Artificial Intelligence (AI) (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Computer Science)

Revision Note

Robert Hampton

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

Last updated:

You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes

Unlock more, it's free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

Did this page help you?

Robert Hampton

Author: Robert Hampton

Expertise: Computer Science Content Creator

Rob has over 16 years' experience teaching Computer Science and ICT at KS3 & GCSE levels. Rob has demonstrated strong leadership as Head of Department since 2012 and previously supported teacher development as a Specialist Leader of Education, empowering departments to excel in Computer Science. Beyond his tech expertise, Robert embraces the virtual world as an avid gamer, conquering digital battlefields when he's not coding.

James Woodhouse

Author: James Woodhouse

Expertise: Computer Science

James graduated from the University of Sunderland with a degree in ICT and Computing education. He has over 14 years of experience both teaching and leading in Computer Science, specialising in teaching GCSE and A-level. James has held various leadership roles, including Head of Computer Science and coordinator positions for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. James has a keen interest in networking security and technologies aimed at preventing security breaches.