Chapter 4 MCQ

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of
Database
1. What is the primary goal of database normalization?
a) Increase data redundancy
b) Improve system performance
c) Allow for consistent storage and efficient data access
d) Introduce data inconsistency
Answer: c
Explanation: Database normalization aims to achieve a design that allows for
consistent storage and efficient access of data in a relational database,
reducing data redundancy and the risk of inconsistency.
2. What are the three types of update anomalies mentioned in

the text?
a) Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication
b) Insertion, Deletion, Modification
c) Redundancy, Inconsistency, Performance
d) Cross-referencing, Lossless Decomposition, Data Manipulation
Answer: b
Explanation: The three types of update anomalies are Insertion Anomalies,
Deletion Anomalies, and Modification Anomalies.
3. When might denormalization be used, and what is the

potential trade-off?
a) To increase data redundancy; Improved consistency guarantees
b) To improve performance; Reduced consistency guarantees
c) To eliminate update anomalies; Increased system performance
d) To reduce data redundancy; Improved data consistency
Answer: b
Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 1

Explanation: Denormalization is sometimes used to improve performance at
the cost of reduced consistency guarantees.
4. According to the mnemonic mentioned, what does the rule

"The Whole Key" emphasize in normalization?
a) No repeating fields in the table
b) The table should solely depend on the key

c) No partial key dependency
d) No inter data dependency
Answer: c
Explanation: "The Whole Key" emphasizes avoiding partial key dependency in
normalization.
5. What is the purpose of normalization regarding database

design?
b) Accommodate multiple values for data

c) Permit efficient updates and avoid data loss
d) Introduce update anomalies

Answer: c
Explanation: The purpose of normalization is to design a database that allows

for efficient updates, minimizes data redundancy, and avoids the danger of
losing data unknowingly.
6. What are the pitfalls of normalization mentioned in the text?

a) Enhances data consistency
b) Requires data to identify problems
c) Speeds up system performance

d) Eliminates human error
Answer: b
Explanation: Pitfalls of normalization include requiring data to identify
problems, potentially reducing system performance, being time-consuming,

difficult to design and apply, and prone to human error.
7. How are insertion anomalies defined in the context of

normalization?
a) Failure to remove information about an existing entry
b) Failure to place information about a new entry into all necessary places
c) Failure to modify the database entry
d) Failure to identify the key attributes

Answer: b
Explanation: Insertion anomalies are defined as a failure to place information

about a new entry into all the places in the database where information about
that new entry needs to be stored.
8. What is the potential issue with the provided example data

(EMPID, FName, LName, SkillID, etc.) regarding deletion
anomalies?
a) Skill type inconsistency
b) Redundant data in the School field

c) Loss of information about a skill when an employee is deleted
d) Inability to identify the key attributes

Answer: c
Explanation: The deletion anomaly in the example data could result in the loss
of information about a skill when an employee is deleted.
9. In the context of functional dependency, what does "B is

functionally dependent on A" mean?
a) Changing B will affect A
b) A determines B
c) A and B are unrelated
d) A and B have a partial dependency

Answer: b

Explanation: "B is functionally dependent on A" means that the value of B is
determined by the value of A.
10. What is the purpose of the mnemonic "So Help Me Codd" in

the context of normalization?
a) To remember the steps of normalization
b) To emphasize the importance of redundancy

c) To recall the rules proposed by Codd
d) To promote denormalization
Answer: c
Explanation: The mnemonic "So Help Me Codd" is used to remember the rules
of normalization proposed by Codd.
11. What does Third Normal Form (3NF) aim to eliminate?

a) Partial dependencies
b) Insertion anomalies
c) Data redundancy
d) Cross-referencing
Answer: a
Explanation: Third Normal Form (3NF) aims to eliminate transitive
dependencies between attributes, avoiding partial dependencies.
12. What is the definition of a table in First Normal Form (1NF)?

a) No duplicated rows, single-valued cells, and entries of the same kind
b) Repeating groups and multi-valued attributes
c) Only atomic column values
d) No transitive dependencies
Answer: a
Explanation: A table in First Normal Form (1NF) has no duplicated rows, single-
valued cells, and entries of the same kind.

