Frequently Asked Questions

Note: I am putting these here because students have asked them in the past, this is not a reflection of what will be on quizzes.

Q: What are the current statistics on computer programmers in terms of diversity?

A: We will talk about this in more detail later but generally about 68% of computer programmers are white and about 80% are male. (Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm, Accessed: 5/13/22)

Q: How does this relate to the coding we are currently doing in class?

A: COSC 120 is an introduction class with two main goals. We have been focused on class on the goal of teaching you how to think like a programmer and learn how to code learning how to responsibly program is part of that goal and the second goal of the course is to give you a survey of the field of Computer Science (you will have lessons on AI, Networking, Robotics, etc.), which certainly also encompasses Bias in computer programming.

Q: Is there a checks and balances system for at least important codes that impact EVERYONE?

A: Lawmakers are starting to work on regulating big tech but at the moment not a lot has been put in place so far because this is such a new and quickly changing field.

Q: What is being done right now?

A: There are a lot of organizations working to increase diversity in Computer Science and there is a push to get the big companies to take more responsibility for the effects of their algorithms. (You can affect change by calling your representatives and telling them you want it)

Q: How can learning biases for machines like the facial recognition program she was talking about be solved?

A: More diverse input, if the training data, the pictures given to the computer to teach it what a face is, has a more diverse set of faces then it will be able to recognize a more diverse set faces.

Q: Can other factors like sexuality and gender affect code as well?

A: Yes.