Evaluating the Use of Requirement Error Abstraction and Classification Method for Preventing Errors during Artifact Creation: A Feasibility Study

Defect prevention techniques can be used during the creation of software artifacts to help developers create high-quality artifacts. These artifacts should have fewer faults that must be removed during inspection and testing. The Requirement Error Taxonomy that we have developed helps focus developers' attention on common errors that can occur during requirements engineering. Our claim is that, by focusing on those errors, the developers will be less likely to commit them. This paper investigates the usefulness of the Requirement Error Taxonomy as a defect prevention technique. The goal was to determine if making requirements engineers' familiar with the Requirement Error Taxonomy would reduce the likelihood that they commit errors while developing a requirements document. We conducted an empirical study in which the participants were given the opportunity to learn how to use the Requirement Error Taxonomy by employing it during the inspection of a requirements document. Then, in teams of four, they developed their own requirements document. This requirements document was then evaluated by other students to identify any errors made. The hypothesis was that participants who find more errors during the inspection of a requirements document would make fewer errors when creating their own requirements document. The overall result supports this hypothesis.