13. According to the text, what is the purpose of Boyce-Codd
Normal Form (BCNF)?
a) Reduce data redundancy
b) Eliminate transitive dependencies
c) Resolve independent multiple relationships
d) Allow for partial dependencies
Answer: c
Explanation: Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) aims to isolate independent
multiple relationships and ensure that every determinant is a candidate key.
14. How is Partial Dependency defined in the context of

normalization?
a) Dependency on a non-key attribute on part of the primary key
b) Dependency on the whole key

c) Dependency on a non-key attribute on the entire key
d) Dependency on a composite primary key
Answer: a
Explanation: Partial Dependency is defined as an attribute not in the primary

key being dependent on some part of the primary key.
15. In the context of normalization, what does "Everything

should depend on the key, the whole key, and nothing but the
key" refer to?
a) Third Normal Form (3NF)
b) First Normal Form (1NF)

c) Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)
d) Second Normal Form (2NF)
Answer: c
Explanation: "Everything should depend on the key, the whole key, and
nothing but the key" is a reference to Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF).
16. What is the main idea behind the steps of normalization?

a) Introduce redundancy for data consistency
b) Avoid data loss unknowingly
c) Increase update anomalies
d) Rely on human error for data manipulation

Answer: b
Explanation: The main idea behind the steps of normalization is to avoid data
loss unknowingly and achieve a set of tables that accommodate data
efficiently.
17. According to the text, what is the purpose of Normalization?

a) Enhance system performance
b) Eliminate data redundancy
c) Introduce update anomalies
d) Avoid human fallibility
Answer: b
Explanation: The purpose of normalization is to eliminate or minimize data
redundancy in a database design.
18. In the context of normalization, what is the role of Functional

Dependency (FD)?
a) Determine the primary key
b) Define the candidate key
c) Identify relationships between attributes

d) Establish logical associations between data items
Answer: c
Explanation: Functional Dependency (FD) helps identify relationships between

attributes in normalization.
19. How does normalization help reduce the chances of

anomalies in a database?
a) By introducing redundancy

b) By increasing data inconsistency
c) By accommodating multiple values for data
d) By providing a structured design that minimizes anomalies
Answer: d
Explanation: Normalization helps reduce the chances of anomalies by
providing a structured design that minimizes redundancy and inconsistency.
20. What is the mnemonic used for remembering the rationale

for normalization?
a) So Help Me Codd
b) Normalization Rules
c) Redundancy Elimination
d) Update Anomalies
Answer: a
Explanation: The mnemonic used for remembering the rationale for
normalization is "So Help Me Codd."
21. What is the potential issue with a database not in First

Normal Form (1NF)?
a) Data inconsistency
b) Data redundancy
c) Partial dependencies
d) Repeating groups
Answer: d
Explanation: First Normal Form (1NF) addresses issues like repeating groups
in a database.
22. In the context of normalization, what does "UnNormalized

Form" involve?
a) Identifying all data elements
b) Removing all transitive dependencies
c) Eliminating update anomalies

d) Establishing functional dependencies
Answer: a
Explanation: "UnNormalized Form" involves identifying all data elements in the
normalization process.
23. What is the primary concern regarding normalization

towards Third Normal Form (3NF)?
a) Eliminate partial dependencies
b) Remove transitive dependencies

c) Increase data redundancy
d) Introduce update anomalies
Answer: b
Explanation: The primary concern towards Third Normal Form (3NF) is to
remove transitive dependencies between attributes.
24. According to the text, what is the purpose of Second Normal

Form (2NF)?
a) Remove partial dependencies
c) Address insertion anomalies

d) Ensure atomic column values
Answer: a
Explanation: Second Normal Form (2NF) aims to remove partial dependencies
of non-key attributes on part of the primary key.
25. How is Full Dependency defined in the context of

normalization?
a) An attribute depends on some part of the primary key
b) An attribute depends on the whole key
c) An attribute depends on a composite key
d) An attribute depends on a non-key attribute

Answer: b
Explanation: Full Dependency is defined as an attribute depending on the
whole key, not just some part of it.
26. What does the text suggest about Normalization and update
anomalies?
a) Normalization always eliminates update anomalies
b) Normalization may introduce update anomalies
c) Normalization has no impact on update anomalies

d) Update anomalies are unrelated to normalization
Answer: b
Explanation: The text suggests that while normalization may eliminate some
update anomalies, it may introduce others and is not a guaranteed solution.
27. According to the text, what does Boyce-Codd Normal Form

(BCNF) focus on?
a) Eliminating transitive dependencies
b) Resolving independent multiple relationships
c) Reducing data redundancy
d) Addressing insertion anomalies

