Which of the following is a typical test objective?

The selection of preventing defects as a typical test objective aligns with the fundamental goal of software testing, which is not just to find defects but to avoid them in the first place. Prevention is prioritized in software testing because it helps ensure a higher quality product from the outset, reducing costs and time associated with fixing issues later in the development process. By identifying potential failures during the early stages of development, testing can lead to the implementation of solutions that prevent defects from occurring altogether.

This proactive approach contributes to building a robust testing process where the focus is on establishing high-quality standards, applying best practices, and integrating testing throughout the development life cycle. In doing so, teams can enhance their efficiency and reduce the likelihood of defects manifesting in the final product, ultimately benefiting user satisfaction and trust in the software.

The other choices, while related to testing, do not represent the primary preventive goals of testing. Repairing defects, for example, is a reactive measure that follows the identification of issues but does not align with the objective of preventing them. Similarly, comparing actual to expected results and analyzing the cause of failures are activities that occur after the presence of defects has been established and therefore are more about assessment and diagnosis rather than prevention.