Answering: “Which three of the following are feedback loops in Scrum?” (PSPO I)

The Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective are feedback loops in Scrum. Release Planning is not a Scrum event, and refinement is an ongoing activity rather than an event.

Exam Question

Which three of the following are feedback loops in Scrum?
(choose the best three answers)
A. Daily Scrum.
B. Sprint Review.
C. Release Planning.
D. Sprint Retrospective.
E. Refinement Meeting.

Correct Answer

A, B and D.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Scrum is built on empiricism, and the Scrum Guide describes each event as a formal opportunity to inspect and adapt Scrum artifacts. The Daily Scrum inspects progress toward the Sprint Goal every 24 hours and adapts the Sprint Backlog. The Sprint Review inspects the Increment with stakeholders and adapts the Product Backlog. The Sprint Retrospective inspects how the team worked and adapts its process and Definition of Done. These three create feedback at different levels: daily plan, product and team. Sprint Planning is also an event, but it is not listed here. Refinement is real work but has no fixed timebox or event structure.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

C. Release Planning. Release Planning is not part of the 2020 Scrum Guide. Teams may plan releases, but it is not a Scrum event.

E. Refinement Meeting. Product Backlog refinement is an ongoing activity, not one of the five Scrum events.

Exam Tip

Know the five Scrum events: the Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Sprint Retrospective. Names like Release Planning or Refinement Meeting are not on the list.

Key Takeaways

• Scrum events are formal points to inspect and adapt.
• Daily Scrum, Sprint Review and Retrospective give feedback at different levels.
• Refinement is an activity, not an event.