Answer: b
Explanation: Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) focuses on resolving

independent multiple relationships.
28. In the context of normalization, what is a potential drawback

of denormalization?
a) Increased data redundancy
b) Improved consistency guarantees

c) Reduced system performance
d) Elimination of update anomalies

Answer: a

Explanation: A potential drawback of denormalization is increased data
redundancy.
29. What does the term "Transitive Dependency" imply in the

context of normalization?
a) A relationship where A implies B
b) A relationship where A and B are unrelated
c) A relationship where A determines B and B determines C
d) A relationship where C determines A

Answer: c
Explanation: Transitive Dependency implies a relationship where A determines
B, and B determines C, but neither C nor B determines A.
30. What does the text recommend for a table to be considered

normalized?
a) Adherence to Fourth Normal Form (4NF)
b) Adherence to Third Normal Form (3NF)

c) Adherence to Second Normal Form (2NF)
d) Adherence to First Normal Form (1NF)
Answer: b
Explanation: The text recommends that, for most practical purposes,
databases are considered normalized if they adhere to Third Normal Form
(3NF).
31. According to normalization steps, what is the purpose of

Second Normal Form (2NF)?

c) Address transitive dependencies
Answer: a

32. What is the role of Functional Dependencies (FD) in

normalization?
a) Ensure atomic column values
b) Identify relationships between attributes
c) Eliminate data redundancy
d) Determine the primary key

Answer: b
Explanation: Functional Dependencies (FD) help identify relationships between

33. How does normalization contribute to database design?

a) By increasing data redundancy
b) By accommodating repeating groups
c) By minimizing update anomalies

d) By allowing partial dependencies
Answer: c
Explanation: Normalization contributes to database design by minimizing
update anomalies and providing a structured design.
34. What is the potential drawback of a database not in Third

Normal Form (3NF)?
b) Data redundancy
c) Transitive dependencies
d) Insertion anomalies
Answer: c
Explanation: A potential drawback of a database not in Third Normal Form

(3NF) is the presence of transitive dependencies.

35. According to the text, what is the underlying idea in
normalization?
b) Design tables with minimal redundancy
c) Increase data inconsistency for efficiency

Answer: b
Explanation: The underlying idea in normalization is to design tables for a
relational database with minimal redundancy.
36. In the context of normalization, what does "The Whole Key"

emphasize?
a) No repeating fields in the table
b) The table should solely depend on the key

c) No partial key dependency
d) No inter-data dependency
Answer: c
Explanation: "The Whole Key" emphasizes avoiding partial key dependency in
normalization.

normalization?

Answer: a
38. What does the text recommend for a table to be considered

normalized?

a) Adherence to Fourth Normal Form (4NF)
b) Adherence to Third Normal Form (3NF)

c) Adherence to Second Normal Form (2NF)
d) Adherence to First Normal Form (1NF)
Answer: b
Explanation: The text recommends that, for most practical purposes,
databases are considered normalized if they adhere to Third Normal Form
(3NF).

Second Normal Form (2NF)?

Answer: a

normalization?

Answer: b
41. In the context of normalization, what is a benefit of achieving

Third Normal Form (3NF)?

b) Improved system performance
c) Removal of transitive dependencies

d) Introduction of partial dependencies
Answer: c
Explanation: Achieving Third Normal Form (3NF) involves the removal of
transitive dependencies, contributing to a more streamlined database design.
42. What does the term "Insertion Anomalies" refer to in the

context of normalization?
a) Failure to insert a new entry into the database
b) Inability to identify the key attributes
c) Failure to place information about a new entry into all necessary places
d) Difficulty in modifying existing entries
Answer: c
Explanation: Insertion Anomalies refer to the failure to place information about

a new entry into all the places in the database where it needs to be stored.
43. According to the text, what is the primary purpose of Boyce-

Codd Normal Form (BCNF)?
a) Eliminate data redundancy
b) Resolve independent multiple relationships
c) Reduce system performance
d) Address insertion anomalies

Answer: b
independent multiple relationships within a database.
44. What is the main concern addressed by First Normal Form

(1NF)?
a) Elimination of partial dependencies
b) Reduction of transitive dependencies

c) Ensuring atomic column values
d) Avoidance of insertion anomalies

Answer: c
Explanation: First Normal Form (1NF) ensures that all column values in a table
are atomic, avoiding multi-valued attributes.
45. In the context of normalization, what does the term "Full

