The correct answer is B, because a Scrum Master is not the same thing as a traditional PM (Project Manager). The Scrum Guide states that “the Scrum Master is responsible for promoting and supporting Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide. Scrum Masters do this by helping everyone understand Scrum theory, practices, rules, and values.” Therefore, a Scrum Master is not a manager, but a servant-leader and a coach for the Scrum Team and the organization.

 The Scrum Master should be concerned about the ability of the Development Teams to produce integrated Increments, as this is one of the goals of Scrum. The Scrum Master should also encourage the Development Teams to figure out a solution for themselves, as this fosters self-management and collaboration. The other options are not relevant or important for the Scrum Master in this situation.

The correct answers are B and D, because the Scrum Guide states that “the number of items selected from the Product Backlog for the Sprint is solely up to the Development Team. Only the Development Team can assess what it can accomplish over the upcoming Sprint.” Therefore, the Development Team can remove or change selected Product Backlog items in agreement with the Product Owner if they see that the workload is greater than they can handle. The Development Team should also ensure that the Product Owner is aware of the situation, start the Sprint, and monitor progress.

According to the Scrum Guide 1 , the definition of “Done” is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the quality measures required for the product. The definition of “Done” is created by the development organization (or Development Team if none is available from the development organization). The definition guides the Development Team in creating a “Done” Increment.

According to the Scrum Guide 1 , ordering Product Backlog items is solely up to the Product Owner’s discretion. The Product Owner orders items in the Product Backlog to best achieve goals and missions. To do this, they optimize value by considering various factors such as cost and benefit, risk, dependencies, date needed, etc. The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the work the Development Team does.

According to the Scrum Guide, a Scrum Team must release each Increment when it makes sense to do so, based on the value and feedback obtained from stakeholders. The decision to release an Increment is made by the Product Owner, who is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and the work of the Development Team. The other options are not valid, as they imply that releasing an Increment is either mandatory (such as after every Sprint), conditional (such as when the product is free of defects), or irrelevant (such as when the Scrum Team finishes their work).

According to the Scrum Guide 1 , an Increment is a concrete stepping stone toward the Product Goal. Each Increment is additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly verified, ensuring that all Increments work together. In order to provide value, the Increment must be usable. Multiple Increments may be created within a Sprint. The sum of the Increments is presented at the Sprint Review thus supporting empiricism. However, an Increment may be delivered to stakeholders prior to the end of the Sprint. The Sprint Review should never be considered a gate to releasing value.

According to the Scrum Guide 1 , there are five values that guide decisions within Scrum teams:

Commitment

Focus

Openness

Respect

Courage

By not building Product Backlog items that have low business value, Scrum teams exhibit respect for their stakeholders and customers, as they deliver what is most valuable and relevant for them. They also exhibit focus, as they concentrate on what matters most for achieving their Product Goal and Sprint Goal. They also exhibit courage, as they are willing to say no to low-value work and face possible conflicts or disagreements.

The correct answer is D because the Scrum Master participates in the Sprint Retrospective as a member of the Scrum Team and facilitates the event when needed. According to the Scrum Guide, the Sprint Retrospective exists so the Scrum Team can inspect how the last Sprint went regarding individuals, interactions, processes, tools, and their Definition of Done, and then identify improvements to increase quality and effectiveness. The Scrum Master helps ensure that Scrum events take place and are positive, productive, and kept within the timebox. That includes helping the team use the Retrospective effectively.

Option A is incorrect because the Scrum Master is not merely a note-taker or scribe. Option B is incorrect because the Sprint Retrospective is for the Scrum Team, not a management reporting session. Option C is incorrect because action items are not “prioritized” by the Scrum Master alone; improvements are identified collaboratively by the Scrum Team.

The Scrum Master’s role is to support meaningful reflection, encourage openness, and help the team turn insights into practical improvements within the Scrum framework.

Detailed Explanation and References from Scrum

???? Scrum Guide Reference:

" The Sprint Backlog is composed of the Sprint Goal (why), the set of Product Backlog items selected for the Sprint (what), as well as an actionable plan for delivering the Increment (how). " ​

" The Sprint Backlog is a plan by and for the Developers . It is a highly visible, real-time picture of the work that the Developers plan to accomplish during the Sprint in order to achieve the Sprint Goal. " ​

???? Why is " C. The Developers " Correct?

The Sprint Backlog is owned and managed by the Developers because they are the ones responsible for planning and executing the work.

The Developers update and modify the Sprint Backlog as needed during the Sprint .

The Scrum Team collaborates during Sprint Planning to define the Sprint Backlog, but the ongoing responsibility for managing it lies only with the Developers .

This allows the team to self-manage and adapt as work progresses.

❌ Incorrect Answers with Explanations

❌ A. The Scrum Team

???? Why is this Incorrect?

While the Scrum Team (Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Developers) collaborates during Sprint Planning, only the Developers are responsible for the Sprint Backlog .

The Scrum Master does not manage the Sprint Backlog , and the Product Owner does not modify it once the Sprint starts .

❌ B. The Scrum Master

???? Why is this Incorrect?

The Scrum Master facilitates the process but does not own or manage the Sprint Backlog .

The Scrum Master helps the team understand Scrum practices and remove impediments , but they do not decide or change the Sprint Backlog ​.

❌ D. The Product Owner

???? Why is this Incorrect?

The Product Owner is responsible for the Product Backlog, NOT the Sprint Backlog .

Once a Sprint starts, the Product Owner cannot modify the Sprint Backlog —only the Developers can update it as they learn more.