The questions which follow provide a basic knowledge test of selected concepts covered in this learning pathway: Why open matters.

The questions published at the end of each learning pathway are re-used for the knowledge test for learners interested in earning a digital badge or certificate of participation for the Open education, copyright and open licensing in a digital world (LiDA103) micro-course. Please consult the Certify participation page for more information.

True - false questions

Indicate whether the following statements are true or false:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights commits to free education at the higher education (post-secondary) level.
- True
  - Wrong, the commitment to free education is restricted to the elementary and fundamental stages.
- False
  - Correct. Well done.
Open digital content is an example of a rivalrous commodity which diminishes through consumption.
- True
  - Incorrect. If you download open digital content, it is still available for others to use.
- False
  - Correct. Well done.
The profit margins of commercial publishers of scientific academic journals are greater than the profit margins of commercial magazines.
- True
  - Correct.
- False
  - Wrong, the profit margins of scientific academic journals are typically in excess of 30% compared to 12 – 15% for commercial magazines.
A high school pupil worked on a method for detecting pancreatic cancer using open access publications of scientific research.
- True
  - Correct.
- False
  - Wrong, Jack Andraka, a high school pupil, could work on detecting pancreatic cancer because he had open access to scientific research.
Data shows that the average cost of commercial textbooks typically increases at the rate of inflation.
- True
  - Wrong, data shows that over the last three decades, the cost of commercial textbooks has increased at more than triple the rate of inflation for the same period.
- False
  - Yes, this statement is false.

Multiple choice questions

Which of the following statements is included in Article 26 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights? (Tick all that apply – there are 3 correct answers.)
- Technical education shall be made generally available
  - Correct. Article 26 makes reference to “generally available”.
- Professional education shall be made generally available
  - Correct. Article 26 makes reference to “generally available”.
- Higher education shall be free for all students
  - This is false. Article 26 states that access to higher education should be based on merit and does not make any references to free education.
- Everyone has the right to education
  - Correct, this is the guiding principle stated in Article 26.
Which TWO of the following statements are FALSE? (Tick two options.)
- Traditionally, scientific knowledge is distributed through a process of peer-reviewed journals
  - No, this statement is true.
- Sci-Hub is a website which provides legal access to academic papers on the internet without paywalls
  - Correct, this statement is false. While Sci-Hub provides access without paywalls, many papers uploaded to the website are in breach of copyright.
- The fees paid to professional academic staff to review academic papers are a significant contributor to the high cost of commercially published scientific journals
  - Correct. This statement is false. Most academics provide peer review for academic journals on a voluntary basis without payment.
- A Columbian biologist studying for his Master’s degree faced a potential prison sentence after being sued under criminal law by the author of a thesis for uploading and sharing this scholarly research on Scribd (a digital online library) to help fellow students
  - Yes, unfortunately this statement is true. However, the case was not successful due to Columbian law which requires commercial profit to be involved before a breach of copyright can become a criminal matter.
In 1996, Sir John Daniel predicted that by 2006 the number of people qualified to enter university but who wouldn’t secure a place would grow to: (Tick the one which is correct.)
- 10 million learners
  - No, it’s much more than that.
- 30 million learners
  - Incorrect. That was the number in 1996.
- 50 million learners
  - No, that’s a big number, but check the course materials on Why Open Matters in LiDA103.
- 100 million learners
  - Yes, that’s right, This equates roughly to creating one new university each week.