Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
True/False Questions
1. Data capture is the identification and acquisition of new data.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
2. Source documents are forms used to record business transactions in terms of data that
describes those transactions.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
3. Data entry is the identification and acquisition of new data.
Answer: False Page: 584 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Data capture is the identification and acquisition of new data. Data entry is
the process of translating the source data or document into a computer-readable
format.
4. In batch processing, the entered data is collected into files called batches. Each file is
processed as a batch of many transactions.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
5. In on-line processing, the captured data is processed immediately.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
6. In on-line processing, the entered data is collected into files. Each file is stored online, and processed as a unit to update all of the entered transactions at the same time.
Answer: False Page: 584 LOD: Medium
Rationale: In batch processing, the entered data is collected into files called batches.
Each file is process as a batch of many transactions. In on-line processing, the
captured data is processed immediately.
7. Batch processing is barely used anymore.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
Rationale: Contrary to popular belief, some data is still processed using batch
processing. Time cards are the classic example.
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8. In remote batch processing, data is entered using on-line editing techniques; however,
the data is collected into a batch instead of being immediately processed. Later, the
batch is processed.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
9. A simple example of remote batch processing uses a PC-based front-end application to
capture and store the data. The data can later be transmitted across a network for batch
processing.
Answer: True Page: 584 LOD: Easy
10. Keyboard data entry remains the most common form of input.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
11. A mouse is a pointing device used in conjunction with graphical user interfaces. It has
made it easy to navigate on-line forms and click on commands and input options.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
12. An emerging technology that will greatly impact input design is the touch screen
display. Such displays are common in handheld and palm-top computers that are
finding their way into countless information system applications.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
13. Point of sale terminals are used to capture data at the point of sale and provide timesaving ways to enter data, perform transactional calculations, and produce some
output. Most can scan and read bar codes to eliminate keying errors.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
14. Automatic teller machines (ATMs), another form of point of sale terminal, are
operated by the consumer.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
15. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are remote batch processing devices.
Answer: False Page: 585 LOD: Medium
Rationale: ATMs are a form of point of sales terminal.
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16. Automatic data capture (ADC) techniques are designed with the goal of eliminating
human intervention associated with data input methods.
Answer: True Page: 585 LOD: Easy
17. The most common example of automatic data capture (ADC) is the use of a keyboard.
Answer: False Page: 585 LOD: Medium
Rationale: The most common example of data entry is the keyboard.
18. The classic example of optical mark recognition is the use of optical mark forms for
objective-based questions on examinations.
Answer: True Page: 585-586 LOD: Easy
19. Optical character recognition (OCR) is less prevalent despite its maturity.
Answer: True Page: 586 LOD: Easy
20. Optical mark recognition requires the user or customer to carefully handwrite input
data on a business form.
Answer: False Page: 586 LOD: Medium
Rationale: This definition refers to optical character recognition, not optical mark
recognition.
21. MICR is most widely used in the banking industry.
Answer: True Page: 586 LOD: Easy
22. Electromagnetic ADC technology is based on the use of radio frequency to identify
physical objects. It involves attaching a tag and antenna to the physical object that is to
be tracked. The tag contains memory that is used to identify the object being tracked.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
23. Electromagnetic ADC technology is based on the use of television frequency to
identify physical objects.
Answer: False Page: 587 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Radio frequency, not television frequency, is used for electromagnetic
ADC technology.
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24. Smart cards are slightly thicker than credit cards and contain a microprocessor,
memory circuits and a battery. They represent a portable storage medium from which
input data can be obtained.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
25. Smart card applications are particularly promising in the area of health records where
a person's blood type, vaccinations, and other past medical history could be made
readily available.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
26. Biometric ADC technology is based on unique human characteristics or traits, for
example, fingerprints, voice pattern, retinal pattern.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
27. Biometric automatic data capture is popular because it offers the most accurate and
reliable means for identification. This technology is particularly popular for systems
that require security access.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
28. Because inputs originate with system users, human factors play a significant role in
input design.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
29. Human factors play only a minor role in input design.
Answer: False Page: 587 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Because inputs originate with system users, human factors play a
significant role in input design.
30. One of the general principles for input design is: "Capture only variable data."
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
31. "Capture only static data" is one of the general principles for input design.
Answer: False Page: 587 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Capture only variable data.
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32. "Do not capture data that can be calculated or stored in computer programs" is one of
the general principles for input design.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
33. "Capture data that can be calculated or stored in computer programs" is one of the
general principles for input design.
Answer: False Page: 587 LOD: Medium
Rationale: DO NOT capture data that can be calculated or stored in computer
programs.
34. The volume of data input should be minimized as much as possible.
Answer: True Page: 587 LOD: Easy
35. The volume of data input should be maximized as much as possible.
Answer: False Page: 587 LOD: Medium
Rationale: The volume of data input should be minimized as much as possible.
36. If source documents are used to capture data, they should be easy for system users to
complete and subsequently enter into the system.
Answer: True Page: 588 LOD: Easy
37. A suggestion to help with the use of source documents to capture data is to include
instructions for completing the form, preferably at the beginning of the form.
Answer: True Page: 588 LOD: Easy
38. A suggestion to help with the use of source documents is to minimize the amount of
handwriting required to complete the form.
Answer: True Page: 588 LOD: Easy
39. A suggestion to help with the use of source documents is to maximize the amount of
handwriting required to complete the form.
Answer: False Page: 588 LOD: Medium
Rationale: minimize (not maximize) the amount of handwriting required.
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40. A suggestion to help with the use of source documents is that data should be
sequenced on paper so that it can be read much like a book, from top to bottom, left to
right. The system user should not have to move from right-to-left or jump around on
the form.
Answer: True Page: 588 LOD: Easy
41. When possible, use input designs based on known metaphors. Not all inputs lend
themselves to metaphors (such as a checkbook), but some are greatly enhanced by the
imitation.
Answer: True Page: 589 LOD: Easy
42. Internal input controls ensure that the data input to the computer is accurate and that
the system is protected against accidental and intentional errors and abuse, including
fraud.
Answer: True Page: 589 LOD: Easy
43. An internal input control guideline is: "The number of inputs should be monitored."
This is especially true with the batch method because source documents may be
misplaced, lost or skipped.
Answer: True Page: 589 LOD: Easy
44. It is not necessary to monitor the number of inputs to a batch, because the computer is
more capable of tracking and counting them.
Answer: False Page: 589 LOD: Medium
Rationale: An internal input control guideline is: "The number of inputs should be
monitored." This is especially true with the batch method because source documents
may be misplaced, lost or skipped.
45. Two types of errors can infiltrate entered data: data entry errors and invalid data
recorded by system users.
Answer: True Page: 590 LOD: Easy
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46. Existence checks determine whether the input data for each field falls within the
legitimate set or range of values defined for that field.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Existence checks determine whether all required fields on the input have
actually been entered. Domain checks determine whether the input data for each field
falls within the legitimate set or range of values defined for that field.
47. Data type checks ensure that the correct type of data is input. For example, alphabetic
data should not be allowed in a numeric field.
Answer: True Page: 590 LOD: Easy
48. Data type checks determine whether all required fields on the input have been entered.
Required fields should be clearly identified as such on the input screen.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Data type checks ensure that the correct type of data is input. Existence
checks determine whether all required fields on the input have actually been entered.
49. Domain checks determine whether the input data for each field falls within the
legitimate set or range of values defined for that field.
Answer: True Page: 590 LOD: Easy
50. Domain checks determine whether a known relationship between two fields is valid.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Domain checks determine whether the input data for each field falls within
the legitimate set or range of values defined for that field. Combination checks
determine whether a known relationship between two fields is valid.
51. Combination checks determine whether a known relationship between two fields is
valid. For example, if the vehicle make is Pontiac, the vehicle model must be one of a
limited set of values that comprises cars manufactured by Pontiac.
Answer: True Page: 590 LOD: Easy
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52. Combination checks determine whether all required fields on the input have actually
been entered.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Combination checks determine whether a known relationship between two
fields is valid. Existence checks determine whether all required fields on the input
have actually been entered.
