9618 · 9.1
Computational Thinking Skills flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9618 Computational Thinking Skills (syllabus 9.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
Card
What is Computational Thinking?
A problem-solving process that involves formulating a problem and its solution in a way that a computer (human or machine) can effectively carry out. It consists of four key skills.
Card
What is Decomposition?
The process of breaking down a large, complex problem into smaller, more manageable, and understandable sub-problems. Each sub-problem can be solved independently.
Card
What is Pattern Recognition?
The process of identifying trends, similarities, or regularities within a problem or among sub-problems. This helps in creating more efficient solutions.
Card
What is Abstraction?
The process of filtering out and ignoring irrelevant details, focusing only on the essential information required to solve the problem. It simplifies complexity.
Card
What is Algorithm Design?
The process of developing a step-by-step set of instructions or rules to solve a problem. This is the final plan that can be implemented in a programming language.
Card
How does decomposition help in programming?
It leads to the creation of modules, functions, or procedures. Each sub-problem can be coded as a separate unit, making the code easier to write, test, and maintain.
Card
What is the outcome of pattern recognition?
It often leads to the use of loops (iteration) for repeated processes or the creation of a single function that can be called multiple times with different parameters.
Card
Distinguish between Abstraction and Decomposition.
Decomposition breaks a problem *down* into smaller parts. Abstraction removes *details* to simplify the problem's representation. You decompose a car into engine, wheels, etc. You abstract a car to its speed and direction, ignoring its colour or make.
Card
What is generalisation in the context of computational thinking?
A part of abstraction where we create a solution that can solve a whole category of problems, not just one specific instance. For example, writing a function to find the average of *any* list of numbers, not just a specific list.
Card
Why is computational thinking crucial for Paper 2?
Paper 2 requires you to solve problems by writing code or pseudocode. A structured approach using computational thinking helps you design correct and efficient solutions under exam pressure, and allows you to show your thought process for partial marks.
Card
What is a 'sub-problem'?
A smaller, self-contained part of a larger problem, created through decomposition. Solving all the sub-problems leads to the solution of the main problem.