WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Exam Questions

The machine learning model unintentionally discriminates against minority job seekers because it was trained on historical hiring data that contained biases.

Why Exposing Bias in Data?

Machine learning systems reflect the biases present in their training data.

If past hiring decisions favored certain groups, the AI will replicate and reinforce those biases.

The audit revealed systematic discrimination, indicating bias in the data, not the AI itself.

Why Not the Other Options?

B . Acting fairly toward candidates -- The AI is not fair if it disproportionately excludes minority job seekers.

C . Exhibiting intent to harm applicants -- The AI does not have intent; bias is an unintended consequence of flawed data.

D . Scoring low humility measurement -- 'Humility' is not a standard AI metric; bias exposure is the actual issue.

Thus, the correct answer is A. Exposing bias that exists in the data, as the AI amplifies historical discrimination in hiring.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

O'Neil, C. (2016). Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy.

The missing records in the device database indicate that the store needs to improve the accuracy of its data management processes.

Why Accuracy?

Data accuracy ensures that all records are correctly entered, complete, and reliable.

Manual data entry is prone to errors, including missing or incorrect records.

Implementing automated data entry or validation checks can reduce human error and ensure the integrity of the database.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Encryption -- Protects data from unauthorized access but does not ensure correct data entry.

B . Collection -- Refers to gathering data, but the issue here is with missing or incorrect entries.

C . Availability -- Ensures data can be accessed but does not guarantee its accuracy.

Thus, the correct answer is D. Accuracy, as it directly addresses the issue of missing records.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

Redman, T. C. (1998). The Impact of Poor Data Quality on the Typical Enterprise.

Tavani, H. T. (2016). Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing.

Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) (2020).

Since the organization is hiring external software engineers for a fixed six-month project, independent contractors are the best option.

Why Independent Contractors?

They work on a project basis, as defined in a legal contract.

The organization does not provide full-time benefits.

Contractors are specialists hired for short-term needs, making them ideal for temporary projects.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Full-time employees: Not suitable, as the work is temporary (six months only).

B . In-house expertise: The company is hiring external workers, not relying on existing staff.

C . Part-time salaried workers: Part-time employees receive benefits, while contractors do not.

Thus, the correct answer is D. Independent contractors, as they are ideal for temporary project-based work.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

The issue in this scenario stems from scope creep---when a project's requirements expand beyond the original contract. The IT firm's project leader verbally agreed to additional features without ensuring their feasibility, leading to incomplete delivery and incompatibility issues.

By following a professional code of ethics, the project leader would have:**

Carefully assessed whether the additional scope was feasible

Formalized the agreement in writing rather than relying on verbal commitments

Ensured realistic expectations regarding system compatibility

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Project Management Ethics (PMI Code of Ethics) -- Encourages informed decision-making and clear scope agreements.

ACM & IEEE Codes of Ethics -- Stress honest communication, responsibility, and due diligence in IT projects.

Contract Law & Professional Responsibility -- Professionals should document scope changes to avoid miscommunication.

Utilitarian Ethics (Preventing Harm) -- Poor decisions on scope cause project failures and stakeholder losses.

Thus, the correct answer is B. Improving decision-making around agreeing to additional scopes, as ethical decision-making could have mitigated scope creep issues.

Workplace monitoring refers to the collection and analysis of employee data to improve workflow efficiency, productivity, and business operations. It involves tracking metrics such as work hours, system usage, and productivity patterns---all while ensuring the data is used strictly for business purposes.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Workplace Privacy Ethics -- Ethical monitoring should balance business needs with employee privacy rights.

Surveillance Ethics (Foucault, 1975) -- Excessive monitoring could violate employee autonomy, making ethical boundaries crucial.

Corporate Governance & Employee Rights (ISO 27001, GDPR) -- Transparency and consent are required when monitoring employee data.

Deontological Ethics (Kantian Ethics) -- Treats employees as ends rather than means, ensuring fair workplace practices.

Thus, C. Workplace monitoring is the correct answer since the organization collects aggregate employee data to improve workflow.