Final answer:
The criterion for a table to be in third normal form (3NF) is the removal of all transitive functional dependencies of a non-prime attribute of a super key to prevent data redundancy. There is no one-size-fits-all structure for tables; the best method depends on use case and data specifics, and analyzing different table structures can inform the optimal organization. The correct option here is c.) all transitive functional dependencies of a non-prime attribute of a super key should be removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about a criterion for a table being in third normal form (3NF) in the context of database normalization. The correct option here is c.) all transitive functional dependencies of a non-prime attribute of a super key should be removed. This criterion ensures that all the attributes are dependent only on the primary key. Data redundancy is minimized, which reduces the risk of data anomalies.
To address parts of the question that ask generally about data organization in tables:
- There is not necessarily one correct way to structure a table; the best organization depends on the specific use case and the data involved.
- Grouping data differently can either increase performance or make the data more understandable, depending on how it's organized. For example, denormalization can improve read performance at the expense of write performance and potential data integrity.
- The reason to switch between tables when analyzing them is to see the effects of different normalization forms, such as data redundancy and the ease of querying, which will lead to determining the best structure for the specific scenario.