Pack — 7 Ethics and Ownership (AS Level)

Pack — 7 Ethics and Ownership

Question-and-answer mirror of Jigsaw. Every concept in Jigsaw appears here as a !question with a collapsible !success answer.

How marks are set

• 9618 | — the highest mark tariff that concept has ever carried in a 9618 paper. Answer points = that tariff + 2 spare, newest mark scheme first, older ones filling the gaps.
• 9608 | — same rule, using 9608 tariffs. In the 9618 syllabus, untested in the current series.
• Inferred | — not tested in either series. Tariff estimated from how 9618 marks comparable questions.
• SME | — from the Save My Exams notes. Tariff estimated the same way.

One bullet = one mark, unless the bullet begins … (an expansion of the point above it).

AI has no 9608 questions at all

The 9608 Legend’s AI section is empty. Every AI question in existence is 9618, 2021 onwards, and AI has appeared in every series. There is no old-syllabus safety net, so the Inferred and SME entries in 7.1.5 carry more weight than anywhere else in this note.

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7.1.1 The need for and purpose of ethics as a computing professional

Question

Explain why it is important for a programmer to join a professional ethical body.

Answer — 10 points for 4 marks

• The programmer has ethical guidelines to follow
• … so purchasers / clients / other staff know the standards being applied
• … so the programmer does not have to decide what is ethical — it is written down
• Clients know the programmer is reputable
• … recognition of the programmer’s skills / knowledge
• There may be an entry requirement / test / exam
• … so clients know that the programmer is competent
• The body provides help and support, such as legal advice
• The body runs training courses
• … to keep the programmer’s skills up to date / to develop skills

Latest: 9618_w23_qp_13_sc_6.b. 9618_w24_qp_13_sc_5.b and 9618_w21_qp_11_sc_4.a are the 3-mark versions of the same content.

Question

Describe the possible consequences of a programmer not joining a professional ethical body.

Answer — 8 points for 3 marks

• There is no / limited access to legal advice
• … in case action is taken against them
• There are fewer networking opportunities
• … so they could miss out on contacts / jobs
• There would be less access to training
• There would be no clear laid-out ethical guidelines
• … and/or no one to discuss potential ethical problems with
• … possibly leading to inappropriate / unethical actions, which might lead to legal proceedings

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_13_sc_3.d

Question

Describe the purpose of a code of conduct.

Answer — 6 points for 2 marks

• To create a safe, respectable and professional working environment for all employees
• To ensure that employees understand the expectations
• … and the consequences of their actions
• To provide a clear outline of what is considered good practice
• So there are clear rules to follow in certain situations
• To protect the reputation of the organisation // maintain public trust

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_12_sc_2.b

Question

Explain the reasons why a company needs a professional code of conduct.

Answer — 7 points for 3 marks

• To identify what employees can do
• To identify what employees cannot do
• To identify the repercussions of employees performing activities they should not
• To identify the company’s and the employee’s responsibilities
• To identify the company’s values / mission
• To identify what behaviour / events / activities can be measured against
• To identify how they will comply with legislation

Latest: 9608_s21_qp_13_sc_7.c. The compliance and measurement points are absent from every 9618 mark scheme.

Question

Explain why an employee is asked to sign a professional code of conduct before starting work.

Answer — 4 points for 3 marks

• The employee is confirming that they understand the code of conduct
• To make sure they know what behaviour is expected of them
• To make sure they understand there may be consequences of some actions
• To ensure all employees adhere to the same standards

Latest: 9608_s20_qp_12_sc_4.b

Question

Describe what is meant by ethics.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• A system of moral principles
• That guide behaviour / decision making
• Based on philosophical / religious views
• By example, e.g. respectful and considerate behaviour

Latest: 9608_w17_qp_13_sc_6.a. The bare definition has never been asked in 9618, which always wraps ethics in a scenario.

9608 | The ACM/IEEE eight principles. Name and describe three [6]

Two principles of the ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics are that developers must act consistently with the public interest, and in the best interest of their client and employer. Name and describe three other principles. (1 mark name + 1 mark description, ×3.)

Answer — the full eight; any three others for 6 marks

• Public — software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest
• Client and Employer — shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest
• Product — shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible
• Judgement — shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgement
• Management — software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance
• Profession — shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession, consistent with the public interest
• Colleagues — shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues
• Self — shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession, and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession

Latest: 9608_s19_qp_11_sc_4.a. This framework has not appeared once in 9618, which names only BCS and IEEE as bodies.

Question

A team of software engineers is developing an e-commerce program for a client. State three of the principles of the ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics. Illustrate each one with an example describing how it will influence their working practices. (1 mark principle + 1 mark example in context, max 3 principles.)

Answer — 6 marks: three principles, each with a contextual example

• Public — the team must not release the site until payment handling is secure, because customers’ card data is at risk
• Client and Employer — the team must keep the client informed of delays rather than hiding them
• Product — the team must test the checkout thoroughly before release, not ship known bugs
• Judgement — the team must give an honest estimate of the delivery date, not the one the client wants to hear
• Management — the team leader must not set deadlines that force the team to cut corners
• Profession — the team must not make false claims about the software’s capability in marketing material
• Colleagues — the team must credit a colleague’s contribution to the design
• Self — team members must keep their skills current, e.g. by taking training on a new framework
• The second mark in each pair is only awarded for an example in the context of the scenario.

