SS2 DATA PROCESSING MARKING SCHEMES
Objectives section
1. 2. 3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 .10
11.12.13.14.15.16.17.18.19.20
Essay section
Q1. What is normalization in database design?
Definition of normalization (2 marks):Normalization is a process in database design used to organize
data to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity.
b. Why is it important to normalize data?Importance of normalization (3 marks):It helps in reducing data
redundancy (1 mark).It ensures data consistency (1 mark).It improves query performance and database
efficiency (1 mark).
Q2. Discuss the three stages of data modelling: conceptual, logical, and physical.
Conceptual data modelling (3 marks):
Focuses on high-level design (1 mark).Defines entities, relationships, and attributes without concern for
database structure (1 mark).Provides a clear overview of what needs to be modeled (1 mark).
Logical data modelling (3 marks):Converts the conceptual model into a more detailed format (1
mark).Defines tables, keys, and columns without focusing on how data will be stored physically (1
mark).Includes details like data types and constraints (1 mark).
Physical data modelling (3 marks):Involves implementation on a physical storage level (1 mark).Defines
how data will be stored, indexed, and accessed (1 mark).Deals with storage structures, disk space, and
performance tuning (1 mark).
Q3. Define the following with their symbols representeda. Entity (2 marks)
Definition: A real-world object or concept that has distinct
attributes (1 mark).Symbol: Rectangular box (1 mark).
b. Attributes (2 marks):Definition: Properties or characteristics of an entity (1 mark).Symbol: Ellipse (1
mark).
c. Primary key (2 marks):Definition: A unique identifier for each record in a table (1 mark).Symbol:
Underlined attribute in the ERD (1 mark).
d. Key attributes (2 marks):Definition: Attributes that uniquely identify an entity (1 mark).Symbol:
Represented by an ellipse with a line connecting to the entity (1 mark).
Q4. What is the difference between data model and data modelling?
Data model definition (2 marks):A blueprint for how data is structured and organized in a database (1
mark).Defines entities, attributes, and relationships (1 mark)
Data modelling definition (2 marks):The process of creating data models (1 mark).Involves conceptual,
logical, and physical models (1 mark).
b. List all the types of normal forms you know.
Listing of normal forms (4 marks):
First Normal Form (1NF) (1 mark).
Second Normal Form (2NF) (1 mark).
Third Normal Form (3NF) (1 mark).
Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF) (1 mark).
Q5. State the acronym of the following
SQL (1 mark):Structured Query Language
DBMS (1 mark):Database Management System.
ERD (1 mark):Entity-Relationship Diagram
3NF (1 mark):Third Normal Form
Q6. Compare the hierarchical and network data models. How do they differ in representing data?
Hierarchical model description (3 marks):Organizes data in a tree-like structure (1 mark).Each child has
only one parent (1 mark).Represents one-to-many relationships (1 mark).
Network model description (3 marks):Organizes data in a graph structure (1 mark).Entities can have
multiple parents (1 mark).Represents many-to-many relationships (1 mark).
b. Why is it important to create a conceptual model before moving on to logical and physical modelling?
Importance of conceptual modelling (4 marks):Provides a high-level view of the system (1 mark).Helps
stakeholders understand the system without technical details (1 mark).Lays the foundation for logical
and physical models (1 mark).Ensures all entities and relationships are captured before diving into
detailed design (1 mark).Total Marks: 50
