What it means
Verification focuses on conformance to requirements and design, while validation examines fitness for intended use and operational context. Independence can vary with system criticality and risk.
Why it matters
An independent perspective reduces confirmation bias and provides decision makers with evidence not solely produced by the team being evaluated.
Practical focus
- Define independence and authority before the review
- Trace evidence to requirements and risk
- Evaluate both product and development process
- Track findings through verified resolution
Common mistakes
- Using independence as a substitute for technical competence
- Reviewing documents without testing behavior
- Waiting until the end of development
- Allowing delivery pressure to suppress material findings
Certification relevance
This subject appears in or supports the following certification bodies of knowledge: