IT Chap 12 & 13 Theory Test Prep | 2023-2025 All Series Paper 32

Describe how news organisations use social media. [6]

They use social media to post news reports for public viewing at any time, can reach local audiences more quickly. Accessed more than print news bc its the only source of news for so many, giving wider influence among different demographics, and reports can be spread more quickly compared to other media reports. News orgs also use social media reports bc they can be used to influence more people with opinions.

Discuss the impact of the use of social media on the health of individuals. [8]

Some positive effects is that it improves a sense of belonging bc it allows one to be well connected with people across distances, esp for the elderly so they can keep contact with their families, and it can also empower people to make social changes through discussion with others. Social media also reduces some level of stress as it provides entertainment, but it can also become addictive and lead to isolationnism. Social media can increase the chances of depression when comparing one’s lifestyle with that of others, and it can trigger less satisfaction with one’s own life. In extreme cases, social media can also lead to cyberbullying by individuals to others.

A government is concerned that the use of digital currencies may affect its economy. Analyse the risks to an economy of an increase in the use of digital currencies. [6]

Use of digi currency pose risks to monetary stability bc the value of digital currency in an economy increases, it can lead to inflation of traditional currency. There would also be an increase in crime, as there is a risk of system-wide fraud if a group gained control of computing resources involved in electronic payments. Additionally, transactions are anonymous and not tracked, which means there is high risk of illegal payments and money laundering.

Scientific research includes reading documents published in different languages by scientists all over the world. Discuss the impact of computer-assisted translation on scientific research. [8]

Comp assisted translation can increase the speed of translation so that the research is available faster for reference by the scientist. The translation would also be more consistent compared to if it were done by human scientists because the terms would have already been translated in previous documents, so the info would be more reliable. However contextual errors can occur when translating new research mateirla, so it may not be fully understood and can create errors in new research; this is due to the fact that all meanings of the terms may not be translated correctly, leading to a potential loss of usefiulness in the documents. Security can also be compromised when documents are compared against databases, which can lead to a loss of confidentiality.

Stored value cards can be used for making transactions such as paying for travel on public transport or for buying food and drink in cafes.

(a) Explain the benefits of stored value cards. [4]

No user authentication is req bc the money is alr stored on the card, and the merchant would receive the money since the value is transferred directly from the card to the account, and it would be the same as exchanging physical currency.

Stored value cards can be used for making transactions such as paying for travel on public transport or for buying food and drink in cafes.

(b) Describe two drawbacks of stored value cards. [2]

The user would lose the monetary value of the card if it is damaged, lost, stolen, and if it is not used before the expiry date. Also, the monetary value on the cards are usually low to avoid money laundering.

9) Describe the benefits to businesses of employees using instant messaging to communicate with other employees for business purposes. [6]

IMS is simple, and no expertise is req to set up and use it by all and any employees. It is accessible at any time, anywhere, and its also accessible from almost all computing devices. IMS provides real time communications btwen employees, which eliminated potential delays in communications, and it may also be cheaper than using telephone systems for long convos, which could save money. Also the use of end to end encryption can make communications more secure.

1) Near Field Communication (NFC) is a communication method. Describe how NFC can be used by mobile devices. [6]

NFC can be used to bootstrap other wireless connections, and its used in tags to automatically command smartphones to carry out tasks, used in documentation like passports to verify identity quickly, and its also used in access and login systems. NFC can also be used in social networking to share contacts and images, such as in AirDrop, and it can also be used in contactless payment systems in mobile devices.

8) Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the use of cryptocurrencies by individuals. [8]

Cryptocurrency is a digi currency where transactions are verified and recorded by a decentralised system using cryptography. Crypto cannot be counterfeited so it is not devalued by forgers, the transactions made in crypto cannot be reversed without consent, and transactions can also be anonymous so finances cannot be tracked or traced. However, crypto is not backed by a govt, in fact some govts have banned the use of crypto, so it may not be legal in some countries and may be subject to regulatory intervention. Additionally, crypto is a significant contributor to climate change due to power consumption.

7) Explain how technology-enhanced learning can have an impact on the autonomy of learners. [6]

The different methods allow different levels of learner control in the speed and route through courses. MOOCs also allow some control over time and choice of routes thorugh the course, but it may also allow learners to skip through content, so progress can be impaired. Technology allows learning facilities to be available 24/7; however, technology-induced isolation can lead to a lack of motivation and learning progress, even if isolation from other learners can allow the student more control over their learning.

