The Product Owner takes part in the Sprint Retrospective as a full Scrum Team member. They are not there to report to stakeholders or to gather requirements.
Exam Question
What is the Product Owner responsible for during the Sprint Retrospective? (choose the best answer)
- A. Participating as a Scrum Team member.
- B. Summarizing and reporting the discussions to the stakeholders that they represent the Scrum Team.
- C. The Product Owner should not take part in Sprint Retrospective.
- D. Capturing requirements for the Product Backlog.
Correct Answer
A. Participating as a Scrum Team member.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide says “The purpose of the Sprint Retrospective is to plan ways to increase quality and effectiveness.” It is an event for the Scrum Team, and the Product Owner is part of that team. The team looks at how the last Sprint went with regard to individuals, interactions, processes, tools and the Definition of Done. Many problems involve the Product Owner, such as unclear backlog items or late feedback, so their presence helps the team find real improvements. Their role there is the same as anyone else’s on the team: reflect honestly, contribute ideas and own the changes the team agrees to.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B. Summarize and report the discussions to stakeholders. The Retrospective is a safe space for the team. Reporting it outward would damage openness.
C. The Product Owner should not take part. The Product Owner is a member of the Scrum Team and belongs at the Retrospective.
D. Capture requirements for the Product Backlog. Requirements work belongs to refinement and the Sprint Review. The Retrospective is about how the team works.
Exam Tip
All three Scrum Team accountabilities attend the Sprint Retrospective. If an option excludes the Product Owner or the Scrum Master, it is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- The Product Owner is part of the Scrum Team and attends the Retrospective.
- The Retrospective is about quality and effectiveness, not requirements.
- What is said there is not reported to stakeholders.
Get ready for the official PSM I exam
480 PSM I practice questions, each with an in-depth explanation like the one above.
- Practice Mode: study at your own pace and choose the test length.
- Mock Exam Mode: 80 random questions in 60 minutes, like the real exam.
$29 is ScrumPrep's one-time price. The official PSM I exam fee ($200) is paid separately to Scrum.org.
More PSM I exam questions
- One of the Scrum events is the Daily Scrum. What are two intended outcomes of the Daily Scrum?
- Which are characteristics of the Daily Scrum?” (PSM I)
- Choose two responsibilities of self-managing Developers.
- What are three ways Scrum promotes self-management?” (PSM I)
- How should Product Backlog items be chosen when multiple Scrum Teams work from the same Product Backlog?” (PSM I)