7.1 Ethics & Ownership
AS Level · 15 questions found
What this topic covers
Section titled “What this topic covers”- Need for ethics as a computing professional; professional bodies: BCS, IEEE
- Impact of acting ethically or unethically for a given situation
- Copyright legislation; software licensing: Free Software Foundation, Open Source, shareware, commercial
- Introduction to AI: social, economic and environmental impact; applications of AI
Past paper questions
Section titled “Past paper questions”One ethical consideration for a student connecting their personal computer to the school network is the risk of spreading malware on the network.
(a) Viruses and pharming are examples of malware. 2 marks
Explain what is meant by a virus and pharming.
Virus
Pharming
(b) Give three other ethical considerations for a student using their personal computer to connect to the school network. 3 marks
1
2
3
(c) Describe two social impacts of students using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete their homework. 4 marks
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2
Show mark scheme
8(a) [2 marks]
1 mark for each correct explanation, max 2 marks Virus: Malicious program/software that replicates/copies itself and deletes/alters files/data stored on a computer Pharming: Malicious code/software installed on a computer which redirects user to a fake website to obtain personal data
8(b) [3 marks]
1 mark per bullet point, max 3 marks e. g. • Students should consider privacy issues • Students should not make inappropriate use of social networking // Students should not engage in cyberbullying • Students should not copy work that is not their own • Students should abide by the school rules/guidelines for accessing the network • Students should only use the school network for legitimate purposes • Students should not hack / crack other computers
8(c) [4 marks]
1 mark per bullet point, max 4 marks e. g. Negative Impacts • If students use AI to shortcut learning, they may miss out on developing reasoning and problem-solving skills // Students may not be learning anything // It could lead to a decline in specific skills • It could have negative impacts on student communication // heavy reliance on AI may limit opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face communication • Emphasises the digital divide// some students may not have access to the technology • The AI answer might not be correct leading to mis-information • Increased screen time and isolation could contribute to anxiety or loneliness Positive Impacts • Students given additional support may do better • Pupils who struggle in traditional settings may gain self -esteem through AI-assisted learning at their own pace Long-Term Impacts • Protection of intellectual property // ethical issues and considerations • Schools may need to redesign curricula and/or assessment to integrate AI
A programmer is developing a computer program.
(a) Explain how the programmer can first use an interpreter and then a compiler to develop the computer program. 4 marks
Interpreter
Compiler
(b) The programmer releases the program as Free Software. 2 marks
Describe what is meant by Free Software.
(c) A user downloads the computer program from the internet. 1 mark
State what should be included as part of the download to make sure the program is authentic.
Show mark scheme
10(a) [4 marks]
1 mark per bullet point, max 4 marks Max 2 from each section. Interpreter: • Use an interpreter while writing/coding the program • … to test / debug the partially completed program • … because errors can be corrected and processing continue from where the execution stopped // errors can be corrected in real time // errors are identified one at a time Compiler: • Use the compiler after the program is complete • … to create an executable file so source code not seen • Use the compiler to repeatedly test the same completed section without having to re-interpret every time
10(b) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point, max 2 • The software is free of restrictions • The software is not necessarily free of charge • The source code comes with the program // A user can edit the source code to add functionality / suit their needs • Users can share the software with others
10(c) [1 mark]
1 mark for a correct answer • Digital Signature
A digital video camera records students in a classroom. The data is transferred from the digital video camera over the internet to a server. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to analyse the video on the server to identify when students are interacting with the lesson and the teacher.
(a) Describe one ethical impact of this use of AI in the classroom. 2 marks
(b) A video is made of many bitmap images called frames. 30 frames are recorded every second. 2 marks
Each frame is 4000 pixels wide by 3000 pixels high. The video records using 16‑bit colour depth.
Calculate an estimate for the file size for one second of the video in gigabytes.
Show your working.
