A fitness club stores member information in a database. (a) Explain why the club should use data verification when entering new member details. [2] (b) Desc...

(a) Data verification is the process of checking that data entered into the database is an accurate copy of the original source document. [1] This matters because even small transcription mistakes, such as a misspelled surname or a wrong digit in a phone number, can lead to failed communications or incorrect records. By comparing the entered data against the original form or document, the club ensures the database reflects reality. [1]

(b) Two methods of data verification the club could use:

1. Double entry: the data is entered twice, either by the same operator or by two different operators. The system then automatically compares both entries and highlights any differences, prompting the operator to check and correct them. [1]
2. Visual check (proofreading): after entering the data, the operator reads through it on screen and compares each field against the original source document (for example, a printed membership application form) to spot and correct any discrepancies. [1]

(c) Data validation checks whether entered data is reasonable and conforms to predefined rules, such as format checks, range checks, length checks or type checks. [1] However, an incorrectly entered address could still pass every validation rule: it could be the right length, contain valid characters, follow the correct format and fall within an acceptable range. Because the address is plausible even though it is wrong, validation accepts it. Only verification, which compares the entry against the original source, would catch this kind of error. [1]