A question has been brought to my attention. When working with a shapefile within either 10 or 10.1. Is it possible to create a python script or some sort of programming language to accomplish this task;

An attribute table consists of 3 columns with multiple rows. Is there a way to set a list for each column that may be used when clicking within each cell. I know this can be done within an edit session with domain and subtypes but can it be done just within the Attribute table itself. By way of scripting. 

Reason, this would provide a streamline process for individuals who do not know much about ArcGIS and would save the process of an edit session and potential of misspellings and what not. The easy fix for a GIS person would be to just use Domains and Subtypes. But the question is, can it be done differently?