A Qualitative Study of Novice Experiences with Database Normalisation

This research paper reports on the experiences of three novices, of different capabilities, attempting to solve a relational database normalisation problem. The problem was presented in small sequential chunks, each chunk representing a key task in the normalisation process. A think-aloud protocol, including concurrent and retrospective verbalisation was adopted to understand what was going through the novices' minds as they worked on the problem. The tactics used and difficulties encountered by each participant emerged through a narrative analysis of this data. We found that regardless of capability level the participants lacked a clear and consistent understanding of the concepts involved in normalisation. Moreover, they tended to lack a systematic approach and appropriate tactics for overcoming difficulties. While the two higher performing students benefited from visual representations that are intended to support learning normalisation, the weakest student did not.