2.
🔹 MODEL
❓ What is a Model?
✅ Definition:
A model is a simplified copy of a real-world system used to make predictions..
✅ Purpose of a Model:
To test ideas
To make predictions
To analyse results
To support decisions
✅ Example:
A spreadsheet model to calculate profit:
Profit = Sales − Costs
Changing sales helps predict profit.
🔹 SIMULATOR
❓ What is a Simulator?
✅ Definition:
A simulator is a type of model that copies a real-world system so users can
practise or test safely.
✅ Purpose:
Training
Testing
Practising safely
✅ Key Features:
Interactive
Real-time response
Uses input data
Produces realistic output
✅ Example:
Flight simulator for pilot training.
Surgery Simulator for Doctors training
✅ Advantages:
✔ Safe
✔ Cost-effective
✔ No real danger
✔ Can repeat practice
🔹 WHAT-IF ANALYSIS
❓ What is What-If Analysis?
✅ Definition:
What-if analysis is changing input values to see how the output changes.
✅ Example:
If sales increase, what happens to profit?
🔹 GOAL SEEK
❓ What is Goal Seek?
✅ Definition:
Goal Seek is a spreadsheet feature used to find the required input value to
achieve the target goal.
✅ Example:
Find sales needed to get profit = 5000.
✅ Advantage:
✔ Saves time
✔ Accurate
✔ Automatic
🔹 FEATURE & KEY FEATURE
❓ What is a Feature?
A feature is a function or tool in software.
Example: Auto-sum.
❓ What is a Key Feature?
A key feature is the most important function of the software.
Example: Goal Seek for financial modelling.
🔹 SPREADSHEET MODEL
❓ What is a Spreadsheet Model?
✅ Definition:
A spreadsheet model uses data and formulas in a spreadsheet to make
calculations and predictions.
🔑 Key Words:
Formulas, cells, automatic calculation, prediction
🔹 DATA NEEDED IN A SIMULATOR
A simulator may need:
Input data
Rules/algorithms
Initial conditions
User input
Example:
Flight simulator needs speed, weather, fuel level.
🔹 How to Use Spreadsheet for What-If Analysis
1️⃣ Enter formula
2️⃣ Change input value
3️⃣ Observe output
4️⃣ Compare results
2.2
Perfect 👍 Below are exam-ready answers in simple language with important
keywords included (IGCSE style).
🔹 DATA COLLECTION
❓ What is Data Collection?
✅ Definition:
Data collection is the process of gathering information from different sources
for a specific purpose.
🔑 Key Words:
Gather information, specific purpose, input data, source
✅ Purpose of Data Collection:
To store information
To analyse data
To make decisions
To create reports
✅ Example:
Collecting:
Student names
Marks
Phone numbers
❓ Why do we need Data?
To make decisions
To solve problems
To analyse trends
To store records
Data is needed for planning and management.
❓ Why must data be suitable for its purpose?
✅ Answer:
Data must be:
Relevant
Accurate
Complete
Reliable
If data is not suitable, decisions may be wrong.
🔑 Key Words:
Relevant, accurate, reliable, correct purpose
❓ What happens if data is incomplete or missing?
Incorrect results
Wrong decisions
System errors
Reports may be inaccurate
Example: Missing marks → Wrong average calculated.
🔹 DATA VALIDATION
❓ What is Data Validation?
✅ Definition:
Data validation is checking data to ensure it is reasonable and acceptable
before it is stored.
🔑 Key Words:
Check data, accuracy, acceptable range, input checking
✅ Purpose of Validation:
To reduce errors
To improve data accuracy
To ensure correct format
✅ Example:
If age must be between 10 and 18, entering 50 is rejected.
🔹 RECORDS & FIELDS
❓ What is a Record?
✅ Definition:
A record is a complete set of related data about one item or person.
Example:
Student Record:
Name
Age
Class
Marks
All together form one record.
❓ What is a Field?
✅ Definition:
A field is a single piece of data in a record.
Example:
In student record:
Name (field)
Age (field)
Marks (field)
🔹 VALIDATION RULES
❓ What are Validation Rules?
Validation rules are checks used to ensure data entered is correct.
1️⃣ Presence Check
Ensures data is not left empty.
Example: Name field cannot be blank.
2️⃣ Range Check
Ensures data is within a set range.
Example: Marks must be between 0 and 100.
3️⃣ Length Check
Ensures data has correct number of characters.
Example: Password must be 8 characters.
4️⃣ Format Check
Ensures data follows a specific pattern.
Example: Email must contain @.
❓ Why is Validation Used?
To reduce errors
To improve data quality
To prevent invalid input
To ensure consistency
🔹 DATA COLLECTION FORMS
❓ What is a Data Collection Form?
✅ Definition:
A data collection form is a document used to collect data in a structured
format.
🔑 Key Words:
Structured format, organised input, standard layout
✅ Why is it used?
To collect consistent data
To make data entry easier
To reduce mistakes
✅ Advantages:
✔ Clear layout
✔ Reduces missing data
✔ Easy to process
✔ Improves accuracy
❓ Three Different Validation Rules
1️⃣ Presence Check
2️⃣ Range Check
3️⃣ Format Check
🔹 DATABASE EVALUATION
❓ What is Database Evaluation?
✅ Definition:
Database evaluation is the process of checking whether a database meets its
intended purpose and works correctly.
🔑 Key Words:
Review system, check performance, meet requirements, effectiveness
✅ Purpose:
To check accuracy
To ensure efficiency
To confirm it meets user needs
To improve performance
✅ Why is it used?
To identify problems
To improve design
To increase reliability
✅ Advantages:
✔ Better performance
✔ Accurate data
✔ Improved security
✔ User satisfaction
✅ Example:
Checking if:
All student records are stored correctly
Search function works properly
Validation rules are working