Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source in Power Query. This approach isolates the raw output from the database, bypassing any Power Query transformations or query folding issues, so you can directly compare the source data against the view’s expected results. On the PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your ability to diagnose data quality problems at the source level, often appearing as a troubleshooting step when null values or mismatched rows appear after loading a SQL view. A common trap is to assume the view is correct and instead check Power Query steps first, but the most efficient path is to validate the view’s SQL output independently. Memory tip: think “SQL first, steps second”—always verify the source query before debugging your transformations.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare 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.
Your Power BI dataset uses a SQL view that joins multiple tables. You notice that some columns have null values where you expect data. You suspect the view definition has a bug. How can you verify the view's output in Power Query?
Check the 'Table Preview' in the data model
Why wrong: This shows data after transformations, not raw view output.
Create a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source
This allows you to see the view's output independently.
Use 'View Native Query' in Power Query
Why wrong: This shows the query sent to source, but not the result.
Use 'Data Profiling' in Power Query
Why wrong: Profiling gives column statistics, not raw data.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source
Option B is correct because creating a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source in Power Query allows you to isolate and execute the exact SQL statement, bypassing any transformations or folding issues. This lets you compare the raw output from the source with the view's expected results, directly verifying if the view definition itself contains a bug. It is the most straightforward method to confirm whether the null values originate from the view or from subsequent Power Query steps.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Check the 'Table Preview' in the data model
Why it's wrong here
This shows data after transformations, not raw view output.
Create a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source
Why this is correct
This allows you to see the view's output independently.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use 'View Native Query' in Power Query
Why it's wrong here
This shows the query sent to source, but not the result.
Use 'Data Profiling' in Power Query
Why it's wrong here
Profiling gives column statistics, not raw data.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'View Native Query' (which shows the folded query after transformations) with the ability to run the original view SQL directly, leading them to choose option C instead of B.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows data after transformations, not raw view output.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Power Query uses query folding to push transformations back to the source database, but the 'View Native Query' feature shows the final folded query, which may differ from the original view SQL due to added filters, joins, or column renames. By creating a new query that runs the view's SQL directly, you bypass all folding and transformations, giving you the exact result set from the source, which is critical for debugging view-level issues. In real-world scenarios, this approach is essential when dealing with complex views that include subqueries or window functions, as Power Query's folding might not preserve the exact logic, leading to unexpected nulls.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Create a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source — Option B is correct because creating a new query that runs the view's SQL directly against the source in Power Query allows you to isolate and execute the exact SQL statement, bypassing any transformations or folding issues. This lets you compare the raw output from the source with the view's expected results, directly verifying if the view definition itself contains a bug. It is the most straightforward method to confirm whether the null values originate from the view or from subsequent Power Query steps.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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