Latest: 9608_s16_qp_12_sc_6

Question

Describe two issues a new team member would raise with his manager. Circle the ACM/IEEE principle each comes under, and suggest what action should be taken to demonstrate ethical behaviour. (1 mark issue + 1 principle + 1 action, max 2 issues.)

Answer — 3 worked issues for 6 marks

• Uncomfortable working with one of his colleagues → Client and Employer // Management // Colleagues // Judgement // Self → e.g. team building exercises // an arranged meeting
• Unfamiliar with the programming language used → Self // Client and Employer // Product // Profession // Colleagues → e.g. undergo training
• Nervous about visiting an unfamiliar workplace → Client and Employer // Management // Judgement // Profession // Colleagues → e.g. speak to his manager to discuss the situation

Latest: 9608_w17_qp_13_sc_6.b

Question

Consider each incident you have identified as ethical behaviour. Draw a line from each incident to indicate the IEEE category it maps to.

Answer — 4 lines for 4 marks

• Reported phishing emails to the bank they claimed to come from → Public
• Asked his manager to pay for him to attend a programming course → Self
• Completed the forms to join the Chartered Institute for IT → Profession
• Reported to his manager that there were still bugs to be rectified → Product
• (The unethical incidents: copying beta software and selling it to friends; refusing to speak to a difficult colleague.)

Latest: 9608_w17_qp_12_sc_5.b; the ethical/unethical sort in 9608_w17_qp_12_sc_5.a is 2 marks.

Question

Name two professional ethical bodies and state what each does.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• BCS — the British Computer Society, the professional body for IT and computing in the UK
• … promotes ethical behaviour, good practice and high standards, with members following a Code of Conduct
• IEEE — the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, a global organisation for engineers, developers and computer scientists
• … sets technical standards and publishes research and codes of ethics

Both are named in the syllabus notes, yet every 9618 question says only “a professional ethical body”. Tariff set to 2.

Question

Explain why a client would prefer to hire a programmer who is a member of a professional ethical body.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The client knows the programmer follows written ethical guidelines
• … so the standards being applied to their project are clear
• Membership may require an entry test, so the client knows the programmer is competent
• The client has recourse to the body if the programmer behaves unprofessionally
• The programmer has access to training, so their skills are current

All four 9618 questions take the professional’s point of view. Tariff set to 3.

Question

Explain why ethical issues in computing are often difficult to resolve.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• Technology moves faster than the law, so there may be no legislation covering the situation
• There may be no single “correct” answer
• Choices can have serious consequences for individuals and for society
• Ethics are principles that guide decisions where the right course is unclear

Tariff set to 2. A framing no mark scheme gives, but a strong opening for “explain why this is an ethical issue”.

Question

State the three key areas of computer ethics and give an example of each.

Answer — 6 points for 3 marks

• Intellectual property rights — it is unethical to copy or use software, music or digital content without permission
• … e.g. downloading and using paid software without a licence
• Privacy — users have the right to keep their personal information safe
• … it is unethical (and illegal) to access someone’s personal data without permission, e.g. hacking
• Impact on society — computers affect how we work and live
• … e.g. job losses due to automation, social media effects, digital addiction

Tariff set to 3. A useful three-way structure for scenario answers.

Question

Explain what is meant by plagiarism and state how it can be avoided.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• Plagiarism is copying another person’s work and claiming it as your own
• Using someone’s idea is not wrong, but credit must be given
• Credit is given through footnotes or references / citations
• Anti-plagiarism software scans and detects copied content from websites

Tariff set to 2. 9618 credits only “students should not copy work that is not their own”; the citation mechanism is not credited anywhere.

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7.1.2 The need to act ethically, and the impact of acting ethically or unethically

Question

Explain the reasons why a computer programmer needs to act ethically towards colleagues and towards the public. (Max 2 marks each.)

Answer — 9 points for 4 marks

• Colleagues: 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
• The public: 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

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_12_sc_5.a

Question

Give three ethical considerations for a student using their personal computer to connect to the school network.

Answer — 6 points for 3 marks

• Students should consider privacy issues
• Students should not make inappropriate use of social networking // should not engage in cyberbullying
• Students should not copy work that is not their own
• Students should abide by the school’s rules / guidelines for accessing the network
• Students should only use the school network for legitimate purposes
• Students should not hack / crack other computers

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_11_sc_8.b

Question

A new developer is unfamiliar with the IDE he is required to use. Describe the ways in which he can act ethically in this situation.

Answer — 7 points for 2 marks

• 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 him on a training course
• He can ask for a mentor / to shadow someone
• He can practise at home before starting

Latest: 9618_w21_qp_11_sc_4.b.i

Question

A developer finds an error in part of a program that has already been tested, and decides not to tell anyone because he is worried about the consequences. Explain the reasons why he acted unethically.

Answer — 8 points for 2 marks (4 pairs)

• He didn’t act in the best interest of the product …
• … because the product might fail because he didn’t report the error
• He didn’t act in the best interest of the client …
• … because if the product does not work then they have been let down
• 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 the best interest of the company …
• … not correcting the error early could lead to later problems

Latest: 9618_w21_qp_11_sc_4.c

Question

Explain the reasons why it is important that a manager acts ethically in relation to her team members.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• 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

Latest: 9618_s21_qp_12_sc_2.a

9608 | Decide whether behaviour is ethical or unethical, and justify [2]

Tick one box to indicate whether the described behaviour is ethical or unethical, and justify your choice.

