In which database model are data elements arranged in arbitrary linked forms like lists or clusters?

The correct answer is the Network Database Model. In this model, data elements are organized in a graph structure, allowing for a flexible and complex arrangement. This structure enables data to be linked in various ways, forming arbitrary connections through the use of pointers. Each record can have multiple parent and child records, which allows for many-to-many relationships, promoting a more intricate organization of data compared to other models.

The unique design of the Network Database Model facilitates efficient retrieval of related records and supports complex data relationships, making it suitable for applications requiring detailed interlinking of data. Such flexibility in data organization allows for easier navigation through clusters of related information, demonstrating its capacity for handling more complex datasets effectively.

Other database models, like the Hierarchical Database Model, organize data in a tree-like structure with a single parent for each child, which limits the complexity of relationships. The Relational Database Model focuses on organizing data into tables linked by relationships based on foreign keys, emphasizing structured queries rather than arbitrary linkage. The Object-oriented Database Model integrates object-oriented programming principles but does not inherently allow for the same arbitrary linking as the Network Database Model. Each of these models has its use cases where they excel, but the characteristic of arbitrary linked forms distinctly defines the Network Database Model.