53. Self-checking digits determine whether the input data for each field falls in the
legitimate set or range of values defined for that field.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Self-checking digits determine data entry errors on primary keys. A check
digit is a number or character that is appended to a primary key field. The check digit
is calculated by applying a formula to the actual key. Domain checks determine
whether the input data for each field falls in the legitimate set or range of values
defined for that field.
54. Format checks compare data entered against the known formatting requirements for
that data.
Answer: True Page: 590 LOD: Easy
55. Format checks determine data entry errors on primary keys. A format check digit is a
number or character that is appended to a primary key field.
Answer: False Page: 590 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Format checks compare data entered against the known formatting
requirements for that data. Self-checking digits determine data entry errors on primary
keys. A check digit is a number or character that is appended to a primary key field
based on a formula applied to the actual key.
56. In repository based programming, a repository contains input controls and code. The
developers can, in a single location, define most of the properties and constraints for a
reusable field and the data validation code for that field. Once defined, the object or
control can be used by any number of other systems analysts and programmers in the
organization. This approach guarantees that every instance of the field will be used in
a consistent manner. Furthermore, the repository entries can be changed if business
rules dictate and no additional changes to the applications will be required.
Answer: True Page: 591 LOD: Easy
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57. A text box requires the user to type the data inside the box. It can allow for single or
multiple lines of data characters to be entered.
Answer: True Page: 592 LOD: Easy
58. A text box is most appropriately used when the input data values are unlimited in
scope and the analyst is unable to provide the users with a meaningful list of values
from which they can select.
Answer: True Page: 592 LOD: Easy
59. A text box should be accompanied by a descriptive, meaningful caption.
Answer: True Page: 592 LOD: Easy
60. It is not necessary to provide a caption for a text box, since the content should be
obvious by its placement on a screen or form.
Answer: False Page: 592 LOD: Medium
Rationale: A text box should be accompanied by a descriptive, meaningful caption.
61. A caption for a text box should be located to the left of the actual text box or leftaligned immediately above the text box.
Answer: True Page: 592 LOD: Easy
62. A caption for a text box should be located to the right of the actual text box or rightaligned immediately above the text box.
Answer: False Page: 593 LOD: Medium
Rationale: A caption for a text box should be located to the left of the actual text box
or left-aligned immediately above the text box.
63. Generally, the size of the text box should be large enough for all characters of the
fixed-length input to be entered and viewed by the user. When the length of the data to
be input is variable and could become quite long, the text box's scrolling and wordwrapping features should be applied.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
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64. Generally, the size of a text box does not matter.
Answer: False Page: 593 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Generally, the size of the text box should be large enough for all characters
of the fixed-length input to be entered and viewed by the user. When the length of the
data to be input is variable and could become quite long, the text box's scrolling and
word-wrapping features should be applied.
65. Radio buttons provide the user with an easy way to quickly identify and select a
particular value for a value set.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
66. Radio buttons normally appear in groups - one radio button per value choice.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
67. Radio buttons are most appropriate when a user may be expected to input data that has
a limited predefined set of mutually exclusive values.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
68. Radio buttons are most appropriate when a user may be expected to input data that has
a large predefined set of choices, especially where more than one choice can be
selected simultaneously.
Answer: False Page: 593 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Radio buttons are most appropriate when a user may be expected to input
data that has a limited predefined set of mutually exclusive values.
69. Radio buttons should present the alternatives vertically aligned and left-justified to aid
the user in browsing.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
70. Radio buttons should present the alternatives horizontally aligned and right-justified to
aid the user in browsing.
Answer: False Page: 593 LOD: Medium
Rationale: Radio buttons should present the alternatives vertically aligned and leftjustified to aid the user in browsing.
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71. With radio buttons, the group of choices should be visually grouped to set them off
from other input controls appearing on the screen.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
72. Radio buttons should be used when you want to select a value that is simply a Yes/No.
Answer: False Page: 593 LOD: Medium
Rationale: It is NOT recommended that radio buttons be used to select the input value
for an input data whose value is simply a Yes/No.
73. A check box consists of two parts: a square box followed by a description of the input
field for which the user is to provide the Yes/No value.
