Answering: “Which are appropriate topics for discussion in a Sprint Retrospective?” (PSPO I)

The Definition of Done, how the Scrum Team does its work, and team relations are all fair topics for a Sprint Retrospective. Product Backlog value and arranging the next Sprint Backlog belong to other activities.

Exam Question

Which are appropriate topics for discussion in a Sprint Retrospective?
(choose the best three answers)
A. The value of work currently represented in the Product Backlog.
B. Definition of Done.
C. How the Scrum Team does its work.
D. Arranging the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint.
E. Team relations.

Correct Answer

B, C and E.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says the Scrum Team “inspects how the last Sprint went with regards to individuals, interactions, processes, tools, and their Definition of Done.” The Definition of Done is named directly. How the team does its work covers processes and tools. Team relations cover individuals and interactions. The goal is to find ways to increase quality and effectiveness, so the discussion is about the team’s way of working rather than about product content.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The value of work in the Product Backlog. Product value is discussed in refinement and at the Sprint Review, where the Product Owner and stakeholders look at what to do next.

D. Arranging the Sprint Backlog for the next Sprint. The next Sprint Backlog is created in Sprint Planning, not in the Sprint Retrospective.

Exam Tip

Separate “how we work” topics, which belong in the Sprint Retrospective, from “what we build” topics, which belong in the Sprint Review and Sprint Planning.

Key Takeaways

• The Sprint Retrospective focuses on how the team works.
• The Definition of Done is reviewed in the Sprint Retrospective.
• Product content is handled at the Sprint Review and Sprint Planning.