How is verification different from validation in the context of TandE?

How is verification different from validation in the context of TandE?

• A. Verification determines if a product fulfills its intended use
• B. Validation checks if a product meets specifications
• C. Verification checks compliance with specifications; validation checks intended use
• D. Validation focuses on system aesthetics

Answer: (C)

In the context of Test and Evaluation (TandE), verification and validation serve two distinct purposes in assessing a product's performance and suitability. The correct choice highlights that verification focuses on whether a product complies with specified requirements, while validation examines whether the product actually meets the intended use or operational needs.

Verification is an assessment process to ensure that the product has been developed according to the guidelines and specifications set forth. This involves checking the design, components, and performance metrics against predefined criteria.

On the other hand, validation goes a step further by determining if the product is appropriate for its intended purpose. It confirms that the right product has been built and that it will fulfill the needs of the end-users when deployed in real-world scenarios.

This distinction is crucial in TandE because it ensures that not only is the product built correctly but also that it effectively addresses the problems it aims to solve or the tasks it is designed to perform. Focusing on specifications alone without considering intended use could lead to products that technically work but fail to deliver the expected benefits to users.