,OpenStax Introduction to Computer
Science Instructor Answer Guide
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Science................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Computational Thinking and Design Reusability ........................................................ 14
Chapter 3: Data Structures and Algorithms..................................................................................32
Chapter 4: Linguistic Realization of Algorithms: Low-Level Programming Languages ................. 52
Chapter 5: Hardware Realizations of Algorithms: Computer Systems Design ............................. 77
Chapter 6: Infrastructure Abstraction Layer: Operating Systems ................................................ 90
Chapter 7: High-Level Programming Languages.........................................................................109
Chapter 8: Data Management....................................................................................................133
Chapter 9: Software Engineering................................................................................................154
Chapter 10: Enterprise and Solution Architectures Management ............................................. 167
Chapter 11: Web Applications Development.............................................................................182
Chapter 12: Cloud-Native Applications Development................................................................197
Chapter 13: Hybrid Multicloud Digital Solutions Development ................................................. 220
Chapter 14: Cyber Resources Qualities and Cyber Computing Governance..............................240
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Science
Review Questions
1. What is computer science?
[Answer: Computer science is the study of computing, which includes all phenomena related to
computers, such as the Internet. With foundations in engineering and mathematics, computer
science focuses on studying algorithms, which are instructions that enable computing. This
includes computer hardware and software and the way these are used to process information.]
2. What two subjects does computer science combine the foundations of?
a. math and engineering
[Correct. Computer science principles are built on mathematic concepts and engineering
techniques are applied to advance computational technology over time.]
b. math and physics
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of mathematics, but not directly
physics. It could be argued that hardware design applies the laws of electricity, but that
would only apply to hardware and not the general concepts of digital computations.]
c. physics and engineering
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of engineering, but not directly
physics. It could be argued that hardware design applies the laws of electricity, but that
would only apply to hardware and not the general concepts of digital computations.]
d. math and chemistry
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of engineering, but not
chemistry.]
[Answer: A]
3. What can execute an algorithm?
[Answer: Human computers, which were common before the 1950s, and digital computers,
which can execute computer programs that represent algorithms.]
4. What enables the ENIAC (one of the first digital computers, invented in 1945) to be able to
compute anything that can run on modern computers?
a. Both the ENIAC and modern computers have memory.
[Incorrect. Although it is true that both the ENIAC and modern computers have some
way of representing memory, memory alone doesn’t explain how the ENIAC can
compute the same things as modern computers. What is common between the ENIAC
and modern computers is their shared common approach to manipulating information
stored in memory in a consistent way.
b. Both the ENIAC and modern computers share the same hardware.
[Incorrect. The ENIAC used vacuum tubes to represent memory, whereas modern
computers use silicon.]
c. Both the ENIAC and modern computers are considered Turing-complete.
[Correct. Because the ENIAC is Turing complete, it can compute anything that can run on
modern computers.]
d. Both the ENIAC and modern computers run the same software.
[Incorrect. Not necessarily. Software is written for programming languages that are
specific to computer systems or computer architectures. Software has advanced a lot
3
, since 1945, so the techniques and programs for modern computers likely won’t run
directly on an ENIAC. However, we can rewrite those programs for the ENIAC.]
5. What invention was credited as the first calculator?
a. punch cards
[Incorrect. Punch cards were invented in the 1890s.]
b. abacus
[Correct. The abacus was a device that was considered the first calculator.]
c. Difference Machine
[Incorrect. The Difference Machine was invented in the 1620s.]
d. ENIAC
[Incorrect. The ENIAC was the first computer, but it was not considered the first
calculator.]
[Answer: B]
6. What term is considered an algorithm that can be run on a computer?
a. artificial intelligence
[Incorrect. Artificial intelligence is defined as the development of computer functions to
perform tasks, such as visual perception and decision-making processes, that usually are
performed by human intelligence.]
b. algorithm
[Incorrect. Algorithm is defined as a sequence of precise instructions.]
c. computer program
[Correct. A computer program is defined as algorithms that can be run on a computer.]
d. programming language
[Incorrect. A programming language is defined as a language consisting of symbols and
instructions that can be interpreted by a computer.]
[Answer: C]
7. Why is computer science often not considered a science?
a. Computer science does not study natural objects.
[Correct. It is not considered a natural science because it does not study natural objects
or phenomenon.]
b. Computer science emphasizes the discovery of natural phenomena.
[Incorrect. The natural sciences, not computer science, emphasize discovery of natural
phenomena.]
c. Computer science is spreadsheet-based.
