A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

What do ethics typically refer to?

1. Personal beliefs about morality

2. Rules provided by external sources

3. Emotional responses to certain situations

4. Statistical methods used in programming

The correct answer is: Rules provided by external sources

Ethics typically refer to rules provided by external sources, such as societal norms, laws, or established guidelines that help determine what is considered right or wrong in various contexts. This is important because ethics often draw upon a collective understanding within a society or profession, providing a framework for individuals to navigate moral dilemmas and make decisions that consider the welfare of others and the greater community. While personal beliefs about morality can play a role in an individual’s ethical framework, ethics are generally more about the shared standards and rules that govern behavior in a broader context. Emotional responses, on the other hand, can influence an individual's decision-making process but do not define ethics themselves. Statistical methods used in programming are unrelated to the concept of ethics and pertain more to data analysis rather than moral principles.