| Date | November 2017 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 17N.2.SL.TZ0.4 |
| Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | no time zone |
| Command term | Identify | Question number | 4 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Computer simulations are often used in situations where practical experimentation is, for some reason, not possible. One of these reasons could be an ethical issue.
Distinguish between a computer model and a computer simulation.
Identify two reasons why some systems are difficult to model successfully.
With clear reference to the ethical issue, describe one example where practical experimentation would not be possible for ethical reasons.
State three other advantages, apart from ethical reasons, of simulating a computer model rather than constructing a physical one.
Markscheme
Award up to [4 max].
A computer model is a representation of a system;
Made up of variables and formulae/mathematical representation;
Whereas a computer simulation is a process that uses the model;
In order to see the outcome(s) when different values are used for the variables (in the model);
Either all of the variables are not known/difficult to define;
Or the relationships between them cannot be expressed accurately/mathematically;
Example
Experiments on living animals in a high school science class;
Such as effects of altering diet;
It is not ethically acceptable to harm animals (for such purposes);
Note: Accept reasonable examples, provided they are sufficiently explained.
Award up to [3 max].
Computer models/simulations allow the designers to:
Make alterations and quickly see the outcomes;
Repeat tests several times over;
Model dangerous situations safely;
Learn from “what if?” scenarios;
Saves costs if several different models have to be built;
Examiners report
Syllabus sections
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
Copy and complete the following table showing the variables, each variable’s data type and range of values that would represent the information shown above.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.4d:
With the help of a diagram, suggest an appropriate design for a spreadsheet used to calculate the final selling price, following this model.
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19M.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
Copy and complete the following table showing each variable’s data type and a suitable range of values that would represent the information shown above.
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19M.2.SL.TZ0.5b:
Identify three other variables that could be included in this model.
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20N.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
Identify the data types for the
House_Type,House_NumandProfitvariables. -
18M.2.SL.TZ0.6a.i:
With relation to the activities that the software of an ECU has to perform, identify two of the sources that provide input data to the ECU.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.5c:
The company has established certain profit targets that it wishes to achieve over the next three years.
Explain how this model can be used to investigate different strategies that will reach these targets.
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17N.2.SL.TZ0.5a:
By including examples where appropriate, describe a basic structure for this model.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.6a.ii:
With relation to the activities that the software of an ECU has to perform, suggest one reason why the auto-diagnostic program in the ECU depends upon the make and model of the vehicle.
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18N.2.SL.TZ0.4a:
Identify the possible range of values and their data type for each of the above variables.
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19N.2.SL.TZ0.5b.i:
Identify two data inputs for this computer simulation model.
- 17N.2.SL.TZ0.5b: Suggest how the reliability of the model could be tested.
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18M.2.SL.TZ0.4e:
Identify two tests that should be included in the test plan for this model.
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19N.2.SL.TZ0.5b.ii:
Identify two criteria that may be used to determine the best location to build the distribution centre.