Dependency" imply?
a) Dependency on some part of the primary key

c) Dependency on a non-key attribute
Answer: b
Explanation: Full Dependency implies that an attribute depends on the whole
key, not just some part of it.
46. According to the text, what is the purpose of

denormalization?
a) Improve data consistency
b) Introduce data redundancy
c) Reduce system performance
d) Eliminate update anomalies
Answer: b
Explanation: The purpose of denormalization is sometimes to introduce data
redundancy, often for the sake of improving system performance.
47. What does the term "Functional Dependency (FD)" mean in

c) Relationship between attributes

d) Dependency on a non-key attribute
Answer: c
Explanation: Functional Dependency (FD) denotes a logical association or
relationship between attributes in the context of normalization.

normalization?

Answer: a
49. What is the purpose of Transitive Dependency in the

normalization process?
b) Eliminate insertion anomalies
d) Remove dependencies between attributes
Answer: d
Explanation: Transitive Dependency aims to remove dependencies between

attributes in the normalization process.
50. In the context of normalization, what is the role of Boyce-

Codd Normal Form (BCNF)?

Answer: c
independent multiple relationships within a database.
51. According to the text, what is the primary goal of

normalization?
b) Minimize system performance
c) Achieve consistent storage and efficient data access
d) Introduce data inconsistency

Answer: c
Explanation: The primary goal of normalization is to achieve consistent
storage and efficient access of data in a relational database, minimizing data
redundancy.
52. What is the definition of a table in Second Normal Form

(2NF)?
a) It is in 1NF and has no partial dependencies
b) It is in 1NF and has no transitive dependencies
c) It is in 1NF and all column values are atomic
d) It is in 1NF and has a single-attribute key
Answer: a
Explanation: A table in Second Normal Form (2NF) is in 1NF and has no partial
dependencies.


Answer: c

Explanation: Third Normal Form (3NF) aims to address transitive dependencies
between attributes.
54. What is the drawback of a table not in Second Normal Form

(2NF)?
b) Transitive dependencies
c) Insertion anomalies
d) Update anomalies
Answer: a
Explanation: The drawback of a table not in Second Normal Form (2NF) is the
presence of partial dependencies.
55. According to the text, what is the potential pitfall of

normalization?
a) Increased system performance
b) Reduced consistency guarantees
c) Efficient access to data

Answer: b
Explanation: The text mentions that normalization may reduce consistency
guarantees as a potential pitfall.
56. What does the text suggest about the relationship between
data items A and B in functional dependency (FD)?
a) A is always dependent on B
b) B is always dependent on A
c) Both A and B are mutually dependent
d) The relationship is one-way, with A determining B
Answer: d
Explanation: In functional dependency (FD), the relationship is one-way, with A

determining B.

57. According to the text, what is a potential drawback of
denormalization?
Answer: a

redundancy.
58. In the context of normalization, what does the term "Partial

Dependency" refer to?

Answer: a
Explanation: Partial Dependency refers to dependency on a non-key attribute
on part of the primary key.

Fourth Normal Form (4NF)?

c) Address multi-valued dependencies
Answer: c
Explanation: Fourth Normal Form (4NF) aims to address multi-valued
dependencies in the normalization process.

60. What is the primary goal of achieving First Normal Form
(1NF)?
b) Ensure atomic column values
d) Remove multi-valued attributes
Answer: b
Explanation: The primary goal of achieving First Normal Form (1NF) is to
ensure that all column values are atomic.
61. In normalization, what is the potential drawback of achieving

higher normal forms like Fourth Normal Form (4NF)?

Answer: a
Explanation: Achieving higher normal forms may lead to increased data
redundancy as tables become more decomposed.
62. What is the main focus of the normalization process in

database design?
a) Increasing data redundancy
b) Ensuring partial dependencies

c) Minimizing data inconsistency
d) Introducing update anomalies
Answer: c
Explanation: The main focus of normalization is to minimize data
inconsistency in a relational database design.

denormalization?

Answer: a

redundancy.
64. What is the primary purpose of normalization in database

design?
a) Introducing data redundancy
b) Ensuring efficient data access
c) Achieving consistency guarantees

Answer: c
Explanation: The primary purpose of normalization is to achieve consistency
guarantees in a relational database design.
65. In the context of normalization, what does "Insertion

Anomalies" refer to?
Answer: c

normalization?

Answer: b

Answer: c


Answer: c

(2NF)?

Answer: a
dependencies.

normalization?
Answer: b


normalization?