5) Discuss the impact of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. [8]

AI is the abiilty of a computer to perform activities that are normally thought to require human intelligence. AI is used in data mining to discover patterns for research into treatments to develop new medicines, and its also used in health assistance technology to improve the quality of life for senior citizens, and it can also be used to target treatments more precisely. However, AI is very costly, which means there would be less money available for other areas of healthcare, and it also requires expensive IT support which can reduce funds for medical personnel. AI needs to learn by experience, which can affect patient recovery, and human experts are sitll needed to avoid misdiagnosis.

7) The data mining process consists of several phases. Describe the tasks that occur in each of the following phases in the data mining process: 

(a) data preparation [4]

The selection of data has to be mined with reference to its relevance to the client’s reqs. The data is then cleaned by removing irrelevant parts of the data, and then creation occurs of new records from existing records. Finally the data is merged with records with common features.

7) The data mining process consists of several phases. Describe the tasks that occur in each of the following phases in the data mining process:
(b) evaluation [4]

It checks the data mining model against the criteria laid out in the first one, and it returns the model if the criteria is not met. It checks against reports to ensure all errors have been corrected, and finally produces reports detailing the evaluation process for the developers.

7) Discuss the impact of technology enhanced learning on student achievement. [8]

An increase in achievement gives lifetime skills to students, and technology allows students to take part in classes they would otherwise not be able to. Technology would also lead to an increase of independent learning by students so they would be more likely to succeed, and it would also increase technology literacy during lessons and at school. However, poor quality lessons and untrained teachers can decrease achievement in classes over time, so students would have reduced motivation and would be more likely to drop out.

8) Central bank digital base money is a type of digital currency issued by banks. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of central bank digital base money. [6]

It is used for online and offline transactions and can also be used to facilitate international payments. It provides a digital alternative to cash. However, this allows increased surveillance of financial transactions, it can lead to raised privacy and security concerns, and CBDCS are also very costly and complex to implement.

1) 3D printing is used to create objects. 

(a) Describe the process of 3D printing an object. [4]

A CAD sofytware is used to create a model, and the model is then sent to the printer. The printer is then prepared with raw materials, which is heated to liquefy. The layers are added through the nozzles in succession to build the object from bottom up, and it is finally cooled down.

1) 3D printing is used to create objects. 

(b) Describe how 3D printing is used to improve healthcare. [4]

It can be used to create external prosthesis that exactly match the patient’s requirements. It can also be used to create internal implants, so patients do not have to wait for real organs from donors.

10) Blockchain technology is used as a distributed ledger in cryptocurrencies. 

(a) Describe what is meant by a distributed ledger. [2]

It is a decentralised, shared database that is copied to all users.

10) Blockchain technology is used as a distributed ledger in cryptocurrencies. 

(b) Describe two items of data that would be stored in a cryptocurrency’s distributed

Ledger. [2]

A record of every transaction, and a timestamp for every transaction.

11) Discuss the use of data mining by banking organisations. [8] 

Data mining is used in marketing to identify customers who may be interested in other banking products, increasing sales. It also analyses customer spending and account activity to determine preferences and behaviour. Data mining also detects fraud by identifying unusual credit card, debit card or account transactions, and it supports risk analysis by finding trends that may indicate financial risks. It can also be used for credit scoring by analysing a customer’s financial history and reliability/ Data mining also helps manage customer portfolios by identifying suitable financial products. Aditionally, it is used in investment banking to predict trends in stock and share values and make investment decisions, and it can help allocate capital and resources more effectively to maximise profits. However, there are privacy and security concerns because personal financial data is analysed, and they can also be expensive to implement and maintain.

1) Autonomous transport systems are emerging technologies. 

(a) Describe what is meant by an autonomous transport system. [2]

It is an unmanned vehicle that uses AI

(b) Describe how autonomous transport systems could be used in healthcare. [4]

There can be service robots that can carry and deliver food and medical equipment to patients, and they can also transport patients and assist surviviors of disasters in emergencies.

7) Virtual currency can be used instead of physical bank notes and coins to buy goods and services. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the use of virtual currency. [8]

Virtual currency represents an amount of money that is stored only in digital form. Virtual currency is not regulated so the value can change hands without oversight, with no records available to regulators. The transactions are also much faster than with physical currency. However, the use is restricted to members of specific communities, and it has no interchangeability with real currency. The currency is also not regulated so the value depends on trust between the users, and the value can also fluctuate widely since it is not regulated so they can either lose or gain money.

11) Evaluate the use of email by governments. [8]

Email allows governments to communicate quickly and cheaply with large numbers of citizens through mass mailings. It can be used to distribute govt news, provide updates on laws and regulations, and send info to specific individuals or organisations. Email also enables citizens to give feedback and discuss current issues with govt departments. However, not all citizens have email accounts or internet access, meaning some people may not receive important information. Govts may also use email to monitor illegal activites, which can raise privart concerns, and email can be used to spread false, distorted, or biased information that promotes govt’s views.