Question

The checking operation performed on input data is called the

• A. Control of data
• B. Validation of data
• C. Cross check
• D. Verification of data

Hint:

Remember the programmer's rule:
"Garbage In, Garbage Out" (GIGO).
Data Validation is the primary method used to prevent "garbage" data from entering a system, ensuring the reliability of the resulting analysis.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Before processing data in computer systems or statistical databases, the input data must be checked to ensure it is clean, accurate, and secure.
This prevents incorrect or malformed data from causing processing errors or corrupting the database.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The checking operation performed on input data is called data validation:
- Data validation is an automated process where the system evaluates input data against a set of predefined rules to ensure it is correct and useful before it is saved or processed.
- Key validation checks include:
1. Data Type Checks: Ensuring a numeric field contains only numbers, not letters.
2. Range Checks: Verifying that values fall within acceptable limits (e.g., a percentage must be between 0 and 100).
3. Format Checks: Checking that inputs match a required format (e.g., an email address must contain an "@" symbol).
4. Presence Checks: Ensuring that required fields are not left blank.
- Let us evaluate the other options:
- Verification of data (D) refers to checking that data has been copied accurately from one medium to another (e.g., double-entry typing), rather than checking the validity of the data itself.
- Control of data (A) is a broad administrative concept, and Cross check (C) is a specific manual method.
Therefore, the automated checking of input data is called data validation.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The checking operation performed on input data is called the validation of data, matching Option (B).