Answer: b



Answer: c
between attributes.

(1NF)?

Answer: b

denormalization?

Answer: a
redundancy.


Answer: a

Answer: c

(1NF)?

Answer: b

normalization?

Answer: b

79. In the context of normalization, what does the term

"Insertion Anomalies" refer to?
Answer: c


normalization?

Answer: b
81. What is the primary goal of achieving Second Normal Form

(2NF)?
c) Ensure atomic column values
d) Address multi-valued dependencies
Answer: a
Explanation: The primary goal of achieving Second Normal Form (2NF) is to
eliminate partial dependencies.

Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)?
Answer: b
Explanation: Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) focuses on removing transitive
83. In the context of normalization, what does "Deletion

a) Failure to delete an existing entry from the database
b) Difficulty in identifying the primary key
c) Failure to remove information about an existing database entry
d) Inability to modify existing entries
Answer: c
Explanation: Deletion Anomalies refer to the failure to remove information
about an existing database entry when it is time to remove that entry.
84. What is the potential drawback of denormalization, as

mentioned in the text?

Answer: a
redundancy.
85. According to the text, what is a benefit of achieving First

Normal Form (1NF)?

b) Improved system performance

d) Ensuring atomic column values
Answer: d
Explanation: A benefit of achieving First Normal Form (1NF) is ensuring that all
column values are atomic.
86. In the context of normalization, what is the role of Functional

Dependencies (FD)?
Answer: b
87. According to the text, what is a potential pitfall of

normalization?
Answer: b



Answer: c


Answer: c

(2NF)?
Answer: a
dependencies.

normalization?

Answer: b
92. What is the primary purpose of normalization in database

design?
a) Introducing data redundancy
b) Ensuring efficient data access
c) Achieving consistency guarantees

Answer: c
Explanation: The primary purpose of normalization is to achieve consistency
guarantees in a relational database design.

Answer: c
between attributes.

(1NF)?

Answer: b


denormalization?

Answer: a
redundancy.


Answer: a


Answer: c

(1NF)?
Answer: b

normalization?

Answer: b
100. In the context of normalization, what does "Insertion

Answer: c


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Chapter 4: Fundamentals of

2. What are the three types of update anomalies mentioned in

3. When might denormalization be used, and what is the

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 1

4. According to the mnemonic mentioned, what does the rule

b) The table should solely depend on the key

5. What is the purpose of normalization regarding database

b) Accommodate multiple values for data

d) Introduce update anomalies

Explanation: The purpose of normalization is to design a database that allows

6. What are the pitfalls of normalization mentioned in the text?

c) Speeds up system performance

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 2

7. How are insertion anomalies defined in the context of

d) Failure to identify the key attributes

Explanation: Insertion anomalies are defined as a failure to place information

8. What is the potential issue with the provided example data

b) Redundant data in the School field

d) Inability to identify the key attributes

9. In the context of functional dependency, what does "B is

d) A and B have a partial dependency

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 3

10. What is the purpose of the mnemonic "So Help Me Codd" in

b) To emphasize the importance of redundancy

11. What does Third Normal Form (3NF) aim to eliminate?

12. What is the definition of a table in First Normal Form (1NF)?

c) Only atomic column values

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 4

c) Resolve independent multiple relationships

d) Allow for partial dependencies

14. How is Partial Dependency defined in the context of

b) Dependency on the whole key

d) Dependency on a composite primary key

Explanation: Partial Dependency is defined as an attribute not in the primary

15. In the context of normalization, what does "Everything

b) First Normal Form (1NF)

d) Second Normal Form (2NF)

16. What is the main idea behind the steps of normalization?

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 5

b) Avoid data loss unknowingly

c) Increase update anomalies

d) Rely on human error for data manipulation

17. According to the text, what is the purpose of Normalization?

c) Introduce update anomalies

d) Avoid human fallibility

18. In the context of normalization, what is the role of Functional

b) Define the candidate key

c) Identify relationships between attributes

Explanation: Functional Dependency (FD) helps identify relationships between

19. How does normalization help reduce the chances of

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 6

20. What is the mnemonic used for remembering the rationale

21. What is the potential issue with a database not in First

22. In the context of normalization, what does "UnNormalized

c) Eliminating update anomalies

Chapter 4: Fundamentals of Database 7

23. What is the primary concern regarding normalization

b) Remove transitive dependencies

24. According to the text, what is the purpose of Second Normal