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Date November 2021 Marks available 6 Reference code 21N.1.SL.TZ0.3
Level SL Paper 1 Time zone no time zone
Command term Explain Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

Human genome research

MediResearch, a US-based DNA testing company, has a relational database of human genome information. An individual’s genome data represents private information about their past, their present and, potentially, their future. This information is stored in a relational database.

The senior managers at MediResearch are considering using data analytics but are concerned this may compromise the anonymity of the individuals who have provided their DNA.

Identify two features of a relational database.

[2]
a.i.

Identify two reasons why a relational database, rather than a flat-file database, is used to store the data for MediResearch.

[2]
a.ii.

Identify two features of data analytics.

[2]
a.iii.

MediResearch is looking to expand access to the genome data it holds by sharing it with other companies.

Explain three strategies that MediResearch could use to ensure the security of the genome data.

[6]
b.

The chief executive officer of MediResearch is considering using cloud-based storage to store the genome data.  

Discuss whether MediResearch should move to cloud-based storage.

[8]
c.

Markscheme

Answers may include:

 

Award [1] for identifying each feature of a relational database up to [2].

a.i.

Answers may include:

 

Award [1] for identifying each reason why a relational database is used to store the data for MediResearch up to [2].

a.ii.

Answers may include:

 

Award [1] for each characteristic of data analytics identified up to [2].

a.iii.

Answers may include:

 

Award [1] for identifying each policy and [1] for a development of the policy identified up to [2].

Mark as [2] + [2] + [2].

b.

Answers may include:

Advantages of cloud-based storage:

Disadvantages of cloud-based storage:

 

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: health, policies, laws, regulations, data, security, privacy, anonymity, cloud, bandwidth, change, power, systems, values, ethics

 

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.
[N/A]
c.

Syllabus sections

Topic 3: Content » 3.1 Data
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