Ability to represent null values
The degree to which a format allows null values in an attribute.
- •Accurate representation of missing or inapplicable information, preventing misinterpretation.
- •Improved data integrity by distinguishing between a zero value and an unknown value.
- •More effective data analysis as nulls can be handled appropriately (e.g., excluded or imputed).
- •Reduced data entry errors caused by forcing users to input dummy values.
- •Misinterpretation of data if nulls are not allowed and dummy values (e.g., 0, 'N/A') are used inconsistently.
- •Skewed analytical results if dummy values are treated as real data.
- •Increased data cleansing effort to identify and correct inappropriately used dummy values.
- •Process failures if systems expect true nulls but receive ambiguous placeholders.
Yes/No
Logistics: An optional field (e.g., 'Special Handling Instructions') correctly allows null values when no special instructions are needed.
HR: A 'Middle Name' field in an employee record correctly allows null if the employee does not have one.
E-commerce: A 'Customer Loyalty ID' field in a guest checkout form allows nulls, as guests wouldn't have one.
Logistics: A required field (e.g., 'Hazardous Material Class') does not allow nulls, forcing users to enter a default non-hazardous class when the real value is unknown or not applicable for a non-hazardous item.
HR: A 'Termination Date' field in an employee system does not allow nulls, forcing entry of a dummy future date for active employees.
E-commerce: A 'Discount Code Applied' field in an order form cannot be left blank, requiring a 'NONE' value instead of a true null.