Input and Output Design Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a defining feature of check boxes?

Enable multiple alternatives to be selected. (correct)

Require that alternatives be mutually exclusive.

Display all alternatives in a compact format.

Only allow a single selection from the list.

In what scenario should radio buttons be used?

When there are more than six alternatives available.

When allowing users to select multiple options simultaneously.

When only one alternative can be chosen from a list. (correct)

When the design requires displaying all options at once.

What is the purpose of a drop-down list box?

To display all alternatives simultaneously.

To simplify design when there isn't room for all options. (correct)

To allow users to select multiple items at once.

To mandate that one and only one alternative is chosen.

What is an example of when to use an on-screen list box?

When a user needs to scroll through alternatives. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is not a characteristic of check boxes?

They can require alternative selections. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of input design?

To capture accurate information simply and easily. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes online processing from batch processing?

Online processing records transactions immediately. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is NOT typically used for source data automation?

Personal computers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which method can minimize the need for excessive keystrokes in data entry?

Dropdown lists and default values (C) Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does capturing data at the source provide?

Decreases processing time and errors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection box allows for both keyboard entry and a drop-down list?

Combo box (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does a slider represent?

An approximate value from a continuous scale (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is data validation important?

To ensure accuracy of data (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of check ensures that all required fields are completed?

Completeness check (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which check verifies that values conform to specific number formats?

Format check (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a range check?

To ensure values are within a specified range (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does a check digit check validate?

Numeric codes with added check digits (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of check ensures that related data combinations are valid?

Consistency check (C) Signup and view all the answers

What must happen to data that fails any validation check?

It should be rejected until valid (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these checks is particularly used with numeric data?

Check digit check (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Input and Output Design

Input design aims for simple, accurate data capture for the system. Reflecting the nature of inputs and simplifying their collection are key objectives.
Online processing records transactions in real-time, updating databases immediately. Batch processing collects inputs over time, processing them in batches later.
Capturing data at the source reduces duplicate work, processing time, costs, and errors.
Source data automation uses technologies like bar code readers, optical character recognition (OCR), magnetic stripe readers, smart cards, and RFID. The internet can be used for this automation, too.
Bar code readers scan barcode patterns, and OCR converts images of text to machine-readable text.

Minimizing Keystrokes

Avoid asking for data that can be determined through other means (lookups).
Employ lookups, drop-down lists, or default values instead of requiring manual input.

Types of Input

Data items linked to fields, text, numbers, and selection boxes (check boxes, radio buttons, on-screen lists, drop-down lists, combo boxes, sliders) are common input types.

Input Validation

All data must be validated for accuracy, ideally through multiple checks (e.g., units, range, resolution).
Data that fails any validity check is rejected until validated.

Six Types of Checks

Completeness: Ensures all required data is entered. Used when several fields need to be filled before processing.
Format: Checks if data has the correct type and format (e.g., numeric values).
Range: Checks if data values fall within specified ranges.
Check Digit: Adds check digits to numeric codes for errors detection.
Consistency: Validates data combinations when values are logically related.
Database: Checks against stored values, crucial when values are already stored elsewhere in the database or file.

Output Design

Outputs encompass everything the system produces (screen, paper, web, mobile).
Serve the intended purpose. Deliver the correct quantity to the right place, on-time, and via the right method.

Basic Output Principles

Understand report usage: Reports can be used to identify specific items, and the user-defined sorting order is important for critical evaluation.
Manage information load: Avoid overwhelming users with excessive information – include only data necessary for the task at hand.
Minimize bias: Data presentation order can affect perception, so maintain impartial, neutral presentation.
Bias in graphs: Biased graphical representations can make it difficult to draw accurate comparisons or analysis. Presentation of numeric ranges should start from zero to prevent bias.

Types of Reports and Documents

Detail reports present all information about requested items.
Summary reports give a summary overview of requested items.
Turnaround documents output data that can be used as input (e.g., bills with payment forms).
Graphs and charts are used in conjunction with numbered tables for comparison, precision when required, and clearer visualizations.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of input and output design in information systems. It explores essential topics like data capture, online vs batch processing, and techniques to minimize user input. Test your knowledge on how technology can streamline data entry and improve efficiency.