[Incorrect. While spreadsheets are important in computer science, this has nothing to
do with whether computer science is regarded as a science.]
d. Computer science focuses on computational structures.
[Incorrect. While computational structures are important in computer science, this has
nothing to do with whether computer science is regarded as a science.]
[Answer: A]
8. What is the definition of data science?
a. a subfield of computer science that emphasizes the social aspects of computation
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
[Incorrect. This defines human-computer interaction.]
b. an interdisciplinary field studying information technologies and systems as they relate to
people, organizations, and societies
[Incorrect. This defines information science.]
c. a subfield of computer science that emphasizes how problems can be solved with
computers as well as the practices and processes that can help people design more
effective software solutions
[Incorrect. This defines software engineering.]
d. an interdisciplinary field that applies computing toward managing data and extracting
information from data
[Correct. This is the definition of data science.]
[Answer: D]
9. What term is used to describe a subfield of computer science that emphasizes how a
computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms and whether that
mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer?
a. computational science
[Incorrect. Computational science is defined as the application of computing concepts
and technologies to advance scientific research and practical applications of science
knowledge.]
b. theoretical computer science
[Correct. Theoretical computer science is defined as a subfield of computer science that
emphasizes how a computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms and
whether that mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer.]
c. information science
[Incorrect. Information science is defined as an interdisciplinary field studying
information technologies and systems as they relate to people, organizations, and
societies.]
d. data science
[Incorrect. Data science is defined as an interdisciplinary field that applies computing
toward managing data and extracting information from data.]
[Answer: B]
10. What subfield of computer science relates information technology to people and society?
a. computational science
[Incorrect. Computational science is defined as the application of computing concepts
and technologies to advance scientific research and practical applications of science
knowledge.]
b. theoretical computer science
[Incorrect. Theoretical computer science is defined as a subfield of computer science
that emphasizes how a computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms
and whether that mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer.]
c. information science
[Correct. Information science is defined as an interdisciplinary field studying information
technologies and systems as they relate to people, organizations, and societies.]
d. data science
5
, [Incorrect. Data science is defined as an interdisciplinary field that applies computing
toward managing data and extracting information from data.]
[Answer: C]
11. How does computational science contribute new methods to the study of the sciences?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Computational science incorporates computation in the study of
the sciences. Rather than relying on direct experiments of phenomena to discover knowledge,
computational science introduces simulation and computer modeling as new tools to advance
scientific research and development. For example, we can design computer models that
simulate protein folding behavior. These simulations can then be verified in the real world.
Once the simulations are sufficiently effective, they can be relied on for advancing discoveries
in medicine, energy generation, climatology, and other applications of scientific knowledge.]
12. How do information science and computer science compare?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Information science and computer science share significant
overlap because computer science deals with data that often encode information relevant to
people, organizations, and societies. However, computer science often focuses more on the
computational side of things. Computer scientists might emphasize questions such as, “How
can or should this data be transformed?” Information scientists might emphasize questions
such as, “How do people use this data to inform policies or decisions?” Often, the answers to
these questions are interrelated and connected especially because algorithms and computation
are now deeply embedded in and affecting people, organizations, and societies.]
13. What does it mean to say that the various areas of computer science are synergistic?
[Answer: Computer science is an interdisciplinary field that has the ability to shape other
disciplines. It is used around the world by people in diverse capacities. For example, in
theoretical computer science, the focus is on functions like computations, data structures,
algorithms, programming, while the computer systems of computer science focus on things like
artificial intelligence, networks, databases, and security. Then, applied computer science looks
at human-computer interactions. Computer science is a complex field and its synergistic nature
means that when computer science is used in an interdisciplinary manner that shapes other
disciplines, the impact on society is much greater than when each discipline functions on its
own.]
14. What term is defined as an approach that emphasizes people rather than technologies in
the design of computer solutions?
a. human-centered computing
[Correct. This is the definition of human-centered computing.]
b. neural network
[Incorrect. Neural network is defined as an AI algorithm architecture that emphasizes
connections between artificial “neurons” whose behavior and values change in response
to stimulus or input.]
c. social determination of technology
[Incorrect. Social determination of technology is defined as the belief that technologies
are inherently neutral, and that it is the people who use a technology who ultimately
make it “good” or “bad.”]
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
d. technological fix
[Incorrect. Technological fix is defined as an idea that technologies can solve social
problems, but now is often used to critique blind faith in technological solutions to
human problems.]