File size ______ gigabytes
(c) Identify and describe one method of data verification that can be used when transferring data from the digital video camera to the server. 3 marks
Method
Description
(d) Describe two reasons why the server that stores the videos uses magnetic hard disks instead of solid state (flash) memory. 4 marks
1
2
(e) The table contains three algorithms that perform data validation. The third algorithm uses the functions MID and LENGTH. 3 marks
The functions MID and LENGTH are defined as follows:
MID(ThisString : STRING, x : INTEGER, y : INTEGER) RETURNS STRING returns a string of length y starting at position x from ThisString
LENGTH(ThisString : STRING) RETURNS INTEGER returns the integer value representing the length of ThisString
Complete the table to identify the method of data validation for each algorithm. Each method of data validation must be different.
| Algorithm | Method of data validation |
|---|---|
| INPUT x IF x < 1 or x > 26 THEN OUTPUT "Invalid" ENDIF |
|
| INPUT x IF x <> 'R' AND x <> 'G' AND x <> 'B' THEN OUTPUT "Invalid" ENDIF |
|
| INPUT x FLAG FALSE FOR INDEX 1 TO LENGTH(x) IF MID(x, INDEX, 1) = "@" THEN FLAG TRUE ENDIF NEXT INDEX IF NOT FLAG THEN OUTPUT "Invalid" ENDIF |
Show mark scheme
7(a) [2 marks]
1 mark per point, max 2 marks e.g. • The learning experience could be improved • … by identifying students who are struggling • …. and employing more personalised learning • There could be early Intervention • … to determine which students require extra support • • Teachers and students could understand the challenges better • …and identify optimal times for learning • There could be privacy concerns • …. students / teachers could be uncomfortable with constant surveillance • ... students might not want their data / actions passed to third parties • There could be Mental Health concerns • …. due to constant monitoring and pressure • …. contributing to student stress and anxiety
7(b) [2 marks]
1 mark for the working 1 mark for the correct answer Working: (400030003016) / (8100010001000) //(40003000302) / (10001000*1000) Answer: 0.72 gigabytes
7(c) [3 marks]
1 mark for the name 2 marks for the matching description, max 3 marks • Parity Byte Check • a parity bit is added to each byte to make the number of 1s match the parity, odd or even • each byte can be checked on receipt and request to be resent if the byte does not match parity • Parity Block Check • a bit is added to each byte, but a parity byte is also set for each block • the location of an error can be found using vertical and horizontal parity • Checksum • A calculation is made from the data and transmitted with the data • The receiver performs the same calculation and compares with received checksum to see if they match
7(d) [4 marks]
1 mark per reason, 1 mark for corresponding justification x2 max 4 marks • Lower cost per unit of storage • ... so the high capacity of storage required for large number of video files will be less costly • A large number of read/write operations are being performed continuously • ... and magnetic storage is likely to have a longer life span compared with solid state
7(e) [3 marks]
1 mark for each validation check correctly identified, max 3 marks Range Check Existence Check Format Check
A shop installs a new system that allows users to purchase items without going through a manual checkout.
The new system:
identifies customers when they enter the shop and matches them to their account
prevents a customer from walking through the automatic barriers if they do not have an account
automatically detects the items that a customer has taken from a shelf and charges these to the customer’s account.
(a) The new system uses digital cameras and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify the customers. 4 marks
Explain how the new system uses AI to identify each customer.
(b) The new system uses sensors to identify the items taken from a shelf. 2 marks
Identify one type of sensor that can be used in this new system.
State how the sensor can be used to identify the items taken from a shelf.
Sensor
Use
Show mark scheme
4(a) [4 marks]
1 mark each to max 4 e.g. • Uses image recognition / facial recognition • Measures the distance between facial features of the customer • and stores the values in a database of user information • An image is captured using the digital camera • the AI identifies that the image is a face • by analysing the pixels to find patterns • the distance between features is calculated and compared to those in database
4(b) [2 marks]
1 mark for sensor, 1 mark for corresponding use e.g. Sensor Use Pressure Detects when the pressure of an item is removed from a shelf / put back on a shelf Infrared Detects when the beam is broken for an item removed / added
Software is distributed with a licence.
(a) Give two benefits of distributing software using a shareware software licence. 2 marks
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2
(b) Give two benefits of distributing software using a commercial software licence. 2 marks
1
2
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7(a) [2 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 2 ) • The user can test/trial the program before purchasing to see whether it meets needs • There is no initial cost • Users who try the software may spread the word so the developer gets more custom • The developer can get feedback to improve the program
7(b) [2 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 2 ) • The owner/developer can earn a fee • Comprehensive support is usually offered so problems can be easily solved • The software is usually well tested so few bugs
A computer programmer is learning about the importance of acting ethically at work.
(a) Explain the reasons why the computer programmer needs to act ethically towards colleagues and the public. 4 marks
Colleagues
The public
(b) The programmer writes a program to be used in a business. The source code of the program can be modified by the business. The business pays the programmer for the maintenance and security updates.
