1.3.2 Databases

Question 1

What is a database?

Answer 1

• An organised collection of data
• Allows for easy adding, modification, deletion and searching

Question 2

Benefits of using electronic databases

Answer 2

• Easier to retrieve, add. delete, update and modify data
• Easier to back up and make copies of the data
• Can be accessed by multiple people at the same time + from different locations

Question 3

What is a flat file?

Answer 3

• Consists only a single table, can be created easily using either database/spreadsheet software

Question 4

What are the advantages of a flat file?

Answer 4

• Very simple + quick to set up
• Require little expertise to maintain
• Suitable for storing small amounts of data

Question 5

Typical uses of flat files

Answer 5

• Storing contact details
• Small product database
• Maintaining a game/music collection

Question 6

Disadvantage of flat files

Answer 6

Can be inefficient as they include a lot of repetitive data which takes up space

Question 7

If only flat file databases were used, they would quickly…

Answer 7

• Take up unnecessary space
• Be slow to query
• Become difficult to maintain

Question 8

What is a relational database?

Answer 8

A database which recognises the difference between entities + uses different tables for each entity

Question 9

What is an entity?

Answer 9

An item of interest about which information is stored

Question 10

What is a primary key?

Answer 10

A unique identifier (field) for each record in a table

Question 11

What is a foreign key?

Answer 11

Attribute which relationally links two tables together

Question 12

What is a secondary key?

Answer 12

An index other than a primary key used to search and sort through the database with more convenience and speed

Question 13

What does capturing data mean?

Answer 13

The process of getting the information that will be stored in the database

Question 14

Different methods of capturing data

Answer 14

• Paper based forms
• Optical character recognition
• Optical mark recognition
• Automated ways e.g. QR codes and barcodes

Question 15

What methods do banks use to capture data from cheques?

Answer 15

• Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
• Used for all the details apart from the amount which must be entered manually

Question 16

Paper based forms

Answer 16

Data input is manual + involves human reading the form + typing the info into a computer based system

Question 17

How are errors reduced when inputting the data from a paper based form?

Answer 17

• Form clearly labelled
• Complete in black pen and capital letters
• Use of tick boxes
• Squares for entering each letter separately

Question 18

Optical Character Recognition

Answer 18

• Automatically reads text by interpreting the shape of the letter // works best w/ printed text than hand written text

Question 19

Optical Character Recognition examples

Answer 19

• Post Office uses OCR software to read postcodes and route mail
• Road cameras use automatic number plate recognition software to handle congestion charging + identify drivers who are speeding