[Answer: A]
15. A software application takes an image as an input and analyzes it. This is an example of
what?
a. illustrative processing
[Incorrect. This is not a term covered in this chapter.]
b. image recognition
[Correct. The definition of image recognition is the problem of identifying objects in an
image.]
c. image generation
[Incorrect. While this is a capability of artificial intelligence, this refers to the generation
of an image, not the analysis of an existing image.]
d. analytical modeling
[Incorrect. This is not a term covered in this chapter.]
[Answer: B]
16. What are adversarial attacks and why is it important to study them?
[Answer: Answers may vary, but could define adversarial attacks as sample inputs (e.g., images)
that are designed to cause a system to behave problematically. Answers could explain that the
problems caused by adversarial attacks may include things like causing a neural network to
report extremely high confidence in its wrong answers. By studying adversarial attacks,
researchers can design neural networks that are more robust and resilient to these attacks.]
17. What is the relationship between artificial intelligence, image recognition, and neural
networks?
[Answer: Image recognition is a problem that can be solved with the help of artificial
intelligence approaches such as neural networks.]
18. How do neural networks recognize objects in images?
[Answer: Neural networks are an AI architecture that is inspired by the biology of neurons in a
brain. In a computer, “neurons” are represented as numbers that can be combined
mathematically to memorize patterns in images. With enough numbers, the neural network can
learn to memorize the patterns of edges representing an object as it appears across many
different perspectives and situations.]
Conceptual Questions
1. Give two definitions of computer science. How do they compare?
[Answer: Newell, Perlis, and Simon defined computer science as “the study of the phenomena
surrounding computers.” This is a very inclusive definition that enables all people studying
computers and their implications to be part of computer science. Others prefer more exclusive
definitions of computer science that emphasize how computers can solve problems. This
second perspective tends to minimize the contributions of people who want to understand all
the ways computing is changing the world.]
2. Explain the concept of theoretical computer science.
7
,[Answer: Theoretical computer science focuses on the mathematical processes behind
software. It expands computer science knowledge by contributing ideas about (1) whether a
result can be computed by a Turing-complete computer at all, (2) how that result might be
computed using an algorithm, and (3) how quickly or efficiently a computer can run such an
algorithm.]
3. What is body-syntonic reasoning and how has it affected education?
[Answer: Body-syntonic reasoning, an idea from Papert, refers to a kind of experience that
could help students more effectively learn concepts in mathematics and physics by constructing
their own understandings via reasoning through the physical motion of turtle programs. In this
way, computers could not only be used to further education in computer science, but also offer
new, more dynamic ways to learn other subjects. Papert’s ideas have been expanded beyond
the realm of mathematics and physics to areas such as the social sciences, where interactive
data visualization can help students identify interesting correlations and patterns that
precipitated social change and turning points in history while also learning new data fluencies
and the limits of data-based approaches.]
4. In terms of data science, what is a spreadsheet and why can it be said that by using
spreadsheets, people are programming without realizing it?
[Answer: Answers may vary. A spreadsheet is an example of a data-centric programming
environment where data is organized into cells in a table. Instead of presenting programs as
primarily about algorithms, spreadsheets present programs as primarily about data.
Spreadsheets are often used for data analysis by offering a way to organize, share, and
communicate ideas about data. Spreadsheets are uniquely effective and accessible because
they allow for visual organization of data in whichever structure makes the most sense to the
user. Instead of hiding data behind code, spreadsheets make data as transparent and up to
date as possible. Millions of people use spreadsheets daily, and because spreadsheets are a
form of computer programming, these people are programming without realizing it.]
5. How do discovery and invention differ and how are these involved in computer science?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Discovery is often associated with the natural sciences like biology
and physics, which discover natural phenomena. Invention is creation or engineering, and it is
not focused on natural phenomena. Computer science involves discovery in the physical and
mathematical principles underlying computation. Computer science involves invention in the
creative design work behind creating software or hardware systems based on these principles.]
6. Describe in your own words the difference between data (as in data science) and
information (as in information science). How does computer science shape both fields?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Data can refer to facts, statistics, or figures drawn from some
source. Information can refer to the findings or insights analyzed from data. Computer science
shapes both data science and information science by providing methods for organizing and
analyzing data as it is transformed from raw forms into information that can be used to shape a
decision.]
7. Give a real-life example that refutes social determination of technology. Your example does
not need to involve computing, but it should involve some technology designed by humans.
