# Week 6 Practice Quiz: AI, Emerging Tech & Information Literacy

## Q1: What Is AI?
Which statement BEST describes artificial intelligence (AI)?

A. Any computer program that runs automatically
B. Technology that enables machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving
C. A robot that looks and acts exactly like a human
D. A search engine that finds information on the internet

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** AI refers to systems designed to perform tasks associated with human intelligence — recognizing speech, making decisions, translating languages, generating text. Not all software is AI, and AI doesn't require a physical robot form.

## Q2: AI Hallucinations
What does it mean when people say an AI "hallucinates"?

A. The AI is broken and needs to be rebooted
B. The AI generates confident-sounding information that is factually incorrect or completely made up
C. The AI can see images that don't exist
D. The AI is dreaming while processing data

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** AI hallucination refers to when a language model generates text that sounds authoritative and plausible but is factually wrong — inventing citations, statistics, or events that never happened. This is why you should always fact-check AI-generated content.

## Q3: Machine Learning vs Traditional Programming
How does machine learning differ from traditional programming?

A. Machine learning doesn't use computers
B. In traditional programming, a human writes explicit rules; in machine learning, the system learns patterns from data
C. Machine learning is always more accurate than traditional programming
D. Traditional programming can't run on modern computers

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** In traditional programming, developers write specific rules (if X, then Y). In machine learning, the system is trained on large datasets and learns to identify patterns itself. For example, instead of writing rules to identify spam, you train a model on thousands of spam and non-spam emails.

## Q4: Misinformation vs Disinformation
What is the key difference between misinformation and disinformation?

A. Misinformation is online; disinformation is on TV
B. Misinformation is spread without intent to deceive; disinformation is deliberately created to mislead
C. Misinformation is always true; disinformation is always false
D. There is no difference — they are synonyms

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Misinformation is false or inaccurate information shared by people who believe it's true (like forwarding a rumor). Disinformation is deliberately crafted and spread to deceive (like propaganda or intentional hoaxes). The key difference is intent.

## Q5: IoT (Internet of Things)
Which of the following is an example of an IoT device?

A. A traditional desktop computer
B. A smart thermostat that adjusts your home's temperature based on your schedule and can be controlled from your phone
C. A printed textbook
D. A USB flash drive

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** IoT (Internet of Things) refers to everyday physical objects connected to the internet that can collect data and be controlled remotely. Smart thermostats, fitness trackers, smart speakers, and connected security cameras are all IoT devices.

## Q6: Academic Integrity and AI
A student uses ChatGPT to generate an entire essay, then submits it as their own work without disclosure. This is:

A. Fine — using tools is part of being productive
B. A violation of academic integrity, equivalent to plagiarism, unless the instructor explicitly permits it
C. Acceptable as long as the AI's grammar is correct
D. Only a problem if the essay gets a bad grade

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Submitting AI-generated work as your own without disclosure is academically dishonest. It misrepresents who created the work. Some instructors allow AI use with disclosure; others prohibit it. Always check your course's academic integrity policy and ask your instructor when in doubt.

## Q7: LLM Basics
What does "LLM" stand for in the context of AI tools like ChatGPT?

A. Logical Learning Machine
B. Large Language Model
C. Linked Library Module
D. Local Learning Memory

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** LLM stands for Large Language Model — an AI system trained on vast amounts of text data that can generate, summarize, translate, and analyze text. ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are all LLMs. They predict the most likely next words based on patterns in their training data.

## Q8: Digital Footprint
What is a digital footprint?

A. The amount of storage space you use on your computer
B. The trail of data you leave behind through your online activities — posts, searches, purchases, location data
C. A footprint-shaped icon used in web design
D. The physical space a computer takes up on your desk

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Your digital footprint includes everything you do online: social media posts, search history, online purchases, app usage, and even metadata (location, timestamps). This data can be permanent and visible to employers, colleges, and others. Managing your digital footprint is an important life skill.

## Q9: Evaluating AI Output
What is the BEST approach when using AI to help research a topic?

A. Copy the AI's response directly into your paper — it's always accurate
B. Use the AI's output as a starting point, then verify claims and check cited sources independently
C. Assume the AI is always wrong and ignore its output
D. Ask the AI to confirm its own accuracy — if it says it's correct, trust it

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** AI tools are useful for brainstorming, drafting, and exploring topics, but they can hallucinate facts and fabricate sources. Always verify key claims against reliable sources. And never ask an AI to confirm its own accuracy — it will confidently affirm incorrect information.

## Q10: Algorithmic Bias
What is algorithmic bias?

A. When a computer runs too slowly because of a programming error
B. When an AI system produces unfair or discriminatory outcomes because of biased training data or flawed design
C. When users prefer one search engine over another
D. When a website loads differently on different browsers

**Answer:** B
**Explanation:** Algorithmic bias occurs when AI systems reflect or amplify biases present in their training data or design. For example, a hiring AI trained mostly on data from male applicants might unfairly disadvantage female candidates. Recognizing and addressing bias is a critical challenge in AI development.