Western Governors University (WGU) ICSC2100 C949 Data Structures and Algorithms I Practice Exam

A 'Sorted List' in the context of a doubly linked list is characterized by the insertion of values in a particular order, ensuring that the elements are arranged according to a defined sorting criterion, such as numerical or alphabetical order. This organization allows for efficient searching, retrieval, and traversal of the list since the elements maintain a sequence that reflects their sorted nature.

In a sorted list, when a new element is added, it is inserted into the correct position, maintaining the order of the existing elements. This process often involves traversing the list to find the appropriate insertion point, which emphasizes the importance of both the properties of the doubly linked list—allowing backward and forward traversal—as well as the requirement for maintaining order.

The other characteristics associated with a sorted list make it distinct. While sorted lists can indeed allow for duplicate values, the inclusion of duplicates does not inherently define a sorted list. Furthermore, a sorted list can be modified, as elements can be removed or new elements can be added without losing the sorted structure. Finally, a sorted list is not defined by being unsorted; rather, it is fundamentally about maintaining order in the arrangement of its elements.