Professional Responsibilities in Computing: Ethics and Best Practices

Question 1

Which ethical principle is paramount for software engineers in their professional conduct?

Accepted Answer

Respecting individuals' rights and privacy

Answer

Prioritizing personal financial gain

Answer

Unquestioningly obeying commands from superiors

Answer

Keeping up with the latest technological advancements

Question 2

A software engineer discovers a critical security flaw in a client's system that could compromise user privacy. Which action aligns with the ethical responsibilities of a software engineer?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client and work together to fix the flaw.

Answer

Conceal the flaw to avoid damaging the client's reputation.

Answer

Publicly disclose the flaw without telling the client.

Answer

Ignore the flaw because it's not the engineer's job to protect the public.

Question 3

Which ethical principle is paramount for software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Protecting user privacy and data

Answer

Prioritizing business profits

Answer

Keeping up with technological trends

Answer

Avoiding legal consequences

Question 4

As outlined in the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which of the following is a primary ethical obligation for computing professionals?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing the well-being of society

Answer

Blindly following employer instructions

Answer

Prioritizing personal gain over client interests

Answer

Reporting unethical practices only when there is no risk of consequences

Question 5

According to the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which ethical responsibilities are expected of software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Preserving the privacy of client information

Accepted Answer

Utilizing their knowledge for the betterment of society

Answer

Creating software without errors

Answer

Adhering to client instructions without question

Question 6

Which principle is NOT included in the IEEE Code of Ethics for software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Skillfulness

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Public interest

Question 7

According to the ACM Code of Ethics, which action is prohibited for computing professionals?

Accepted Answer

Using harmful products or services

Answer

Protecting public safety and health

Answer

Acting in a socially responsible manner

Answer

Respecting intellectual property rights

Question 8

Which ethical principle stresses the significance of safeguarding the privacy of clients and their data?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 9

Which ethical principle underscores the obligation of software engineers to prioritize the welfare of society?

Accepted Answer

Acting in the best interests of society

Answer

Compliance with legal requirements

Answer

Maximizing financial gains for stakeholders

Answer

Avoiding actions that could harm others

Question 10

In software engineering, which ethical principle should be the top priority for developers?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding the interests of users

Answer

Adhering to legal regulations

Answer

Pursuing maximum profits

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental ethical principle for software engineers as outlined in the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Self-interest (Acting solely for personal gain)

Answer

Beneficence (Acting in the best interest of the public)

Answer

Justice (Ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all)

Question 12

As per the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which of the following is a core ethical responsibility for software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Protecting user privacy and ensuring data confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing profit maximization for their employers

Answer

Ensuring the absence of defects in developed software

Answer

Unquestioningly obeying all directives from superiors

Question 13

Which ethical principle emphasizes acting according to universal moral duties, regardless of the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Egoism

Question 14

In software engineering, which ethical principle obligates engineers to actively promote the well-being of stakeholders?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Justice

Question 15

Which ethical principle focuses on the outcomes and consequences of an action?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 16

Which of the following is a core ethical principle for software engineers, as outlined in professional codes of ethics?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining expertise and staying current with industry advancements

Answer

Maximizing personal profit

Answer

Prioritizing client satisfaction, even if it means breaking the law

Answer

Sharing confidential information with unauthorized individuals to build a good reputation

Question 17

Which ethical principle should software engineers prioritize, as outlined in the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Protect user privacy

Answer

Maximize financial gain

Answer

Develop software quickly

Question 18

According to the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, which ethical principle is crucial for software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Protecting user privacy and data confidentiality

Answer

Prioritizing profits over societal well-being when developing software

Answer

Only working on projects that align with personal values

Question 19

Under the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, what is the foremost duty of a software engineer who discovers a grave ethical breach within their organization?

Accepted Answer

Report the violation to a supervisor or relevant authorities.

Answer

Endorse the violation to safeguard employment.

Answer

Conceal the violation to shield the company's reputation.

Answer

Overlook the violation to prevent potential conflicts.

Question 20

Which ethical principle emphasizes the obligation of software engineers to handle information with honesty, accuracy, and trustworthiness?

