WAEC Data Processing Past Questions And Answers (Objective and Theory)
Section A: Data Processing Questions
What is the primary purpose of data processing?
A) Data storage
B) Information retrieval
C) Hardware optimization
D) Software development
Answer: B) Information retrieval
Which data processing technique is used for detecting and correcting errors in data transmission?
A) Batch processing
B) Real-time processing
C) Error correction processing
D) Data validation processing
Answer: C) Error correction processing
What does ETL stand for in the context of data processing?
A) Extract, Transform, Load
B) Error Tracking Log
C) Efficient Task List
D) Encryption, Transmission, Logging
Answer: A) Extract, Transform, Load
Which data structure is commonly used for quick retrieval of specific records in data processing?
A) Stack
B) Queue
C) Linked List
D) Hash Table
Answer: D) Hash Table
In the context of databases, what is normalization?
A) Simplifying complex queries
B) Optimizing database performance
C) Reducing redundancy and dependency
D) Increasing data storage capacity
Answer: C) Reducing redundancy and dependency
What is the purpose of a data dictionary?
A) Storing actual data
B) Describing data attributes and relationships
C) Managing data security
D) Performing data analysis
Answer: B) Describing data attributes and relationships
Which data processing method involves the simultaneous processing of multiple tasks?
A) Sequential processing
B) Parallel processing
C) Real-time processing
D) Batch processing
Answer: B) Parallel processing
What is the role of a data warehouse in data processing?
A) Real-time data processing
B) Long-term data storage and analysis
C) Error handling in data transmission
D) Short-term data caching
Answer: B) Long-term data storage and analysis
Which type of join combines records from two tables only if they have common values in the specified columns?
A) Inner Join
B) Outer Join
C) Cross Join
D) Self Join
Answer: A) Inner Join
What does RAID stand for in the context of data storage and processing?
A) Redundant Array of Independent Disks
B) Random Access Integrated Database
C) Robust Algorithm for In-memory Data
D) Rapid Application of Information Delivery
Answer: A) Redundant Array of Independent Disks
How is data compression beneficial in data processing?
A) Increases data redundancy
B) Improves data integrity
C) Reduces storage space and transmission time
D) Enhances data encryption
Answer: C) Reduces storage space and transmission time
Which data processing technique is suitable for handling large volumes of unstructured data?
A) Batch processing
B) Stream processing
C) Parallel processing
D) Big Data processing
Answer: D) Big Data processing
What is the purpose of a data mart?
A) Centralized data storage
B) Analyzing historical data
C) Serving a specific business unit or function
D) Real-time data processing
Answer: C) Serving a specific business unit or function
Which indexing method is commonly used in relational databases for efficient data retrieval?
A) Bitmap indexing
B) B-tree indexing
C) Hash indexing
D) Clustered indexing
Answer: B) B-tree indexing
What is the significance of the CAP theorem in distributed data processing?
A) Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance
B) Compression, Accuracy, Performance
C) Concurrency, Atomicity, Persistence
D) Clustering, Authentication, Protocols
Answer: A) Consistency, Availability, Partition tolerance
What is data deduplication, and how does it contribute to data processing?
A) Removing duplicate data to save storage space
B) Encrypting data for security purposes
C) Converting data into a different format
D) Analyzing data patterns for insights
Answer: A) Removing duplicate data to save storage space
How does a distributed database differ from a centralized database in terms of data processing?
A) Higher data security
B) Improved data integrity
C) Enhanced scalability and fault tolerance
D) Faster query processing
Answer: C) Enhanced scalability and fault tolerance
What is data mining, and how is it applied in data processing?
A) Extracting valuable insights from large datasets
B) Deleting irrelevant data
C) Enhancing data encryption techniques
D) Reducing data redundancy
Answer: A) Extracting valuable insights from large datasets
How does data replication contribute to data processing in distributed systems?
A) Increases data complexity
B) Improves data consistency and fault tolerance
C) Reduces data storage capacity
D) Slows down data retrieval
Answer: B) Improves data consistency and fault tolerance
What role does a data steward play in the context of data processing?
A) Managing data security protocols
B) Ensuring data quality and compliance
C) Developing data processing algorithms
D) Optimizing database performance
Answer: B) Ensuring data quality and compliance.
Section B: Theory Questions
Explain the difference between OLAP and OLTP in the context of data processing.
Answer: OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) is focused on analyzing historical data for business intelligence, while OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) is geared towards real-time transactional processing, ensuring data consistency and integrity.
What is the role of a data lake in modern data architecture?
Answer: A data lake is a centralized repository that allows for the storage of raw and diverse data types at scale. It facilitates data exploration, analytics, and processing for big data applications.
Define the concept of data governance and its importance in data processing.
Answer: Data governance involves defining policies, procedures, and standards for managing and ensuring the quality, integrity, and security of an organization’s data. It is crucial for maintaining trust in data processing.
Describe the key challenges associated with real-time data processing.
Answer: Challenges in real-time data processing include managing high data velocity, ensuring low latency, handling data consistency across distributed systems, and addressing the complexity of processing continuous streams of data.
