WGU (QCO1) Ethics In Technology Exam Questions

Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the FBI can monitor communications without a warrant if both parties are non-U.S. citizens and the surveillance is conducted for intelligence purposes.

However, if one or both parties are U.S. citizens, the FBI would typically require a warrant under FISA or a separate court authorization, even in a short-term investigation.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

FISA (1978) & Patriot Act (2001) -- Provide legal authority for surveillance but impose restrictions on monitoring U.S. citizens.

Fourth Amendment (Privacy Rights) -- Prevents warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens except in national security cases.

Snowden Leaks (2013) & Mass Surveillance Ethics -- Raised concerns over the overreach of intelligence agencies in digital surveillance.

Deontological Ethics (Right to Privacy vs. National Security) -- Governments must balance security concerns with individual privacy rights.

Thus, the correct answer is A. Calls between two non-U.S. citizens, as FISA allows warrantless surveillance in such cases.

A Code of Ethics is a formal document that outlines an organization's values, principles, and expected ethical behaviors. It serves as the first point of reference for employees seeking guidance on ethical decision-making within a company.

Why Code of Ethics?

The Code of Ethics establishes the foundational principles that guide an organization's decision-making, ensuring consistency in ethical practices.

It typically includes guidelines on conflicts of interest, integrity, fairness, and responsibility, helping employees resolve ethical dilemmas.

The new IT employee can refer to this document to understand how the company resolves ethical issues and enforces its values.

Why Not the Other Options?

A . Corporate Responsibility Matrix: This tool may help outline social and environmental responsibilities but does not explicitly guide ethical decision-making.

B . Ethical Decision-Making Processes: While important, this is a procedural framework rather than a reference document employees would check first.

D . Board of Directors: The Board oversees corporate governance but is not a direct source for employee guidance on ethical matters.

Thus, the best answer is C. Code of Ethics as it directly provides ethical standards employees should follow.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

Moor, J. (1985). 'What is Computer Ethics?' Metaphilosophy, 16(4), 266-275.

Floridi, L. (2010). Information: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics (2022).

IEEE Code of Ethics (2020).

Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) is a digital system that allows healthcare providers to enter medication orders electronically, reducing errors related to handwriting and incomplete prescriptions.

Why CPOE?

Eliminates handwriting misinterpretation errors.

Ensures complete medication details, reducing omissions.

Often integrates decision support tools, warning about drug interactions and incorrect dosages.

Why Not the Other Options?

B . Health Information Exchange (HIE): Shares patient records across providers but does not focus on medication ordering.

C . Electronic Medical Record (EMR): Digitizes patient records but does not prevent prescription errors directly.

D . Clinical Decision Support (CDS): Helps providers make better decisions but does not replace the ordering process like CPOE does.

Thus, the correct answer is A. Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE), as it directly addresses prescription errors.

Reference in Ethics in Technology:

Bates, D. W. et al. (1998). Effect of Computerized Physician Order Entry and a Team Intervention on Prevention of Serious Medication Errors.

Institute of Medicine (2000). To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System.

The first step in ethical decision-making for IT professionals is to develop a problem statement, which involves clearly identifying and defining the ethical issue at hand. Before choosing solutions, an IT professional must fully understand the nature and scope of the problem.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Ethical Decision-Making Models -- Models like the Kidder Ethical Decision-Making Model and Rest's Four-Component Model emphasize problem identification as the first step.

ACM Code of Ethics -- Encourages IT professionals to assess issues carefully before taking action.

Deontological Ethics (Kantian Ethics) -- Ethical decisions require a clear understanding of duty and obligations, which begins with defining the problem.

Business & IT Governance (COBIT Framework) -- Ethical IT management requires problem assessment before action.

Thus, the correct first step in ethical decision-making is B. Develop a problem statement

A white hat hacker is an ethical cybersecurity specialist hired to test an organization's security infrastructure and identify vulnerabilities before malicious attackers exploit them. Unlike black hat hackers (who engage in illegal activities), white hat hackers operate within legal and ethical boundaries to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.

In this scenario, the company hires a specialist to test security systems for vulnerabilities, which aligns with the role of a white hat hacker or ethical hacker.

Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:

Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity (CEH Certification) -- Ethical hackers conduct penetration testing to identify weaknesses.

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA, 1986) -- Authorizes legal hacking for security testing purposes.

ACM & IEEE Ethical Standards -- Ethical hacking must follow responsible disclosure and legal guidelines.

Utilitarian Ethics (Greatest Good Principle) -- Ethical hacking prevents cyberattacks, benefiting organizations and society.

Thus, the correct answer is B. White hat hacker, as the specialist is legally testing security vulnerabilities.