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
[Answer: Answers may vary. An example from science and technology studies is nuclear energy:
“if you accept nuclear powerplants, you also accept a techno-scientific-industrial military elite.
Without these people in charge, you could not have nuclear power.”(Mander quoted in Winner
1980). Another example closer to daily life could involve roads and public infrastructure: the
prioritization of individually owned vehicles over public transit is shaped by the way that roads
and highways are prioritized in the United States. Even before these roads are used by people,
the design of road networks in the United States prioritizes travel by individual vehicle owners.
However, not all people own cars, and the people who do own cars are not representative of
everyone in the United States.]
8. Artificial intelligence approaches are typically used to solve problems that requires specific
kinds of “intelligence.” Describe a real-life computational problem or application that does
not need artificial intelligence.
[Answer: Answers may vary. One example is spreadsheet software, which focuses on working
with the user to organize and layout data. Yet even in the case of spreadsheets, AI approaches
are helpful to support the user in analyzing and uncovering patterns in the data by generating
visual representations of the data and statistics. Another example could be a shopping app that
might involve handling shopping transactions over the Internet and communicating with the
business owner’s server.]
9. Image recognition systems that can detect objects in images enable self-driving cars and
many large-scale manufacturing or agricultural operations. Give another example where
image recognition could be used as part of a larger system to automate decisions at scale.
[Answer: Answers may vary. Image recognition could be used in consumer or professional
medical diagnoses, such as by enabling an app to recognize diseases from photos of patients. It
could also be used to help consumers repair products by identifying needed replacement items
or assist people with vision disabilities in navigating the physical world.]
Practice Exercises
1. Research where the term debugging originated from and why it refers to finding problems
in our programs today.
[Answer: In 1947, in the very early days of computing, Grace Hopper who worked for Harvard
University found a literal bug in the mainframe of the computer that caused the computer to
not work correctly. She referred to the removal of the bug and therefore fixing the problem, as
debugging. The term is still widely used as a way to describe finding “bugs” in computer
systems and fixing them.]
2. Research some examples of computational models and how they are a part of everyday life.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer is as follows: The weather forecast is simply
predictions based on computer models of the atmosphere over time and how weather patterns
will interact with changes in the atmosphere. There are several different models that run
simulations to piece together a weather pattern to determine a forecast.]
3. Research how computational models relate to mathematics.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer is as follows: Many models are based on
mathematical formulas. Many models are mathematical formulas implemented in algorithms
that models run to perform simulations.]
9
, 4. Research some examples of how artificial intelligence is used across multiple industries.
Summarize at least two different industries and how AI is currently being used.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer follows: In finance, systems are being developed
to analyze large amounts of real-time quantitative data to improve models of financial
forecasting related to trading and macroeconomic trends. In health care, systems are being
developed to help diagnose common and uncommon health conditions faster.]
5. Research ethical issues related to artificial intelligence and provide an example of how
artificial intelligence can be misused for unethical and even criminal ways.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer follows: Artificial intelligence can generate data of
many formats. Fake images that can be used to represent misinformation is one way AI can
unfortunately be used in unethical ways.]
Problem Set A
1. Research examples of how modeling and simulations have led to new inventions and
discoveries.
[Answer: Modeling and simulations are used in almost every field of engineering ranging from
research and development to testing new technologies and designs. In the automotive industry,
many new safety features were designed and then evaluated using modeling and simulations
prior to physical crash testing. This saves the industry millions of dollars by proving out
concepts prior to expensive crash testing.]
2. Research and provide a summary of the difference between artificial intelligence and
machine learning.
[Answer: Artificial intelligence encompasses the idea that a machine can mimic and develop
intelligence and cognitive abilities similar to humans. Machine learning aims to teach
algorithms to improve over time by identifying patterns.]
Problem Set B
1. Research how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve the accuracy of
computational models and lead to cutting-edge technology inventions in the future. Provide
a specific example of how AI and ML have been used in this way so far.
[Answer: Artificial intelligence was used during the development process of the COVID-19
vaccine by Pfizer. The company relied on modeling and simulation paired with artificial
intelligence to rapidly speed up development of a new vaccine.]
2. Research and provide a summary of how machine learning is a subset of artificial
intelligence and plays a key role in artificial intelligence systems.
[Answer: Machine learning is the ability to learn over time and therefore provides the system
with the intelligence aspect of AI. It is the key enabler for the system to learn and adapt in its
operational environment.]
