Which testing method is used to verify that a software application meets the specified requirements?

Acceptance testing is the method that specifically verifies whether a software application meets the agreed-upon requirements and functions as expected from the user's viewpoint. This type of testing is typically done after the software has passed previous testing phases, such as unit and integration testing, and is often the final validation before the application is delivered to the end user or client.

During acceptance testing, stakeholders or end users test the software to ensure that it fulfills the necessary criteria outlined in the requirements specification. This process may involve scenarios that mimic user interactions with the application, ensuring that all functionality behaves correctly, satisfies user needs, and meets business objectives. The goal of acceptance testing is to determine if the software is ready for production deployment.

In contrast, the other testing methods focus on different aspects of software verification. Unit testing checks individual components for expected behavior, integration testing assesses the interactions between integrated components, and regression testing ensures that new changes have not adversely affected existing functionalities. While all these testing methods are essential in the software development lifecycle, acceptance testing is the specific method that confirms compliance with the specified requirements before release.