Checkpoint - Abstraction in Computational Thinking

What is abstraction in computational thinking?

• A technique to add more details to a problem

• A process to include all possible details in a problem

• A method to simplify a problem by removing unnecessary details

• A way to make a problem more complex

Answer explanation

Abstraction in computational thinking is a method to simplify a problem by removing unnecessary details. This allows focus on the essential aspects, making it easier to understand and solve the problem.

Which of the following is an example of abstraction?

• A complete list of all movies an actor has starred in

• A Metro map showing only station names and routes

• A realistic map showing every street and building

• A detailed biography of a person

Answer explanation

Abstraction simplifies complex information. A Metro map shows only essential details like station names and routes, omitting unnecessary information, making it a clear example of abstraction.

Why are some features hidden when you zoom out on Google Maps?

• To make the map look more colorful

• To focus on the most relevant details at a larger scale

• To save data usage

• To confuse the user

Answer explanation

Some features are hidden when zooming out on Google Maps to focus on the most relevant details at a larger scale. This helps users see important information without clutter, enhancing navigation and usability.

What is the purpose of abstraction in a school database system?

• To record daily activities of pupils and staff

• To include personal preferences like favorite actor

• To focus on essential information like name and address

• To store every detail about pupils and staff

Answer explanation

Abstraction in a school database system helps to simplify data management by focusing on essential information, such as name and address, rather than overwhelming details. This ensures efficient data handling and retrieval.

Which feature is typically abstracted out in a Metro map?

• Connections between lines

• Exact travel distances

• Train routes

• Station names

Answer explanation

Metro maps simplify navigation by abstracting out exact travel distances, focusing instead on the connections and layout of lines. This helps users easily understand routes without the complexity of distance measurements.

What additional features are visible in satellite view on Google Maps?

• Traffic conditions

• Public transport routes

• Building shapes and terrain

• Street names

Answer explanation

In satellite view on Google Maps, you can see building shapes and terrain, which provide a more realistic representation of the area. This feature enhances the visual context compared to other views.

What is a key benefit of using abstraction?

• It ensures all details are included

• It helps focus on the most relevant parts of a problem

• It makes problems more difficult to solve

• It complicates the problem-solving process

Answer explanation

A key benefit of using abstraction is that it helps focus on the most relevant parts of a problem, allowing for simpler analysis and solution development by ignoring unnecessary details.

What does a database record typically encapsulate in terms of abstraction?

• A comprehensive biography

• A fictional narrative

• An essential summary of key information

• A full depiction of an individual

Answer explanation

A database entry is an abstracted form with essential details, summarizing key information without unnecessary complexity. This allows for efficient data management and retrieval.

What is the main focus of an abstracted map?

• Detailed street-level information

• Realistic representation of geography

• Important details like routes and connections

• Exact distances between locations

Answer explanation

An abstracted map emphasizes important details like routes and connections rather than providing detailed street-level information or exact distances, making it useful for navigation and understanding relationships between locations.

Which of the following is NOT a feature of abstraction?

• Including all possible information

• Simplifying complex problems

• Focusing on relevant details

• Removing unnecessary details

Answer explanation

Abstraction focuses on simplifying complex problems by removing unnecessary details and highlighting relevant information. Including all possible information contradicts this principle, making it the correct answer.