Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)
Revision Note
Written by: Robert Hampton
Reviewed by: James Woodhouse
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a machine that can simulate intelligent behaviours similar to that of a human
AI is a system that can:
Learn - acquire new information
Decide - analyse and make choices
Act autonomously - take actions without human input
There are two main types of AI:
Weak AI, also known as narrow AI, is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks
Strong AI, also known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), is designed to perform any intellectual task that a human can do
Advantages and disadvantages of AI
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Increased efficiency | Job losses |
Increased accuracy | Potential for biased decision making |
Scalability | Ethical concerns over its use |
Characteristics of AI
AI shares three common characteristics:
Collection of data
Rules for using data
Ability to reason
Collection of data | Rules for using data | Ability to reason |
|---|---|---|
AI systems require large amounts of data to perform tasks The data is processed using rules or algorithms that enable the system to make decisions and predictions | AI systems can use logical reasoning to evaluate information and make decisions based on that information | It can change its own rules and data |
Expert systems
What is an expert system?
An expert system mimics human knowledge and experience and uses a combination of the two to solve problems or answer questions
Examples of expert systems include:
Equipment troubleshooting and repair
Technical support
Medical diagnosis system
Expert systems share four key characteristics
Knowledge base | Rule base | Inference engine | Interface |
|---|---|---|---|
A database of facts to generate rules that are used to solve problems and make decisions | A set of rules or logic that is used to apply the knowledge in the knowledge base to specific problems | A program that applies the rules in the rule base to the facts in the knowledge base to solve problems | A way for users to interact with the system and provide input |
Advantages and disadvantages of expert systems
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Consistent results | Only as good as the data entered |
Faster responses | Responses can be cold and lack human emotion |
Can store large amounts of data | Requires training to use correctly |
Unbiased |
Machine Learning
What is machine learning?
Machine learning is one method that can help to achieve an artificial intelligence (AI)
By giving a machine data so that it can 'learn over time' it helps towards training a machine or software to perform a task and improve its accuracy and efficiency
Uses algorithms to analyse data and identify patterns or relationships
Worked Example
Describe the characteristics of AI
[3]
Answer
Any three from:
Collects data
Stores rules for using the data
The ability to reason
The ability to learn // uses machine learning
… by adapting what it does
… for example, from mistakes to not make them again // result from previous decisions impacts future
… by changing its own rules
…by changing its own data
…by being trained
Makes one or more predictions (to make a decision)
Find/analyse patterns
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