0478.7.0.11: (a) Understand the need for validation checks • Including: past paper questions
Real questions on 0478.7.0.11: (a) understand the need for validation checks • including
The newest 20 of 47 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0478/21 · May/June 2026 · Q1[1]
Tick (3) one box to identify the type of validation check to test whether a number entered into a computer system is between two set values. A length check B presence check C type check
See it on the paper → - 0478/21 · May/June 2026 · Q7[4]
An algorithm has been written in pseudocode for a user to repeatedly input positive whole numbers and store them in an array called Values[] until –1 is input or until the array is full. The algorithm outputs the average of the numbers to 2 decimal places. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 DECLARE Coun...
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(i)[1]
Data that falls within the accepted parameters of a validation check and is accepted.
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · May/June 2026 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Data that is the highest or lowest value to be accepted.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · February/March 2026 · Q2b[3]
Explain the reasons why validation checks are necessary when data is input.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[3]
Describe the processes in the algorithm on page 6.
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
The algorithm can accept a number between 1 and 255 inclusive as input. Two validation checks that could be applied to DenaryNumber are a presence check and a type check. Identify one other validation check that could be applied to DenaryNumber
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · May/June 2025 · Q3[4]
A range check is used to validate that the input temperature is an integer between –100 and 0, inclusive. Normal test data Abnormal test data Extreme test data Boundary test data Suggest suitable normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary test data to test if this validation check is working correctly.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4a[1]
State one reason for using a verification check when inputting data.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[6]
Write the pseudocode for an algorithm to perform a double entry verification check, using the following criteria: • • • Input 10 numbers and store them in the array Numbers[] Input the same 10 numbers again; as each number is input, compare it with its corresponding number in the array Numbers[] ◦ if the numbers match,...
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4a[1]
A presence check is a type of validation check. State the purpose of a presence check.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4b(i)[1]
Identify the validation check used to test whether the value input meets this requirement.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4b(ii)[5]
Write the pseudocode for an algorithm to allow a number to be input into an appropriate variable and check whether the number is an integer. If the number is an integer, it is accepted. If the number is not an integer, an error message is output. Re-input of the number is required until a valid number is input.
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · October/November 2024 · Q1[1]
Tick (✓) one box to show which of the following is used to validate data on input. A checksum B double entry check C type check 1
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · October/November 2024 · Q7[9]
A programmer is testing a program that requires a positive value between 1 and 100 inclusive to be entered. The range check in the program is to be tested. Identify three different types of test data to be used. For each type of test data, give an example of the value(s) to be used and the expected outcome. Type Exampl...
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · October/November 2024 · Q10b[3]
State the rules that the password must meet.
See it on the paper → - 0478/21 · May/June 2024 · Q1[1]
A validation check to make sure that an email address contains an ‘@’ sign is a
See it on the paper → - 0478/21 · October/November 2023 · Q8a[1]
the name of the validation check.
See it on the paper → - 0478/22 · October/November 2023 · Q1[1]
Verification is used to make sure that a value entered A has not changed during input. B is an integer. C is correct. D is not a string.
See it on the paper → - 0478/23 · October/November 2023 · Q4a[2]
Give the names of two validation checks that are required for this program.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates were aware that validation checks are necessary to make sure input data is sensible and to try to prevent inaccuracies occurring during processing. Limited responses • Some candidates confused validation with verification and gave responses that would be reasons to verify data on input. • Some candidates did not give a sufficiently detailed response to ma...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0478/22 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
Most candidates correctly suggested suitable test data for some or all of the given categories: normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/22 Q3 (Cambridge)
Candidates who described verification as a means to check that data has not been changed during input, or similar, achieved this mark. A significant number of candidates mistakenly stated that verification checks ensure that the entered data is correct or gave examples of validation.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0478/22 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
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