MLT 560: Data Management and Representation in Clinical Information Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the process of converting information into digital data that can be manipulated by electronic devices?

Digitization (correct)

Data management

Data storage

Data representation

What is the smallest element of information used by a computer?

Character

ASCII code

Byte

Bit (correct)

What is the number of different codes that can be represented by 8 bits in a byte?

512

128

1024

256 (correct)

What is the purpose of the ASCII code in a computer system?

To store characters Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the form in which data is stored, processed, and transmitted?

Data representation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the devices that store data in digital formats that can be handled by electronic circuitry?

Electronic devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum unit of storage in a computer?

1 byte Signup and view all the answers

What is a logical grouping of related fields in a database?

Record Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using Sequential media for storing records?

Easy storage on tape and disk Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an index in Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM)?

To list the key field of each record and its physical location Signup and view all the answers

What is a major problem with the Traditional File Environment?

Data redundancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Sequential and Direct media?

File structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue with data inconsistency?

Various copies of data no longer agree Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Database Management System (DBMS)?

To provide access to a database and control the way data is stored Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using a centralized database?

Improved data consistency and security Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a replicated database?

Reduced single-point-of-failure problems Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of designing a database?

To ensure data is accurate and consistent Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using a DBMS?

Improved strategic use of corporate data Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of developing a conceptual design in database development?

To create an abstract model of the database from the user or business perspective Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of relationship between a course and its professor?

One-to-many Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of normalization in database development?

To reduce data redundancy and improve data integrity Signup and view all the answers

What is an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)?

A visual representation of the data model Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of relationship between a student and a course?

Many-to-many Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of entity relationship modeling (ERM)?

To develop a conceptual design of the database Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of a data warehouse?

To support management decision making Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a data warehouse and a data mart?

A data mart is smaller and simpler than a data warehouse Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of data mining?

To extract new insights from data Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of finding useful patterns and relationships in data?

Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of metadata in a data warehouse?

To keep track of the data warehouse content Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of data mining?

To improve customer service Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Management and Access

Data refers to symbols that represent people, events, things, and ideas
Data Representation refers to the form in which data is stored, processed, and transmitted
Devices such as smartphones, iPods, and computers store data in digital formats that can be handled by electronic circuitry

Data Representation

A bit is the smallest element of information used by a computer
A byte is the basic measure of storage in computers, consisting of 8 bits
Characters are non-numeric symbols used to convey language and meaning, stored using the ASCII code
1 byte = 1 character

Basics of Data Arrangement and Access

The Data Hierarchy: 8 bits => 1 byte => 1 character
Field: a logical grouping of characters into a word, a small group of words, or a complete number
Record: a logical grouping of related fields
File: a logical grouping of related records
Database: a logical grouping of related files

Storing and Accessing Records

File organizations: sequential media (tape) stores records sequentially based on key values
Fixed-length records: a fixed format is used for records
Key field uniquely identifies the record

Storing and Accessing Records (Cont.)

Direct (or random) media (disks) uses other techniques: Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) and Direct File Access Method
Indexed Sequential Access Method (ISAM) uses an index to locate individual records
Direct File Access Method uses the key field to locate the physical address of a record

Traditional File Environment

Each application has a specific data file related to it, containing all the data records needed by the application
Problems with traditional file environment:
- Data redundancy: same piece of data found in several places
- Data inconsistency: data in several application data files is hard to access and integrate
- Data isolation: various copies of data no longer agree
- Security: may be difficult to limit access to various data items in applications
- Data integrity: data must be accurate and correct
- Application/data dependence: applications are developed based on the way data is stored

Database: The Modern Approach

A database management system provides access to the data
A database is simply the collection of data which you need to store
A Database Management System (DBMS) controls the way the data is stored on the computer and provides ways of getting data in and out of the system

Database Management Systems

A set of software programs that provide access to a database
Data is stored in one location, from which it can be updated and retrieved
Application programs are given access to the stored data by various mechanisms
Maintaining the integrity of stored information
Managing security and user access
Recovering information when the system fails
Accessing various database functions from within an application

DBMS Benefits

Improved strategic use of corporate data
Reduced complexity of IS environment
Reduced data redundancy and inconsistency
Enhanced data integrity
Application/data independence
Improved security
Reduced development and maintenance costs
Improved IS flexibility
Increased data access

Locating Data in Databases

Two choices: Centralized or Distributed
Choice will affect user accessibility, query response time, data entry, security, and cost
Centralized database: all the related files are in one physical location
Distributed database: complete copies of a database, or portions of a database, are in more than one location, close to the user

Designing a Database

Steps in designing a database:
1. Determining the intended uses of the system
2. Creating a data model
3. Implementing the database
Conceptual design: an abstract model of the database from the user or business perspective
Entity Relationship Modelling (ERM) represents the data model as an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)

Database Development (Cont.)

Types of relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many
Normalization: a method that reduces a relational database to its most streamlined form
Physically implementing the data structure in the database management system software:
1. Create tables
2. Define fields and field properties
3. Establish primary keys
4. Define table relationships
5. Add actual data (records) to tables

Using the Stored Data

Data warehouse: a database system designed to support management decision making
Emphasis is on organizing data in convenient, meaningful ways so that users can get their queries answered
Current and historical, detail and summarized data are included
Metadata (data about data) is included to help keep track of the data warehouse content
Data mart: a small-scale, simpler data warehouse, easier to implement

Data Mining

Extracting new insights from data warehouse
Sophisticated tools employ algorithms to discover hidden patterns, correlations, and relationships
Applications of data mining:
- Improve products, marketing, sales, and customer service

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Description

This quiz assesses understanding of data management and representation in clinical information systems, covering topics such as traditional file environments, database management systems, and data warehouses. It's a key outcome for students of MLT 560 to be able to explain these concepts. Test your knowledge and skills in this area!