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Introduction to Computer Science - D684 WGU WGU
D684 Introduction to Computer Science Objective
Assessment (QEO2) – 2026 Updated | Real Exam-Style
Q&A with Verified Answers
What is a linked list?
A collection of elements, each containing a reference to the next element.
Which description best describes a stack?
Last-in, first-out (LIFO) structure
What is the primary characteristic of a queue?
There is FIFO access.
What is a subprogram?
A sequence of program instructions that perform a specific task
In pseudocode, how would you call a function named CalculateSum with two parameters a and b?
CalculateSum(a, b)
What is the primary purpose of using subprograms in a program?
To allow for code reuse and better organization
Which operation is used to add an element to the top of a stack?
Push
Which scenario is a stack most suitable for?
Managing tasks in a printer queue
Which is an example of an integer data type?
42
Which data type is used to represent textual data?
String
Which variable name is valid in most programming languages?
variable_
Which statement correctly assigns the value 10 to the variable x?
x = 10
Which is used for iteration in programming?
While loop
What is the result of the expression 2 + 3 x 4?
14
Which operator has the highest precedence?
x
Which value is a floating-point number?
What is the result of the expression (2 + 3) x 4?
20
What is the main purpose of object-oriented programming (OOP)?
To organize code into reusable components called objects
Which statement describes a class in OOP?
A blueprint for creating objects
What is encapsulation in OOP?
The practice of keeping data and methods that manipulate the data in a single unit
What is the relationship between a parameter and an argument?
A parameter is a temporary variable in a function that receives the actual value of an argument.
Which programming language is considered to be a declarative language?
Lisp
What does computational thinking involve?
Solving problems using logical steps
What is the software development lifecycle (SDLC) primarily concerned with?
Managing the software development process
What do problem-solving methodologies in computational thinking emphasize?
Approaching problems systematically
What are the four steps of George Pólya's problem-solving method?
Understanding the problem, devising a plan, executing the plan, reviewing the solution
Which step involves coming up with possible strategies to solve the problem?
Devising a plan
What is the purpose of the maintenance phase in the computer problem-solving process?
To ensure the continued functionality of the software
Which step in George Pólya's problem-solving process involves understanding the context of the problem, identifying what is being asked, and recognizing any constraints?
Understanding the problem
Hannah is troubleshooting a software issue where a program crashes on startup. She needs to identify the root cause of the problem and find a solution. Which step in George Pólya's problem-solving process involves analyzing the software issue to determine the cause and develop a solution?
Understanding the problem
Ahmed needs to optimize the performance of a web application that is experiencing slow loading times. Which step in George Pólya's problem-solving process involves analyzing the factors contributing to the slow loading times and devising strategies to improve performance?
Devising a plan
Mei needs to design an algorithm to sort a large dataset efficiently. Which step in George Pólya's problem-solving process involves understanding the requirements of the sorting algorithm and devising a plan to implement it?
Devising a plan
What is the primary goal of the IEEE and ACM codes of ethics?
To guide ethical decision-making and conduct in the computing profession
Which of the following principles is emphasized in the ACM code of ethics?
Integrity
What is one of the key values promoted by the IEEE and ACM codes of ethics?
Acting in the public interest
What is one of the fundamental principles outlined in the ACM code of ethics?
Avoiding harm to others
Which of the following is a key aspect of the IEEE code of ethics?
Improving technical competence
What does the IEEE code of ethics encourage regarding conflicts of interest?
Prioritizing professional obligations over personal interests
To meet a tight deadline, Talia, a software engineer, knowingly writes code that contains a security flaw, risking user data privacy. Which ethical principle does this violate?
Integrity
Daniel, a software engineer, releases a new product without adequate testing, leading to widespread failures. Which ethical principle is violated?
Unauthorized access
Sophia, a social media influencer, creates a fake account to harass a rival influencer by posting negative comments and spreading false information. Which ethical issue does this scenario represent?
Cyberbullying
During a software development project, Michael finds a way to exploit a vulnerability in a competitor's product to gain unauthorized access to their system. Instead of reporting the vulnerability, he uses it to extract sensitive information. Which ethical issue does this scenario represent?
Cybercrime
A programming company has been hired to write code that will send secure messages from one device to another. The company policy is to follow the software development lifecycle (SDLC) model for production. Which step will the team expect to go through during the course of this process?
Test the program
A programmer has been asked to lead a project that uses artificial intelligence to search for patterns in Wi-Fi signals to improve efficiency and range. The programmer will use the software development lifecycle (SDLC) as a model for design and implementation. Which step is the programmer in when outlining the steps that the program will go through?
Plan the logic
A computer scientist is writing a computer application that will manage financial records for small businesses. The computer scientist is following the software development lifecycle (SDLC) model and just completed the step, "understand the problem." Which step is next in the SDLC?
Plan the logic
What does a technology company need to commit to if adopting the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics?
Perform work only in areas of competence
Which situation represents a violation of the Codes of Ethics for both the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)?
One of the division heads assigns work to employees that is outside their area of competence.
What is one situation that illustrates extortion?
A person hacks into a university's servers, locks them down, and will only unlock them for a large ransom.
