A Level Computer Science OCR Practice Exam

What is the purpose of normalization in databases?

1. To simplify the database by reducing redundancy

2. To add extra data without organization

3. To archive old data

4. To combine multiple databases into one

The correct answer is: To simplify the database by reducing redundancy

Normalization in databases is a process aimed at organizing data to reduce redundancy and improve data integrity. By following specific normalization forms (such as 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF), the structure of a database is refined to eliminate unnecessary duplication of data. For example, in a well-normalized database, information is stored in a way that ensures each piece of data is stored only once. This leads to several advantages such as reducing the likelihood of inconsistencies, as the same piece of information does not need to be updated in multiple locations. Additionally, normalization helps streamline queries and may enhance performance by minimizing the amount of data that the database has to handle. It contributes to efficient storage use and aids in maintaining data integrity over time, especially as the database is updated or expanded. The other choices suggest purposes that either do not align with the principles of normalization or introduce unnecessary complications. While archiving old data and combining databases might be parts of database management, they do not reflect the primary goal of normalization, which focuses specifically on structuring data to eliminate redundancy and facilitate efficient data handling.