L06: Basic Data Structures Inventory (BDSI)

During the lab session time, we want you to work through the BDSI (Basic Data Structures Inventory). The BDSI is a kind of standardized test for knowledge of data structures that might be expected of Computer Science students. You aren't CS students, but you are learning about Data Structures. Completing this test helps us understand how your experience (at this random point in the quarter) relates to other students at different levels at different universities. Adam will not share your individual or class-averaged scores with anyone outside of the this class.

You will earn 2 points in the Lab section of your CMPM 35 course score for completing the BDSI. It is organized as a Survey here on Canvas so that you earn points for completion, regardless of whether you select answers that are correct or not.

In the 13-questions exam that follows, you will see code in an unfamiliar pseudocode format. You may also see references to some terms you've never seen in this or any previous class -- this is expected. Right now, open this link in another window for reference: Preamble and Pseudocode Guide.pdf Download Preamble and Pseudocode Guide.pdf

It gives a brief explanation for the pseudocode format and the data structures mentioned. You don't need to reference it, but it might help. Unlike the other exams in this class, the questions and answers come at you in a fixed (rather than randomized) order, and you can go back to change your answer on previous questions at any time (rather than needing to commit to an answer before moving on).

Adam has modified the format of the BSDI to add an explicit "I don't know." option for every question. Because you are not taking this test for credit or qualification, you should feel free to honestly select the "I don't know." option when you don't have any better way of answering a question than guessing. If you think you have an answer but are not completely sure of it, pick that answer. Save the "I don't know." option for when there is really nothing better to pick.

Imagine you were taking this exam silently, on paper, in a 1-hour session. Try to complete it without consulting online references or asking anyone else for help. We will attempt to not enforce this, but we ask that you do this to make your results easier to compare with those of other classes/schools that might be using it as a in-class activity.

At the end, you'll be given a chance to comment on and unfamiliar concepts and skills from the exam that you might want to learn more about.