1 · Data, algorithms and digital power
algorithm · digital footprint
U1-Q1 · 2 marks · points
Why is replacing every missing quiz with zero risky?
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
It treats different causes of missing data as evidence of low ability.
U1-Q2 · 4 marks · points
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A school app recommends study groups using attendance and quiz records. A useful prediction may still expose information or reproduce unequal opportunities.
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
A missing quiz can mean absence, connection failure or refusal to participate. Treating every missing value as low ability changes recommendations. Investigate missing-data rules and compare outcomes across users before describing the system as fair.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
A prediction does not establish a cause. High average accuracy can conceal unequal errors across groups. / Explain the specific harm and stakeholder rather than merely writing privacy is important.
2 · Networks, media and automation
network · automation
U2-Q1 · 2 marks · points
What best evaluates whether consultation access improved?
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Evidence of completed, timely consultations across patient groups, not just registered accounts.
U2-Q2 · 4 marks · points
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A remote clinic uses online consultation, but its connection often fails. Access to an application does not guarantee effective access to its service.
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Compare the clinic's bandwidth, reliable power, device access and staff skills with the service's needs. Evaluate benefits such as specialist advice alongside delayed responses, privacy obligations and reliance on providers.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
Digital solutions have material costs: energy, devices and maintenance. / Avoid a technology-only explanation of change when institutions, culture and income also shape outcomes.
3 · Researching impacts and implications
inquiry · implication
U3-Q1 · 2 marks · points
Which source comparison is most useful?
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Compare each source's method and interests against the same focused inquiry question.
U3-Q2 · 4 marks · points
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A headline claims automated recommendations help every learner. Your inquiry must decide which users, outcome and setting it can actually investigate.
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Ask how a particular recommendation system changes access to suitable practice for one school group. Compare usage evidence, user accounts and published analysis. Separate an observed association from a causal claim and show where sources disagree.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
Do not collect classmates' private records without school approval. / Keep the process document, multimedia presentation and references as separate required evidence rather than substituting an essay-only test.
4 · HL challenges and interventions
intervention · feasibility
U4-Q1 · 2 marks · points
Which outcome best tests the access intervention?
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Successful bookings among users who previously could not access the service.
U4-Q2 · 4 marks · points
Explain the mechanism or reasoning in this original case: A public service proposes a digital-only booking system to reduce queues. The intervention may save staff time while excluding people without devices.
Answer and reasoning · Réponse et raisonnement
Add an assisted booking channel, test it with users who have limited connectivity, and measure successful bookings rather than downloads. Compare cost, access, data protection and maintainability over time before recommending expansion.
- Accurate relevant concept (1)
- Specific evidence from the case (1)
- Connected reasoning (2)
The pre-released brief anchors Paper 3; a memorized generic case is insufficient. / A recommendation must address an actual challenge and the evidence in the resources, including failure conditions.