AS & A Level Information Technology 9626 · Topic 10

Database and file concepts: past paper questions

130 real questionsasked in 9 of the last 10 exam series2019–2025usually: Describe, Explain, Complete, Identify, Discuss

Real questions on database and file concepts

The newest 20 of 130 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[2]
Describe the term dynamic parameter query.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[3]
Describe the benefits of using dynamic parameter queries when using a database.
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9626/11 · October/November 2025 · Q15[4]
Discuss the importance of referential integrity.
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9626/12 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[4]
Justify the use of a relational database to store the information gathered.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[2]
Describe the term dynamic parameter query.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[3]
Describe the benefits of using dynamic parameter queries when using a database.
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9626/13 · October/November 2025 · Q15[4]
Discuss the importance of referential integrity.
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9626/32 · October/November 2025 · Q5[6]
A new database has been installed to manage the stock in a warehouse. Explain why an evaluation needs to be carried out on the new database.
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9626/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10a[2]
summary
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9626/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10b[2]
complex
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9626/11 · May/June 2025 · Q10c[2]
nested
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9626/12 · May/June 2025 · Q11[4]
A college database contains details about students. Part of the database is shown. StudentID FirstName FamilyName PhoneNumber AB37689 Mohammed Abbas 016324908367 AH83965 Jonathan Olsen 016328332901 BV72189 Suzanne Usher 016325599100 DY64817 Hua Owyang 016323652331 KT52964 Isabella Mancini 016328899477 PS54200 Ben Quans...
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9626/13 · May/June 2025 · Q12a[1]
Composite key
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9626/13 · May/June 2025 · Q12b[1]
Compound key
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9626/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[2]
Explain the purpose of a test plan for this database.
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9626/31 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[4]
Describe the types of test data that could be used to test the database.
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9626/12 · February/March 2025 · Q9a[3]
Explain how the delete utility works.
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9626/12 · February/March 2025 · Q9b[2]
Explain why files can still be recovered even after they have been deleted.
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9626/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[3]
disk formatting
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9626/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[3]
data compression
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What examiners said

Most responses showed awareness that primary keys were unique, but some confused fields and records. Some responses focussed on the role that primary keys play in establishing relationships between tables, but these answers were not as strong.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9626/11 Q1(a) (Cambridge)

Fewer candidates understood what a foreign key was. Those that did tended to focus on it being a primary key from a different table.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9626/11 Q1(b) (Cambridge)

This question presented candidates with a source document, from which data had been added to a spreadsheet. Candidates were asked to explain, in detail, why both validation and verification were required when entering data into a database. Candidates were expected to refer to the data presented in the question in their answers. Most candidates had a good understanding of the terms ‘validation’ an...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9626/12 Q1 (Cambridge)

Practise this topic

Answer these questions online and get each one marked against the official mark scheme, with what you missed and how to fix it.

Practise database and file concepts

In the syllabus

10.1 Creating a database

Assigning a data type and an appropriate field size to a field, including: – text – alphanumeric – numeric (integer, decimal) – date – time – Boolean
The three relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many
The function of key fields, including: – primary key – compound key – foreign key – composite key
Referential integrity and its importance
The difference between a flat file and a relational database and why one might be more appropriate in certain situations
Creating and using relationships, including: – one-to-one – one-to-many
Creating and interpreting an Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD), including: – conceptual entity relationship diagrams – logical entity relationship diagrams – physical entity relationship diagrams
Creating a relational database
Setting key fields
Validate and verify data entry: – using validation rules – testing validation applied to a database – verifying data entry
Selecting appropriate query types, including: – when static and dynamic parameters should be used – when simple, complex, nested and summary queries (including cross-tab queries/pivot tables) should be used
Performing searches, including: – simple query on a single criterion – complex queries using multiple criteria – static parameter queries – dynamic parameter queries – nested queries – using queries to find and remove duplicate records

10.2 Normalisation to third normal form (3NF)

The characteristics of data in: – unnormalised form (UNF) – first normal form (1NF) – second normal form (2NF) – third normal form (3NF)
The normalisation of data including the advantages and disadvantages
Normalise a database to: – first normal form (1NF) – second normal form (2NF) – third normal form (3NF)

10.3 Data dictionary

Identifying different data types, including: – text, alphanumeric – numeric (integer, decimal, currency) – percentage – date and time – Boolean/logical (yes/no, true/false)
Components of a data dictionary
Creating a data dictionary and selecting appropriate data types for a given set of data and a given situation

10.4 File and data management

Different file types and their use
Why generic file formats are needed
Proprietary and open-source file formats, including why open-source file formats are needed
Using indexed sequential access
Using direct file access
Using database management systems, including: – hierarchical – network – object-oriented – relational
The features of a management information system (MIS)
How a management information system (MIS) can be used by organisations
Advantages and disadvantages of the different types of database management systems

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