Missing Data in the Relational Model

• Main Author: Morrissett, Marion
• Format: Others
• Published: VCU Scholars Compass 2013
• Subjects: relational database; missing data; incomplete information; Engineering
• Online Access: http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3004; http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4003&context=etd

This research provides improved support for missing data in the relational model and relational database systems. There is a need for a systematic method to represent and interpret missing data values in the relational model. A system that processes missing data needs to enable making reasonable decisions when some data values are unknown. The user must be able to understand query results with respect to these decisions. While a number of approaches have been suggested, none have been completely implemented in a relational database system. This research describes a missing data model that works within the relational model, is implemented in MySQL, and was validated by a user feasibility study.