Answer: True Page: 593-594 LOD: Easy
74. A check box acts as a toggle switch on an input value.
Answer: True Page: 593-594 LOD: Easy
75. A radio button acts as a toggle switch on an input value.
Answer: False Page: 593-594 LOD: Medium
Rationale: A check box acts as a toggle switch, a radio button is used to select between
multiple values.
76. A list box is a control that requires the user to select a data item's value from a list of
possible choices. A list box is rectangular and contains one or more rows of possible
data values. The values may appear as either a textual description or graphical
description.
Answer: True Page: 594-595 LOD: Easy
77. Scrolling capabilities make list boxes appropriate for use in those cases where there is
limited screen space available and the input data item has a large number of
predefined, mutually exclusive values from which to choose.
Answer: True Page: 594-595 LOD: Easy
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78. Scrolling capabilities make radio buttons appropriate for use in those cases where
there is limited screen space available and the input data item has a large number of
predefined, mutually exclusive values from which to choose.
Answer: False Page: 594-595 LOD: Medium
Rationale: In this case, you would choose a list box, not radio buttons.
79. A drop-down list is a control that requires the user to select a data item's value from a
list of possible choices. A drop-down list consists of a rectangular selection field with
a small button connected to its side (that contains a picture of a downward arrow). The
downward arrow button is to suggest to the user the existence of a hidden list of
possible values for a data item.
Answer: True Page: 595 LOD: Easy
80. A drop-down list should be used in those cases where the data item has a large number
of predefined values and screen space availability prohibits the use of a list box.
Answer: True Page: 595 LOD: Easy
81. A list box should be used in those cases where the data item has a large number of
predefined values and screen space availability prohibits the use of a drop-down box.
Answer: False Page: 595 LOD: Medium
Rationale: A drop-down list should be used in those cases where the data item has a
large number of predefined values and screen space availability prohibits the use of a
list box.
82. A combination box is a control box whose name reflects the fact that it combines the
capabilities of a text box and list box. It gives the user the flexibility of entering a data
item's value directly, or selecting the value from a list.
Answer: True Page: 595-596 LOD: Easy
83. A combination box is most appropriately used where limited screen space is available,
and it is desirable to provide the user with the option of selecting a value from a list or
typing a value that may or may not appear as an option in the list.
Answer: True Page: 595-596 LOD: Easy
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84. A spin box is a screen-based control that consists of a single line text box followed
immediately by two small buttons. The two buttons are vertically aligned. The top
button has an arrow pointing upward and the bottom button has an arrow pointing
downward. This control allows the user to enter data directly into the associated text
box or to select a value by using the mouse to scroll (spin) through a list of values
using the buttons.
Answer: True Page: 596 LOD: Easy
85. A combination box is a screen-based control that consists of a single line text box
followed immediately by two small buttons. The two buttons are vertically aligned.
The top button has an arrow pointing upward and the bottom button has an arrow
pointing downward. This control allows the user to enter data directly into the
associated text box or to select a value by using the mouse to scroll through a list of
values using the buttons.
Answer: False Page: 596 LOD: Medium
Rationale: This describes a spin box, not a combination box.
86. Strictly speaking, buttons are not input controls. They do not contribute to the
selection or input of actual data. Nonetheless, input form design is incomplete without
them.
Answer: True Page: 596 LOD: Easy
87. Buttons are used to allow a user to commit all of the data to be processed, or cancel a
transaction, or get help. They can be used to navigate between instances of the same
form.
Answer: True Page: 596 LOD: Easy
88. Optical character recognition (OCR) requires the user or customer to carefully
handwrite input data on a business form. If the letters and numbers are properly
scribed, an OCR reader can process the forms without human intervention.
Answer: True Page: 586 LOD: Easy
89. When a choice is selected from a group of radio buttons, any default or previously
selected choice's circle is deselected.
Answer: True Page: 593 LOD: Easy
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Multiple Choice Questions
90. Online processing is:
A) The identification and acquisition of new data.
B) The process of collecting entered data into files called batches.
C) The process of translating the source document into a machine-readable format.
D) The processing of captured data immediately.
