Databases

Question 1

What is a wizard? [2]

Answer 1

Software that helps a user complete a specific task step-by-step

Question 2

What is a query facility? [2]

Answer 2

A facility in a database that allows you to search for or select records which meet specified criteria

Question 3

What is a relationship?

Answer 3

A link between two tables made using common fields

Question 4

What are the advantages of linking tables in a database? [2]

Answer 4

1. Reduces the amount of data stored

2. Makes searching and sorting of data more efficient

Question 5

What are the four steps that are taken to create a mail merge?

Answer 5

1. Create the letter
2. Select the data source
3. Select the appropriate merge fields
4. Merge the data from the data source

Question 6

What are the three steps that are taken to use the query facility of a database to find particular records?

Answer 6

1. Select the table and appropriate fields
2. Enter the criteria for the search
3. Run the query and view the results

Question 7

List three wizards available in database software

Answer 7

1. Query wizards
2. Form wizards
3. Report wizards

Question 8

A key field is also known as a what?

Answer 8

Primary key

Question 9

Define a key field/primary key.

Answer 9

Uniquely identifies a record in a table.

Question 10

List four data types in a database.

Answer 10

1. Numeric
2. Text
3. Date
4. Boolean

Question 11

Define a record.

Answer 11

A unit of data made of a number of fields

Question 13

Which type of database allows a user to set a key field for each table?

Answer 13

A relational database

Question 14

What is the purpose of an input mask?

Answer 14

To define the format of the data being entered

Question 15

Give an example of a default input mask

Answer 15

Postcode

Question 16

List three things that validation ensures.

Answer 16

It ensures that data is:

1. Present
2. In the correct range
3. In the correct format

Question 17

If data entered does not meet validation criteria, what happens?

Answer 17

An error message appears

Question 18

List five data validation checks.

Answer 18

1. Presence
2. Length
3. Type
4. Range
5. Format

Question 19

List three types of relationship in a database.

Answer 19

1. One-to-one
2. One-to-many
3. Many-to-many

Question 20

What is a mail merge?

Answer 20

The merging of records from a database onto standard documents.

Question 21

The results of a query are shown in…

Answer 21

table format

Question 22

Logical operators can be used to…

Answer 22

combine criteria in a query

Question 23

List three logical operators.

Answer 23

1. AND
2. OR
3. NOT

Question 24

What can reports be created from? [2]

Answer 24

1. Data in tables

2. Results of a query

Question 25

Reports are designed for…

Answer 25

printing

Question 26

Data in reports can be both...

Answer 26

grouped and sorted

Question 27

Reports should produce information that is...

Answer 27

accurate and complete

Question 28

Reports should be user..., to...

Answer 28

friendly, to make sure that the user can make good use of the information

Question 29

User friendly means that it is...

Answer 29

easy for users to understand and use

Question 30

Name two sources from which data can be imported into a database.

Answer 30

1. Spreadsheet | 2. Comma-separated variable (CSV) file

Question 31

Importing data into a database is usually done using a...

Answer 31

wizard

Question 32

List three ways you should a plan a database. | Requirements, tasks, data

Answer 32

1. List user requirements in terms of input, processing and output. This will include any reports, queries and forms to be used in the system. 2. Identify tasks the user will need to perform (e.g. Adding, deleting and updating records). 3. Identify the data which needs to be collected.

Question 33

List three ways you should test a database solution. | Data capture forms, queries, reports

Answer 33

1. Test data capture forms to ensure their data is valid and they are user friendly 2. Run queries to ensure the criteria produce the correct results and that searches are efficient 3. Ensure reports display the correct information in a suitable format

Question 33

List three ways a database solution should be evaluated.

Answer 33

1. Assess fitness for purpose (e.g. How well it meets user requirements) 2. Identify strengths and weaknesses (e.g. User friendliness of data capture forms and reports) 3. Identify areas for improvement