WGU D333 ETHICS IN TECHNOLOGY: EXAM
(LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE), WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
WGU D333 ETHICS IN TECHNOLOGY
WGU D333 – Ethics in Technology
(2026/2027 Update)
Questions, Verified Answers, and Rationales
Question 1
What is industrial espionage in the context of technology ethics?
A. Conducting competitive market research using public data
B. Acquiring competitors’ sensitive or proprietary information for competitive
advantage
C. Hiring employees from rival companies
D. Monitoring industry trends through legal reports
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Industrial espionage involves obtaining confidential or proprietary information without
authorization to gain a competitive advantage. This behavior is unethical and often
illegal because it violates intellectual property rights and fair competition principles. In
technology-driven industries, such acts can involve hacking, bribery, or misuse of
insider access. Ethical frameworks emphasize respecting competitors’ data ownership
and legal protections.
Question 2
What is a primary benefit of open-source software?
,A. It prevents unauthorized access to code
B. It limits collaboration to one organization
C. It allows programmers to read, modify, and redistribute code
D. It eliminates the need for licensing agreements
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Open-source software allows the source code to be publicly accessible, enabling
developers worldwide to review, improve, and adapt it. This collaborative approach
often leads to more secure, innovative, and reliable software over time. Ethical
advantages include transparency and shared knowledge. While licenses still apply,
open-source promotes collective technological advancement.
Question 3
What best defines clinical decision support (CDS)?
A. A database that stores patient medical histories
B. A process and set of tools that enhance healthcare decision-making
C. A billing and insurance verification system
D. A patient communication portal
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Clinical decision support systems are designed to assist healthcare professionals by
analyzing data and providing evidence-based recommendations. These tools improve
patient outcomes by reducing errors and enhancing clinical judgment. Ethically, CDS
supports beneficence by promoting safer and more effective care. It does not replace
clinicians but augments decision-making.
Question 4
,What is an electronic medical record (EMR)?
A. A national database of patient records
B. A personal health tracking application
C. A digital collection of patient health information within one organization
D. A billing and insurance platform
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s chart maintained by a single healthcare
organization. It includes medical history, diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans.
From an ethical standpoint, EMRs improve accuracy and continuity of care while
requiring strict privacy protections. EMRs are not typically shared outside the
organization without proper authorization.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of a health information exchange (HIE)?
A. To replace EMR systems
B. To allow patients to edit their own medical records
C. To share patient-level electronic health information across organizations
D. To eliminate data security requirements
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A health information exchange enables healthcare organizations to securely share
patient data to improve care coordination. This reduces duplicate testing and medical
errors. Ethically, HIEs support patient welfare while requiring strong safeguards for
confidentiality. Proper governance ensures data is shared only with authorized parties.
Question 6
, What is natural language processing (NLP)?
A. A programming language used in healthcare systems
B. A cybersecurity encryption method
C. An AI capability that allows computers to understand or generate human language
D. A data storage architecture
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Natural language processing is a branch of artificial intelligence focused on enabling
computers to interpret and produce human language. It is used in applications such as
chatbots, voice assistants, and clinical documentation tools. Ethically, NLP raises
considerations around bias, accuracy, and privacy. When used responsibly, it improves
efficiency and accessibility.
Question 7
What is a professional code of ethics?
A. A legally binding contract
B. A set of laws enforced by governments
C. A statement of principles and core values guiding a profession
D. A technical standards manual
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A professional code of ethics outlines expected behaviors, responsibilities, and values
for members of a profession. It helps guide ethical decision-making and establishes
trust with the public. While not always legally enforceable, violations can result in
professional discipline. These codes promote accountability and integrity.
Question 8
(LATEST 2026/2027 UPDATE), WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
WGU D333 ETHICS IN TECHNOLOGY
WGU D333 – Ethics in Technology
(2026/2027 Update)
Questions, Verified Answers, and Rationales
Question 1
What is industrial espionage in the context of technology ethics?
A. Conducting competitive market research using public data
B. Acquiring competitors’ sensitive or proprietary information for competitive
advantage
C. Hiring employees from rival companies
D. Monitoring industry trends through legal reports
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Industrial espionage involves obtaining confidential or proprietary information without
authorization to gain a competitive advantage. This behavior is unethical and often
illegal because it violates intellectual property rights and fair competition principles. In
technology-driven industries, such acts can involve hacking, bribery, or misuse of
insider access. Ethical frameworks emphasize respecting competitors’ data ownership
and legal protections.
Question 2
What is a primary benefit of open-source software?
,A. It prevents unauthorized access to code
B. It limits collaboration to one organization
C. It allows programmers to read, modify, and redistribute code
D. It eliminates the need for licensing agreements
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Open-source software allows the source code to be publicly accessible, enabling
developers worldwide to review, improve, and adapt it. This collaborative approach
often leads to more secure, innovative, and reliable software over time. Ethical
advantages include transparency and shared knowledge. While licenses still apply,
open-source promotes collective technological advancement.
Question 3
What best defines clinical decision support (CDS)?
A. A database that stores patient medical histories
B. A process and set of tools that enhance healthcare decision-making
C. A billing and insurance verification system
D. A patient communication portal
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Clinical decision support systems are designed to assist healthcare professionals by
analyzing data and providing evidence-based recommendations. These tools improve
patient outcomes by reducing errors and enhancing clinical judgment. Ethically, CDS
supports beneficence by promoting safer and more effective care. It does not replace
clinicians but augments decision-making.
Question 4
,What is an electronic medical record (EMR)?
A. A national database of patient records
B. A personal health tracking application
C. A digital collection of patient health information within one organization
D. A billing and insurance platform
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
An EMR is a digital version of a patient’s chart maintained by a single healthcare
organization. It includes medical history, diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans.
From an ethical standpoint, EMRs improve accuracy and continuity of care while
requiring strict privacy protections. EMRs are not typically shared outside the
organization without proper authorization.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of a health information exchange (HIE)?
A. To replace EMR systems
B. To allow patients to edit their own medical records
C. To share patient-level electronic health information across organizations
D. To eliminate data security requirements
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A health information exchange enables healthcare organizations to securely share
patient data to improve care coordination. This reduces duplicate testing and medical
errors. Ethically, HIEs support patient welfare while requiring strong safeguards for
confidentiality. Proper governance ensures data is shared only with authorized parties.
Question 6
, What is natural language processing (NLP)?
A. A programming language used in healthcare systems
B. A cybersecurity encryption method
C. An AI capability that allows computers to understand or generate human language
D. A data storage architecture
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Natural language processing is a branch of artificial intelligence focused on enabling
computers to interpret and produce human language. It is used in applications such as
chatbots, voice assistants, and clinical documentation tools. Ethically, NLP raises
considerations around bias, accuracy, and privacy. When used responsibly, it improves
efficiency and accessibility.
Question 7
What is a professional code of ethics?
A. A legally binding contract
B. A set of laws enforced by governments
C. A statement of principles and core values guiding a profession
D. A technical standards manual
✅ Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
A professional code of ethics outlines expected behaviors, responsibilities, and values
for members of a profession. It helps guide ethical decision-making and establishes
trust with the public. While not always legally enforceable, violations can result in
professional discipline. These codes promote accountability and integrity.
Question 8