Answer — 2 marks, for the justification

• Either verdict is creditable if the justification is sound — the marks are entirely in the reasoning, not the tick
• Ethical justification: the action serves the client’s / public’s / product’s interest
• Ethical justification: the action follows the company’s code of conduct
• Unethical justification: the action puts personal interest above the client, product or public
• Unethical justification: the action breaches the code of conduct or damages the profession’s reputation
• Scenarios used in 9608: using a non-standard IDE; hiring your own daughter; dropping a concern after raising it once; choosing a quick but inefficient algorithm; forcing a team to cancel holidays; discussing project concerns on a public forum

Latest: 9608_s21_qp_12_sc_6.a. 9618 always tells you the behaviour was unethical and asks why; it has never asked the candidate to make and defend the judgement.

Question

One principle of the ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics is to always act in the best interest of the client. Explain how a developer can ensure he is acting in the best interest of his client.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Keep the client’s personal data private
• Involve the client in the development // communicate with the client
• Provide the solution that the client asked for
• Keep the project running on time // within budget
• Keep the client informed of any problems or delays

Latest: 9608_s19_qp_13_sc_2.d. 9618 covers colleagues and the public; the client is only ever a mark point inside other answers.

Question

State one ethical action a new employee can take to feel more confident about starting work, and two ethical actions her manager can take.

Answer — 7 points for 3 marks

• Employee: read about the languages she will be using
• Employee: visit the office prior to starting
• Employee: speak to her manager about her concerns
• Manager: prepare an induction
• Manager: invite her in before starting
• Manager: introduce her to the team
• Manager: give her a mentor

Latest: 9608_s20_qp_12_sc_4.a.ii

Question

Describe two consequences for a company of its staff acting ethically, and two consequences of acting unethically.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Ethical: the company’s reputation is maintained, so clients trust it and return
• Ethical: staff feel valued, so they stay and produce better work
• Ethical: products are more reliable, so fewer problems reach the client
• Unethical: the company may face legal proceedings or financial penalties
• Unethical: clients are lost and the company’s reputation is damaged
• Unethical: the reputation of the whole profession is harmed

9618 asks for the reasons to act ethically, never the consequences. s25_qp_13_sc_3.d is the nearest. Tariff set to 4.

Question

A developer discovers that the software his team is releasing has a fault that could endanger users. Describe how he should act ethically.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• He should report the fault to his manager immediately, rather than staying silent
• … acting in the interest of the public, whose safety is at risk
• … and in the interest of the product, so the fault is corrected before release
• If the manager takes no action, he should escalate it within the company
• He could seek advice from his professional ethical body before acting further

The 9608 scenarios turn on escalation, and both verdicts were creditable; 9618 touches it in w21_qp_11_sc_4.c but never asks about the route. Tariff set to 3.

Question

Describe two ways a project manager can act ethically towards their team, and two ways an IT company owner can act ethically, giving the effect of each.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Treat all team members fairly, listen to their ideas and avoid favouritism … so they feel valued
• Respect work–life balance by avoiding unrealistic deadlines … which supports teamwork and gets the best work out of them
• Encourage collaboration and clear communication … so conflict is avoided and the client gets a better product
• Provide fair pay and ongoing training … so staff feel valued and performance improves
• Promote ethical behaviour with clients — do not overcharge or mislead … which builds trust and leads to better service
• Create a culture of respect and teamwork, even under pressure … so staff support each other

Tariff set to 4 to match w24_qp_12_sc_5.a. Work–life balance and fair pay are not in any mark scheme here.

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7.1.3 The need for copyright legislation

Question

Complete the table by describing each term: Copyright, Open Source (Initiative), Shareware, Software Licence.

Answer — 4 rows for 4 marks

• Copyright — gives the holder the legal right of ownership of intellectual property
• Open Source (Initiative) — software can be freely copied, distributed or adapted
• Shareware — gives the user a trial period / limited functionality before a payment or sign-up may be required
• Software Licence — a (legal) agreement that defines the rights and terms of usage for the software

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_12_sc_2.a

Question

Describe what is meant by copyright.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• The formal and legal rights to ownership // intellectual property rights
• Protects against unauthorised reproduction of work
• Provides for a legal right of redress
• Applies automatically to an original work when it is created

Latest: 9618_s21_qp_11_sc_1.d. The last point is SME content, not in the mark scheme.

Question

Explain the reasons why a programmer should copyright their program.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• To identify themselves as the owner / author // to gain formal recognition of ownership
• To allow legal consequences if anyone steals or copies it
• To restrict competition
• To protect the income they earn from the program

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_12_sc_5.b.ii

Question

Identify two ways a developer can prevent illegal copies of her software being installed.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• Encryption
• Assign a unique code so it will not install without this // product key
• Limit the number of times that version of the software can be installed
• Set a time limit within which the software must be installed

Latest: 9608_w19_qp_12_sc_5.a

Question

Identify one way a developer can distribute software without the source code.

Answer — 3 points for 1 mark

• Provide an .exe file
• Compile the source code
• Use a compiler

Latest: 9608_w19_qp_12_sc_5.b. A neat cross-link to translators in Chapter 5.