E) none of these
Answer: D Page: 584 LOD: Medium
91. Data capture is:
A) The identification and acquisition of new data.
B) The process of collecting entered data into files called batches.
C) The process of translating the source document into a machine-readable format.
D) The processing of captured data immediately.
E) none of these
Answer: A Page: 584 LOD: Medium
92. Biometric ADC technology:
A) is used on forms for objective-based questions on exams.
B) requires the user or customer to carefully handwrite input data on a business form.
C) is most widely used in the banking industry.
D) is based on unique human characteristics or traits; for example, fingerprints, voice
pattern, retinal pattern.
E) is based on the use of radio frequency, a tag and antenna to identify and track
physical objects.
Answer: D Page: 587 LOD: Medium
93. MICR:
A) is used on forms for objective-based questions on exams.
B) requires the user or customer to carefully handwrite input data on a business form.
C) is most widely used in the banking industry.
D) is based on unique human characteristics or traits; for example, fingerprints, voice
pattern, retinal pattern.
E) is based on the use of radio frequency, a tag and antenna to identify and track
physical objects.
Answer: C Page: 586 LOD: Medium
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94. Optical mark recognition is:
A) used on forms for objective-based questions on exams.
B) based on the use of radio frequency, a tag and antenna to identify and track
physical objects.
C) most widely used in the banking industry.
D) based on unique human characteristics or traits; for example, fingerprints, voice
pattern, retinal pattern.
E) none of these
Answer: A Page: 585-586 LOD: Medium
95. Optical character recognition:
A) is used on forms for objective-based questions on exams.
B) requires the user or customer to carefully handwrite input data on a business form.
C) is most widely used in the banking industry.
D) is based on unique human characteristics or traits; for example, fingerprints, voice
pattern, retinal pattern.
E) represents a portable storage medium that contains a microprocessor, memory
circuits and a battery with the ability to store a massive amount of information.
Answer: B Page: 586 LOD: Medium
96. Smart cards:
A) are used on forms for objective-based questions on exams.
B) use radio frequency, a tag and antenna to identify and track physical objects.
C) most widely used in the banking industry.
D) are based on unique human characteristics or traits; for example, fingerprints,
voice pattern, retinal pattern.
E) represent a portable storage medium that contains a microprocessor, memory
circuits and a battery with the ability to store a massive amount of information.
Answer: E Page: 587 LOD: Medium
97. A suggestion to help with the use of source documents is:
A) to maximize the volume of data input as much as possible.
B) to include instructions for completing the form, preferably at the beginning of the
form.
C) to minimize the amount of handwriting required to complete the form.
D) Both A and B.
E) Both B and C.
Answer: E Page: 588 LOD: Medium
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98. Internal input controls:
A) ensure that the data input to the computer is accurate.
B) ensure that the system is protected against accidental and intentional errors and
abuse, including fraud.
C) monitor the number of inputs to prevent source documents from being misplaced,
lost or skipped.
D) Both A and B.
E) All of these.
Answer: E Page: 589 LOD: Easy
99. Domain checks:
A) determine whether the input data for each field falls within the legitimate set or
range of values defined for that field.
B) ensure that the correct type of data is input.
C) determine data entry errors on primary keys.
D) determine whether all required fields on the input have actually been entered.
E) determine whether a known relationship between two fields is valid.
Answer: A Page: 590 LOD: Medium
100. Self-checking digits:
A) determine whether the input data for each field falls within the legitimate set or
range of values defined for that field.
B) compare data entered against the known formatting requirements for that data.
C) determine whether a known relationship between two fields is valid.
D) ensure that the correct type of data is input.
E) determine data entry errors on primary keys.
Answer: E Page: 590 LOD: Medium
101. Data type checks:
A) compare data entered against the known formatting requirements for that data.
B) determine whether all required fields on the input have actually been entered.
C) determine whether a known relationship between two fields is valid.
D) ensure that the correct type of data is input.
E) determine data entry errors on primary keys.
Answer: D Page: 590 LOD: Medium
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102. Existence checks:
A) determine whether the input data for each field falls within the legitimate set or
range of values defined for that field.
