Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
**Question 1. Which ethical framework judges an action solely by its consequences, aiming to maximize
overall happiness?**
A) Deontology
B) Virtue Ethics
C) Utilitarianism
D) Fairness/Justice
Answer: C
Explanation: Utilitarianism evaluates morality by the net benefit of an action, seeking the greatest good
for the greatest number.
**Question 2. Kant’s categorical imperative requires that we act only according to maxims that can
be:**
A) Preferred by the majority
B) Universalized without contradiction
C) Approved by a professional board
D) Beneficial to the actor
Answer: B
Explanation: The categorical imperative states that a moral rule must be applicable universally;
otherwise it is not ethically valid.
**Question 3. In virtue ethics, the primary focus is on:**
A) The outcomes of actions
B) The character traits of the decision-maker
C) Legal compliance
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
D) Distribution of resources
Answer: B
Explanation: Virtue ethics emphasizes developing moral character and virtues rather than evaluating
isolated acts.
**Question 4. The “common good” approach to technology ethics primarily concerns:**
A) Maximizing shareholder profit
B) Enhancing overall societal welfare
C) Protecting individual privacy above all
D) Ensuring compliance with standards
Answer: B
Explanation: The common good perspective seeks actions that benefit the community as a whole, not
just specific groups.
**Question 5. A fairness/justice approach to a new AI hiring tool would most likely examine:**
A) Whether the tool generates the highest profit for the firm
B) Whether the algorithm distributes hiring opportunities equitably across demographic groups
C) Whether the tool is patented
D) Whether the tool is open-source
Answer: B
Explanation: The fairness/justice lens focuses on equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, such as
preventing bias in hiring.
**Question 6. The ACM Code of Ethics explicitly requires computing professionals to:**
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
A) Prioritize employer directives over public interest
B) Contribute to the development of open-source software only
C) Avoid harm to others and respect privacy
D) Seek personal profit above all else
Answer: C
Explanation: The ACM Code emphasizes preventing harm, respecting privacy, and acting in the public
interest.
**Question 7. Which organization’s code of conduct is most closely associated with electrical and
computer engineering standards?**
A) AMA
B) IEEE
C) WHO
D) FDA
Answer: B
Explanation: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) publishes a professional code of
ethics for engineers.
**Question 8. Whistleblowing is ethically justified when:**
A) The employee seeks personal gain
B) The reported wrongdoing poses a significant risk to public safety or rights
C) The organization’s reputation is at stake
D) The employee wants to change jobs
Answer: B
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
Explanation: Ethical whistleblowing involves exposing conduct that threatens public welfare, not
personal motives.
**Question 9. Which of the following best describes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the tech
industry?**
A) Maximizing quarterly earnings without regard to external impact
B) Integrating environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, and community engagement into
business strategy
C) Outsourcing all production to low-cost countries
D) Keeping all proprietary algorithms secret
Answer: B
Explanation: CSR involves balancing profit with social and environmental responsibilities.
**Question 10. A conflict of interest in an IT consultant-client relationship occurs when:**
A) The consultant follows the client’s specifications exactly
B) The consultant has a financial stake in a competing product being evaluated
C) The consultant uses open-source tools
D) The consultant signs a nondisclosure agreement
Answer: B
Explanation: A personal financial interest that could bias professional judgment creates a conflict of
interest.
**Question 11. “Opt-in” data collection models are considered more ethical than “opt-out” because
they:**
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
**Question 1. Which ethical framework judges an action solely by its consequences, aiming to maximize
overall happiness?**
A) Deontology
B) Virtue Ethics
C) Utilitarianism
D) Fairness/Justice
Answer: C
Explanation: Utilitarianism evaluates morality by the net benefit of an action, seeking the greatest good
for the greatest number.
**Question 2. Kant’s categorical imperative requires that we act only according to maxims that can
be:**
A) Preferred by the majority
B) Universalized without contradiction
C) Approved by a professional board
D) Beneficial to the actor
Answer: B
Explanation: The categorical imperative states that a moral rule must be applicable universally;
otherwise it is not ethically valid.
**Question 3. In virtue ethics, the primary focus is on:**
A) The outcomes of actions
B) The character traits of the decision-maker
C) Legal compliance
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
D) Distribution of resources
Answer: B
Explanation: Virtue ethics emphasizes developing moral character and virtues rather than evaluating
isolated acts.
**Question 4. The “common good” approach to technology ethics primarily concerns:**
A) Maximizing shareholder profit
B) Enhancing overall societal welfare
C) Protecting individual privacy above all
D) Ensuring compliance with standards
Answer: B
Explanation: The common good perspective seeks actions that benefit the community as a whole, not
just specific groups.
**Question 5. A fairness/justice approach to a new AI hiring tool would most likely examine:**
A) Whether the tool generates the highest profit for the firm
B) Whether the algorithm distributes hiring opportunities equitably across demographic groups
C) Whether the tool is patented
D) Whether the tool is open-source
Answer: B
Explanation: The fairness/justice lens focuses on equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, such as
preventing bias in hiring.
**Question 6. The ACM Code of Ethics explicitly requires computing professionals to:**
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
A) Prioritize employer directives over public interest
B) Contribute to the development of open-source software only
C) Avoid harm to others and respect privacy
D) Seek personal profit above all else
Answer: C
Explanation: The ACM Code emphasizes preventing harm, respecting privacy, and acting in the public
interest.
**Question 7. Which organization’s code of conduct is most closely associated with electrical and
computer engineering standards?**
A) AMA
B) IEEE
C) WHO
D) FDA
Answer: B
Explanation: The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) publishes a professional code of
ethics for engineers.
**Question 8. Whistleblowing is ethically justified when:**
A) The employee seeks personal gain
B) The reported wrongdoing poses a significant risk to public safety or rights
C) The organization’s reputation is at stake
D) The employee wants to change jobs
Answer: B
, Western Governors University WGU HUMN1101
D333 Ethics in Technology Ultimate Exam
Explanation: Ethical whistleblowing involves exposing conduct that threatens public welfare, not
personal motives.
**Question 9. Which of the following best describes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the tech
industry?**
A) Maximizing quarterly earnings without regard to external impact
B) Integrating environmental sustainability, ethical labor practices, and community engagement into
business strategy
C) Outsourcing all production to low-cost countries
D) Keeping all proprietary algorithms secret
Answer: B
Explanation: CSR involves balancing profit with social and environmental responsibilities.
**Question 10. A conflict of interest in an IT consultant-client relationship occurs when:**
A) The consultant follows the client’s specifications exactly
B) The consultant has a financial stake in a competing product being evaluated
C) The consultant uses open-source tools
D) The consultant signs a nondisclosure agreement
Answer: B
Explanation: A personal financial interest that could bias professional judgment creates a conflict of
interest.
**Question 11. “Opt-in” data collection models are considered more ethical than “opt-out” because
they:**