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Science Instructor Answer Guide
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Science................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Computational Thinking and Design Reusability ........................................................ 14
Chapter 3: Data Structures and Algorithms..................................................................................32
Chapter 4: Linguistic Realization of Algorithms: Low-Level Programming Languages ................. 52
Chapter 5: Hardware Realizations of Algorithms: Computer Systems Design ............................. 77
Chapter 6: Infrastructure Abstraction Layer: Operating Systems ................................................ 90
Chapter 7: High-Level Programming Languages.........................................................................109
Chapter 8: Data Management....................................................................................................133
Chapter 9: Software Engineering................................................................................................154
Chapter 10: Enterprise and Solution Architectures Management ............................................. 167
Chapter 11: Web Applications Development.............................................................................182
Chapter 12: Cloud-Native Applications Development................................................................197
Chapter 13: Hybrid Multicloud Digital Solutions Development ................................................. 220
Chapter 14: Cyber Resources Qualities and Cyber Computing Governance..............................240
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12/19/2024 2
,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Science
Review Questions
1. What is computer science?
[Answer: Computer science is the study of computing, which includes all phenomena related to
computers, such as the Internet. With foundations in engineering and mathematics, computer
science focuses on studying algorithms, which are instructions that enable computing. This
includes computer hardware and software and the way these are used to process information.]
2. What two subjects does computer science combine the foundations of?
a. math and engineering
[Correct. Computer science principles are built on mathematic concepts and engineering
techniques are applied to advance computational technology over time.]
b. math and physics
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of mathematics, but not directly
physics. It could be argued that hardware design applies the laws of electricity, but that
would only apply to hardware and not the general concepts of digital computations.]
c. physics and engineering
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of engineering, but not directly
physics. It could be argued that hardware design applies the laws of electricity, but that
would only apply to hardware and not the general concepts of digital computations.]
d. math and chemistry
[Incorrect. Computer science is based on the concepts of engineering, but not
chemistry.]
[Answer: A]
3. What can execute an algorithm?
[Answer: Human computers, which were common before the 1950s, and digital computers,
which can execute computer programs that represent algorithms.]
4. What enables the ENIAC (one of the first digital computers, invented in 1945) to be able to
compute anything that can run on modern computers?
a. Both the ENIAC and modern computers have memory.
[Incorrect. Although it is true that both the ENIAC and modern computers have some
way of representing memory, memory alone doesn’t explain how the ENIAC can
compute the same things as modern computers. What is common between the ENIAC
and modern computers is their shared common approach to manipulating information
stored in memory in a consistent way.
b. Both the ENIAC and modern computers share the same hardware.
[Incorrect. The ENIAC used vacuum tubes to represent memory, whereas modern
computers use silicon.]
c. Both the ENIAC and modern computers are considered Turing-complete.
[Correct. Because the ENIAC is Turing complete, it can compute anything that can run on
modern computers.]
d. Both the ENIAC and modern computers run the same software.
[Incorrect. Not necessarily. Software is written for programming languages that are
specific to computer systems or computer architectures. Software has advanced a lot
3
, since 1945, so the techniques and programs for modern computers likely won’t run
directly on an ENIAC. However, we can rewrite those programs for the ENIAC.]
5. What invention was credited as the first calculator?
a. punch cards
[Incorrect. Punch cards were invented in the 1890s.]
b. abacus
[Correct. The abacus was a device that was considered the first calculator.]
c. Difference Machine
[Incorrect. The Difference Machine was invented in the 1620s.]
d. ENIAC
[Incorrect. The ENIAC was the first computer, but it was not considered the first
calculator.]
[Answer: B]
6. What term is considered an algorithm that can be run on a computer?
a. artificial intelligence
[Incorrect. Artificial intelligence is defined as the development of computer functions to
perform tasks, such as visual perception and decision-making processes, that usually are
performed by human intelligence.]
b. algorithm
[Incorrect. Algorithm is defined as a sequence of precise instructions.]
c. computer program
[Correct. A computer program is defined as algorithms that can be run on a computer.]
d. programming language
[Incorrect. A programming language is defined as a language consisting of symbols and
instructions that can be interpreted by a computer.]
[Answer: C]
7. Why is computer science often not considered a science?
a. Computer science does not study natural objects.
[Correct. It is not considered a natural science because it does not study natural objects
or phenomenon.]
b. Computer science emphasizes the discovery of natural phenomena.
[Incorrect. The natural sciences, not computer science, emphasize discovery of natural
phenomena.]
c. Computer science is spreadsheet-based.
