Final answer:
A transitive dependency in databases occurs when an attribute is dependent on another non-key attribute, which is dependent on the primary key, leading to potential data redundancy and integrity issues. It is resolved by decomposing the database table into separate tables to achieve Third Normal Form (3NF).
Step-by-step explanation:
A transitive dependency in database theory is a kind of functional dependency where an attribute is functionally dependent on another non-key attribute, which is itself functionally dependent on the primary key. In simpler terms, if we have attributes A, B, and C in a table, a transitive dependency would occur if A determines B, B determines C, and A is the primary key. Such dependencies can lead to redundant data and can compromise the integrity of the data if not handled properly in the design of the database schema.
To correct transitive dependency issues and improve database normalization, one must often decompose the table into two or more tables to ensure that each non-key attribute is only dependent on the primary key. This process is part of achieving what is known as the Third Normal Form (3NF), a stage in database normalization that aims to reduce the duplication of data and ensure referential integrity.