Information Technology 9626/11 May/June 2020: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626), Paper 1 Theory, May/June 2020. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
For each of the two tables below, tick the most accurate statement referring to the use of the internet for communication.
(a)
✓
Instant messaging is a service similar to SMS provided by the internet
Social networking sites allow messages to be posted, but not pictures or videos
A blog allows anybody who reads it to also be able to edit it
Chat rooms only allow one person to communicate with one other person
[1]
(b)
✓
Emails allow people to see each other when communicating
Emails can be sent with somebody copied in without the other recipients knowing
Emails always get an immediate response
Instant messaging never results in the IM providers sending adverts to users
[1]
(c) Video-conferencing is another way of using the internet for communication.
Describe how a manager in one branch of a company would set up a video-conference to communicate with managers in other branches.
You can assume that the hardware and software required has already been purchased. In your description you will need to identify what each manager would need to do.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
1(a) 1
Instant messaging is a service similar to SMS provided by the internet Π
Social networking sites allow messages to be posted, but not pictures or videos
A blog allows anybody who reads it to also be able to edit it
Chat rooms only allow one person to communicate with one other person
1(b) 1
Emails allow people to see each other when communicating
Emails can be sent with somebody copied in without the other recipients knowing Π
Emails always get an immediate response
Instant messaging never results in the IM providers sending adverts to users
1(c) Six from: 6
The manager would need to agree a date and time with the other managers.
The manager would send a reminder shortly before the start to the other managers….
….including access to the password/PIN.
The manager(s) would need to ensure their webcam, microphone, speakers/headphones are switched on, connected and
ready.
The manager(s) would carry out tests on the microphone and speakers/headphones.
The manager(s) would need to adjust their webcam so they can be seen
The manager(s) would log on to the system/Internet.
The manager(s) would need to ensure the video conferencing software/internet connection is running properly/installed.
The manager setting up the conference would create a room(s)/environment.
The manager(s) would then enter this virtual room.
The manager(s) would then communicate by speaking into a microphone and looking at the webcam.
The manager setting up the conference would load/examine/share documents using appropriate software.
(a) Tick the most accurate statement referring to the use of compilers and interpreters.
✓
An interpreter creates a single executable file that runs directly on the CPU
It is easier to debug compiled code rather than interpreted code
With a compiler it is harder to protect intellectual property as machine code is easy to understand
It is more difficult for hackers to modify compiled code
[1]
(b) Tick the most accurate statement referring to the use of disk formatting.
✓
Disk formatting increases the number of fragments in a hard disk
Disk formatting never removes viruses from a hard disk
Disk formatting increases the storage capacity of a blank disk
Disk formatting is used to fully prepare a hard disk for initial use
[1]
Mark scheme
2(a) 1
An interpreter creates a single executable file that runs directly on the CPU
It is easier to debug compiled code rather than interpreted code
With a compiler it is harder to protect intellectual property as machine code is easy to understand
It is more difficult for hackers to modify compiled code Π
2(b) 1
Disk formatting increases the number of fragments in a hard disk
Disk formatting never removes viruses from a hard disk
Disk formatting increases the storage capacity of a blank disk
Disk formatting is used to fully prepare a hard disk for initial use Π
Static information sources and dynamic information sources are often used for different purposes.
Define what is meant by static and dynamic data. Using a school or college as an example, describe situations which could use a dynamic information source and those where a static information source could be used.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
3 Five from: 5
Static data is data that is unchanged as it is often read from a file without changing it. Static data may be read without being
written back to a file or source or is not changed when written back.
Dynamic data refers to data that is changed so that it is updated as and when necessary.
With dynamic data, the data's state is never expected to be the same when re-input.
Static data could be used in a history assignment…
…as with a static information source, information tends to be reliable/history tends to remain the same as does static data.
Dynamic data could be used in a report to the head on current exam performance/school attendance figures…
…as these will change on a weekly (if not daily) basis
The digital divide often exists between people in developed countries and those in developing countries.