[Incorrect. While spreadsheets are important in computer science, this has nothing to
do with whether computer science is regarded as a science.]
d. Computer science focuses on computational structures.
[Incorrect. While computational structures are important in computer science, this has
nothing to do with whether computer science is regarded as a science.]
[Answer: A]
8. What is the definition of data science?
a. a subfield of computer science that emphasizes the social aspects of computation
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
[Incorrect. This defines human-computer interaction.]
b. an interdisciplinary field studying information technologies and systems as they relate to
people, organizations, and societies
[Incorrect. This defines information science.]
c. a subfield of computer science that emphasizes how problems can be solved with
computers as well as the practices and processes that can help people design more
effective software solutions
[Incorrect. This defines software engineering.]
d. an interdisciplinary field that applies computing toward managing data and extracting
information from data
[Correct. This is the definition of data science.]
[Answer: D]
9. What term is used to describe a subfield of computer science that emphasizes how a
computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms and whether that
mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer?
a. computational science
[Incorrect. Computational science is defined as the application of computing concepts
and technologies to advance scientific research and practical applications of science
knowledge.]
b. theoretical computer science
[Correct. Theoretical computer science is defined as a subfield of computer science that
emphasizes how a computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms and
whether that mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer.]
c. information science
[Incorrect. Information science is defined as an interdisciplinary field studying
information technologies and systems as they relate to people, organizations, and
societies.]
d. data science
[Incorrect. Data science is defined as an interdisciplinary field that applies computing
toward managing data and extracting information from data.]
[Answer: B]
10. What subfield of computer science relates information technology to people and society?
a. computational science
[Incorrect. Computational science is defined as the application of computing concepts
and technologies to advance scientific research and practical applications of science
knowledge.]
b. theoretical computer science
[Incorrect. Theoretical computer science is defined as a subfield of computer science
that emphasizes how a computational problem can be defined in mathematical terms
and whether that mathematical problem can be efficiently solved with a computer.]
c. information science
[Correct. Information science is defined as an interdisciplinary field studying information
technologies and systems as they relate to people, organizations, and societies.]
d. data science
5
, [Incorrect. Data science is defined as an interdisciplinary field that applies computing
toward managing data and extracting information from data.]
[Answer: C]
11. How does computational science contribute new methods to the study of the sciences?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Computational science incorporates computation in the study of
the sciences. Rather than relying on direct experiments of phenomena to discover knowledge,
computational science introduces simulation and computer modeling as new tools to advance
scientific research and development. For example, we can design computer models that
simulate protein folding behavior. These simulations can then be verified in the real world.
Once the simulations are sufficiently effective, they can be relied on for advancing discoveries
in medicine, energy generation, climatology, and other applications of scientific knowledge.]
12. How do information science and computer science compare?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Information science and computer science share significant
overlap because computer science deals with data that often encode information relevant to
people, organizations, and societies. However, computer science often focuses more on the
computational side of things. Computer scientists might emphasize questions such as, “How
can or should this data be transformed?” Information scientists might emphasize questions
such as, “How do people use this data to inform policies or decisions?” Often, the answers to
these questions are interrelated and connected especially because algorithms and computation
are now deeply embedded in and affecting people, organizations, and societies.]
13. What does it mean to say that the various areas of computer science are synergistic?
[Answer: Computer science is an interdisciplinary field that has the ability to shape other
disciplines. It is used around the world by people in diverse capacities. For example, in
theoretical computer science, the focus is on functions like computations, data structures,
algorithms, programming, while the computer systems of computer science focus on things like
artificial intelligence, networks, databases, and security. Then, applied computer science looks
at human-computer interactions. Computer science is a complex field and its synergistic nature
means that when computer science is used in an interdisciplinary manner that shapes other
disciplines, the impact on society is much greater than when each discipline functions on its
own.]
14. What term is defined as an approach that emphasizes people rather than technologies in
the design of computer solutions?
a. human-centered computing
[Correct. This is the definition of human-centered computing.]
b. neural network
[Incorrect. Neural network is defined as an AI algorithm architecture that emphasizes
connections between artificial “neurons” whose behavior and values change in response
to stimulus or input.]
c. social determination of technology
[Incorrect. Social determination of technology is defined as the belief that technologies
are inherently neutral, and that it is the people who use a technology who ultimately
make it “good” or “bad.”]
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12/19/2024 6
,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
d. technological fix
[Incorrect. Technological fix is defined as an idea that technologies can solve social
problems, but now is often used to critique blind faith in technological solutions to
human problems.]
