asked 18.7k views
1 vote
Provide concepts that are close to the way many users perceive data (entity-based / object-based)

a. Hierarchical model
b. Network model
c. Object-oriented model
d. Relational model

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The database models include the Hierarchical model, which has a simple, tree-like structure, the Network model with more complex connections, the Object-oriented model, which maps closely to human perception of objects in the real world, and the Relational model, which uses tables to represent data and lacks an inherent entity-based view.

Step-by-step explanation:

When it comes to the various database models, arguments about how they perceive data often center on whether they are more entity-based or object-based. Let's delve into the concepts provided:

The Hierarchical model is similar to the taxonomic classification system, where data is organized in a tree-like structure with parent-child relationships, reflecting an inherent hierarchy.

The Network model expands on the hierarchical structure by allowing multiple parent relationships, forming a more complex web or "network" of connections.

The Object-oriented model is closer to how users naturally perceive data as it leverages the concept of objects, encapsulating both data and behavior. It is a complex model requiring more computational power, and newer descriptive protocols like ODD to manage its complexity.

The Relational model organizes data into tables (or 'relations') where each row is a record and each column is an attribute. It does not inherently reflect an entity-based view but can represent relationships between data points through keys and references.

Models like the object-oriented model, which directly align with the way humans view objects in the real world, can be more intuitive but are inherently complex, both in structure and operation.