects. This might involve hypothesis testing, where a statistician evaluates a sample to test the effectiveness of a software patch, or inferential statistics to estimate population parameters based on sample statistics. The goal is to apply systematic approaches to uncover defects in the software, address the most significant issues effectively, and ensure the software meets quality standards. It involves root cause analysis, hypothesis testing, and prioritizing major issues based on their impact.
Sampling methods, such as gathering random samples to determine the number of defects, are used to avoid exhaustive testing, which may not be feasible. Additionally, techniques like the Pareto principle help prioritize which defects to tackle first, focusing on the major causes that will have the most significant impact when corrected.