What is meant by "ground truth" in testing?

What is meant by "ground truth" in testing?

• A. Theoretical values used during simulations
• B. Known correct values for evaluating test outcomes
• C. Predictions made prior to testing
• D. Assumptions used in the test design

Answer: (B)

The term "ground truth" refers to the known correct values that are used as a reference point when evaluating the outcomes of a test. In the context of testing and evaluation, these values serve as a benchmark against which the performance of a system, model, or process can be measured. By comparing the results obtained during the testing with the ground truth, testers can identify discrepancies, validate the accuracy of their systems, and make informed decisions regarding system performance.

For instance, in a testing scenario involving a machine learning model, ground truth might consist of accurately labeled data that the model is expected to predict. If the model's predictions align closely with these known values, it can be deemed effective; if they do not, further analysis is warranted to understand the limitations or errors involved in the model's predictions.

Understanding ground truth is essential for rigorously assessing the reliability and validity of testing outcomes, ensuring that the results are indeed representative of the real-world phenomena being modeled or evaluated.