An Investigation of Three Forms of the Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC) Criterion

Abstract

This report compares three forms of Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC). MCDC is a structural coverage criterion used to assist with the assessment of the adequacy of the requirements-based testing process. This level of coverage is required for Level A software. The purpose of these comparisons is to provide data to enable a rational choice for what form of structural coverage is required for Level A software. This report provides justification why structural coverage, in general, and MCDC in particular, should be part of the software system development process. Definitions for three forms of MCDC are given, along with extensions for relational operators. These three forms of MCDC are compared theoretically and empirically for minimum probability of error detection performance and ease of satisfaction. Conclusions from the data are drawn and limitations of the study methodology are identified.