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IB Digital Society: Content: Algorithms

What algorithms are, bias, transparency, decision-making. 2 subtopics, 9 key terms.

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In this topic: 3.1 · 3.2

3.1What algorithms are

Algorithm: A finite sequence of steps to solve a problem or make a decision.
Input / process / output: How an algorithm transforms data into a result.
Recommendation algorithm: Suggests content based on behaviour and similarity.
Ranking: Ordering results by relevance (e.g. search engines).

Algorithms sort, search, rank, recommend, predict and decide.

The full notes, worked example, interactive diagram and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.

Exam tip: Describe algorithms as input → process → output, then discuss the impact.

Algorithmic bias: Systematic, unfair outcomes for certain groups.
Black box: A system whose internal logic is hidden or hard to understand.
Transparency: Openness about how a system works and decides.
Accountability: Who is responsible when a system causes harm.
Proxy variable: A variable correlated with a protected characteristic (e.g. postcode and ethnicity).

Sources of bias: biased training data, proxies, design choices, feedback loops.

The full notes, worked example, interactive diagram and check questions for this subtopic are in the app.

Exam tip: Use COMPAS or the 2020 UK grading case as ready evidence for bias questions.