Question

    Which of the following is the most accurate example of

    metadata?
    A The actual content of a PDF file containing a business report. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B The size, author, and creation date of a PDF file. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C A summary of key points extracted from the business report. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D A database table containing employee performance metrics. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E A text message exchanged between two colleagues. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    Metadata is data about data, providing descriptive information about the characteristics or context of a primary data object. In the case of a PDF file, metadata includes attributes such as file size, author, creation and modification dates, and file format. These details help in managing, organizing, and retrieving the file efficiently. Metadata is critical in data management systems for indexing and searching files, ensuring effective data governance and usability. For instance, knowing the author and creation date of a file enables users to verify its credibility and relevance for specific tasks. Why Other Options Are Incorrect: • A: The actual content of a PDF is primary data, not metadata. • C: A summary is processed or secondary data, not metadata. • D: Employee performance metrics in a database are primary data, whereas metadata would describe the table structure, columns, or relationships. • E: A text message is raw data; metadata would describe its sender, recipient, timestamp, etc.

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