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Exam Code Ethics-In-Technology
Exam Name WGU Ethics In TechnologyQCO1
Vendor WGU
Total Questions 66
Last Updated 26-Oct, 2026
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Free Ethics-In-Technology Practice Questions

Explore 5 free practice questions for the WGU Ethics-In-Technology exam and review the answers and explanations to support your preparation.

  1. Question 1

    Single answer

    A team of game designers must decide if players whose game characters commit violent and unlawful
    acts should be rewarded. The team agrees that the acts are simul-ations, and the game will be rated
    for adult or mature audiences. One designer raises questions about how contributing to this work will
    reflect upon the team's moral character.
    Which ethical theory does this represent?

    • Option A:
      Deontology
      Correct
    • Option B:
      Virtue
      Correct
    • Option C:
      Consequentialism
      Correct
    • Option D:
      Relativism
      Correct
    Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer: B

    Explanation

    Virtue ethics, as developed by Aristotle, emphasizes traits like honesty, integrity, and compassion.
    The designer is questioning whether contributing to a game that rewards violent or unlawful acts
    aligns with virtues such as responsibility and ethical integrity. This aligns with virtue ethics' central
    questio n: What kind of person should I be? rather than What rules should I follow? or What
    consequences will my actions have?
    Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:
    Virtue Ethics (Aristotle's Ethics) – This ethical theory asks whether designing a game that rewards
    violent behavior aligns with good moral character.
    Ethics of Representation in Media and Gaming – Studies have shown that media can influence realworld
    behaviors, raising ethical concerns about glorifying violence.
    Industry Standards (ESRB, PEGI) – While rating systems classify content, ethical concerns go beyond
    ratings to the moral responsibility of developers in shaping digital culture.
    Moral Identity in Design – Developers must consider whether creating certain game mechanics aligns
    with their personal and professional ethical identity.
    Thus, the designer's concerns reflect virtue ethics by focusing on their personal integrity and
    professional responsibility in game development.
  2. Question 2

    Single answer

    A factory manager must decide whether to replace assembly-line workers with robots but is
    concerned about employees losing their jobs. The factory manager also believes this automation
    would enhance worker safety, save the factory money, raise corporate profits, and lower the prices
    of goods produced. The factory manager weighs all possible outcomes and chooses the action that
    produces the greatest good.
    Which ethical theory does this approach represent?

    • Option A:
      Deontology
      Correct
    • Option B:
      Relativism
      Correct
    • Option C:
      Virtue

      Correct
    • Option D:
      Consequentialism
      Correct
    Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer: D

    Explanation

    The factory manager is applying consequentialism, an ethical theory that evaluates actions based on
    their outcomes or consequences.
    Why Consequentialism?
    The manager is weighing all possible outcomes and choosing the action that produces the greatest
    good—a fundamental characteristic of consequentialist ethics.
    This aligns with utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, which suggests that an action is ethical if
    it maximizes overall benefits (e.g., higher profits, safety, lower costs).
    Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed utilitarianism, emphasizing that ethical decisions
    should be based on maximizing happiness or well-being.
    Why Not the Other Theories?
    A . Deontology: Focuses on moral duties and rules rather than consequences. A deontologist might
    argue that replacing workers with robots is wrong if it violates workers' rights, regardless of the
    positive outcomes.
    B . Relativism: Suggests that morality is subjective and varies by culture. The factory manager's
    decision is based on objective outcomes, not cultural or subjective ethical norms.
    C . Virtue Ethics: Focuses on the moral character of the decision-maker rather than the outcomes of
    actions. The manager is making a cost-benefit analysis, not prioritizing virtues like fairness or
    compassion.
    Thus, the correct ethical framework that describes the factory manager’s decision is D.
    Consequentialism because it is based on maximizing benefits while accepting potential negative
    consequences.
    Reference in Ethics in Technology:
    Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.
    Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon
    Press.
    Brey, P. (2000). "Disclosive Computer Ethics." ACM SIGCAS Computers and Society, 30(4), 10-16.
    IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems (2019).
  3. Question 3

    Single answer

    A new IT employee has questions about how the organization determines resolutions to issues that
    impact its values and overarching principles. What should the employee refer to first for guidance?

    • Option A:
      Corporate responsibility matrix
      Correct
    • Option B:
      Ethical decision-making processes
      Correct
    • Option C:
      Code of ethics
      Correct
    • Option D:
      Board of directors
      Correct
    Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer: C