(i) Identify one suitable type of software licence for the program and describe the reasons for your choice. 3 marks
Type of software licence
Reasons for choice
(ii) Explain the reasons why the programmer should copyright their program. 2 marks
Show mark scheme
5(a) [4 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point max 2 for public max 2 for colleagues e.g. Colleagues: The programmer should: • Treat colleagues fairly and avoid acts of discrimination • Be prepared to accept / offer critique • … so that technical work can be improved • Credit the contributions of colleagues • … so that they feel valued / respected • Help / train colleagues etc. e.g. The public: The programmer should: • Maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public • … so as not to endanger anyone • Be honest / realistic in making claims about the software • … so that public trust is maintained • Maintain the security of the public's data etc.
5(b)(i) [3 marks]
Type of software licence 1 mark for • Open Source Initiative // Free Software Foundation Reason for choice: 1 mark for each bullet point ( max 2 ) • Allows program source code to be examined • … so that the business can adapt/modify the program to meet their needs • Allows the programmer to earn money for the software and updates
5(b)(ii) [2 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 2 ) • To identify themselves as the owner/author // To gain formal recognition of ownership • To allow for legal consequences if anyone steals/copies it • To restrict competition
A computer programmer writes programs that are distributed with a software licence.
(a) Complete the table by writing the type of software licence each statement describes. 3 marks
| Statement | Software licence |
|---|---|
| A fee is charged for the software. The source code cannot be accessed. Users do not get a free trial. |
|
| Users can try the software before buying it. Users may not be able to access all features during the trial. |
|
| Software is usually free of charge. Users can access the source code and alter the program to their needs. |
(b) Explain the reasons why it is important for the computer programmer to join a professional ethical body. 3 marks
Show mark scheme
5(a) [3 marks]
1 mark for each correct licence Statement Software Licence A fee is charged for the software. The source code Commercial cannot be accessed. Users do not get a free trial. Users can try the software before buying it. Users Shareware may not be able to access all features during the trial. Software is usually free of charge. Users can access Open Source // the source code and alter the program to their needs. Free software
5(b) [3 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 3 ) e.g. • The professional ethical body has ethical guidelines to follow • … so clients/other staff know the standards being applied • … so the computer programmer does not have to decide what is ethical it's written down • Clients/staff know the computer programmer is reputable • … there may be a test/requirement for entry • … giving recognition of the computer programmer's skills/knowledge • The professional ethical body provides help and support • … for example, if the computer programmer needs legal advice • The professional ethical body runs training courses • … to keep the computer programmer's skills up to date
(a) State two benefits to a programmer of distributing a program using a shareware licence. 2 marks
1
2
(b) Explain why it is important for a programmer to join a professional ethical body. 4 marks
Show mark scheme
6(a) [2 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 2 ). • Users are able to trial the program and may offer the programmer constructive feedback • More people might try the program because the trial is free of charge • Allows bugs to be found and corrected on a wide range of computer system configurations improving the programmer’s original program • Users that find the trial useful will buy the program so programmer gets income • Allows the program to be copyrighted and so protects the programmer’s intellectual property rights // no illegal modification allowed
6(b) [4 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point ( max 4 ). • The programmer has ethical guidelines to follow • …so purchasers of programs know the standards being applied • …so programmer does not have to decide what is ethical or not • Clients know programmer is reputable • …recognition of programmer’s skills/knowledge • There may be an entry requirement / exam • … so clients know that the programmer is competent • Professional ethical body provides help and support • Such as legal advice // by appropriate example • Enables programmer to attend the ethical body’s training courses • …to keep skills up to date // to develop skills
A programmer is developing a computer game in a high-level language to sell to the public.
(a) The programmer uses both an interpreter and a compiler at different stages of the development of the program.
(i) Explain the reasons why the programmer uses an interpreter while writing the program code. 2 marks
(ii) Explain the reasons why the programmer uses a compiler when the program has been written. 3 marks
(b) The programmer needs to publish the game under a software licence so that it can be sold to the public. 4 marks
Identify the most appropriate type of software licence for the game and justify your choice.