Which statement describes an array?
A collection of elements of the same type stored at contiguous memory locations
Which statement describes a record in programming?
A data structure that holds multiple values of different data types
Which data structure is best suited for storing a collection of different data types?
Record
What is a common characteristic of both arrays and records?
Both can store multiple values.
What is the primary advantage of binary search over sequential (linear) search?
It is faster for large datasets.
Which search algorithm would you use on an unsorted list?
Sequential (linear) search
Which sorting algorithm repeatedly steps through the list, compares adjacent elements, and swaps them if they are in the wrong order?
Bubble
Which statement describes linear search?
It checks each element one by one.
Which statement is true about binary search?
It requires the list to be sorted.
Which statement is an example of a dual-alternative if statement?
if (condition) then... else
Which keyword is typically used to represent the end of a selection structure in pseudocode?
End if
Which statement best describes a loop structure in pseudocode?
Repeating a set of actions until a condition is met
What is the primary purpose of a loop body in pseudocode?
To contain the statements repeated in a loop
Which keyword is typically used to start a while loop in pseudocode?
While
Which statement describes a nested structure?
Contains another structure within it
What is the main advantage of using a nesting structure in pseudocode?
It allows for more complex decision-making and iterations.
Which pseudocode statement is an example of a single-alternative if statement?
if (condition) then
What is the name of the algorithm that sorts a list by repeatedly comparing and swapping adjacent items, with each pass through the list stopping at one end?
Bubble sort
What describes the programming structure that executes a process a specific number of times?
Count-controlled loop
What is the pseudocode that will convert the integer a to a floating point number?
myFloat x = float(a)
Which piece of pseudocode correctly calculates the integer result of dividing the integer b by the integer f?
b // f
Which piece of pseudocode correctly calculates the integer result of dividing the integer b by the integer f?
b // f
Consider the following code. IF (myYear > 1900) Print "Continue" ELSE Print "Error" What does the code do?
It prints Continue if the value of myYear is greater than 1900 and Error otherwise.
Set temp to val_1 Set val_1 to val_2 Set val_2 to temp What is accomplished by the pseudocode?
It swaps the values of val_1 and val_2.
How does an operating system (OS) manage system performance?
By optimizing the use of CPU, memory, and storage resources
What is the primary purpose of memory management in an operating system?
To efficiently allocate and manage system memory
Which task or tasks are part of process management in an operating system?
Creating, executing, and terminating processes
What is the main goal of CPU scheduling in an operating system?
Determining the order in which the CPU executes processes
Which technique does an operating system use to extend physical memory by using disk space?
Virtual memory
Which of the following describes a process in the context of an operating system?
A program in execution
Which CPU scheduling algorithm selects the process with the smallest execution time remaining?
Which disk scheduling algorithm minimizes the total seek time by scanning in both directions across the disk?
Elevator (SCAN)
What is an operating system responsible for?
It manages computer resources, such as memory and external devices.
What is the name of the state of a process when it is standing by for another process to send a signal that it may continue?
Waiting
Which method is a nonpreemptive approach to CPU scheduling?
First come, first served
What is one operation common to most file systems?
Create
What is the name of a disk scheduling technique?
First-come, first-serve
What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?
Perform calculations and execute instructions
Which component is considered volatile memory
RAM
Which storage device typically offers the fastest data access speed?
Solid state drive (SSD)
Which component is directly responsible for executing the instructions of a computer program?
CPU
Which memory component is an example of nonvolatile memory?
ROM
Which type of memory is used to temporarily store data that the CPU needs while performing tasks?
RAM
Which term refers to the number of bits a computer can process at one time?
Bus width
What is the primary function of the ALU in a CPU?
Performing arithmetic and logical operations
What is the main function of the control unit within the CPU?
Manage and coordinate the activities of the computer
Which type of storage device typically offers the largest capacity?
HDD
What is the primary function of a router in a network?
Direct data traffic between different networks
Which protocol is primarily used for transmitting web pages over the internet?
HTTP
What is an IP address?
A unique identifier assigned to each device on a network
What is an open system?
A system that uses standardized protocols for interoperability
What does the domain name system (DNS) do?
Translates domain names to IP addresses
Which protocol ensures reliable transmission of data over the internet?
TCP
Which type of network topology connects all devices to a central hub?
Enhanced processing performance for multitasking and parallel processing
Which statement describes a server farm?
A collection of interconnected servers working together
What is a common use for graphics processing units (GPUs) in modern computing?
Enhancing video and image processing
Which component is considered a major part of the von Neumann architecture?
Arithmetic/logic unit
What is true about read only memory (ROM)?
It is used to store instructions that the computer needs to start up.
How is a ring topology set up in a local area network (LAN)?
All nodes are connected to exactly two other nodes in a circular data path.
The location of a computer is given by either falcon.csc.computersoft.org or 205.39.155.18. Which part of this information is known as the hostname?
falcon.csc.computersoft.org
What is the name for a computer placed directly inside another electronic device designed for a specific purpose?
Embedded computer
To meet a tight deadline, Talia, a software engineer, knowingly writes code that contains a security flaw, risking user data privacy. Which ethical principle does this violate?
