APCSP APCSP Global and Ethical Implications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'intellectual property' as it applies to software?
- The physical servers that run software
- The legal ownership rights over creative works like code, music, and writing (Correct answer)
- The amount of memory a program uses
- A type of computer virus that steals data
Correct answer: The legal ownership rights over creative works like code, music, and writing
Intellectual property laws protect creators' rights over original works, including source code, giving them control over how it is used.
Question 2: Which best describes a 'Creative Commons' license?
- A license that prevents anyone from using the work
- A license that allows creators to specify which rights they reserve and which they grant to others (Correct answer)
- A government program that funds creative projects
- A type of copyright that expires after one year
Correct answer: A license that allows creators to specify which rights they reserve and which they grant to others
Creative Commons licenses let creators share works with specific conditions (e.g., attribution required, no commercial use), expanding legal reuse.
Question 3: What is a potential negative societal impact of automation through computing?
- Products become more expensive to produce
- Certain jobs are displaced as machines perform tasks previously done by humans (Correct answer)
- Computers become too fast for humans to use
- Programming languages become obsolete
Correct answer: Certain jobs are displaced as machines perform tasks previously done by humans
Automation can eliminate jobs in manufacturing, data entry, and other fields, requiring workers to develop new skills for emerging roles.
Question 4: Which ethical principle is violated when a company sells user data without consent?
- Scalability
- Autonomy and privacy — users should control their own data (Correct answer)
- Efficiency
- Open-source licensing
Correct answer: Autonomy and privacy — users should control their own data
Selling personal data without user consent violates privacy rights and the ethical principle of user autonomy over personal information.
Question 5: What does the term 'digital citizenship' mean?
- Having a government-issued digital ID card
- Behaving responsibly, ethically, and safely when using technology and the internet (Correct answer)
- Owning a smartphone or computer
- Being certified as a professional programmer
Correct answer: Behaving responsibly, ethically, and safely when using technology and the internet
Digital citizenship involves understanding online rights and responsibilities, practicing ethical behavior, and protecting personal information online.
Question 6: Why is it important for programmers to consider accessibility when designing software?
- Accessibility features slow down programs for all users
- Software should be usable by people with disabilities to ensure equal access to technology (Correct answer)
- Accessibility only matters for government websites
- Most users don't need accessibility features
Correct answer: Software should be usable by people with disabilities to ensure equal access to technology
Designing for accessibility ensures people with visual, auditory, or motor impairments can use software, promoting digital equity.
APCSP APCSP Global and Ethical Implications 2
What is 'intellectual property' as it applies to software?