Analysis MCQ: March 2018

A) provides very fast random retrieval on the primary key
B) provides slow random retrieval on the primary key
C) provides moderately fast random retrieval on the primary key
D) does not provide random retrieval on the primary key

Answer: C

A field of data that can be used to locate a related field or row of data best describes:

A) pointer
B) marker
C) field locator
D) reference locator

Answer: A

The process of splitting or combining normalized relations into physical tables based on affinity of use of rows and fields best describes:

A) normalization
B) simplification
C) denormalization
D) data structure

Answer: C

A named set of rows and columns that specifies the fields in each row of the table best describes:

A) relation
B) data structure
C) entity type
D) physical table

Answer: D

A single name that is used for two or more different attributes best defines:

A) homonym
B) synonym
C) transitive dependency
D) alias

Answer: A

Merging relations is also referred to as:

A) view integration
B) view consolidation
C) encompassing
D) normalizing

Answer: A

For a unary M:N relationship:

A) the entity type is modeled as one relation; using as its primary key a composite key, a separate relation is created to represent the M:N relationship
B) the entity type and the M:N relationship are modeled as one relation; a composite key is used
C) separate relations for the class and for each subclass are created; primary and foreign keys are established for each class
D) the primary key of the entity on the one side of the relationship serves as a foreign key in the relation on the many side of the relationship

Answer: A

A many-to-many relationship that associates certain items with their component items is called a:

A) binary structure
B) bill-of-materials structure
C) binary relationship
D) ternary relationship

Answer: B

If a relationship exists among three or more entities, then:

A) recursive relationships must be established through the use of recursive foreign keys
B) a separate relation with a primary key that is the composite of the primary keys of each of the participating entities is created
C) separate relations are established for each class and for each of the subclasses
D) use the primary key of relation A as a foreign key in relations B and C

Answer: B

For a binary many-to-many relationship existing between entity types A and B:

A) a separate relation C is created; the primary key of relation C is a composite key consisting of the primary key for each of the two entities in the relationship
B) the primary keys of relation A and relation B are designated as functionally dependent attributes
C) secondary keys are used to establish the relationship
D) place the primary key of either entity in the relation for the other entity or do this for both entities

Answer: A

For a binary one-to-one relationship between two entities A and B, the relationship is represented by:

A) adding the primary key of A as a foreign key of B
B) adding the primary key of B as a foreign key of A
C) combining the two entities into one relation
D) either A or B

Answer: D

An entity whose primary key depends on the primary key of another entity is called a:

A) referential entity
B) candidate entity
C) transitive entity
D) weak entity

Answer: D

When transforming an E-R diagram into normalized relations, the identifier of the entity type becomes:

A) the primary key of the corresponding relation
B) the foreign key in the corresponding relation
C) a key attribute in the corresponding relation
D) a secondary key in the corresponding relation

Answer: A

Which of the following statements is true regarding normalization?

A) Normalization is a top-down process.
B) Normalization produces a set of well-structured relations that contain all of the data mentioned in system inputs and outputs.
C) Through the use of anomalies, stable structures are produced.
D) Normalization is an integrity constraint specifying that the value of an attribute in one relation depends on the value of the same attribute in another relation.

Answer: B

To convert a relation to second normal form, you decompose the relation into new relations using the attributes, called:

A) determinants
B) foreign key
C) pointer
D) relationship key

Answer: A

The relation state specifying that nonprimary key attributes do not depend on other nonprimary key attributes is:

A) first normal form
B) second normal form
C) Boyce-Codd normal form
D) third normal form

Answer: D

A particular relationship between two attributes best defines:

A) context
B) functional dependency
C) normal form
D) structure

Answer: B

The process of converting complex data structures into simple, stable data structures is referred to as:

A) normalization
B) simplification
C) structuring
D) process modeling

Answer: A

Which of the following properties of a relation states that an entry at the intersection of each row and column is single-valued?

A) Entries in cells are simple.
B) Entries in columns are from the same set of values.
C) Each row is unique.
D) The sequence of rows is insignificant.

Answer: A

Which of the following is not a true statement regarding a relation?

A) Each relation consists of a set of named columns and an arbitrary number of unnamed rows.
B) Each column in a relation corresponds to an attribute of that relation.
C) An entry at the intersection of each row and column has a single value.
D) Each row in a relation corresponds to an attribute of that relation.

Answer: D

A data model that represents data in the form of tables or relations is called a:

A) hierarchical database model
B) network database model
C) relational database model
D) hybrid database model

Answer: C

Using relational notation, an attribute of a relationship that is the primary key of another relation is indicated by:

A) an underline
B) a circle
C) a dashed underline
D) italics

Answer: C

During physical design, you consider:

A) the definitions of each attribute
B) the descriptions of where and when data are entered, retrieved, deleted, and updated
C) the expectations for response time and data integrity
D) all of the above

Answer: D

Which of the following is not a key step in logical database modeling and design?

A) Combine normalized data requirements from all user interfaces into one consolidated logical database model.
B) Compare the consolidated logical database design with the translated E-R model and produce, through view integration, one final logical database design for the application.
C) Model how data flow through an information system, the relationships among the data flows, and how data come to be stored at specific locations.
D) Translate the conceptual E-R data model for the application into normalized data requirements.

Answer: C

The most common style for a logical database model is the:

A) relational database model
B) hierarchical database model
C) network database model
D) object-oriented database model

Answer: A

The primary deliverable from logical database design is a conceptual model.

Answer: FALSE

A file organization is an arrangement of related records in secondary memory so that individual and groups of records can be stored, retrieved, and updated rapidly.

Answer: TRUE

During logical modeling, the normalized data requirements from all user interfaces are combined into one consolidated logical database model.

Answer: FALSE

Generally speaking, logical and physical database design is performed in parallel with other systems design steps.

Answer: TRUE

The network model is the most common style for a logical database model.

Answer: FALSE

One of the purposes of database design is to choose data storage technologies that will efficiently, accurately, and securely process database activities.

Answer: TRUE