Chapter 1-9 Review: Computational Thinking and Logic

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on computational thinking, logic, CS vs IT, AI, and related topics.

Computational thinking

A problem‑solving approach that uses logic, algorithms, and structured reasoning to analyze and solve problems, not simply thinking like a computer.

Logic

The study of valid reasoning; in this course, the use of true/false propositions and connectives to derive conclusions.

Propositional calculus

A formal system for evaluating statements that can be true or false, using logical connectives and truth tables.

Proposition

A statement that can be true or false (e.g., 'This is a dog').

Truth table

A table listing all possible truth values for one or more propositions and the resulting truth value of their combination.

P, Q

Symbols used to denote individual propositions in a logic expression.

Logical operators

Connectives that combine propositions, such as AND, OR, and NOT.

Conjunction

The AND operator; true only when both operands are true.

Disjunction

The OR operator; true when at least one operand is true.

Truth value

The value indicating whether a proposition is true or false (true/false, 1/0, T/F).

Symbol for AND (∧)

The logical connective used to require both propositions to be true.

Evidence (in logic examples)

Input used to evaluate a proposition, such as a picture or observations.

True/False (truth values)

The two possible outcomes of evaluating a proposition.

Two-proposition setup

A scenario with two base propositions (e.g., 'this is a dog' and 'this is brownish') used in a truth table.

Truth table for two propositions

A table showing all four possible truth value combinations for the pair of propositions and the resulting combined truth value.

Connectives/logical operators

Tools like AND, OR, NOT used to build compound propositions.

Garbage in, garbage out (GIGO)

The principle that the quality of output depends on the quality of input data or training.

Algorithm

A finite, well-defined sequence of steps to solve a problem or perform a task.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Systems that mimic some aspects of human intelligence; not true thinking, can be unreliable, should be used as a tool, not a panacea.

FICO

A credit-scoring organization that discusses AI usage in financial contexts (credit scoring and fraud detection).

Computer Science (CS)

The systematic study of algorithms, data, and the methodology behind information processing and computation.

Information Technology (IT)

Application of computers and communications to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data; focus on using and maintaining IT systems.

Informatics

European term often used for computer science; the science of information processing.

Digital logic

Study of logic circuits and hardware design used in computing.

Hardware

Physical computing components (circuits, boards, processors) that run software.

Breadboard

A hardware prototyping board used to test circuits without soldering.

Data analytics

Analyzing data to extract meaningful insights and patterns (e.g., marketing, fraud detection).

Cybersecurity

Protecting networks, systems, and data from unauthorized access or attack.

Computer engineering

Engineering discipline combining CS and electrical engineering to design hardware and integrated systems.

Digital logic in coursework

Part of the curriculum where hardware and logic circuits are studied and used.

Propositional calculus as foundation

The basic logical framework underpinning CS, IT, and much of mathematics.

Truth value true

A proposition that evaluates to true in a given scenario.

Truth value false

A proposition that evaluates to false in a given scenario.

P and Q notation

A pair of propositions used in logical expressions and truth tables.