B) determine whether all required fields on the input have actually been entered.
C) determine data entry errors on primary keys.
D) compare data entered against the known formatting requirements for that data.
E) ensure that the correct type of data is input.
Answer: B Page: 590 LOD: Medium
103. A text box:
A) is most appropriately used when the input data values are unlimited in scope.
B) allows for single or multiple lines of data characters to be entered.
C) consists of a rectangular shaped box that is usually accompanied by a caption.
D) should be accompanied by a descriptive, meaningful caption.
E) all of these.
Answer: E Page: 592-593 LOD: Easy
104. A check box:
A) gives the user the flexibility of entering a data item's value directly, or selecting
the value from a list.
B) requires the user to select a data item's value from a list of possible choices.
C) allows the user to enter data directly into the associated text box or to select a
value by using the mouse to scroll (spin) through a list of values using the buttons.
D) acts as a toggle switch on an input value.
E) all of these.
Answer: D Page: 593-594 LOD: Medium
105. A list box:
A) gives the user the flexibility of entering a data item's value directly, or selecting
the value from a list.
B) requires the user to select a data item's value from a list of possible choices.
C) allows the user to enter data directly into the associated text box or to select a
value by using the mouse to scroll (spin) through a list of values using the buttons.
D) acts as a toggle switch on an input value.
E) all of these.
Answer: B Page: 594-595 LOD: Medium
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106. A combination box:
A) gives the user the flexibility of entering a data item's value directly, or selecting
the value from a list.
B) consists of a rectangular selection field with a small button connected to its side
(that contains a picture of a downward arrow).
C) allows the user to enter data directly into the associated text box or to select a
value by using the mouse to scroll (spin) through a list of values using the buttons.
D) acts as a toggle switch on an input value.
E) provides the user with an easy way to quickly identify and select a particular value
for a value set.
Answer: A Page: 595-596 LOD: Medium
107. Radio buttons:
A) give the user the flexibility of entering a data item's value directly, or selecting the
value from a list.
B) consist of a rectangular selection field with a small button connected to its side
(that contains a picture of a downward arrow).
C) allow the user to enter data directly into the associated text box or to select a value
by using the mouse to scroll (spin) through a list of values using the buttons.
D) act as a toggle switch on an input value.
E) provide the user with an easy way to quickly identify and select a particular value
for a value set.
Answer: E Page: 593 LOD: Medium
108. Data entry is:
A) The identification and acquisition of new data.
B) The process of collecting entered data into files called batches.
C) The process of translating the source document into a machine-readable format.
D) The processing of captured data immediately.
E) none of these
Answer: C Page: 584 LOD: Medium
109. Batch processing is:
A) The identification and acquisition of new data.
B) The process of collecting entered data into files called batches.
C) The process of translating the source document into a machine-readable format.
D) The processing of captured data immediately.
E) none of these
Answer: B Page: 584 LOD: Medium
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110. Which of the following is NOT an advance input control.
A) ellipsis control
B) slider edit calendar
C) masked edit control
D) Internet hyperlink
E) spin box
Answer: E Page: 595-598 LOD: Medium
111. Which of the following input methods could best be used to enter a patient's health
record into a hospital computer system?
A) touch screen
B) optical mark
C) smart cards
D) biometric
E) keyboard
Answer: E Page: 585-587 LOD: Medium
112. Which of the following input methods could best be used by a manufacturing
company to check a product into and out of a building?
A) touch screen
B) optical mark
C) smart cards
D) biometric
E) keyboard
Answer: E Page: 585-587 LOD: Medium
113. Which of the following input methods would be used with retinal eye scans?
A) touch screen
B) optical mark
C) smart cards
D) biometric
E) keyboard
Answer: E Page: 585-587 LOD: Medium
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
114. Which of the following input methods could best be used by the wait staff in a busy
restaurant to enter customer orders?
