When data are entered into a computer system for the first time, they must pass through which essential quality control activity?

Introduction / Context:
Data quality begins at the point of capture. When information is entered for the first time, validation checks confirm that values are complete, consistent, within allowed ranges, and correctly formatted. This prevents bad data from contaminating downstream processes and reports.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• First time entry includes initial loads and new record creation.
• Validation rules include type checks, ranges, referential integrity, and business constraints.
• Front end and back end validations work together.

Concept / Approach:
Validation differs from testing. Testing verifies software behavior. Validation in this context verifies the correctness of data values at entry time. Typical mechanisms include required field checks, format masks, lookup lists, and server side rule enforcement to guard against bypasses.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the activity that ensures correctness of input values. 2) Recognize that 'system testing' and related terms refer to software QA, not individual data entries. 3) Select 'Validation' as the correct control at data entry.

Verification / Alternative check:
Data governance frameworks emphasize validation gates at capture, integration, and storage to maintain data integrity across the life cycle.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: System testing validates the system, not each entered value.
Option B/C: 'Sequential' and 'string' testing are not standard names for entry validation activities.
Option E: Not applicable because validation is the accepted control.

Common Pitfalls:
Relying only on client side checks. Always include server side validation to prevent circumvention through direct API calls.

Final Answer:
Validation