Computational Thinking Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is the process called when an algorithm requires certain steps to be repeated?

  • Iteration (correct)
  • Conditioning
  • Selection
  • Compilation

Which programming construct is typically used for making decisions?

  • FOR statement
  • IF statement (correct)
  • CASE statement
  • WHILE statement

What helps to avoid long and repetitive code in programming?

  • Debugging
  • Procedures and functions (correct)
  • Comments
  • Variables

How are conditions formed to test in programming?

<p>Boolean logic (A)</p>
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What do computers use to process data?

<p>Binary (C)</p>
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What is the fetch-execute cycle associated with?

<p>Central processing unit (C)</p>
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Which type of network is typically associated with a limited geographic area?

<p>Local area network (B)</p>
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What should be prioritized when searching for information on the internet?

<p>Reliability and bias of the information (A)</p>
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What allows users to filter through the vast information available on the internet?

<p>Search engines (A)</p>
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Which is a benefit of understanding computer-related laws?

<p>It protects users while online (C)</p>
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What is the main purpose of decomposition in computational thinking?

<p>To break down complex problems into manageable parts (C)</p>
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How does recognizing patterns in problems assist in computational thinking?

<p>It allows for easier identification of similar problems (D)</p>
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What does abstraction involve in the context of computational thinking?

<p>Filtering out unnecessary details to focus on important features (A)</p>
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What are algorithms primarily used for?

<p>Creating a set of step-by-step instructions to resolve a problem (C)</p>
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What is essential to ensure when designing an algorithm?

<p>The steps must be sequenced correctly (A)</p>
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Which of the following methods can be used to represent an algorithm?

<p>Pseudocode and flowcharts (A)</p>
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Which of the following best defines the term 'evaluation' in algorithm design?

<p>Determining the satisfaction of a solution to the problem (C)</p>
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What is the purpose of searching algorithms like binary search?

<p>To make searching for data easier (B)</p>
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Which sorting algorithm is characterized by repeatedly stepping through the list to be sorted?

<p>Bubble sort (A)</p>
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What is the role of decision-making in algorithm design?

<p>To determine the order of steps in solving problems (A)</p>
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Flashcards

Decomposition

Breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more manageable parts.

Patterns

Identifying recurring elements or characteristics that help solve problems efficiently.

Abstraction

Focusing on essential features while ignoring unnecessary details to simplify a problem.

Algorithm

A step-by-step plan or set of instructions to solve a problem.

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Evaluation

Ensuring that a solution effectively and efficiently solves the intended problem.

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Pseudocode

A simplified way to design algorithms using plain language.

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Flowcharts

Diagrams that use shapes to represent the steps and flow of an algorithm.

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Sorting Algorithms

Arranging data in a specific order, such as ascending or descending.

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Sequencing

A basic programming construct where steps are executed in a specific order.

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Selection

A programming construct that allows an algorithm to make decisions based on conditions.

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Iteration

Repeating a set of instructions multiple times in an algorithm.

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Logical Reasoning

Predicting the outcome of an algorithm by thinking step by step

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Programming

The process of writing instructions for computers to follow to solve problems.

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IF Statements

Conditional statements that execute different code blocks based on whether a condition is true or false.

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FOR/WHILE Statements

Statements that repeat a block of code for a set number of times or while a condition is true.

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Boolean Logic

A simple true/false logic used to form conditions in programming.

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Arrays and Lists

Structures to store collections of related data in a program.

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Procedures and Functions

Named blocks of code that perform specific tasks, making code reusable and organized.

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Debugging

The process of finding and fixing errors in computer code.

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Documenting

Adding explanations and comments to code to make it easier to understand.

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Study Notes

Computational Thinking

  • Computational thinking helps to understand a problem and find ways to resolve it
  • Decomposition breaks down complex problems into manageable parts
  • Patterns in problems help solve them more efficiently
  • Abstraction gathers general characteristics and filters out unnecessary details
  • An algorithm is a plan with step-by-step instructions to resolve a problem
  • Evaluation ensures a solution satisfies the problem efficiently

Designing Algorithms

  • Understanding the problem is essential before designing an algorithm
  • Pseudocode and flowcharts can be used to design algorithms
  • Searching algorithms (serial search, binary search) make searching for data easier
  • Sorting algorithms (bubble sort, bucket sort) help put data in order
  • Sequencing presents steps in the correct order
  • Selection makes decisions in algorithms
  • Iteration repeats steps in algorithms
  • Logical reasoning predicts algorithm outcomes to select the best solution

Introduction to Programming

  • Programming writes computer code to solve a problem
  • Programs consist of a series of instructions to tell a computer what to do
  • Selection in programming uses IF statements
  • Iteration in programming uses FOR and WHILE statements
  • Conditions are formed using Boolean logic
  • Arrays and lists simplify programs by storing related data
  • Procedures and functions keep code simple and short
  • Debugging removes errors, and documenting keeps code clear

Data Representation

  • Computers use binary to process data
  • Techniques exist to convert between binary and denary, and add binary numbers
  • Text, images, and sound are converted into binary for processing
  • Images and sound are compressed to create smaller files

Digital Devices and Software

  • Digital devices may be input, output, or storage devices
  • Devices operate through the use of logic gates
  • Software is the programs run on computer hardware
  • There are two types of software: systems software and applications software

The CPU and Fetch-Execute Cycle

  • The central processing unit (CPU) has three main components
  • Factors influence the CPU's speed
  • The fetch-execute cycle is the process the CPU uses

Introduction to Networks

  • Wide area networks and local area networks are the two main types of networks
  • Networks have benefits and problems

Internet and Communication

  • The internet allows communication and sharing of information
  • Search engines help filter through internet pages
  • Online dangers can largely be avoided with simple precautions

Bias and Reliability

  • Finding reliable and unbiased information is crucial
  • The internet requires critical evaluation of information

The Law and Ethics

  • Computer-related laws exist to protect users
  • Awareness of laws helps stay safe online

Jobs that use Computer Science

  • Many jobs use computer science skills and knowledge

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