Describe what is meant by the digital divide and how it affects these countries.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
4 Six from: 6
The divide between people who have access to, and the resources to, use new information/communication technology and
those who don't.
This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers and the internet.
The divide between those who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to use the technologies and those who do not.
May refer to inequalities between individuals, households, businesses, or geographic areas.
The divide between countries or regions of the world is referred to as the global digital divide.
The quality of connection to the Internet may vary between countries.
The price of connection to the Internet may vary between countries.
The global digital divide contributes to the inequality of access to goods and services available through technology.
People living in nations with limited access are deprived of an improved education and therefore higher wages.
A sports club keeps records in a database of its members and the individual sports they play. It has the following tables of data:
Members’ names
Members’ contact details
Details of when they started playing the sport
All the possible sports which can be played by the members.
Names Contact_details Started_sport Sports
(a) Complete the tables shown above, writing down examples of the field names for three of the fields in each table. Indicate the key fields in each table and the relationships that exist between each adjacent table. Indicate the type of each relationship. Some tables have one relationship and others have a maximum of two relationships. [8]
(b) Two of the tables could possibly be regarded as having a many-to-many relationship.
Using the example of the tables shown above, explain what is meant by a many-to-many relationship.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
5(a) 8
Names Contact_details Started_sport Sports
1 1 1 ∞ ¥ Member_id 1 ¥ Sport_code
¥ Member_id ¥ Member_id
∞
First_name Phone Sport_code Sport_name
Second_name Address Date started description
Two marks for four correctly labelled key fields – one mark for three correctly labelled key fields
Two marks for each table having a minimum of three fields, one mark for three tables with three fields
One mark for twelve appropriate field names
One mark for each correctly labelled relationship (3 max)
5(b) Four from: 4
The Names/Other data table could be in a many-to-many relationship with the Sports table.
Many members can do many sports.
One member can do many sports.
Many members can do one sport.
In relational database design, a many-to-many relationship is strictly speaking not allowed/is virtual.
To get around the problem of having a many-to-many relationship the many-to-many relationship needs to be broken down
into two/several one-to-many relationships.
Using a third table, commonly called a “join table”, in this case the Started_sport table.
Each record in the “join table” would have the foreign key fields of the two tables it is joining together.
Many companies use batch processing for producing workers’ payslips.
(a) Describe, using payroll as an example, what is meant by batch processing.
…… [4]
(b) Explain why batch processing is used instead of real-time processing for an application such as payroll.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
6(a) Four from: 4
It is collecting the data and then processing it in one go/all at once.
Jobs are set up so they can be run to completion without human interaction.
The input data/hours worked are collected into batches and each batch is processed as a whole.
Batch processing/payroll is run when the computing resources are less busy.
Batches can be stored up during working hours and then executed during the evening/weekend whenever the computer is
idle.
Batch processing is particularly useful for payroll as it requires the computer/peripheral device for an extended period of time.
Transaction file of hours worked is kept for later processing – weekly/monthly.
Master file of workers’ details/rate of pay per hour is only updated weekly/monthly.
Transaction file is used with master file to update master file/produce payslips at the end of the week/month.
6(b) Four from: 4
Real-time processing requires/batch processing does not require constant use of the computer when it might be needed for
other tasks.
Real-time processing requires immediate processing of data which is unnecessary with payroll.
Hours worked would only be known at the end of each day so there is no point in using real-time processing.
The payroll only needs to be run at the end of the week/month so real-time processing is unnecessary.
Real-time processing does not usually involve the processing of large volumes of data such as running a whole company’s
payroll.
Designers of user interfaces tend to base their designs on what they interpret to be a user’s mental model.
Evaluate, by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, the use of a mental model to design a user interface.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
7 Six from: 6
Advantages
It is easier for the user to use a user interface that matches his/her mental model.
It takes less time for a user to learn how to use the interface.
The interface is predictable for the user as it will match their requirements.
