What is one recommended approach when a linkage cannot display data from a non-base master file due to a multiple network item?

• A. Find a different, single-response networked item to use in your linkage.
• B. Add a networked parameter to search on a master-file item.
• C. Remove the linkage entirely.
• D. Force the display to show a placeholder value.

Answer: (A)

When a linkage cannot display data from a non-base master file because of a multiple network item, the best approach is to swap in a different, single-response networked item to use in the linkage. The reason this works is that a single-response item provides one clear value per record, which makes it straightforward for the linkage to pull and display data from the non-base master file without running into the ambiguity or complexity introduced by a multiple network item. Keeping the network item simple ensures reliable data display and avoids the pitfalls that come with multi-value mappings.

Other options don’t solve the underlying display issue: adding a networked parameter to search on a master-file item shifts how data is retrieved but doesn’t address the display problem caused by a multiple network item; removing the linkage would discard the data connection altogether; forcing a placeholder value would misrepresent actual data and undermine data quality.