What testing technique uses the tester's experience to predict where defects might occur due to prior errors?

The correct answer is based on the concept of leveraging the tester's prior experience to identify potential areas of defects. This technique, known as error guessing, involves making educated guesses about where defects are likely to be found. It relies on the tester’s historical knowledge of similar systems or past experiences in finding errors, which makes it a practical and intuitive method of testing.

Error guessing does not rely on formal specifications or systematic approaches; instead, it taps into the tester's intuition and understanding of common pitfalls in software development. Testers may consider factors such as complex portions of the code, high-risk areas, or features that have historically shown vulnerabilities. This technique allows testers to focus their efforts more efficiently on areas with a higher likelihood of containing defects.

In contrast, error detection is a more general term that may encompass various methods to identify errors but does not specifically rely on guessing based on past experiences. Test automation involves using software tools to execute tests automatically and may not utilize personal experience directly in identifying defect-prone areas. Static analysis refers to the examination of code without execution, primarily to catch defects without reliance on tester intuition or experience.