Ace the 2026 OCR GCSE Computer Science Challenge – Code Your Way to Success!

The correct answer is error data. This type of data is specifically designed to test the robustness and error-handling capabilities of software. When error data is input into a program, it typically consists of invalid or unexpected values that the software may not handle appropriately. Examples include providing a letter when a number is expected, inputting excessively large strings, or even inputs that break the program's data structure.

During testing, the goal is to see how well the software can manage such erroneous inputs without crashing or producing incorrect results. If the software fails to properly manage error data, it may lead to crashes or unintended behavior, making it a critical aspect of software testing to ensure stability and reliability.

Normal data, extreme data, and valid data do not usually lead to software crashes. Normal and valid data are expected and operate within the software's designed parameters, while extreme data tests limits but should still be within acceptable boundaries. Therefore, they are less likely to cause failures compared to error data.