Licence
Justification
Show mark scheme
5(a)(i) [3 marks]
1 mark each to max 2 Programmer can test sections of the code without every part working / being written Programmer can debug in real time … so that errors can be fixed and the program continued from that point The effect of any changes made by the programmer can be seen immediately To avoid dependent errors
5(a)(ii) [4 marks]
1 mark each to max 3 The compiler produces an executable file ... so the user cannot access / edit / sell the code ... and users do not need the translator to run the game The game can be compiled for different hardware specifications ... and then used to generate more income for the programmer The program can be tested multiple times without having to retranslate each time
5(b) [5 marks]
1 mark for appropriate licence; 1 mark for each point to max 3 Commercial software licence User has to pay for the product so the programmer can gain an income Enables the program to be copyrighted ... so the user cannot legally edit the program // the programmer retains control over product … and can take legal action against people who attempt to illegally copy it /sell it on Shareware licence Enables the program to be copyrighted The user cannot legally edit the program so the developer retains control over product User can try the program for free and then pay for the full game which allows the programmer to gain an income so more people can experience it and therefore be more likely to buy it
One use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is for facial recognition software.
Describe the social impact of using facial recognition software to identify individuals in an airport. 2 marks
Show mark scheme
9 [2 marks]
1 mark for each bullet point (max 2) . For example: • incorrect recognition of faces leads to mistakes such as • ... access to facilities / systems may be denied • privacy issues / people do not like data being stored • individuals will feel safer • ... there might be a reduction in crime • faster boarding • catching criminals
Question 6 begins on page 10.
Show mark scheme
9(a)(i) [1 mark]
93
9(a)(ii) [1 mark]
147
9(b) [2 marks]
1 mark for each correct benefit ( max 2 ) Examples: • straightforward to convert to / from BCD and denary • ... so it is less complex to encode and decode for programmers • easier for digital equipment use BCD to display output information • can represent monetary values exactly
A programmer uses an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to develop a program.
(a) Draw one line from each IDE feature to its correct description.
IDE feature Description
Executes one line of the program and Context-sensitive prompt then stops
Underlines or highlights statements Dynamic syntax check that do not meet the rules of the language
Outputs the contents of variables and Breakpoint data structures
Single stepping Stops the code executing at a set line
Displays predictions of the code being Report window entered
(b) The programmer wants to allow users to edit, improve and redistribute the program. 4 marks 2 marks
Identify two different types of software licence that the programmer could use. 1
2
(c) Explain the benefits to the programmer of using program libraries. 3 marks
Show mark scheme
5(a) [4 marks]
1 mark for 1 correct line, 2 marks for 2 correct lines, 3 marks for 3 or 4 correct lines, 4 marks for all 5 correct lines IDE feature Description Context-sensitive Executes one line of the prompt program and then stops Underlines or highlights Dynamic syntax statements that do not meet check the rules of the language Outputs the contents of Breakpoint variables and data structures Stops the code executing at Single stepping a set line Displays predictions of the Report window code being entered
5(b) [2 marks]
1 mark each: Open Source Initiative Free Software Foundation
5(c) [3 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 3 Saves (programming/testing) time as code does not have to be written/re-written from scratch // code does not have to be tested Code is already tested so it is more robust/likely to work If there is an improvement in the library routine the program updates automatically can perform complex calculations that the programmer may be unable to do
Francis is starting his first job as a software developer for a multinational company.
(a) Francis has been advised to join a professional ethical body. 3 marks
Describe the benefits to Francis of joining a professional ethical body.
(b) Francis is shown the software he will be working on. He is unfamiliar with the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) he is required to use.
(i) Describe the ways in which Francis can act ethically in this situation. 2 marks
(ii) A typical IDE provides debugging tools to support the testing of a program. 3 marks
Identify three other tools or features found in a typical IDE to support the writing of the program.
1
2
3
(c) Francis is part of a team writing a program. He finds an error in part of the program that has already been tested. He decides not to tell anyone because he is worried about the consequences. 2 marks
Explain the reasons why Francis acted unethically in this situation.
Show mark scheme
4(a) [3 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 3 e.g. He has ethical guidelines to follow • … so clients/other staff know the standards being applied • … so he does not have to decide what is ethical it's written down • Clients / staff know he is reputable • … recognition of his skills / knowledge • … there may be a test / requirements for entry • They provide help and support • … for example if he needs legal advice • They run training courses • … to keep his skills up-to-date •
4(b)(i) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 e.g. He can tell the manager he has not used it • … and how he will get up-to-date • He can perform his own research on how to use it • He can explain to the manager that he needs additional training • He can(ask the manager to book on a training course • He can ask for a mentor / to shadow someone • He can practice at home before starting •
4(b)(ii) [3 marks]
1 mark for each correct tool e.g. Colour coding // pretty printing • Auto-complete • Auto-correct • Context sensitive prompts • Expand and collapse code blocks •
4(c) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 e.g. He didn’t act in best interest of product • … because the product might fail because he didn’t report the error • He didn’t act in best interest of client • … because if the product does not work then they have been let down • because he didn't report the error He didn’t act in the best interest of the profession • … he is letting his profession down because he didn't report the error • He didn’t act in best interest of the company • ... not correcting the error early could lead to later problems •
4(d) [4 marks]
1 mark for each correctly completed term Compilers are usually used when a high-level language program is complete. They translate all the code at the same time and then run the program. They produce executable/.exe/object code files that can be run without the source code. Interpreters translate one line of a high-level language program at a time, and then run that line of code. They are most useful while developing the programs because errors can be corrected and then the program continues from that line. Assemblers are used to translate assembly code into binary/machine code .
