The answer is to assume referential integrity in the relationship settings. This modeling technique enforces that every foreign key value in the fact table has a matching primary key in the related dimension table, ensuring no orphaned rows exist. By enabling this setting in Power BI, you tell the engine that the data source guarantees complete matches, which can improve query performance and allow for more efficient storage using bi-directional cross-filtering. On the PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of data modeling integrity versus cardinality or filter direction—common traps include confusing referential integrity with cardinality (which only defines the number of matching rows) or cross-filter direction (which controls how filters propagate). A strong memory tip: think of referential integrity as the “no orphans” rule—every fact child must have a dimension parent, or the relationship is broken.
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You are building a Power BI model with a fact table and multiple dimension tables. You want to enforce a rule that each fact row must have a matching row in a related dimension. Which modeling technique should you use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Assume referential integrity in the relationship settings.
Option C is correct because referential integrity ensures every fact foreign key matches a dimension primary key. Option A is wrong because cardinality does not enforce integrity. Option C is correct. Option D is wrong because cross-filter direction affects filtering, not integrity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Set the relationship cardinality to many-to-many.
Why it's wrong here
Many-to-many allows missing matches.
✗
Set the cross-filter direction to both.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-filter direction does not enforce integrity.
✗
Use a calculated column to check for existence.
Why it's wrong here
This is inefficient and not a built-in enforcement.
✓
Assume referential integrity in the relationship settings.
Why this is correct
Power BI can assume referential integrity to optimize queries, but enforcement is typically done at the data source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Assume referential integrity in the relationship settings. — Option C is correct because referential integrity ensures every fact foreign key matches a dimension primary key. Option A is wrong because cardinality does not enforce integrity. Option C is correct. Option D is wrong because cross-filter direction affects filtering, not integrity.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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