A) touch screen
B) optical mark
C) smart cards
D) biometric
E) keyboard
Answer: E Page: 585-587 LOD: Medium
115. If you needed to collect gender information on a computer screen, your best choice for
a GUI control would be:
A) text box
B) radio buttons
C) check boxes
D) spin box
E) drop-down list
Answer: B Page: 592-596 LOD: Medium
116. If you needed a user to select from a list of 100 part numbers, your best choice for a
GUI control would be:
A) text box
B) radio buttons
C) check boxes
D) spin box
E) drop-down list
Answer: E Page: 592-596 LOD: Medium
117. If you needed a user to enter how many copies he or she wanted to print, limiting the
choices to positive whole numbers, our best choice for a GUI control would be:
A) text box
B) radio buttons
C) check boxes
D) spin box
E) drop-down list
Answer: D Page: 592-596 LOD: Medium
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
Fill in the Blank Questions
118. Automatic teller machines (ATMs), another form of
_______________________________________, are operated by the consumer.
Answer: point of sale terminal or POS
Page: 585 LOD: Hard
119. _________________________________________ techniques are designed with the
goal of eliminating human intervention associated with data input methods.
Answer: Automatic data capture (ADC)
Page: 585 LOD: Hard
120. Optical mark recognition technology for input has existed for several decades. It is
primarily _________________________ processing-oriented.
Answer: batch
Page: 585 LOD: Hard
121. Describe the main characteristics of electromagnetic ADC technology.
Answer: It is based on the use of radio frequency to identify physical objects. It
involves attaching a tag and antenna to the physical object that is to be tracked. The
tag contains memory that is used to identify the object being tracked. Page: 587
LOD: Hard
122. Describe the main characteristics of smart card technology.
Answer: Smart cards have the ability to store a massive amount of information. They
are similar to, but slightly thicker than, credit cards. They also differ in that they
contain a microprocessor, memory circuits and a battery. They represent a portable
storage medium from which input data can be obtained. Page: 587 LOD: Hard
123. Describe the main characteristics of biometric ADC technology.
Answer: It is based on unique human characteristics or traits, like fingerprints, voice
pattern, retinal pattern. It is popular because it offers the most accurate and reliable
means of identification for systems that require security access. Page: 587
LOD: Hard
124. Name three input data validation techniques that are widely used.
Answer: Existence checks, data type checks, domain checks, combination checks,
self-checking digits, format checks Page: 590 LOD: Hard
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
125. Existence checks are used to _________________________________.
Answer: determine whether all required fields on the input have actually been entered
Page: 590 LOD: Hard
126. To make sure that alphabetic data could not be allowed in a numeric field you would
use _______________ checks..
Answer: data type Page: 590 LOD: Hard
127. Domain checks ______________________________________.
Answer: determine whether the input data for each field falls within the legitimate set
or range of values defined for that field Page: 590 LOD: Hard
128. If in entering a car make and model, the model input was limited to a set of values
based on what was entered for the make, you would employ a
____________________ check.
Answer: combination
Page: 590 LOD: Hard
129. Self-checking digits determine data entry errors on
____________________________.
Answer: primary keys
Page: 590 LOD: Hard
130. With self-checking digits the check digit is calculated by applying a ____________ to
the actual key.
Answer: formula
Page: 590 LOD: Hard
131. Data capture is ______________________________.
Answer: the identification and acquisition of new data
Page: 584 LOD: Hard
132. Source documents are _______________________________.
Answer: forms used to record (business) transactions in terms of data that describes
those transactions. Page: 584 LOD: Hard
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
133. Data entry is the process of translating the source data or document into a
____________________________.
Answer: computer (or machine)-readable format
Page: 584 LOD: Hard
134. Name three automatic data capture (ADC) techniques or technologies.
Answer: Optical mark recognition; Electromagnetic; Smart card; Biometric; Optical
character recognition (OCR); Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
Page: 585-586 LOD: Hard
135. Describe the differences between batch versus on-line processing.
Answer: In batch processing, the entered data is collected into files called batches.
Each file is processed as a batch of many transactions. In on-line processing, the
captured data is processed immediately. Page: 584 LOD: Hard
136. Time cards are the classic example of this type of processing __________.
Answer: batch
Page: 584 LOD: Medium
137. Format checks _______________________________________.
Answer: compare data entered against the known formatting requirements for that data
Page: 590 LOD: Hard
138. What type of data entry remains the most common form of input? __________
Answer: Keyboard
Page: 585 LOD: Easy
139. A(n) _________________________________ is a pointing device used in conjunction
with graphical user interfaces. It has made it easy to navigate on-line forms and click
on commands and input options.