    Explanation

    A Code of Ethics is a formal document that outlines an organization’s values, principles, and expected
    ethical behaviors. It serves as the first point of reference for employees seeking guidance on ethical
    decision-making within a company.
    Why Code of Ethics?
    The Code of Ethics establishes the foundational principles that guide an organization's decisionmaking,
    ensuring consistency in ethical practices.
    It typically includes guidelines on conflicts of interest, integrity, fairness, and responsibility, helping
    employees resolve ethical dilemmas.
    The new IT employee can refer to this document to understand how the company resolves ethical
    issues and enforces its values.
    Why Not the Other Options?
    A . Corporate Responsibility Matrix: This tool may help outline social and environmental
    responsibilities but does not explicitly guide ethical decision-making.
    B . Ethical Decision-Making Processes: While important, this is a procedural framework rather than a
    reference document employees would check first.
    D . Board of Directors: The Board oversees corporate governance but is not a direct source for
    employee guidance on ethical matters.
    Thus, the best answer is C. Code of Ethics as it directly provides ethical standards employees should
    follow.
    Reference in Ethics in Technology:
    Moor, J. (1985). "What is Computer Ethics?" Metaphilosophy, 16(4), 266-275.
    Floridi, L. (2010). Information: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
    Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics (2022).
    IEEE Code of Ethics (2020).
  4. Question 4

    Single answer

    An organization decides to provide its employees with additional parental leave benefits that exceed
    legal requirements. Which concept is the organization acting on to support employees?

    • Option A:
      Ethics code
      Correct
    • Option B:
      Corporate social responsibility
      Correct
    • Option C:
      Supply chain sustainability
      Correct
    • Option D:
      Integrity
      Correct
    Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer: B

    Explanation

    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the ethical obligation of organizations to go beyond
    legal requirements in improving societal and employee well-being. In this scenario, the organization
    is voluntarily offering additional parental leave benefits, which demonstrates a commitment to the
    welfare of its employees beyond what is legally mandated CSR involves initiatives that benefit various stakeholders, including employees, customers,
    communities, and the environment. By offering enhanced parental leave benefits, the organization
    acknowledges its responsibility to promote work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and overall
    social welfare, which are key principles of CSR.
    Relevant Ethical Reference in Technology:
    Utilitarianism (Greatest Good Principle) – Providing extended parental leave benefits leads to greater
    well-being for employees and their families, fostering a more positive and productive workforce.
    Deontological Ethics (Duty-Based Ethics) – The company recognizes its ethical duty to care for
    employees beyond legal obligations, emphasizing moral responsibility rather than mere compliance.
    Virtue Ethics (Moral Character of the Organization) – The decision reflects virtues such as empathy,
    fairness, and social responsibility, reinforcing an ethical corporate culture.
    Corporate Social Responsibility Frameworks – Organizations like the United Nations Global Compact
    (UNGC) and ISO 26000 emphasize the importance of CSR in areas such as labor practices, human
    rights, and community involvement.
    By integrating CSR principles into employee benefits, the organization fosters a more ethical and
    socially responsible business environment.
  5. Question 5

    Single answer

    An insurance company develops an artificial intelligence (Al) system to manage claims automatically.
    Although this technology benefits most customers, people from neighborhoods associated with a
    low socioeconomic status find it harder to get their claims approved. The company decides to keep
    using the system.
    Which ethical theory justifies the company to come to this decision?

    • Option A:
      Pluralism
      Correct
    • Option B:
      Utilitarianism
      Correct
    • Option C:
      Virtue ethics
      Correct
    • Option D:
      Deontology
      Correct
    Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer: B

    Explanation

    The decision made by the insurance company aligns with utilitarianism, an ethical theory that
    evaluates actions based on their overall consequences and aims to maximize happiness or well-being
    for the greatest number of people.
    Why Utilitarianism?
    The company continues using the AI system because it benefits the majority of customers, even
    though it negatively affects a marginalized group.
    Utilitarianism, as defined by Jeremy Bentham and later refined by John Stuart Mill, prioritizes actions
    that generate the most favorable outcomes for the largest number of individuals.
    Since the AI system increases efficiency and improves claim processing for most customers, the
    company may justify its use under "the greatest happiness principle."
    However, utilitarianism can be criticized for neglecting minority groups if their suffering is
    outweighed by the benefits to the majority, as seen in this case.
    Why Not the Other Theories?
    A . Pluralism: Pluralism acknowledges multiple moral values but does not necessarily justify
    sacrificing fairness for efficiency. The company’s decision does not reflect a commitment to balancing
    competing moral principles.
    C . Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics, based on Aristotle’s philosophy, emphasizes moral character and
    virtues such as justice and fairness. A company operating under virtue ethics would likely strive to
    ensure fairness for all customers rather than prioritizing overall utility.
    D . Deontology: Deontology, rooted in Immanuel Kant's philosophy, focuses on duty, rights, and
    moral rules. A deontologist would argue that it is unethical to use a system that discriminates against
    certain groups, even if it benefits the majority.
    Thus, the correct ethical framework that justifies the company's decision is utilitarianism because it
    prioritizes the greater good, even at the expense of fairness for a smaller group.
    Reference in Ethics in Technology:
    Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn.
    Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Oxford: Clarendon
    Press.
    Floridi, L. (2013). The Ethics of Information. Oxford University Press.
    Binns, R. (2018). "Fairness in Machine Learning: Lessons from Political Philosophy." Proceedings of
    the 2018 Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (FAT).