If there is a need to gather metrics from the review, which type of review will probably be the most effective?

The most effective type of review for gathering metrics is the inspection. Inspections are formal reviews that follow a structured approach, focusing on identifying defects within the work product being reviewed. This structured nature allows participants to assess quality based on defined criteria, which can be quantified into metrics.

During an inspection, specific roles are often assigned, including a moderator, authors, and reviewers, facilitating thorough examination and meticulous documentation of findings. This formal environment encourages the collection of detailed data on various aspects such as defect density, types of defects found, and the overall quality of the deliverables. As a result, organizations can effectively track process improvements and make data-driven decisions based on the metrics gathered.

Inspections often lead to the generation of validated, objective metrics due to their focus on detailed analysis and the requirement for documented outcomes, which is not always as comprehensive in other types of reviews.