DA0-002 Data Concepts and Environments Practice Question
A large online retailer stores customer orders in a PostgreSQL database. Each order has a unique order ID, and the database is normalized to 3NF. Which type of data is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'structured data' with 'metadata' or assume that any database containing JSON fields is semi-structured, but the question specifies a normalized 3NF schema, which inherently means structured data regardless of any JSON columns.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Structured data
The data is structured because it resides in a normalized PostgreSQL database with a unique order ID and conforms to a fixed schema (3NF). Structured data is organized into rows and columns with defined data types, enabling efficient SQL querying and ACID compliance. PostgreSQL's relational model enforces this structure through tables, constraints, and indexes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Semi-structured data
Why it's wrong here
Semi-structured data has flexible schema (e.g., JSON, XML), unlike fixed-schema relational tables.
- ✓
Structured data
Why this is correct
Relational databases store structured data with fixed schemas, rows, and columns.
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Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Unstructured data lacks a predefined schema (e.g., images, videos). Relational data is structured.
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Metadata
Why it's wrong here
Metadata describes other data, not the customer order data itself.
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