Which statement BEST compares the purposes of confirmation testing and regression testing?

Confirmation testing, often referred to as "bug verification testing," specifically aims to verify that a previously identified defect has been fixed. When a defect is reported and subsequently addressed, confirmation testing is conducted to ensure that the fix works as intended and the defect no longer exists in the system. This is a focused examination on the specific area where the defect was identified.

On the other hand, regression testing serves a broader purpose. It is designed to verify that recent changes, such as bug fixes or enhancements, have not adversely impacted the existing functionality of the system. When parts of the application are modified, regression testing helps to identify whether those changes have introduced new issues elsewhere in the application. Thus, it is important for maintaining the integrity of the software as it evolves.

The selected answer accurately reflects these distinct purposes: confirmation testing validates that an individual defect has been addressed, while regression testing ensures that no new issues arise from the recent changes.