Francis is starting his first job as a software developer for a multinational company.
(a) Francis has been advised to join a professional ethical body. 3 marks
Describe the benefits to Francis of joining a professional ethical body.
(b) Francis is shown the software he will be working on. He is unfamiliar with the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) he is required to use.
(i) Describe the ways in which Francis can act ethically in this situation. 2 marks
(ii) A typical IDE provides debugging tools to support the testing of a program. 3 marks
Identify three other tools or features found in a typical IDE to support the writing of the program.
1
2
3
(c) Francis is part of a team writing a program. He finds an error in part of the program that has already been tested. He decides not to tell anyone because he is worried about the consequences. 2 marks
Explain the reasons why Francis acted unethically in this situation.
Show mark scheme
4(a) [3 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 3 e.g. He has ethical guidelines to follow • … so clients/other staff know the standards being applied • … so he does not have to decide what is ethical it's written down • Clients / staff know he is reputable • … recognition of his skills / knowledge • … there may be a test / requirements for entry • They provide help and support • … for example if he needs legal advice • They run training courses • … to keep his skills up-to-date •
4(b)(i) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 e.g. He can tell the manager he has not used it • … and how he will get up-to-date • He can perform his own research on how to use it • He can explain to the manager that he needs additional training • He can(ask the manager to book on a training course • He can ask for a mentor / to shadow someone • He can practice at home before starting •
4(b)(ii) [3 marks]
1 mark for each correct tool e.g. Colour coding // pretty printing • Auto-complete • Auto-correct • Context sensitive prompts • Expand and collapse code blocks •
4(c) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 e.g. He didn’t act in best interest of product • … because the product might fail because he didn’t report the error • He didn’t act in best interest of client • … because if the product does not work then they have been let down • because he didn't report the error He didn’t act in the best interest of the profession • … he is letting his profession down because he didn't report the error • He didn’t act in best interest of the company • ... not correcting the error early could lead to later problems •
4(d) [4 marks]
1 mark for each correctly completed term Compilers are usually used when a high-level language program is complete. They translate all the code at the same time and then run the program. They produce executable/.exe/object code files that can be run without the source code. Interpreters translate one line of a high-level language program at a time, and then run that line of code. They are most useful while developing the programs because errors can be corrected and then the program continues from that line. Assemblers are used to translate assembly code into binary/machine code .
Aisha manages a team of software developers.
(a) Explain the reasons why it is important that Aisha acts ethically in relation to her team members. 2 marks
(b) The team are developing a computer game where the user plays a board game (such as chess) against the computer. 3 marks
Describe how the computer would use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to play the board game.
(c) The final game will be released under a licence. 4 marks
| Tick (3) one or more boxes in each | h row to identify | y the licence( | (s) each statem | ment describes. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement | Free Software Foundation |
Open Source Initiative |
Shareware | Commercial Software |
| The user can edit the source code | ||||
| The usermust always pay before being able to use the software |
||||
| The user can redistribute the software | ||||
| The user always gets a trial period |
Show mark scheme
2(a) [2 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 2 To make sure the team members feel valued • To get the best work out of the team • To enable them to work well together • To enable them to create the best product for the client •
2(b) [3 marks]
1 mark per bullet point to max 3 The rules / past moves / decision making algorithms of the game will be • stored The AI program is trained, by playing many times • AI will look (ahead) at possible moves • ... and/or analyse the pattern of past choices • … and choose the move most likely to be successful • Computer could learn how to improve // learn from previous mistakes • … by storing the positive/negative result of choices • ... and changing its future choices •
2(c) [4 marks]
1 mark for each correct column Free Open Commercial Statement Software Source Shareware Software Foundation Initiative The user can edit the source code The user must always pay before being able to use the software The user can redistribute the software The user always gets a trial period