CAPM Business Analysis Frameworks Practice Question
A business analyst is creating a model to represent the flow of data between external entities and the system. The goal is to show the inputs, outputs, and storage of data without focusing on the internal processing logic. Which business analysis technique should the BA use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse data modeling diagrams like entity relationship diagrams with process modeling diagrams like data flow diagrams, even though they serve different purposes.
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
✓
Data flow diagram
A data flow diagram is specifically designed to depict how data moves through a system, including external entities, processes, data stores, and data flows. It abstracts away internal processing logic and focuses on data inputs, outputs, and storage, which aligns exactly with the business analyst's goal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
State diagram
Why it's wrong here
A state diagram models the states of a single object and transitions between them in response to events. It is not intended to represent the flow of data across a system or the interactions with external entities.
- ✗
Use case diagram
Why it's wrong here
A use case diagram captures the interactions between actors and a system at a high level, focusing on functional goals. It does not detail the flow of data between external entities and the system, nor does it show data storage.
- ✗
Entity relationship diagram
Why it's wrong here
An entity relationship diagram (ERD) models the relationships between data entities in a database. It does not show the flow of data between external entities and the system, nor does it depict inputs, outputs, and storage in a process-oriented view.
- ✓
Data flow diagram
Why this is correct
A data flow diagram (DFD) visually represents the flow of data within a system, showing external entities, processes, data stores, and data flows. It focuses on data movement and transformation, not on internal processing logic, making it ideal for this scenario.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAPM exam.