Question

Explain why copyright legislation is needed.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Without it, anyone could copy and distribute a creator’s work freely
• … so the creator could not earn an income from the work they produced
• … removing the incentive to create new work
• It gives the owner a legal route of redress if their work is copied
• It establishes clear ownership of intellectual property

Every question asks what copyright is or why an individual should use it; the societal argument is untested. Tariff set to 3.

Question

Name the legislation protecting intellectual property and describe what it covers.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act — use the full name; “the Copyright Act” is not its name and may cost the mark
• Protects the intellectual property of an individual or company
• Makes it illegal to copy, modify or distribute software or other intellectual property without permission
• Copyright is applied automatically on creation of an original work — no registration is needed
• It lasts, depending on the type of work, until roughly 25–70 years after the creator’s death
• It is the owner’s responsibility to take action if they believe their work has been copied

Tariff set to 4. No 9618 mark scheme in this topic names the Act; “automatically applied on creation” is the most useful addition.

Question

State three primary breaches and two secondary breaches of copyright legislation.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Primary: copying an original work
• Primary: issuing a copy of the original work to the public
• Primary: renting or lending a copy to the public
• Primary: performing, showing or playing the original work in public // making an adaptation of it
• Secondary: importing a copy // possessing or dealing with a copy
• Secondary: providing the means to make copies // permitting premises to be used for making copies // providing equipment for a performance of a copy

Tariff set to 4. Not credited in any mark scheme, but a precise way to answer “in what way has the Act been breached”.

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7.1.4 Types of software licensing, and justifying a licence for a situation

Question

A game is to be published under a software licence so that it can be sold to the public. Identify the most appropriate type of licence and justify your choice. (1 mark licence + max 3 justification.)

Answer — 10 points for 4 marks

• Commercial software licence
• The 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 the product
• … and can take legal action against people who attempt to illegally copy or sell it on
• Shareware licence is also creditable:
• Enables the program to be copyrighted
• The user cannot legally edit the program, so the developer retains control
• The user can try the program for free and then pay for the full game, allowing the programmer to gain an income
• … so more people can experience it and are therefore more likely to buy it

Latest: 9618_s23_qp_13_sc_5.b

Question

Complete the table by describing each term: Copyright, Open Source (Initiative), Shareware, Software Licence.

Answer — 4 rows for 4 marks

• Copyright — gives the holder the legal right of ownership of intellectual property
• Open Source (Initiative) — software can be freely copied, distributed or adapted
• Shareware — gives the user a trial period / limited functionality before a payment or sign-up may be required
• Software Licence — a (legal) agreement that defines the rights and terms of usage for the software

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_12_sc_2.a

Question

Tick one or more boxes in each row to identify the licence(s) each statement describes: Free Software Foundation, Open Source Initiative, Shareware, Commercial Software.

Answer — 4 rows for 4 marks (1 mark per correct column)

• The user can edit the source code → FSF ✓ · OSI ✓
• The user must always pay before being able to use the software → Commercial ✓
• The user can redistribute the software → FSF ✓ · OSI ✓ · Shareware ✓
• The user always gets a trial period → Shareware ✓

Latest: 9618_s21_qp_12_sc_2.c

Question

Describe the features of a commercial software licence.

Answer — 6 points for 3 marks

• The program is usually sold for a fee
• Users have no access to the source code
• It protects the intellectual rights of the programmer / developer
• Users cannot legally alter or share the program
• There are limitations on use, e.g. the number of times it can be installed
• Support and maintenance are usually provided, e.g. updates, bug fixes

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_12_sc_3.c.i

Question

A program identifies items for a customer who may have allergies. Explain the reasons why an open source software licence might not be appropriate for it.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The source code would be accessible, therefore it could be changed
• … which might lead to the program outputting an incorrect response
• … so people could purchase the wrong item
• … which might have serious consequences // by example, e.g. allergies
• The developer would also lose control over the version users are running

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_12_sc_3.c.ii. The last two marks are contextual — they cannot be memorised.

Question

The programmer releases the program as Free Software. Describe what is meant by Free Software.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• 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 or suit their needs
• Users can share the software with others

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_12_sc_10.b

Question

A programmer writes a program for a business. The source code can be modified by the business, which pays the programmer for maintenance and security updates. Identify one suitable type of licence and describe the reasons for your choice. (1 mark licence + max 2 reasons.)

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Open Source Initiative // Free Software Foundation
• Allows the 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
• The business is not locked into the programmer for every change

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_12_sc_5.b.i

Question

Complete the table by writing the type of software licence each statement describes.

Answer — 3 rows for 3 marks

• A fee is charged. The source code cannot be accessed. Users do not get a free trial → Commercial
• Users can try the software before buying it. Users may not be able to access all features during the trial → Shareware
• Software is usually free of charge. Users can access the source code and alter the program to their needs → Open Source // Free Software

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_13_sc_5.a

Question

A programmer is developing an Operating System. Identify two types of software licence that would allow other people to edit and redistribute it.

Answer — 2 points for 2 marks

• Open Source (Initiative)
• Free Software (Foundation)

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_13_sc_8.c

Question

Give two benefits to a programmer of distributing a program using a shareware licence.