Accepted Answer

Integrity

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Accountability

Answer

Transparency

Question 21

In virtue ethics, how does cultivating virtues aid in ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Virtues guide individuals to align their actions with ethical principles, shaping their character and promoting ethical habits.

Answer

Virtues are inherent qualities that dictate ethical behavior, providing individuals with innate moral knowledge.

Answer

Virtues are external rules enforced upon individuals, ensuring ethical behavior through rewards and punishments.

Answer

Virtues are irrelevant to ethical decision-making due to their subjective and variable nature.

Question 22

As per professional codes of ethics, what is the primary ethical responsibility of a software engineer towards the public?

Accepted Answer

Promptly report any known or suspected security vulnerabilities to the appropriate authorities

Answer

Prioritize the company's financial interests above all else

Answer

Develop software completely free of any potential security flaws

Answer

Disregard any ethical concerns raised by stakeholders

Question 23

Which of the following is not a core principle of the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Convenience

Answer

Honesty

Answer

Responsibility

Answer

Fairness

Question 24

As per professional codes of ethics, what is a key responsibility of software engineers towards the public?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing user safety and well-being in software design and implementation.

Accepted Answer

Promoting responsible technology use and mitigating societal risks.

Answer

Adhering to all laws and regulations governing software development.

Answer

Ensuring software products meet contractual specifications.

Question 25

Which ethical principle in computing prioritizes maximizing the overall well-being of the majority?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 26

Which ethical principle emphasizes duties and obligations, regardless of consequences?

Accepted Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 27

Which of the following is **not** a fundamental ethical principle for software engineers as outlined in the ACM Code of Ethics?

Accepted Answer

Advocate for fairness and avoid discrimination

Answer

Respect intellectual property rights

Answer

Uphold ethical standards and promote ethical behavior

Question 28

Which action is considered unethical for software engineers?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in activities that compromise professional integrity

Answer

Prioritizing user safety and societal well-being

Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy

Answer

Ensuring accuracy, reliability, and transparency in software development

Question 29

According to the ACM Code of Ethics, what is a primary ethical responsibility of computing professionals?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of individuals and safeguarding their data

Answer

Ensuring efficiency and reliability in software development

Question 30

As per the ACM Code of Ethics, software engineers are professionally obligated to:

Accepted Answer

Continuously enhance their technical knowledge, even if not immediately applicable.

Answer

Prioritize financial gain over client needs.

Answer

Accept only projects that align with personal beliefs, potentially declining clients.

Question 31

In software engineering, how does practicing integrity as a virtue contribute to ethical decision-making?

Accepted Answer

Making decisions based on fairness, honesty, and trustworthiness

Answer

Prioritizing personal gain over others' well-being

Answer

Ignoring ethical dilemmas and focusing only on technical aspects

Answer

Compromising values and ethical standards to meet deadlines

Question 32

Which ethical principle focuses on maximizing overall happiness and well-being?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT a core ethical principle for software engineers as defined by the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Expediency

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Integrity

Question 34

Which ethical principle focuses on achieving the greatest good for the most people?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Answer

Absolutism

Question 35

In software engineering ethics, which principle emphasizes prioritizing others' well-being by avoiding harm and maximizing benefits?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Virtue Ethics

Question 36

Which ethical principle is central to the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Serving the public interest

Answer

Maximizing profits

Answer

Ignoring intellectual property rights

Question 37

In software engineering, how should a software engineer ethically manage a conflict of interest?

Accepted Answer

Disclose the conflict of interest to all relevant parties and seek guidance from a supervisor or ethics committee.

Answer

Prioritize personal financial gain over ethical considerations.

Answer

Conceal the conflict of interest from all parties involved.

Answer

Resign from their position as a software engineer.

Question 38

Which ethical principle emphasizes maximizing benefits and minimizing harm for all parties involved?

Accepted Answer

Utilitarianism

Answer

Deontology

Answer

Virtue ethics

Question 39

In deontological ethics, which principle holds that the consequences of actions are irrelevant in determining their ethical nature?

Accepted Answer

The consequences of actions are irrelevant in determining their ethical nature.

