6. Computing and Data

Programming Basics — Quiz

Test your understanding of programming basics with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

Which of the following scenarios most strongly necessitates the use of advanced data structures like hash maps (dictionaries in Python) over simple lists or arrays for an actuarial valuation system?

Question 2

When developing a complex actuarial model in R that involves multiple interdependent functions and data transformations, which code practice is most crucial for ensuring maintainability and minimizing errors over the long term?

Question 3

An actuary is developing a Python script to automate the generation of quarterly financial reports. The script needs to read data from various sources, perform complex calculations, and output results in a specific format. Which of the following scripting features is most essential for ensuring the script can be easily executed, reused, and integrated into a larger workflow?

Question 4

Consider an actuarial project where a Python script is used to calculate reserves. The script depends on specific versions of several external libraries. Which practice is most effective for ensuring reproducibility of the reserve calculations across different development environments and over time?

Question 5

An actuary is performing a sensitivity analysis on a life insurance product using R. The analysis involves running the same set of calculations with varying interest rate assumptions. Which programming construct is most appropriate for efficiently iterating through a predefined list of interest rates and applying the calculations?