Answer — 5 points for 2 marks

• 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
• Users that find the trial useful will buy the program, so the programmer gets income
• Allows the program to be copyrighted, protecting the programmer’s intellectual property rights

Latest: 9618_w23_qp_13_sc_6.a; 9618_w24_qp_11_sc_7.a adds: there is no initial cost, and users who try it may spread the word so the developer gets more custom.

Question

Give two benefits of distributing software using a commercial software licence.

Answer — 6 points for 2 marks

• 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 has few bugs
• Enables the program to be copyrighted
• Prevents illegal changes to the program / protects the source code
• Prevents illegal copies of the program being made

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_11_sc_7.b; 9618_w22_qp_13_sc_8.a.ii supplies the last three.

Question

Explain why some programs are distributed under an open source licence.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• To allow users to customise the code
• To allow errors to be reported / identified / fixed by users
• To allow additional features to be added to the code
• To allow for collaboration

Latest: 9618_w22_qp_13_sc_8.a.i

Question

Describe open source and commercial software licensing. (Max 2 marks per licence.)

Answer — 7 points for 4 marks

• Open Source: the (source) code is distributed with the software
• … users can modify the software
• … the software is (usually) free of cost
• … users must redistribute the modified software under the same terms
• Commercial: the software is (usually) purchased for a cost
• … a licence defines how it can be used
• … the source code is not distributed // users cannot change the software

Latest: 9608_s21_qp_13_sc_7.b. The copyleft condition — redistribution under the same terms — appears in no 9618 mark scheme.

Question

Describe what is meant by an Open Source licence and by shareware. (Max 2 marks per licence.)

Answer — 8 points for 4 marks

• Open Source: the source code is released with the program
• … users can edit the source code to suit their needs
• … users re-release their version under the same terms
• … can be cost-free but may also need payment
• Shareware: users get a free trial of the software
• … which may be limited in features
• … no access to source code // the program cannot be edited
• … then they have to pay / sign up after the expiry date, to get full functionality, or to stop unwanted pop-ups

Latest: 9608_w18_qp_11_sc_3.a

Question

Write the type of software licence that best fits each description. Use a different type for each.

Answer — 4 rows for 4 marks

• The software can be legally used only after a fee has been paid → Commercial Licence
• The source code comes with the software; if modified, the edited source code must be released under the same conditions → Free Software Licence
• The software is free for a trial period and then a fee is requested if the user wants to continue → Shareware Licence
• The source code comes with the software; the software is free to be downloaded, edited and distributed, possibly without restriction → Open Source Licence

Latest: 9608_s19_qp_11_sc_2.a

Question

A company has decided to purchase commercial software. Identify four benefits to the company of choosing the commercial option.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Support / training is readily available, so help can be accessed if needed
• More robust software / fewer bugs, as it has been tested more thoroughly and by more users
• Forums / user groups will exist for popular software
• A software upgrade path is likely to be available, at minimal cost
• The manufacturer develops patches that can be automatically downloaded
• Compatibility is inbuilt with other commercial software

Latest: 9608_s16_qp_13_sc_3.c

Question

Name and describe two software licences, other than open source, that a developer could use. (1 mark for a name and a description.)

Answer — 9 points for 2 marks

• Commercial Software — the program is purchased for a fee
• … it restricts the number of users / the time period for use // limited installations // a software key is needed to install
• … the source code is not provided / is protected / cannot be edited
• Shareware — the program is free for a trial period // the free program may have limited functionality
• … users do not have access to the source code // the source code may not be edited
• … users may re-distribute the software
• Freeware — there is no charge for the software
• … the software could still be copyrighted
• … the developer can set their own restrictions on what a user can do with the program

Latest: 9608_s19_qp_12_sc_4.d.iii. Freeware is not named in the 9618 syllabus notes — know the distinction (free but closed) and do not offer it where a syllabus-named licence is wanted.

Question

Give one benefit to the customers of a game being released under a commercial licence, and describe one benefit of it being released under a shareware licence.

Answer — 5 points for 2 marks

• Commercial: potentially better support, as the developer is charging a fee
• Commercial: likely to have fewer bugs / be less prone to malware than software distributed under other licences
• Commercial: redress is available if the game does not function correctly
• Shareware: they can check it works // check it meets their requirements
• Shareware: … without having to pay a fee if it does not

Latest: 9608_s20_qp_13_sc_4.c.ii and .c.iii. Every 9618 licence-benefit question asks from the programmer’s side.

Question

Explain why a developer does not want to use an open source licence.

Answer — 3 points for 2 marks

• She does not wish to release the source code
• She does not want anyone to be able to edit / modify / share the source code or program
• She wants to make money from the program

Latest: 9608_s19_qp_12_sc_4.d.ii

Question

Tick one box to indicate the licence a developer should use (Open Source or Shareware). Justify your choice.

Answer — 2 marks for the justification; either choice creditable

• Open Source: the developer does not have to set up ways to take funds
• … others may enhance / improve the program
• … he can still charge a fee for the app
• Shareware: he can charge for the app
• … he is not giving away the code, so people cannot copy it, and he gets sole recognition for the program
• … there are possible legal consequences if someone does copy the code
• … if users sign up, their data can be used for marketing
• … customers have peace of mind that the software has not been maliciously edited or had bugs introduced

Latest: 9608_w18_qp_11_sc_3.b

Question

Give one drawback of a commercial licence and one drawback of an open source licence, for the user in each case. (2 marks each.)

