Cambridge International AS Level · Information Technology (9626)

Database and file concepts: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Database and file concepts.

10 questions25 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

In a relational database, which of the following is defined as a field or a set of fields in one table that refers to the primary key in another table to establish a link between the data?

Question 2

1 mark

A database developer is creating a data dictionary for a new system. Which of the following would NOT typically be included as a component of a data dictionary entry for a specific field?

Question 3

1 mark

A table is in Second Normal Form (2NF) but contains a transitive dependency (where a non-key attribute is dependent on another non-key attribute). What must be done to bring this table into Third Normal Form (3NF)?

Question 4

1 mark

A database designer is using a primary key in one table as a field in another table to create a relationship.
What is the specific name of this field in the second table?

Question 5

1 mark

A database developer is selecting a method to access records in a very large file where records are stored in a specific order based on a key field. The system needs to support both batch processing of all records and occasional fast access to individual records.

Which access method is most appropriate?

Question 6

2 marks

State the primary difference between a flat file and a relational database.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

Question 7

3 marks

Describe how a Management Information System (MIS) uses database data to assist a manager in making strategic decisions.

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Question 8

5 marks

Evaluate the use of referential integrity in a relational database, specifically explaining the consequences to the child table if a record is deleted from the parent table without it.

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Question 9

5 marks

A national retail company manages a customer database that has become increasingly difficult to maintain due to data redundancy.

(a) Describe the characteristics of a database table that is in First Normal Form (1NF).
(b) Explain the advantages of normalizing a database to Third Normal Form (3NF) for an organization.

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Question 10

5 marks

A developer is creating a data dictionary for a new library management system that tracks books, authors, and loans. The 'Loans' table currently contains the following fields: Loan_ID, Book_ISBN, Member_ID, Date_Out, and Returned_Status.

(a) Identify four different components that should be included in a data dictionary for each field listed above.
(b) Explain why it is vital to create a data dictionary during the design phase of a database before any actual data is entered.

Write your answer out first, then check it against the worked solution.

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