[Answer: A]
15. A software application takes an image as an input and analyzes it. This is an example of
what?
a. illustrative processing
[Incorrect. This is not a term covered in this chapter.]
b. image recognition
[Correct. The definition of image recognition is the problem of identifying objects in an
image.]
c. image generation
[Incorrect. While this is a capability of artificial intelligence, this refers to the generation
of an image, not the analysis of an existing image.]
d. analytical modeling
[Incorrect. This is not a term covered in this chapter.]
[Answer: B]
16. What are adversarial attacks and why is it important to study them?
[Answer: Answers may vary, but could define adversarial attacks as sample inputs (e.g., images)
that are designed to cause a system to behave problematically. Answers could explain that the
problems caused by adversarial attacks may include things like causing a neural network to
report extremely high confidence in its wrong answers. By studying adversarial attacks,
researchers can design neural networks that are more robust and resilient to these attacks.]
17. What is the relationship between artificial intelligence, image recognition, and neural
networks?
[Answer: Image recognition is a problem that can be solved with the help of artificial
intelligence approaches such as neural networks.]
18. How do neural networks recognize objects in images?
[Answer: Neural networks are an AI architecture that is inspired by the biology of neurons in a
brain. In a computer, “neurons” are represented as numbers that can be combined
mathematically to memorize patterns in images. With enough numbers, the neural network can
learn to memorize the patterns of edges representing an object as it appears across many
different perspectives and situations.]
Conceptual Questions
1. Give two definitions of computer science. How do they compare?
[Answer: Newell, Perlis, and Simon defined computer science as “the study of the phenomena
surrounding computers.” This is a very inclusive definition that enables all people studying
computers and their implications to be part of computer science. Others prefer more exclusive
definitions of computer science that emphasize how computers can solve problems. This
second perspective tends to minimize the contributions of people who want to understand all
the ways computing is changing the world.]
2. Explain the concept of theoretical computer science.
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,[Answer: Theoretical computer science focuses on the mathematical processes behind
software. It expands computer science knowledge by contributing ideas about (1) whether a
result can be computed by a Turing-complete computer at all, (2) how that result might be
computed using an algorithm, and (3) how quickly or efficiently a computer can run such an
algorithm.]
3. What is body-syntonic reasoning and how has it affected education?
[Answer: Body-syntonic reasoning, an idea from Papert, refers to a kind of experience that
could help students more effectively learn concepts in mathematics and physics by constructing
their own understandings via reasoning through the physical motion of turtle programs. In this
way, computers could not only be used to further education in computer science, but also offer
new, more dynamic ways to learn other subjects. Papert’s ideas have been expanded beyond
the realm of mathematics and physics to areas such as the social sciences, where interactive
data visualization can help students identify interesting correlations and patterns that
precipitated social change and turning points in history while also learning new data fluencies
and the limits of data-based approaches.]
4. In terms of data science, what is a spreadsheet and why can it be said that by using
spreadsheets, people are programming without realizing it?
[Answer: Answers may vary. A spreadsheet is an example of a data-centric programming
environment where data is organized into cells in a table. Instead of presenting programs as
primarily about algorithms, spreadsheets present programs as primarily about data.
Spreadsheets are often used for data analysis by offering a way to organize, share, and
communicate ideas about data. Spreadsheets are uniquely effective and accessible because
they allow for visual organization of data in whichever structure makes the most sense to the
user. Instead of hiding data behind code, spreadsheets make data as transparent and up to
date as possible. Millions of people use spreadsheets daily, and because spreadsheets are a
form of computer programming, these people are programming without realizing it.]
5. How do discovery and invention differ and how are these involved in computer science?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Discovery is often associated with the natural sciences like biology
and physics, which discover natural phenomena. Invention is creation or engineering, and it is
not focused on natural phenomena. Computer science involves discovery in the physical and
mathematical principles underlying computation. Computer science involves invention in the
creative design work behind creating software or hardware systems based on these principles.]
6. Describe in your own words the difference between data (as in data science) and
information (as in information science). How does computer science shape both fields?
[Answer: Answers may vary. Data can refer to facts, statistics, or figures drawn from some
source. Information can refer to the findings or insights analyzed from data. Computer science
shapes both data science and information science by providing methods for organizing and
analyzing data as it is transformed from raw forms into information that can be used to shape a
decision.]
7. Give a real-life example that refutes social determination of technology. Your example does
not need to involve computing, but it should involve some technology designed by humans.
