Practice 2.1 Change with authentic IB Digital Society (DS) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like systems and structures, human behavior and interaction, and digital technologies in society. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 1
Sentencing criminals using artificial intelligence (AI)
In 10 states in the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) software is used for sentencing criminals. Once criminals are found guilty, judges need to determine the lengths of their prison sentences. One factor used by judges is the likelihood of the criminal re-offending*.
The AI software uses machine learning to determine how likely it is that a criminal will re-offend. This result is presented as a percentage; for example, the criminal has a 90 % chance of re-offending. Research has indicated that AI software is often, but not always, more reliable than human judges in predicting who is likely to re-offend.
There is general support for identifying people who are unlikely to re-offend, as they do not need to be sent to prisons that are already overcrowded.
Recently, Eric Loomis was sentenced by the state of Wisconsin using proprietary AI software. Eric had to answer over 100 questions to provide the AI software with enough information for it to decide the length of his sentence. When Eric was given a six-year sentence, he appealed and wanted to see the algorithms that led to this sentence. Eric lost the appeal.
On the other hand, the European Union (EU) has passed a law that allows citizens to challenge decisions made by algorithms in the criminal justice system.
* re-offending: committing another crime in the future
1.[2]
Identify two characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
2.[2]
Outline one problem that may arise if proprietary software rather than open-source software is used to develop algorithms.
3.[2]
The developers of the AI software decided to use supervised machine learning to develop the algorithms in the sentencing software.
Identify two advantages of using supervised learning.
4.[2]
The developers of the AI software used visualizations as part of the development process.
Explain one reason why visualizations would be used as part of the development process.
5.[4]
Explain two problems the developers of the AI system could encounter when gathering the data that will be input into the AI system.
6.[8]
To what extent should the decisions of judges be based on algorithms rather than their knowledge and experience?
Question 2
HLPaper 1
1.[12]
Cameras in school
The principal at Flynn School has received requests from parents saying that they would like to monitor their children’s performance in school more closely. He is considering extending the school’s IT system by installing cameras linked to facial recognition software that can record student behaviour in lessons.
The facial recognition software can determine a student’s attention level and behaviour, such as identifying if they are listening, answering questions, talking with other students, or sleeping. The software uses machine learning to analyse each student’s behaviour and gives them a weekly score that is automatically emailed to their parents.
The principal claims that monitoring students’ behaviour more closely will improve the teaching and learning that takes place.
Discuss whether Flynn School should introduce a facial recognition system that uses machine learning to analyse each student’s behaviour and give them a score that is automatically emailed to their parents.
Question 3
HLPaper 1
The Influence of Moore’s Law on Technological Development
Moore’s Law has driven rapid advancements in technology by predicting that the number of transistors on a chip doubles approximately every two years. This trend has influenced the affordability, size, and power of devices like smartphones and laptops, though some predict Moore’s Law may be slowing down.
1.[12]
Discuss the significance of Moore’s Law in shaping the development of personal computing devices, including potential consequences if the law’s trend no longer holds true.
Question 4
HLPaper 1
In criminal justice, "black box" algorithms are increasingly used to make decisions about bail, parole, and sentencing. However, the lack of transparency and potential for bias raise serious ethical concerns about fairness and accountability.
1.[12]
Evaluate the challenges of implementing algorithmic transparency and accountability in criminal justice, particularly with “black box” algorithms.
Question 5
HLPaper 1
1.[12]
Can digital technologies be used sustainably?
Many organizations claim that the most efficient use of information technology (IT) equipment, such as laptops and printers, is to replace them on a regular basis. For example, an organization’s strategy may be to do this every three years.
Other organizations purchase IT equipment that can easily be upgraded by increasing the storage and memory or upgrading the processing capabilities only when required. They claim they do not need to replace their IT equipment on such a regular basis and believe this is a more sustainable practice.
Evaluate the sustainability of these two strategies.
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 1
1.[8]
Discuss the decision for an owner of an art gallery to develop a virtual tour that is accessible online.
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 1
Facial recognition algorithms, used for security in airports, rely on large datasets and are sometimes criticized for algorithmic bias. For instance, these algorithms have been known to misidentify individuals of certain racial backgrounds, raising fairness and transparency issues.
1.[2]
Identify two issues related to algorithmic bias in facial recognition software.
2.[4]
Explain why transparency is essential for accountability in facial recognition algorithms used in security.
3.[4]
Discuss one risk associated with “black box” algorithms in facial recognition systems.
4.[8]
Evaluate the impact of algorithmic bias on fairness in facial recognition, particularly concerning racial and ethnic disparities.
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 2
Source A: The Importance of Data Storage and Memory in Computers
Data storage (like hard drives and SSDs) holds files permanently, while memory (RAM) stores temporary data, supporting the computer’s processing needs. Effective storage and memory are critical to speed and multitasking abilities in devices from smartphones to mainframes.
For example, an SSD in a laptop allows fast data retrieval, boosting performance for tasks like video editing and gaming.
Source B: Wearable Devices: Integrating Computers into Daily Life
Wearable computers, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, integrate technology into daily life, providing health monitoring, communication, and real-time data tracking. These devices are lightweight and adaptable, making them practical for continuous use.
For instance, a smartwatch can monitor heart rate, track physical activity, and send alerts, helping users maintain their health goals.
Source C: The Impact of Moore’s Law on Technology Progression
Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors in a microchip doubles approximately every two years, boosting processing power. This principle has driven computing advancements, leading to smaller, faster, and more efficient devices.
For example, Moore’s Law facilitated the evolution from bulky desktop computers to powerful smartphones that fit in a pocket.
Source D: Haptic and Graphical User Interfaces in Computing
User interfaces (UIs) allow people to interact with computers. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) use icons and visuals to make navigation intuitive, while haptic interfaces provide touch feedback, enhancing the tactile experience in applications like gaming and virtual reality.
For example, smartphones combine haptic feedback with touchscreens, making interactions more intuitive for users.
1.[4]
With reference to Source A, explain the difference between data storage and memory, including one example of each.
2.[4]
With reference to Source B, describe two ways wearable devices integrate technology into daily life.
3.[3]
With reference to Source C, outline the impact of Moore’s Law on the evolution of computing devices.
4.[4]
With reference to Source D, identify two types of user interfaces and describe their functions in enhancing user interaction.
5.[12]
With reference to Sources A–D and your own knowledge, discuss the implications of technological advancements in computing on user experience and lifestyle. Include examples of at least two advancements.
Question 9
HLPaper 1
1.[12]
To what extent are employers responsible and accountable for employees’ health issues caused by the use of computers in the workplace, and when working from home?
Question 10
HLPaper 1
Fake news
We see and hear news every day and trust that the information provided is accurate. That belief may soon end.
Artificial intelligence (AI) software is now being developed that can produce fake video footage of public figures using recordings of their own voices. Using as little as one minute of user-generated content (data), it can reproduce a particular person’s voice. The developer of this software demonstrated the results by using the voices of Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama in a computer-generated conversation.
Once a person’s voice has been reproduced, a fake video can be created by processing hundreds of videos of the person’s face. Video footage of politicians are often used, as there is so much data available online.
Law professor John Silverman commented that, as humans we tend to believe what we see, and the increased number of tools to make fake media that is unrecognizable from real media is going to prove a major challenge in the future.
1.[12]
Discuss the claim that companies who develop software that can create fake videos of politicians should be accountable for the fake videos posted by users of their software on social media platforms.