What is the purpose of using criteria in the Design View of a query?

Using criteria in the Design View of a query serves the purpose of filtering data according to specific conditions or requirements. When you apply criteria, you define the parameters that the query uses to determine which records in the database should be included in the results. This can involve specifying values that certain fields must match, range limits, or other logical conditions. By doing so, you can retrieve a focused set of data that meets your specific needs, thereby allowing for more precise data analysis and reporting.

The incorrect options address other aspects of database management that are not related to the filtering function. Setting permissions involves security measures and user access levels, which is not the focus of query criteria. Visual presentation pertains to the layout and formatting of data displayed in reports or forms, rather than the selection of the data itself via a query. Lastly, report generation is a separate process that can utilize the results of a query, but it does not define the filtering capabilities of the query itself.