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Commercial: the user must pay for the software … and pay again for major upgrades
• Commercial: the user cannot modify it to suit their own needs, as the source code is not provided
• Commercial: the user is dependent on the developer continuing to support it
• Open source: there is no guaranteed support, so the user relies on community forums
• Open source: anyone can alter the code, so a modified version may be unreliable or insecure
• Open source: there may be no accountable owner if something goes wrong

9618 has examined the benefits of shareware, commercial and open source separately, and only one “why not appropriate”. Tariff set to 4.

Question

State the four freedoms that the Free Software Foundation supports.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Freedom to run the program for any purpose
• Freedom to study how the program works, and change it
• Freedom to redistribute copies
• Freedom to improve the program and share the improvements
• The FSF promotes freedom, not free price — “free as in libre, not free as in cost”

Tariff set to 3. This is the logic underneath the w25_qp_12_sc_10.b mark point “not necessarily free of charge”.

Question

Describe what the Open Source Initiative promotes and state two conditions attached to open source software.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The OSI promotes software that is freely available and open to everyone
• Users can view, edit and share the source code, which encourages community collaboration and improvement
• Open source does not always mean free of charge — some open-source software is paid, but users can still see and change the code
• Developers must still credit the original authors when modifying or sharing
• Examples: Linux, Firefox, Apache Web Server

Tariff set to 3. 9618 treats OSI and FSF as interchangeable (w24_qp_13_sc_5.a accepts either), so learn the shared features first.

Question

State which software licences carry copyright, and explain what this means for the user.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• All of them are copyrighted — commercial, shareware, freeware, open source and free software
• Free or open does not mean uncopyrighted
• The licence sets out what the user is permitted to do with the copyrighted work
• Even freeware users must follow the licence conditions, and cannot legally edit, copy or sell the software

Tariff set to 2. 9618 tests this indirectly through w23_qp_13_sc_6.a (“allows the program to be copyrighted”).

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7.1.5 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Read the syllabus notes exactly

“Understand the impact of AI including social, economic and environmental issues. Understand the applications of AI.” Every 9618 question is either how AI works in a described application (3–4 marks) or the impact of AI, by named category (2–4 marks). Impact questions always name the category, so knowing which bucket an answer belongs in is itself examinable.

Applications of AI

Question

A program uses a digital camera to read the words on an item, translate them into a chosen language and output them as audio. Explain how AI is used in the program described.

Answer — 8 points for 4 marks

• Uses image recognition // optical character recognition
• … to analyse the photograph / pixels to identify the location of characters within an image
• … in order to convert the pattern of pixels into individual characters
• Uses natural language
• … to combine the characters into words
• … and compare the words to a database to identify a match in the language of the writing
• … it may also predict what is missing / incomplete from what has been read
• … then compare the words to a database of the user’s chosen language to find a match and translate
• Uses text-to-speech to generate the audio waveforms corresponding to the words

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_12_sc_3.a

Question

A shop system identifies customers as they enter and matches them to their account, using digital cameras and AI. Explain how the system uses AI to identify each customer.

Answer — 7 points for 4 marks

• Uses image recognition / facial recognition
• An image is captured using the digital camera
• The AI identifies that the image is a face
• … by analysing the pixels to find patterns
• Measures the distance between facial features of the customer
• … and stores the values in a database of user information
• The distances between features are calculated and compared to those in the database
• Trained to identify the features of a face using a large number of images; uses the probability of a match

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_11_sc_4.a; 9618_s24_qp_11_sc_5.c.ii is the bank/biometric version, also 4 marks.

Question

A car park system uses a camera to record the registration number of each car as it enters and leaves. Explain how AI is used to identify the car’s registration number.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• It uses image recognition
• The pixels of each image from the camera are stored
• … and matched to the expected shape / size / colour of a registration plate
• It uses optical character recognition
• The pixels within the identified registration-number area are analysed
• … and compared to expected characters / letters / numbers

Latest: 9618_w24_qp_11_sc_6

Question

A robot uses AI to communicate with customers, who speak to it to order food and drinks. Explain how AI will be used in this part of the robot.

Answer — 7 points for 3 marks

• Voice / speech recognition is used
• … to identify if someone is speaking
• The sound is recorded and analysed
• The audio recordings are compared to a database of words / sound waves
• … to identify the word that has the highest probability of being said
• Natural language recognition is used
• Words are combined and compared to known sentences, and the programmed actions for matching sentences are performed

Latest: 9618_s24_qp_13_sc_7.b; 9618_s23_qp_12_sc_7.d is the speech-to-commands version, also 3 marks.

Question

A digital camera automatically focuses on the faces of people. Explain how AI is used by the camera to do this.

Answer — 8 points for 3 marks

• Scans the scene in real time
• Identifies if there are faces in the image
• Uses facial recognition … uses image recognition
• … takes each frame individually
• … analyses the pixels
• … stores the pattern for a face
• … looks for patterns that match or come close to the pattern for a face
• The camera focuses on the pattern identified

Latest: 9618_s23_qp_13_sc_3.b

Question

A CCTV system uses AI to identify the presence of a person in a house and track their movements. Describe how AI is used in this system.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Uses image recognition
• Monitors every image taken to identify matching images / shapes / features to a “person”
• … starts recording to secondary storage permanently when a person is identified
• The system identifies the direction of movement of the person and uses this to decide where / how to move the camera
• The system identifies other cameras to start recording, based on the direction of movement

Latest: 9618_s23_qp_11_sc_4.c

Question

A game lets the user play a board game (such as chess) against the computer. Describe how the computer would use AI to play the board game.

