Deck 1: An Introduction to Computers and Problem Solving

Question 1

Pseudocode is

A) data that have been encoded for security.
B) the incorrect results of a computer program.
C) a program that doesn't work.
D) the obscure language computer personnel use when speaking.
E) a description of an algorithm similar to a computer language.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

When starting a new program, it is best to start writing code as soon as possible to avoid wasting time thinking about it.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Suppose in the very early stages of the problem-solving process, your supervisor wants you to show her the relationships between the various processes that will be needed to solve the problem. The best way to do this would be to use

A) a top-down chart.
B) a flowchart.
C) a sample program.
D) pseudocode.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT considered to be one of the three basic features of a program?

A) input
B) processing
C) output
D) store

Question 5

Software refers to the people who work with computer hardware.

Question 6

An algorithm is defined as:

A) a mathematical formula that solves a problem.
B) a tempo for classical music played in a coda.
C) a logical sequence of steps that solve a problem.
D) a tool that designs computer programs and draws the user interface.

Question 7

Although the documentation step is usually listed last in the problem-solving process, it should actually begin when the problem is first defined and continue through the problem- solving process.

Question 8

Visual Basic uses a graphical user interface.

Question 9

The person who actually runs a computer program is called a

A) user.
B) customer.
C) client.
D) tester.
E) runner.

Question 10

Often a problem is too difficult to understand until one writes the program.

Question 11

In most cases, a well-written program need not be tested.

Question 12

What does the parallelogram flowchart symbol represent?

A) input/output
B) terminal
C) decision
D) connector
E) process

Question 13

The analysis and design steps of program planning are largely independent of the particular computer language the programmer is using.

Question 14

If you are writing a program that needs to repeat a series of calculations, what programming structure should you use to repeat the calculations?

A) sequence structure
B) decision structure
C) looping structure
D) any of the above

Question 15

Which of the following types of charts shows only the relationships between general program tasks without showing specific modules or directions for data flow?

A) top-down chart
B) flowchart
C) both A and B
D) neither A nor B

Question 16

Which of the following is the proper order of procedures used in the problem-solving process?

A) design, analysis, coding, testing
B) analysis, testing, design, coding
C) analysis, design, coding, testing
D) analysis, design, testing, coding
E) design, testing, analysis, coding

Question 17

The process of finding and correcting errors in a program is called

A) pseudocoding.
B) debugging.
C) algorithms.
D) development cycles.

Question 18

A collection of lines of instruction is called a(n)

A) program.
B) algorithm.
C) system.
D) programmer.

Question 19

Which one of the following is NOT one of the three basic types of statement structures?

A) sequence
B) loop
C) decision
D) input/output

Question 20

Visual Basic is considered to be a

A) first-generation language.
B) package.
C) higher-level language.
D) machine language.

Question 21

The purpose of a test or decision in a looping structure is to tell when the loop should end.

Question 22

"Desk-checking" refers to

A) the continual problem programmers have with losing things.
B) timing a program to see how fast it completes its tasks.
C) testing an algorithm at the flowchart stage using several different kinds of data.
D) having a fellow programmer read your pseudocode to be sure it is understandable.

Question 23

What does the circle flowchart symbol represent?

A) input/output
B) terminal
C) decision
D) connector
E) process

Question 24

A flowchart is an arrangement of geometric shapes connected by arrows.

Question 25

A top-down chart is the same thing as a flowchart.

Question 26

The divide-and-conquer-method of problem solving breaks a problem into large, general pieces first, then refines each piece until the problem is manageable.

Question 27

A graphical depiction of the logical steps to carry out a task and show how the steps relate to each other is called a(n)

A) flowchart.
B) pseudocode.
C) algorithms.
D) hierarchy chart.

Question 28

Pseudocode and flowcharts are two different tools or methods used in planning a solution to a problem.

Question 29

If a problem is very complex, extensive design prior to coding will actually delay the completion of the project.

Question 30

What does the diamond flowchart symbol represent?

A) input/output
B) terminal
C) decision
D) connector
E) process

Question 31

Suppose your supervisor at work wants you to write a program to accomplish a task that he has specified. However, he has not let you know which computer language to use. It is still possible to design the program in pseudocode.

Question 32

During the design phase, all errors will be caught by Visual Basic's smart editor.

Question 33

Although a flowchart (as its name suggests) depicts data flow very well, it is not easily modified once written.

Question 34

What does the rectangle flowchart symbol represent?

A) input/output
B) terminal
C) decision
D) connector
E) process

Question 35

Flowcharts, pseudocode, and top-down charts can be used to solve problems only in Visual Basic.

Question 36

What does the "rectangle with rounded sides" flowchart symbol represent?

A) input/output
B) annotation
C) decision
D) start/stop
E) process