Information Technology in a Global Society

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Examination Preparation 2

2.2.2 Databases

Paper One and Two may require you to evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of databases, you should have an understanding of the following related technological concepts:

• Design and creation concepts

  • field,

  • key field,

  • record,

  • search,

  • query,

  • sort,

  • database management system,

  • mail merge

  • What are relational databases?

  • Flat-file database versus relational database

  • Paper files versus electronic files

  • Data redundancy and data integrity

  • Updating data
     

• Storage and access concepts

  Data transfer between a database and a spreadsheet

  Search and the use of the Boolean operators (AND, OR and NOT)

  Data mining

  Presentation concepts

  Report generation
   

• Special-purpose databases, eg personal information managers, encyclopedias, library systems

	Do you understand the concepts and issues involved with databases? Do you know the meaning of each of the terms in the Design and Creation concepts?  If you don't then do some research - find out what ALL this means.
	When you think you know about databases answer the questions below using a pen/pencil and paper:  Click here for a print version

1. Define a database field? [2 marks]

2. Distinguish between a query and a sort. [4 marks]

3. Explain why mail merge is a powerful tool for a organization like a school. [6 marks]

4. Explain why a relational database might be more efficient and/or effective than a flat-file database for a hospital. [6 marks]

5. Describe data mining. [2 marks]

6. Explain the importance of data integrity in a DNA database. [6 marks]

7. Discuss the storage of medical records on an international database. [10 marks]