The user will gain transferable skills so it will be easier to use other applications matching the mental model.
Disadvantages
The range of definitions of what constitutes a mental model can cause confusion...
...possibly resulting in inaccurate results.
There is a lack of a clear methodology in the use of mental models...
... often leading to bias as it is based on the designer’s own interpretation of what the user is thinking out loud.
Different designers observing the same interaction may derive different mental models.
There is little research about how to design to help the user create the best mental model.
It can be difficult to match the user interface to a user's perception of the real world.
Must have at least one of each to gain full marks
Explain how encryption protects data stored on a hard disk.
…… [5]
Mark scheme
8 Five from: 5
Can be either through use of symmetric or asymmetric encryption.
Can be through the use of public and private keys.
Causes data to be scrambled/encoded.
Requires an encryption key to encrypt.
Requires a decryption key to decrypt.
Results in data which is not understandable/readable/protects sensitive data from being understood if it falls in to the wrong
hands.
By explaining what the purpose of each is, describe the differences between verification and validation.
…… [4]
Mark scheme
9 Four from: 4
Verification is checking that data that has been/is being entered into a computer has been copied correctly from the data
source.
Validation is checking that the data entered is reasonable and sensible.
Verification will not pick up the fact that the original data might be invalid.
Verification would pick up a transposition error but most validation checks (except a check digit) would not.
Verification would pick up transcription errors but validation might not.
A researcher is interviewing some people. To begin with, she wants to record their personal details using a six-character code. For example, 47FT12 means the person is 47 years old, in full-time employment and left school after year 12.
Explain what the code 34PT10 means and why there may be problems with coding other people in this way. Include in your explanation ways of improving this method.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
10 Six from: 6
Explanation
The person is 34 years old, works part-time and left school after year 10.
The first part of the code would need to have a leading zero before any children under the age of 10 could be recorded.
If people were over 99 there would not be room.
Need to use first two letters of status.
People may have gone on to college or university.
Improvements
Make it a seven-figure code to allow for people aged 100 or over.
Age data quickly goes out of date so use date of birth.
Some people are unemployed or students so U or S would suffice.
Last two characters need to have additional codes representing these…
…but would increase complexity of validation.
They must have at least one improvement to gain full marks
Mary has been put in charge of the computerised school weather station. At the moment the system has a monitor to show the outputs. She wants to replace the monitor with a printer.
By weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, evaluate the system having a monitor rather than a printer.
…… [6]
Mark scheme
11 Six from: 6
Advantages:
Will not have to spend money on buying a printer.
Results are produced (almost) instantly.
Graphs tend to more accurately represented.
Easier to scroll through a table of results than look through several printouts.
Disadvantages:
Difficult to compare graphs of results day by day.
It is often easier to print off results and use a pen to annotate the results than using software.
Printouts are transportable and can be viewed anywhere.
May skim over on-screen results, increasing the chance of errors being overlooked/on paper text is more likely to be read
thoroughly.
Here is part of a spreadsheet showing the wages earned by a group of workers in a company.
E3 ✗ ✔ fx =IF(B3>40,C3*D3*1.5," ")
A B C D FE F
1
Overtime
Hours worked this Hours overtime Rate per hour Wage paid this
Workers Number earned this week worked paid week
2 week
3 E41231
5 52 12 $14.00 $252.00 $812.00
4 C41827 45 5 $12.50 $93.75 $593.75
5 P30731 40 $17.50 $700.00
6 J51549 38 $14.00 $532.00
7 P77168 44 4 $12.50 $75.00 $575.00
8 C43839 42 2 $14.00 $42.00 $602.00
9 E34572 36 $17.00 $612.00
10 E48505 48 8 $17.00 $204.00 $884.00
11 P40813 46 6 $12.50 $112.50 $612.50
12 C32408 39 $12.50 $487.50
13 C69848 41 1 $14.00 $21.00 $581.00
(a) Without referring to other cell references, explain, in detail, what every part of the formulae in cells E3 and E5 do. You may assume that the formula has been replicated down for all workers.
