How often should a Scrum Team refine the Product Backlog?

The correct approach for refining the Product Backlog is to conduct this activity at least once per Sprint. Regular refinement helps ensure that the backlog remains up-to-date, relevant, and clearly prioritized based on the current understanding of the project's needs. By engaging in refinement sessions throughout the Sprint, the Scrum Team can clarify backlog items, break larger items down into manageable tasks, and reassess priorities as new information or insights arise.

This continual refinement process also supports effective Sprint Planning by ensuring that the items at the top of the backlog are well-defined and understood by the team, allowing for more accurate estimation and planning. It promotes collaboration within the team and ensures that everyone shares a common understanding of the work to be done.

Other options suggest infrequent refinement or only acting upon requests, which could lead to a backlog that is unclear or misaligned with stakeholder expectations. Limiting refinement to specific times or events could hinder the team's responsiveness and adaptability, which are essential principles in Scrum.