Answer — 8 points for 3 marks

• 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
• The computer could learn how to improve // learn from previous mistakes
• … by storing the positive / negative result of choices
• … and changing its future choices

Latest: 9618_s21_qp_12_sc_2.b

Question

A hospital system uses AI to help identify tumours in scan images. Explain how AI is used in this system.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Uses image recognition
• The system is trained on a large number of scan images, both with and without tumours
• The pixels of each new scan are analysed to find patterns
• … and compared to the stored patterns in the database
• The probability of a match is used to flag a likely tumour
• The system can learn from confirmed diagnoses and adjust its future outputs

Every examined scenario is image, speech or game. This is the skeleton — capture → analyse the raw data → compare to a stored database → probability → act → learn — applied to something new. Tariff set to 4.

Question

Explain what is meant by training an AI system, and why a large volume of data is needed.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The system is given a large number of example inputs with known correct outputs
• It identifies the patterns that distinguish one output from another, and stores them
• A large volume of data is needed so the patterns are reliable across variation
• … e.g. faces at different angles, in different lighting, of different people
• If the training data is too small or unrepresentative, the system’s decisions will be inaccurate or biased

“Trained by playing many times” and “trained using a large number of images” are credited mark points, but no question has ever asked what training is. This is the most likely new AI question. Tariff set to 3.

Question

Explain what distinguishes an AI system from a conventional computer program.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• A conventional program follows a fixed set of instructions written by the programmer
• An AI system learns from data rather than being told every rule
• … and can change its own rules based on the results of its decisions
• … so its outputs improve over time without the code being rewritten

The definitional question underlying the whole sub-topic, and untested. Tariff set to 2.

Question

State what is meant by artificial intelligence and name the two main types.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• A machine that can simulate intelligent behaviours similar to those of a human
• A system that can learn (acquire new information), decide (analyse and make choices) and act autonomously (take actions without human input)
• Weak AI (narrow AI) — designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks
• Strong AI (artificial general intelligence, AGI) — designed to perform any intellectual task a human can do
• Every application examined by 9618 so far is weak AI

Tariff set to 3. Neither type is named in the syllabus notes or any mark scheme.

Question

State the three common characteristics of an AI system.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• Collection of data — AI systems require large amounts of data to perform tasks
• … the data is processed using rules or algorithms that enable the system to make decisions and predictions
• Rules for using data — the system uses logical reasoning to evaluate information and make decisions based on it
• Ability to reason — it can change its own rules and data
• The third is the key one: self-modification is what separates AI from a conventional program

Tariff set to 3. This is the theory behind “the computer could learn from previous mistakes … and change its future choices” in s21_qp_12_sc_2.b.

Impact of AI

Question

Describe two social impacts of students using Artificial Intelligence to complete their homework. (2 marks per impact.)

Answer — 9 points for 4 marks

• Negative: using AI to shortcut learning means missing out on developing reasoning and problem-solving skills // students may not be learning anything // a decline in specific skills
• Negative: negative impact on student communication — heavy reliance on AI may limit opportunities for collaboration, teamwork and face-to-face communication
• Negative: emphasises the digital divide — some students may not have access to the technology
• Negative: the AI answer might not be correct, leading to mis-information
• Negative: increased screen time and isolation could contribute to anxiety or loneliness
• Positive: students given additional support may do better
• Positive: pupils who struggle in traditional settings may gain self-esteem through AI-assisted learning at their own pace
• Long-term: protection of intellectual property // ethical issues and considerations
• Long-term: schools may need to redesign curricula and assessment to integrate AI

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_11_sc_8.c

Question

A camera records students in a classroom and AI analyses the video to identify when students are interacting with the lesson and the teacher. Describe one ethical impact of this use of AI.

Answer — 9 points for 2 marks

• 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 or 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

Latest: 9618_w25_qp_13_sc_7.a

Question

State two social benefits of the use of AI in the reading-and-translating program described.

Answer — 4 points for 2 marks

• It can help people with visual impairment to identify which products to purchase
• It can help people who cannot understand the language
• It can help to overcome learning / reading difficulties
• It gives users greater independence when shopping

Latest: 9618_s25_qp_12_sc_3.b

Question

Describe the social impact of using facial recognition software to identify individuals in an airport.

Answer — 6 points for 2 marks

• Incorrect recognition of faces leads to mistakes …
• … so access to facilities / systems may be denied
• Privacy issues // people do not like their data being stored
• Individuals will feel safer
• … there might be a reduction in crime
• Faster boarding // catching criminals

Latest: 9618_w22_qp_12_sc_9

Question

A commercial program for a vehicle repair garage includes an AI module that diagnoses faults and suggests repairs. Describe one economic impact the AI module may have on the garage. (1 mark impact + 1 mark description.)