…… [6]
(b) This spreadsheet has not been tested.
Describe the test plan you would use to make sure there are no errors in the formulae in column E of this spreadsheet. You can assume that the formula in column C works perfectly and does not need changing.
…… [5]
(c) Using only the sort feature explain how you would be able to make the spreadsheet used in part (a) produce this display.
A B C D E F
1
Overtime
Hours worked this Hours overtime Rate per hour Wage paid this
Workers Number earned this week worked paid week
2 week
3 P40813 46 6 $12.50 $112.50 $612.50
4 C41827 45 5 $12.50 $93.75 $593.75
5 P77168 44 4 $12.50 $75.00 $575.00
6 C32408 39 $12.50 $487.50
7 E41231 52 12 $14.00 $252.00 $812.00
8 C43839 42 2 $14.00 $42.00 $602.00
9 C69848 41 1 $14.00 $21.00 $581.00
10 J51549 38 $14.00 $532.00
11 E48505 48 8 $17.00 $204.00 $884.00
12 E34572 36 $17.00 $612.00
13 P30731 40 $17.50 $700.00
…… [3]
Mark scheme
12(a) Six from: 6
The IF part of the formula looks at the first condition inside the bracket.
It sees if the Hours worked this week are greater than 40.
It is/they are so it performs the next part of the formula after the comma.
It multiplies Hours overtime worked by the Rate per hour paid and by 1.5.
It multiplies 12 by 14 by 1.5 to get 252.
The result appears in E3.
For E5 it is not bigger so it moves to the second part of the formula .
This is the null string which will be displayed in E5.
The closed bracket is required to match the first bracket to provide correct syntax.
12(b) Five from: 5
A table with columns for Test, Test data, Actual result, Expected result and comments on comparison of actual result – 2
marks (1 for at least 3 appropriate headings and 2 for 5 appropriate headings).
Test the IF function by changing some values in B3:B13.
Test the IF function by changing some values in D3:D13.
Calculate the expected results for Cn*Dn*1.5 using a calculator.
Run each test.
Make a note saying whether there are any differences between actual results and expected results.
12(c) Three from: 3
Select A3:F13
Sort in ascending order of column D
Add a level and sort in descending order of column F/column B
Computers are often used for environmental monitoring applications such as pollution in rivers.
Evaluate, by weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, the use of computers rather than humans in such scenarios.
…… [8]
Mark scheme
13 Eight from: 8
Advantages:
Computers never forget to take readings/they take readings constantly/at regular intervals.
The readings are more accurate when taken by a computer.
Readings of several variables can be taken simultaneously by a computer, saving time.
Results are processed automatically/graphs can be produced almost instantaneously/more quickly than relying on a human.
Computers can take readings in dangerous areas for humans to go/humans only have to go once to a dangerous area to
place the sensors.
Disadvantages:
Humans are still required to place the sensors in appropriate locations.
Humans are still needed to interpret results/graphs.
Humans are still needed to repair/maintain computers and sensors.
Humans still have to program the computers.
Humans still have to plan/decide where to place sensors and which sensors to use/which variables to monitor.
Must have at least one of each to gain full marks
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Where can I find the 9626/11 May/June 2020 mark scheme?+
On this page, free: the mark scheme for AS & A Level Information Technology 9626/11, May/June 2020 (9626_s20_ms_11), and the question paper (9626_s20_qp_11), to read or download, with each question's marking points written out underneath.
How many marks is 9626/11 out of?+
Information Technology 9626/11 for May/June 2020 is out of 90 marks, with 1 hour 45 minutes to answer it.
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Yes. Upload your answers to 9626/11/M/J/20 as a PDF or photos, and CIE Buddy marks every question against this paper's official mark scheme, using Cambridge's marking rules. You get your score, each lost mark explained on your own script, and the topics to revise. It's a guide, not an official Cambridge grade.