Ethics and Ownership: past paper questions
Real questions on ethics and ownership
The newest 20 of 26 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9618/11 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[3]
Give three other ethical considerations for a student using their personal computer to connect to the school network.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[4]
Complete the table by describing each term. Term Description Copyright Open Source (Initiative) Shareware Software Licence
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[2]
Describe the purpose of a code of conduct.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2025 · Q10b[2]
The programmer releases the program as Free Software. Describe what is meant by Free Software.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[2]
Describe one ethical impact of this use of AI in the classroom.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3d[3]
Describe the possible consequences of the programmer not joining a professional ethical body.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2024 · Q2a[3]
Describe the drawbacks of embedded systems.
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[4]
Explain the reasons why the computer programmer needs to act ethically towards colleagues and the public. Colleagues The public
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(i)[3]
Identify one suitable type of software licence for the program and describe the reasons for your choice. Type of software licence Reasons for choice
See it on the paper → - 9618/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Explain the reasons why the programmer should copyright their program.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[3]
Complete the table by writing the type of software licence each statement describes. Statement Software licence A fee is charged for the software. The source code cannot be accessed. Users do not get a free trial. Users can try the software before buying it. Users may not be able to access all features during the trial...
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[3]
Explain the reasons why it is important for the computer programmer to join a professional ethical body.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2023 · Q6b[4]
Explain why it is important for a programmer to join a professional ethical body.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2022 · Q8a(i)[2]
Explain why some programs are distributed under an open source licence.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2022 · Q8a(ii)[2]
Explain how a programmer benefits from distributing a program under a commercial licence.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2021 · Q4a[3]
Francis has been advised to join a professional ethical body. Describe the benefits to Francis of joining a professional ethical body.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2021 · Q4b(i)[2]
Describe the ways in which Francis can act ethically in this situation.
See it on the paper → - 9618/11 · October/November 2021 · Q4c[2]
Francis is part of a team writing a program. He finds an error in part of the program that has already been tested. He decides not to tell anyone because he is worried about the consequences. Explain the reasons why Francis acted unethically in this situation.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2021 · Q4a[3]
Francis has been advised to join a professional ethical body. Describe the benefits to Francis of joining a professional ethical body.
See it on the paper → - 9618/13 · October/November 2021 · Q4b(i)[2]
Describe the ways in which Francis can act ethically in this situation.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
There were some very good answers to this question. Most candidates could give at least one valid reason why a programmer should join a professional ethical body.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9618/13 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
There were some very good answers to this question. Some candidates need to understand that not all open source software is free of charge.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 9618/13 Q8(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates were able to correctly explain that a commercial license enabled a fee to be charged for the software. Some candidates need to improve their understanding of the regulations about copying of software. Copyright does not prevent the software being copied; it makes it illegal to do so without the owner’s permission.
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 9618/13 Q8(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
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