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,OpenStax Introduction to Computer Science Instructor Answer Guide
[Answer: Answers may vary. An example from science and technology studies is nuclear energy:
“if you accept nuclear powerplants, you also accept a techno-scientific-industrial military elite.
Without these people in charge, you could not have nuclear power.”(Mander quoted in Winner
1980). Another example closer to daily life could involve roads and public infrastructure: the
prioritization of individually owned vehicles over public transit is shaped by the way that roads
and highways are prioritized in the United States. Even before these roads are used by people,
the design of road networks in the United States prioritizes travel by individual vehicle owners.
However, not all people own cars, and the people who do own cars are not representative of
everyone in the United States.]
8. Artificial intelligence approaches are typically used to solve problems that requires specific
kinds of “intelligence.” Describe a real-life computational problem or application that does
not need artificial intelligence.
[Answer: Answers may vary. One example is spreadsheet software, which focuses on working
with the user to organize and layout data. Yet even in the case of spreadsheets, AI approaches
are helpful to support the user in analyzing and uncovering patterns in the data by generating
visual representations of the data and statistics. Another example could be a shopping app that
might involve handling shopping transactions over the Internet and communicating with the
business owner’s server.]
9. Image recognition systems that can detect objects in images enable self-driving cars and
many large-scale manufacturing or agricultural operations. Give another example where
image recognition could be used as part of a larger system to automate decisions at scale.
[Answer: Answers may vary. Image recognition could be used in consumer or professional
medical diagnoses, such as by enabling an app to recognize diseases from photos of patients. It
could also be used to help consumers repair products by identifying needed replacement items
or assist people with vision disabilities in navigating the physical world.]
Practice Exercises
1. Research where the term debugging originated from and why it refers to finding problems
in our programs today.
[Answer: In 1947, in the very early days of computing, Grace Hopper who worked for Harvard
University found a literal bug in the mainframe of the computer that caused the computer to
not work correctly. She referred to the removal of the bug and therefore fixing the problem, as
debugging. The term is still widely used as a way to describe finding “bugs” in computer
systems and fixing them.]
2. Research some examples of computational models and how they are a part of everyday life.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer is as follows: The weather forecast is simply
predictions based on computer models of the atmosphere over time and how weather patterns
will interact with changes in the atmosphere. There are several different models that run
simulations to piece together a weather pattern to determine a forecast.]
3. Research how computational models relate to mathematics.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer is as follows: Many models are based on
mathematical formulas. Many models are mathematical formulas implemented in algorithms
that models run to perform simulations.]
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, 4. Research some examples of how artificial intelligence is used across multiple industries.
Summarize at least two different industries and how AI is currently being used.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer follows: In finance, systems are being developed
to analyze large amounts of real-time quantitative data to improve models of financial
forecasting related to trading and macroeconomic trends. In health care, systems are being
developed to help diagnose common and uncommon health conditions faster.]
5. Research ethical issues related to artificial intelligence and provide an example of how
artificial intelligence can be misused for unethical and even criminal ways.
[Answer: Answers will vary. A sample answer follows: Artificial intelligence can generate data of
many formats. Fake images that can be used to represent misinformation is one way AI can
unfortunately be used in unethical ways.]
Problem Set A
1. Research examples of how modeling and simulations have led to new inventions and
discoveries.
[Answer: Modeling and simulations are used in almost every field of engineering ranging from
research and development to testing new technologies and designs. In the automotive industry,
many new safety features were designed and then evaluated using modeling and simulations
prior to physical crash testing. This saves the industry millions of dollars by proving out
concepts prior to expensive crash testing.]
2. Research and provide a summary of the difference between artificial intelligence and
machine learning.
[Answer: Artificial intelligence encompasses the idea that a machine can mimic and develop
intelligence and cognitive abilities similar to humans. Machine learning aims to teach
algorithms to improve over time by identifying patterns.]
Problem Set B
1. Research how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve the accuracy of
computational models and lead to cutting-edge technology inventions in the future. Provide
a specific example of how AI and ML have been used in this way so far.
[Answer: Artificial intelligence was used during the development process of the COVID-19
vaccine by Pfizer. The company relied on modeling and simulation paired with artificial
intelligence to rapidly speed up development of a new vaccine.]
2. Research and provide a summary of how machine learning is a subset of artificial
intelligence and plays a key role in artificial intelligence systems.
[Answer: Machine learning is the ability to learn over time and therefore provides the system
with the intelligence aspect of AI. It is the key enabler for the system to learn and adapt in its
operational environment.]
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