The Sprint Goal gives the Developers one shared, specific objective, which keeps them focused and working together. It does not guarantee that every selected Product Backlog item gets finished.
Exam Question
Why do the Developers need a Sprint Goal?
(choose the best answer)
A. Sprint Goals are not valuable. Everything is known from the Product Backlog.
B. The Developers are more focused with a common yet specific goal.
C. A Sprint Goal only gives purpose to Sprint 0.
D. A Sprint Goal ensures that all of the Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint are implemented.
Correct Answer
B. The Developers are more focused with a common yet specific goal.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide calls the Sprint Goal “the single objective for the Sprint.” It adds that the Sprint Goal “creates coherence and focus, encouraging the Scrum Team to work together rather than on separate initiatives.” It also gives the Developers flexibility. If the work turns out differently than expected, they can negotiate the scope of the Sprint Backlog with the Product Owner while still meeting the goal. That flexibility is the reason the goal matters more than the exact list of items. A list of items alone tells the team what to build, but not why it matters this Sprint.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. Sprint Goals are not valuable because everything is in the Product Backlog. The Product Backlog is emergent and never fully known. The Sprint Goal explains why this Sprint is valuable, which the item list alone cannot do.
C. A Sprint Goal only gives purpose to Sprint 0. There is no Sprint 0 in Scrum. Every Sprint has a Sprint Goal.
D. A Sprint Goal ensures every selected item is implemented. The goal is the commitment, not the item list. Scope can be renegotiated during the Sprint as long as the goal is not endangered.
Exam Tip
Questions about the Sprint Goal usually reward answers about focus, coherence and flexibility. Answers that treat it as a guarantee of full scope are traps.
Key Takeaways
- The Sprint Goal is the single objective for the Sprint.
- It creates focus and encourages the team to work together.
- Scope can change during the Sprint; the goal stays.
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More PSPO I exam questions
- Who does the work to make sure Product Backlog items conform to the Definition of Done?” (PSPO I)
- Which three of the following are feedback loops in Scrum?” (PSPO I)
- Which three of the following are timeboxed events in Scrum?” (PSPO I)
- True or False: The Sprint Backlog is a result of Sprint Planning, and it includes the Sprint Goal.” (PSPO I)
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