Answer

Actions should be taken solely to maximize overall utility.

Answer

The inherent value of individuals should be the primary consideration in ethical decision-making.

Question 40

How can software engineers ensure responsible and ethical development and deployment of AI systems, considering the ethical implications of AI?

Accepted Answer

Software engineers should consider the ethical implications of AI systems at every stage of development and deployment, mitigating negative impacts and maximizing positive outcomes.

Answer

AI should always be used for the most efficient outcome, regardless of ethical concerns.

Answer

Software engineers have no obligation to consider the ethical implications of AI systems.

Answer

AI systems should be developed and deployed without any human oversight or intervention.

Question 41

In software engineering, how does the ethical principle of beneficence guide software engineers to prioritize user and societal well-being?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing risks and harms to users and society through software design and implementation.

Answer

Developing user-friendly and accessible software interfaces.

Answer

Meeting client requirements without considering societal impacts.

Answer

Designing software solely for profit maximization.

Question 42

In software engineering, ethical dilemmas occur when engineers face conflicting ethical principles. How can these dilemmas be identified and resolved while adhering to ethical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Ethical dilemmas arise when software engineers must choose between two or more conflicting ethical principles.

Answer

Ethical dilemmas can be easily resolved by following the laws and regulations of the software industry.

Answer

Software engineers should always prioritize the financial interests of their clients when making ethical decisions.

Question 43

In software engineering, how can professionals balance protecting intellectual property rights with fostering innovation and collaboration?

Accepted Answer

Balance intellectual property protection with open source licensing, encouraging innovation while ensuring attribution and compensation.

Answer

Prioritize intellectual property protection, ensuring fair compensation for developers.

Answer

Disregard intellectual property rights to promote unrestricted innovation.

Answer

Rely solely on copyright laws for intellectual property protection.

Question 44

In global software development, how can engineers ensure their work respects diverse cultural values and perspectives?

Accepted Answer

Research the cultural backgrounds of target users.

Answer

Translate the software into multiple languages.

Answer

Use only open-source software.

Answer

Avoid cultural references in the software.

Question 45

Which approach is ineffective for reducing bias and ensuring fairness in algorithmic decision-making systems?

Accepted Answer

Presuming algorithms are inherently fair and disregarding the possibility of bias

Answer

Regularly reviewing and updating datasets to eliminate biased data points

Answer

Using techniques like differential privacy to safeguard individual data while maintaining its usefulness for analysis

Answer

Implementing transparency and accountability measures to enable stakeholders to comprehend and examine algorithmic decision-making processes

Question 46

Which of the following is NOT a core principle of the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct?

Accepted Answer

Public Relations

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Competence

Answer

Respect for Intellectual Property

Question 47

How can software engineers promote ethical decision-making within their teams and organizations?

Accepted Answer

Establishing clear ethical guidelines and holding individuals accountable

Answer

Prioritizing project deadlines over ethical concerns

Answer

Relying solely on individual judgment without seeking external input

Answer

Avoiding discussions about ethical concerns to maintain harmony

Question 48

In the context of AI-powered surveillance systems, which ethical principle holds the utmost significance?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability

Answer

Prioritizing Efficiency over Privacy

Answer

Limiting Use to Law Enforcement Only

Answer

Eliminating Bias from Algorithms

Question 49

How does cultural sensitivity influence the design and development of software for a diverse global audience?

Accepted Answer

It ensures the software aligns with the cultural norms and values of the target users.

Answer

It enhances the software's efficiency and effectiveness.

Answer

It minimizes the potential for legal and ethical concerns.

Answer

It streamlines the software development process.

Question 50

In the face of rapid technological advancements, how can software engineers stay abreast of evolving ethical considerations and adjust their practices accordingly?

Accepted Answer

Engage in ongoing professional development and self-reflection.

Answer

Disregard ethical considerations as technology progresses.

Answer

Rely solely on current ethical guidelines.

Answer

Await specific guidance from regulatory bodies.

Question 51

To effectively convey ethical considerations to non-technical stakeholders, which approach should software engineers adopt?

Accepted Answer

Translate ethical concepts into clear and concise language.

