WGU C182: Introduction to IT
Objective Assessment (OA) Practice Exam
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
1. Which component of an Information System is responsible for the
physical parts that process and store data?
A. People
B. Hardware
C. Processes
D. Software
Answer: B
Rationale: Hardware consists of the physical devices (CPU, RAM, Storage) that
make up a computer system. The other components are Software, Data,
People, and Processes.
DATA & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
2. A user needs to convert a raw file into a structured format that can
be easily queried. Which type of software would be most appropriate
for this task?
A. Operating System
B. Spreadsheet
C. Database Management System (DBMS)
D. Word Processor
Answer: C
Rationale: A DBMS (like SQL Server or MySQL) is designed specifically to
manage, store, and query structured data efficiently.
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 1
,NETWORKING & THE INTERNET
3. Which network topology connects every device to a central hub or
switch?
A. Bus
B. Ring
C. Star
D. Mesh
Answer: C
Rationale: In a Star topology, all nodes are connected to a central point. If the
central hub fails, the whole network goes down, but if one node fails, the rest
remain active.
CYBERSECURITY & INFORMATION SECURITY
4. What is the primary difference between RAM and a Hard Drive
(HDD)?
A. RAM is permanent; HDD is temporary.
B. RAM is volatile; HDD is non-volatile.
C. RAM stores large files; HDD stores small files.
D. RAM is slower than an HDD.
Answer: B
Rationale: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning it loses data
when power is lost. HDDs/SSDs are non-volatile storage used for permanent
data retention.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & PROGRAMMING
5. In the context of cybersecurity, what is 'Social Engineering'?
A. Encrypting a hard drive to prevent data theft.
B. Using technical exploits to bypass a firewall.
C. Manipulating individuals into giving up confidential information.
D. Updating software to patch security vulnerabilities.
Answer: C
Rationale: Social Engineering involves psychological manipulation of people
into performing actions or divulging confidential info (e.g., Phishing).
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 2
, IT OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT
6. WGU C182 Question 6: Which of the following best describes the
role of IT Operations & Management within a global enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
SOCIAL & ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT
7. WGU C182 Question 7: Which of the following best describes the
role of Social & Ethical Issues in IT within a global enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS & INFRASTRUCTURE
8. WGU C182 Question 8: Which of the following best describes the
role of Information Systems & Infrastructure within a global
enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 3
Objective Assessment (OA) Practice Exam
HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
1. Which component of an Information System is responsible for the
physical parts that process and store data?
A. People
B. Hardware
C. Processes
D. Software
Answer: B
Rationale: Hardware consists of the physical devices (CPU, RAM, Storage) that
make up a computer system. The other components are Software, Data,
People, and Processes.
DATA & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
2. A user needs to convert a raw file into a structured format that can
be easily queried. Which type of software would be most appropriate
for this task?
A. Operating System
B. Spreadsheet
C. Database Management System (DBMS)
D. Word Processor
Answer: C
Rationale: A DBMS (like SQL Server or MySQL) is designed specifically to
manage, store, and query structured data efficiently.
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 1
,NETWORKING & THE INTERNET
3. Which network topology connects every device to a central hub or
switch?
A. Bus
B. Ring
C. Star
D. Mesh
Answer: C
Rationale: In a Star topology, all nodes are connected to a central point. If the
central hub fails, the whole network goes down, but if one node fails, the rest
remain active.
CYBERSECURITY & INFORMATION SECURITY
4. What is the primary difference between RAM and a Hard Drive
(HDD)?
A. RAM is permanent; HDD is temporary.
B. RAM is volatile; HDD is non-volatile.
C. RAM stores large files; HDD stores small files.
D. RAM is slower than an HDD.
Answer: B
Rationale: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning it loses data
when power is lost. HDDs/SSDs are non-volatile storage used for permanent
data retention.
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & PROGRAMMING
5. In the context of cybersecurity, what is 'Social Engineering'?
A. Encrypting a hard drive to prevent data theft.
B. Using technical exploits to bypass a firewall.
C. Manipulating individuals into giving up confidential information.
D. Updating software to patch security vulnerabilities.
Answer: C
Rationale: Social Engineering involves psychological manipulation of people
into performing actions or divulging confidential info (e.g., Phishing).
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 2
, IT OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT
6. WGU C182 Question 6: Which of the following best describes the
role of IT Operations & Management within a global enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
SOCIAL & ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT
7. WGU C182 Question 7: Which of the following best describes the
role of Social & Ethical Issues in IT within a global enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS & INFRASTRUCTURE
8. WGU C182 Question 8: Which of the following best describes the
role of Information Systems & Infrastructure within a global
enterprise?
A. To reduce operational costs
B. To support organizational goals and decision making
C. To replace human labor entirely
D. To eliminate the need for physical security
Answer: B
Rationale: Information Technology systems are designed to process data into
information that helps an organization meet its strategic goals and make
informed decisions.
WGU C182 OA Prep - Page 3
