Final Exam Revision

Lecture 11: Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main purpose of a data dictionary in system analysis?
A. To describe hardware components
B. To optimize code
C. To analyze data flows and data stores
D. To monitor server performance
Answer: C

2. A data dictionary is best described as:

A. A collection of user interfaces
B. A reference work of metadata
C. A project management guide
D. A list of programming languages
Answer: B

3. Which of the following is NOT a reason to use a data dictionary?

A. Validate data flow diagrams

B. Eliminate data redundancy

C. Document hardware configurations
D. Develop logic for DFD processes
Answer: C

4. The data repository includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A. System data
B. Programming languages

C. Procedural logic
D. Project requirements
Answer: B

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 5. Which element of a data dictionary defines the text on the diagram?
A. ID
B. Label
C. Volume/Time
D. Type
Answer: B

6. A screen used to input customer orders would be categorized in a data flow

as:
A. Internal
B. Record
C. Report
D. Screen
Answer: D

7. What symbol in algebraic notation indicates repetition?

A. []
B. {}

C. ()
D. <>

Answer: B

8. What does the plus sign (+) in data structure notation signify?
A. Optional entry

B. Repetition
C. Logical grouping

D. “And” relationship
Answer: D

9. Logical data structures:

A. Describe implementation details

B. Contain only numeric values

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 C. Are familiar to users

D. Only include base elements

Answer: C

10. Which of the following is NOT a component of a structural record?

A. Customer Name
B. Middle Initial

C. Order Total
D. Street Address

Answer: C

11. A derived data element is typically:

A. Initially keyed into the system

B. Calculated or processed from other data

C. Ignored in reports

D. Entered by external entities

Answer: B

12. Which format code stands for a numeric character in data dictionaries?

A. Z
B. X

C. 9
D. C

Answer: C

13. A discrete element is one that:

A. Changes continuously over time

B. Has a set of valid fixed values

C. Is not validated

D. Is used only on GUIs

Answer: B

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 14. A default value is typically used to:

A. Increase input time

B. Enforce constraints
C. Reduce data entry effort

D. Replace invalid entries

Answer: C

15. Which of the following defines a physical data structure?

A. User-oriented data groups

B. Business process flows

C. Elements for implementation

D. GUI screen design

Answer: C

16. In data element definitions, aliases are used to:

A. Represent default values

B. Shorten field names

C. Indicate validation formats

D. Identify synonymous names

Answer: D

17. What is the purpose of parentheses ( ) in data structure notation?

A. Mutually exclusive values

B. Optional elements

C. Grouping repeating elements

D. Indicating base elements

Answer: B

18. Which item would be considered a continuous data element?

A. Credit Card Type

B. Customer Number
C. Tax Amount

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 D. Zip Code
Answer: C

19. What symbol in algebraic notation indicates mutual exclusivity?

A. ()
B. +

C. {}

D. []

Answer: D

20. The unique identifier in a computerized data store is called:

A. Data label

B. Data key
C. Primary key

D. Data alias

Answer: C

21. What is a common secondary key example in the Customer Master File?

A. Customer Number

B. Order Total

C. Telephone
D. Expiration Date

Answer: C

22. What is the volume/time in the data flow example of “Customer Order”?
A. 1/day

B. 10/hour

C. 60/day

D. 100/month
Answer: B

23. What attribute helps analysts estimate disk space in a data store?

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 A. File Type

B. Record Size

C. Growth per Year

D. File Format

Answer: C

24. Which one of these is a valid input format?

A. X(5)

B. 8Z

C. A(9)

D. #9#
Answer: A

25. In creating data dictionaries, what is the first step?

A. Define all elements

B. Conduct performance testing

C. Summarize interviews/JAD sessions

D. Create database indexes

Answer: C

26. A repeating field should be enclosed in:

A. []

B. ()
C. {}

D. <>

Answer: C

27. The modulus-11 test is used for:

A. Screen validation
B. Output formatting

C. Check-digit validation
D. Data compression

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 Answer: C

28. If a data element has not been entered for more than five years, what may
happen to its record?

A. Archived
B. Re-entered

C. Duplicated
D. Ignored
Answer: A

29. Structural records are composed of:

A. Only numeric fields

B. Multiple unrelated datasets

C. Smaller fields grouped logically

D. Only derived values

Answer: C

30. Why should a data dictionary be maintained in sync with other programs?
A. To support manual processing
B. To ensure code is minified

C. To automate updates/deletions across systems

D. To prevent network breaches

Answer: C

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