Answer — 8 points for 2 marks (4 pairs)

• Reduce costs to the garage … because less time is taken for diagnosis
• Increase profits for the garage … as technicians spend more time repairing, so complete more jobs in a day
• Decrease costs passed to the customer … so the garage may gain customers
• Profit margins can be reduced … because the program may be expensive to buy, maintain or update

Latest: 9618_w22_qp_13_sc_8.b

Inferred | Environmental impact of AI [4]

Describe two environmental impacts of the increasing use of AI. (2 marks each.)

Answer — 8 points for 4 marks

• Energy consumption: large-scale AI models require vast computing power …
• … leading to high electricity usage and significant carbon emissions
• … and straining power grids if deployed at scale without renewable energy support
• Mitigation: optimise AI models to be more energy-efficient, and use green data centres powered by renewables
• E-waste: AI drives demand for specialised hardware such as GPUs and TPUs …
• … shortening device lifespans through rapid advancement and increasing the volume of electronic waste
• Positive: AI aids climate modelling, predicting weather patterns and analysing environmental data
• Positive: AI optimises energy use in smart grids and buildings, and supports sustainable agriculture by analysing soil, weather and crop data to reduce waste

Environmental impact is named in the syllabus notes and has never been examined in any series — social, economic and ethical all have. The safest structure is two-sided: AI’s own footprint versus AI as an environmental tool. Tariff set to 4 to match the social-impact question.

Question

Explain how bias can arise in an AI system and describe one consequence.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The system learns its patterns from the training data it is given
• If that data is unrepresentative or skewed, the patterns it learns are skewed too
• … so the system’s decisions will be systematically unfair to some groups
• Consequence: e.g. facial recognition fails more often for some people, so they are wrongly denied access
• Consequence: an automated decision (a loan, a job application) disadvantages a group without anyone intending it

No 9618 mark scheme mentions bias, yet it follows directly from “trained using a large number of images”. w22_qp_12_sc_9 gets close but never asks the reason. Tariff set to 3.

Question

An AI system makes a decision that harms someone. Discuss who should be held responsible.

Answer — 5 points for 3 marks

• The developer may be responsible if the system was poorly designed, trained or tested
• The operator may be responsible if they deployed it without adequate human oversight
• The AI system itself cannot be held legally responsible, as it is not a legal person
• The extent of human oversight must be determined — decisions made solely by AI in critical situations are risky
• Clear guidelines and regulation are needed to define responsibility in advance

Implied by the airport and classroom questions but never asked directly. Bridges 7.1.2 and 7.1.5. Tariff set to 3.

Question

Discuss whether the benefits of using AI in a given situation outweigh the drawbacks.

Answer — 6 points for 4 marks

• Benefit: increased efficiency — the task is completed faster than by a human
• Benefit: increased accuracy and consistency — no fatigue, no variation between operators
• Benefit: scalability — the same system handles many more cases at little extra cost
• Drawback: job losses or changed roles for the people the system replaces
• Drawback: the system is not infallible, and an incorrect decision may have serious consequences
• Drawback: privacy and data-protection concerns where personal data is processed
• A conclusion that weighs the two sides in the context of the scenario is required

Every impact question asks for one polarity or category; a balanced-judgement question has not been set, though w25_qp_11_sc_8.c shows the examiners think in those terms. Tariff set to 4.

Question

Give three advantages and three disadvantages of using AI.

Answer — 6 points for 3 marks

• Advantage: increased efficiency
• Advantage: increased accuracy
• Advantage: scalability
• Disadvantage: job losses
• Disadvantage: potential for biased decision making
• Disadvantage: ethical concerns over its use

Tariff set to 3. The bias point is not in any mark scheme.

Question

Describe the social impacts of AI on the workforce, on education and in healthcare.

Answer — 8 points for 4 marks

• Workforce: automation may replace some roles, leading to unemployment or changed job roles
• … at the same time new jobs emerge requiring AI knowledge or human–AI collaboration
• … reskilling and upskilling programmes are essential to prepare the workforce
• Education: those with better technology, education and internet access benefit more, creating a digital divide
• … so equal access to AI education, tools and training matters
• Healthcare: AI can improve diagnosis, treatment planning and patient monitoring
• … but AI is not infallible — a wrong diagnosis can have serious consequences, so the extent of human oversight must be determined
• … and who is responsible when something goes wrong (developer, system or healthcare provider) creates complex legal and ethical challenges needing clear regulation

Tariff set to 4. The digital-divide point is credited by 9618 (w25_qp_11_sc_8.c); the healthcare accountability paragraph is the answer to the accountability gap above.

Question

Describe the economic impacts of AI on employment, on business, and on market competition.

Answer — 8 points for 4 marks

• Employment: job displacement in sectors that rely on routine or manual work
• … but increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing, logistics and finance
• … and growing demand for AI-related roles such as data scientists and machine learning engineers
• Business: enables new business models, e.g. personalised services and automated customer support
• … supports faster innovation cycles by improving R&D, and reduces operational costs through automation and predictive analytics
• … but small businesses may struggle to compete with large companies that can invest more in AI, widening inequality between organisations
• Market: AI can concentrate wealth and power in large tech companies that control the key tools and data
• … creating monopolistic advantages and reducing competition, so policymakers must consider regulation to ensure fair access

Tariff set to 4. The only economic question in the series (w22_qp_13_sc_8.b) stays at the level of one garage’s costs and profits; everything here is untested.