AIGP Study Guide
Module 1: Foundations of AI · BoK I.A

Four building-block terms

Data, algorithm, model and system nest inside each other and the exam tests them exactly. An algorithm produces the model; the model applies algorithms to data; the system wraps everything including interfaces and infrastructure.

These nest inside each other. Definitions are short and the exam tests them exactly.

  1. Data - raw information used to train AI models → text, images, audio, video, sensor data
  2. Algorithm - a computational procedure, a set of instructions and rules, designed to perform a task, solve a problem or produce an AI model
  3. Model - a program that applies algorithms to data, letting it predict or decide based on learned patterns
  4. System - the full operational environment → data, algorithms, models, interfaces and infrastructure
Exam flash

Algorithm produces the model. Model applies algorithms to data. System wraps everything including interfaces and infrastructure. Mixing these up is the classic distractor.

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Data”?
Raw information used to train AI models: text, images, audio, video, sensor data.
What is “Algorithm”?
A computational procedure of instructions and rules to perform a task or produce an AI model.
What is “Model”?
A program that applies algorithms to data to predict or decide based on learned patterns.
What is “System”?
The full operational environment: data, algorithms, models, interfaces and infrastructure.