In the seven-step data processing sequence, which step allows users to search through the data?

• A. Capture
• B. Search
• C. Storage
• D. Data sharing/transfer

Answer: (B)

Searching through the data is the function of the search step. After data has been captured and stored, users often need to locate specific records or items that meet certain criteria. The search step provides querying capabilities—keyword searches, filters, and indexing—that let you comb through the dataset quickly to find the information you need.

In contrast, capturing is about collecting data from sources, storing is about keeping the data in a repository, and data sharing/transfer is about moving or distributing data to other users or systems. So the step that enables locating information within the data is the searching step, because it is specifically designed to query and retrieve relevant records.