Database Concepts and Structure

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary key in a relational database?

A unique field for each record that does not change. (correct)

Any field that is used to retrieve data.

A field that can be duplicated across records.

A relationship between two tables.

What does normalization in database design aim to achieve?

To increase the amount of duplicated data.

To ensure data integrity and reduce duplicated data. (correct)

To create more foreign keys in tables.

To make all data types consistent across tables.

Which of the following is an example of a data type used in relational databases?

Text – non-numeric data less than 256 characters. (correct)

Code – a numeric representation of status.

Label – a field for descriptive titles.

Image – a field used for storing images.

What is the purpose of a foreign key in relational databases?

To connect to the primary key data in another table. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to consider when designing a database?

How the data is related and the goal of the database. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes data from information?

Data consists of raw facts without context, while information is data given context. Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of the five components of Information Systems?

Networking Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a database?

To serve as a single point for data storage and retrieval. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to control redundant data in a database?

To maintain data integrity and prevent corruption. Signup and view all the answers

What does knowledge represent in the context of data and information?

Information that is aggregated and analyzed for decision making. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is an example of a violation of data integrity?

A name change not updated across multiple records. Signup and view all the answers

What is a non-relational database primarily characterized by?

Storing data in a flexible schema that can accommodate unstructured data. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a database management system (DBMS) play?

It organizes and facilitates access to data in databases. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of view shows how end users perceive the data?

Logical view Signup and view all the answers

Which operation creates a new subset consisting of columns from a table?

Project Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of SQL in a Database Management System?

To analyze and manipulate relational data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Join operation in a relational DBMS?

To combine data from multiple relational tables Signup and view all the answers

What storage approach is suggested for the field data types in a database?

Keep as small as possible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

Excel Spreadsheet Signup and view all the answers

What does the operation 'Select' do in the context of a relational DBMS?

Creates a subset of records meeting specific criteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a Database Management System?

To create, store, organize, and access data Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Variety' in the 4Vs framework of Big Data refer to?

Different forms of data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following databases is designed to scale better than relational databases?

NoSQL databases Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Blockchain technology?

It operates without a central authority Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes NFTs?

They are non-fungible tokens with unique characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Big Data, what does 'Veracity' refer to?

The reliability and trustworthiness of the data Signup and view all the answers

Which type of database would be most suitable for managing unstructured data?

NoSQL databases Signup and view all the answers

What technology primarily enhances the security and reduces transaction costs in digital currencies?

Blockchain technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cloud services offers a relational database engine?

Amazon Relational Database Service Signup and view all the answers

What is one major benefit of a data warehouse?

Centralized view of data to identify inconsistent data Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of data mining?

To find previously unknown trends and patterns Signup and view all the answers

How does business analytics differ from business intelligence?

Business analytics improves internal company processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of knowledge management (KM)?

To formalize capture, indexing, and storage of company knowledge Signup and view all the answers

In a relational database, what is the purpose of a primary key?

To uniquely identify a record in a table Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about databases is false?

A database table stores multiple records within a field Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does big data NOT encompass?

Low variability Signup and view all the answers

What capability does a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) provide?

Selection, Joining, and Projecting of data Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data, Information and Knowledge

Data: Raw facts without context or intent.
Information: Data given context, becomes specific.
Knowledge: Information aggregated and analyzed to inform decisions, policies, and innovation.
Wisdom: Knowledge combined with experience, improves decision making.

Database

An organized collection of related information used for decision making.
Example: University transcript database containing student, course, and grade information.
Prevents redundant data: Ensures data consistency across multiple spreadsheets.
Maintains data integrity: Prevents inconsistencies in information related to different processes.
Avoids reliance on human memory: Provides a structured system for storing and searching information.

Relational Database

Organizes data into tables containing records and fields.
Example: Student database with records containing fields like student ID, course ID, and grade earned.
Tables are organized into rows (records) and columns (fields).

Database Design

Goal: Understand the purpose of the database to appropriately design it.
Data needed: Identify the essential data elements for achieving the goal.
Data relationships: Understand how data is connected within the organization.
Tables and fields: Define the structure of the database, specifying tables and their respective fields.

Primary Key

A unique field within a table used to identify each record.
Remains unchanged throughout the record’s lifecycle.
Example: Student number uniquely identifies each student in a student database.

Foreign Key

Connects records in different tables by linking to the primary key field of another table.
Ensures consistency and integrity by preventing data duplication and ensuring that data is updated correctly.

Data Types

Text: Non-numeric data, limited to 256 characters.
Number: Numeric data for calculations.
Boolean: True/False or Yes/No values, represented as 0 or 1.
Date/Time: Data that can be interpreted as a number or a time.
Currency: Monetary data.
Paragraph Text: Stores text exceeding 256 characters.
Object: Represents data that cannot be categorized with other data types, such as pictures or music files.

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Software used to create, store, organize, and access data from a database.
Common database systems include Microsoft Access, DB2, Oracle Database, and Microsoft SQL Server.
Uses SQL (Structured Query Language) to analyze and manipulate data within relational databases.
Provides a separation between the logical and physical views of data.

Logical View

Represents how end users see data, presenting it in a user-friendly manner.

Physical View

Shows how the data is physically stored and organized within the database.

Non-Relational Databases

Often referred to as "NoSQL" (Not Only SQL).
Scalable for large datasets that don’t easily fit into traditional table structures.
Work with unstructured data like social media posts and graphics.
Offer a more flexible data model and don’t require extensive structuring.
Examples include Amazon’s Simple DB and MetLife’s MongoDB.

Cloud Databases

Relational databases provided by cloud computing services, with pricing based on usage.
Appeal to small and medium-sized businesses.
Example: Amazon Relational Database Service offering MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle Database engines.

Distributed Databases

Data is stored across multiple physical locations.
Examples: Google’s Spanner cloud service.

Blockchain

A distributed database of transactions that operates on a network without central authority.
Maintains a continuously growing list of records (blocks) that cannot be altered once recorded.
Offers cost savings for transaction processing and enhanced security
Used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and NFTs.

Data Warehouse Benefits

Forces organizations to better understand their data.
Offers a centralized view of data, facilitating identification of inconsistencies.
Improves data quality by resolving inconsistencies, leading to better business decisions.
Allows analysis of data over multiple time periods, providing insights into long-term trends.
Provides tools for combining data from multiple sources for deeper business insights.

Data Mining

An automated process for analyzing large datasets.
Used to discover previously hidden trends, patterns, and associations.
Aims to support better business decisions.
Involves business intelligence, using mined data to gain a competitive advantage.
Also includes business analytics, using internal data to improve business processes and practices.
Raises privacy concerns because it allows combining data from multiple sources, potentially revealing sensitive personal information.

Knowledge Management (KM)

The process of formally capturing, indexing, and storing company knowledge.
Addresses the challenge of capturing, storing, and organizing company knowledge effectively.
Aims to make knowledge readily accessible and usable within the organization.

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Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of data, information, and knowledge while delving into database organization and relational databases. This quiz covers definitions, examples, and the significance of maintaining data integrity and consistency. Test your understanding of how databases support effective decision-making.