Code of Ethics for Computer Scientists: A Comprehensive Guide for Ethical Decision-Making

Question 1

Which of these is a key ethical principle for computer scientists?

Accepted Answer

Respecting individuals' privacy

Answer

Using copyrighted materials without restriction

Answer

Putting personal gain ahead of ethical concerns

Question 2

According to the Code of Ethics for Computer Scientists, what is the ethical duty of a computer scientist who identifies a security flaw that could jeopardize user data?

Accepted Answer

Report the flaw to the appropriate vendor

Answer

Conceal the flaw to prevent panic

Answer

Exploit the flaw for personal gain

Question 3

When faced with an ethical dilemma in computing, what are the sequential steps involved in utilizing ethical frameworks?

Accepted Answer

Identify the ethical issue, apply relevant ethical principles, and consider potential consequences.

Answer

Consult with experts, follow industry standards, and seek legal advice.

Answer

Rely on instincts, prioritize personal values, and hope for a positive outcome.

Question 4

A computer scientist working on self-driving technology has an ethical obligation to prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Safety of human lives

Answer

Company profits

Answer

Legal compliance

Answer

Public acceptance

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of ethical guidelines in computing?

Accepted Answer

To establish clear standards of conduct for computer scientists

Answer

To punish ethical misconduct

Answer

To enhance the public image of the computing profession

Answer

To limit the legal liability of computing professionals

Question 6

According to the Code of Ethics, what is the primary responsibility of a computer scientist?

Accepted Answer

To serve the public good

Answer

To maximize profits for stakeholders

Answer

To advance the field of computing

Answer

To comply with all applicable laws

Question 7

When faced with an ethical dilemma in computing, what is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Consult with a trusted advisor

Answer

Rely on personal instincts

Answer

Follow the majority opinion

Answer

Ignore the dilemma and hope it goes away

Question 8

Which principle in the ACM Code of Ethics highlights the responsibility of computer scientists to prioritize society's well-being in their professional endeavors?

Accepted Answer

Public Interest

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Question 9

Which of the following is the fundamental ethical principle for computer scientists?

Accepted Answer

Protecting user privacy and data security

Answer

Maximizing profits for clients

Answer

Promoting universal access to technology

Answer

Complying strictly with all legal regulations

Question 10

Which element is notably absent from the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Unwavering loyalty

Answer

Responsibility

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Professionalism

Question 11

Which foundational principle of the Code of Ethics emphasizes the responsibility to utilize computing technologies for the betterment of society?

Accepted Answer

Public Good and Responsibility

Answer

Honesty and Integrity

Answer

Fair and Equal Treatment

Answer

Accountability

Question 12

In a scenario where a computer scientist is involved in a project that requires the collection and analysis of sensitive personal data, which ethical concern should be given the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Privacy and Confidentiality

Answer

Fairness and Equality

Answer

Intellectual Property

Answer

Accountability

Question 13

Which action would be considered a violation of the Honesty and Integrity principle?

Accepted Answer

Fabricating data to support a desired outcome

Answer

Attributing code properly when using external sources

Answer

Reporting accurate results from a research study

Answer

Admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for errors

Question 14

A software engineer encounters a situation where a client requests a feature that could pose risks to users. Which course of action would align with ethical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client of the ethical implications and explore alternative solutions

Answer

Implement the feature as requested, disregarding any potential harm

Answer

Deny implementing the feature due to ethical concerns

Answer

Proceed with implementing the feature without informing the client

Question 15

The Accountability principle in the Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Accepting responsibility for one's actions and decisions

Answer

Reporting ethical violations to appropriate authorities

Answer

Documenting code and design decisions thoroughly

Answer

Continuously seeking guidance from mentors

Question 16

Which potential benefit is NOT associated with adhering to the Code of Ethics for Computer Scientists?

Accepted Answer

Guaranteed career advancement

Answer

Enhanced public trust

Answer

Improved workplace morale

Answer

Reduced legal liability

Question 17

A computer scientist faces a complex problem but lacks sufficient knowledge to solve it. Which ethical course of action should they take?

Accepted Answer

Refer the problem to a colleague with more expertise

Answer

Attempt to solve the problem despite limited knowledge

Answer

Ignore the problem and hope it resolves itself

Answer

Fabricate a solution to meet deadlines

Question 18

Clarified: Which of the following is a fundamental ethical principle in computing, emphasizing respect for individual rights and choices?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 19

Reworded: According to the ACM Code of Conduct, which of the following is NOT a responsibility of computer scientists?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing personal gain above all else

Answer

Upholding the integrity of the profession

Answer

Advancing the art and science of computing

Answer

Promoting social responsibility

Question 20

Simplified: The ethical principle of autonomy refers to:

Accepted Answer

The right of individuals to make their own decisions

Answer

The responsibility to protect vulnerable populations

Answer

The need for informed consent

Answer

The obligation to respect intellectual property rights

Question 21

A software engineer discovers a critical security flaw in a widely used application. Disclosing the flaw publicly could cause immediate harm, but informing the developers allows them to fix it before exploitation. Which ethical principle is most relevant in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence and Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Intellectual Property

Answer

Professional Competence

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a core principle outlined in the ACM Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Profit Maximization

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Fairness

Answer

Respect

Question 23

A data scientist is working on a project involving sensitive personal information. They are asked to share this data with a third-party vendor without explicit user consent. What ethical consideration should guide their decision?

Accepted Answer

Privacy and Data Protection

Answer

Professional Competence

Answer

Intellectual Property

Answer

Social Impact

Question 24

A team of developers is creating a facial recognition system for a government agency. They are concerned about potential biases in the training data and its impact on minority groups. Which ethical responsibility should they prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Social Responsibility and Inclusivity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Professional Competence

Answer

Intellectual Property

Question 25

What is the primary role of professional organizations like the ACM in promoting ethical conduct in computing?

Accepted Answer

Setting standards, providing guidelines, and offering resources for ethical decision-making.

Answer

Developing new technologies to address ethical concerns.

Answer

Enforcing legal regulations and penalties for unethical behavior.

Answer

Conducting research on ethical issues in computing.

Question 26

A computer science student discovers a vulnerability in a popular online gaming platform. They could exploit it for personal gain, but they choose to report it to the platform's developers instead. What ethical principle is most likely motivating their decision?

Accepted Answer

Integrity and Honesty

Answer

Beneficence and Non-maleficence

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Professional Competence

Question 27

A software developer is asked to create a program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze customer data for targeted advertising. What ethical concern should the developer prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Privacy and Data Protection

Answer

Social Impact

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Professional Competence

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a typical resource used to guide ethical decision-making in computing?

Accepted Answer

Personal opinions and beliefs

Answer

Professional codes of ethics

Answer

Ethical frameworks and theories

Answer

Case studies and real-world examples