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Date May 2019 Marks available 2 Reference code 19M.1.SL.TZ0.4
Level SL Paper 1 Time zone no time zone
Command term Outline Question number 4 Adapted from N/A

Question

Sentencing criminals using artificial intelligence (AI)

In 10 states in the United States, artificial intelligence (AI) software is used for sentencing criminals. Once criminals are found guilty, judges need to determine the lengths of their prison sentences. One factor used by judges is the likelihood of the criminal re-offending*.

The AI software uses machine learning to determine how likely it is that a criminal will re-offend. This result is presented as a percentage; for example, the criminal has a 90 % chance of re-offending. Research has indicated that AI software is often, but not always, more reliable than human judges in predicting who is likely to re-offend.

There is general support for identifying people who are unlikely to re-offend, as they do not need to be sent to prisons that are already overcrowded.

Recently, Eric Loomis was sentenced by the state of Wisconsin using proprietary AI software. Eric had to answer over 100 questions to provide the AI software with enough information for it to decide the length of his sentence. When Eric was given a six-year sentence, he appealed and wanted to see the algorithms that led to this sentence. Eric lost the appeal.

On the other hand, the European Union (EU) has passed a law that allows citizens to challenge decisions made by algorithms in the criminal justice system.
 


* re-offending: committing another crime in the future

Identify two characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

[2]
a.i.

Outline one problem that may arise if proprietary software rather than open-source software is used to develop algorithms.

[2]
a.ii.

The developers of the AI software decided to use supervised machine learning to develop the algorithms in the sentencing software.

Identify two advantages of using supervised learning.

[2]
a.iii.

The developers of the AI software used visualizations as part of the development process.

Explain one reason why visualizations would be used as part of the development process.

[2]
b.i.

Explain two problems the developers of the AI system could encounter when gathering the data that will be input into the AI system.

[4]
b.ii.

To what extent should the decisions of judges be based on algorithms rather than their knowledge and experience?

[8]
c.

Markscheme

Answers may include:


Award [1] for identifying each characteristic of artificial intelligence systems up to a maximum of [2].

a.i.

Answers may include:


Award [1] for identifying a problem of using proprietary software and [1] for a development of that problem up to a maximum of [2].

a.ii.

Answers may include:


Award [1] for identifying each advantage of using supervised learning up to a maximum of [2].

a.iii.

Answers may include:


Award [1] for identifying a reason why visualizations may be used as part of the development process and [1] for a development of that reason up to a maximum of [2].

b.i.

Answers may include:

 


Award [1] for identifying a problem the developers of the AI system will encounter when gathering the data that will be input into the AI system and [1] for a development of that reason up to a maximum of [2].

b.ii.

Answers may include:

Arguments for using algorithms

Arguments against using algorithms

 

In part (c) of this question it is expected there will be a balance between the terminology related to digital systems and the terminology related to social and ethical impacts.

Keywords: laws, standardized, transparency, accountability, judgement, bias, fairness, automation, machine learning, algorithm, reliability, change, power, systems, values


Refer to SL/HL paper 1, part c markbands when awarding marks. These can be found under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials > Digital society markbands and guidance document
.

c.

Examiners report

[N/A]
a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.
[N/A]
a.iii.
[N/A]
b.i.
[N/A]
b.ii.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Topic 3: Content » 3.2 Algorithms
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