Answer: mouse or track ball
Page: 585 LOD: Medium
140. An emerging technology that will greatly impact input design is the
________________________________ display. Such displays are common in
handheld and palm-top computers that are finding their way into countless information
system applications.
Answer: touch screen
Page: 585 LOD: Medium
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
141. __________________________________ are used to capture data at the point of sale
and provide timesaving ways to enter data, perform transactional calculations, and
produce some output. Most can scan and read bar codes to eliminate keying errors.
Answer: Point of sale terminals or POS
Page: 585 LOD: Hard
Essay Questions
142. Describe three characteristics of a text box.
Page: 592-593 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is perhaps the most common control used for input of data. It consists of a
rectangular shaped box and should be accompanied by a descriptive, meaningful
caption. It requires the user to type the data. It can allow for single or multiple lines of
data characters to be entered. It is most appropriately used when the input data values
are unlimited in scope and the analyst is unable to provide the users with a meaningful
list of values from which they can select. A caption for a text box should be located to
the left of the actual text box or left-aligned immediately above the text box. The size
of the text box should be large enough for all characters of the fixed-length input to be
entered and viewed by the user. When the length of the data to be input is variable and
could become quite long, the text box's scrolling and word-wrapping features should
be applied.
143. Describe three characteristics of radio buttons.
Page: 593 LOD: Hard
Answer:
They provide the user with an easy way to quickly identify and select a particular
value for a value set. They consist of a small circle and an associated textual
description that corresponds to the value choice. The circle is located to the left of the
textual description of the value choice. They are most appropriate when a user may be
expected to input data that has a limited predefined set of mutually exclusive values.
Radio buttons normally appear in groups - one radio button per value choice. The
group of choices should be visually grouped to set them off from other input controls
appearing on the screen. When a user selects the appropriate choice from the value set,
the circle corresponding to that choice is partially filled to indicate it has been
selected. When a choice is selected, any default or previously selected choice's circle
is deselected. Radio buttons should present the alternatives vertically aligned and leftjustified to aid the user in browsing.
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Chapter 16 Input Design and Prototyping
144. Describe a check box.
Page: 593-594 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is an input control that acts as a toggle switch on an input value. It consists of two
parts: a square box followed by a description of the input field for which the user is to
provide the Yes/No value.
145. Describe the main characteristics of a list box.
Page: 594-595 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is a control that requires the user to select a data item's value from a list of possible
choices. It is rectangular and contains one or more rows of possible data values. The
values may appear as either a textual description or graphical description. Scrolling
capabilities make list boxes appropriate for use in those cases where there is limited
screen space available and the input data item has a large number of predefined,
mutually exclusive values from which to choose.
146. List the main features of a drop-down list.
Page: 595 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is a control that requires the user to select a data item's value from a list of possible
choices. It consists of a rectangular selection field with a small button connected to its
side (that contains a picture of a downward arrow). The downward arrow button is to
suggest to the user the existence of a hidden list of possible values for a data item. It
should be used in those cases where the data item has a large number of predefined
values and screen space availability prohibits the use of a list box.
147. What characterizes a combination box? List at least two distinct characteristics.
Page: 595-596 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is an input control box whose name reflects the fact that it combines the capabilities
of a text box and list box. It gives the user the flexibility of entering a data item's value
directly, or selecting the value from a list. It is most appropriately used where limited
screen space is available, and it is desirable to provide the user with the option of
selecting a value from a list or typing a value that may or may not appear as an option
in the list.
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148. Describe the main features of a spin box.
Page: 596 LOD: Hard
Answer:
It is a screen-based control that consists of a single line text box followed immediately
by two small buttons. The two buttons are vertically aligned. The top button has an
arrow pointing upward and the bottom button has an arrow pointing downward. This
control allows the user to enter data directly into the associated text box or to select a
value by using the mouse to scroll (or spin) through a list of values using the buttons.
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