Answer

Use highly technical language and complex explanations.

Answer

Avoid discussing ethical implications to prevent confusion.

Answer

Rely on non-technical stakeholders to research and understand ethical implications independently.

Question 52

In computing, which ethical principle prioritizes the well-being and interests of society?

Accepted Answer

Social Responsibility

Answer

Confidentiality

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Competence

Question 53

To foster an inclusive work environment in software engineering, which measure can software engineers implement to promote diversity and mitigate bias in design and development?

Accepted Answer

Establish clear policies against discrimination and bias.

Accepted Answer

Create employee resource groups for underrepresented groups.

Answer

Focus solely on technical skills in hiring and promotions.

Answer

Assign projects based only on seniority and experience.

Question 54

Software engineers must balance innovation with ethical considerations. How should they approach this task?

Accepted Answer

Weigh innovation against ethical concerns, considering potential risks and benefits.

Answer

Prioritize innovation above all else.

Answer

Follow ethical guidelines strictly, even if it limits innovation.

Answer

Outsource ethical responsibilities to avoid accountability.

Question 55

As a software engineer, how should you handle a situation where your personal interests might conflict with your professional responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Consult ethical guidelines and discuss the situation with colleagues.

Answer

Put your personal interests first.

Answer

Hide the conflict to avoid problems.

Question 56

In agile software development, where requirements are subject to rapid change, what strategies can software engineers employ to ensure transparency and accountability in their work?

Accepted Answer

Documenting design decisions and code changes in a central repository

Answer

Releasing frequent software updates without detailed release notes

Answer

Restricting access to source code to senior developers only

Answer

Avoiding peer reviews to minimize potential conflicts

Question 57

In software engineering, how do we ethically balance preserving client confidentiality while addressing our obligation to report software vulnerabilities that could harm the public?

Accepted Answer

Carefully weigh the potential harm to the public against confidentiality obligations. Seek legal advice when necessary.

Answer

Maintain confidentiality at all costs, even if the vulnerability poses a significant risk to the public.

Answer

Report all vulnerabilities immediately, disregarding any confidentiality agreements.

Answer

Ignore the security vulnerability, hoping it remains undiscovered.

Question 58

In software development, what is the primary ethical obligation of professionals in handling sensitive user data?

Accepted Answer

Implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive user data from unauthorized access and misuse.

Answer

Prioritize business profits over user privacy to gain a competitive advantage.

Answer

Collect user data without obtaining explicit and informed consent.

Answer

Share user data with third parties without their knowledge or consent to improve product offerings.

Question 59

As a software engineer designing a social media platform, which ethical principles should guide your approach?

Accepted Answer

Implement robust security measures and minimize data collection.

Answer

Prioritize user convenience over privacy concerns.

Answer

Design features that facilitate the spread of misinformation.

Answer

Disregard ethical concerns to maximize user engagement.

Question 60

Which professional code of ethics emphasizes the importance of privacy and confidentiality in computing?

Accepted Answer

ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Answer

ASIS International Code of Ethics

Answer

IEEE Code of Ethics

Answer

Computer Ethics Institute Code of Professional Conduct

Question 61

Which of the following actions constitutes a violation of confidentiality?

Accepted Answer

Sharing sensitive user data with an unauthorized party

Answer

Using encryption to protect sensitive data

Answer

Implementing access controls to limit data access

Question 62

Which of the following is a key aspect of professional competence for computing professionals?

Accepted Answer

Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies

Answer

Relying solely on experience without seeking additional training

Answer

Avoiding any form of professional development activities

Answer

Ignoring ethical considerations in decision-making

Question 63

Which of the following is a potential consequence of violating ethical responsibilities in computing?

Accepted Answer

Loss of reputation or trust

Answer

Enhanced career advancement

Answer

Increased job opportunities

Answer

Improved productivity

Question 64

Which of the following is a recommended approach to ensure ethical decision-making in computing?

Accepted Answer

Applying ethical frameworks and principles

Answer

Following industry best practices only

Answer

Relying solely on personal judgment

Answer

Ignoring potential ethical implications