Revision as of 21:35, 8 June 2018

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Introduction

This page offers you a visual overview of all available question types. You can also see it as a starting point from where you can get to different wiki sections that explain in detail every question type.

The LimeSurvey download package includes a sample survey which includes all question types. You'll find it in your "/docs/demosurveys/" directory. Import each of them and try every question type!

Please note that a LimeSurvey survey consists of question groups which contain one or more question. Therefore, you have to create a question group first before you can start adding questions to your survey. For more details on question groups, access the following wiki section.

Question types

To change the type of a question, you have to first access the panel from where you edit the respective question. Then, click on the General options tab located in the right part of the screen:

Then, select the desired form for your question from the Select question type menu (check also the screenshots to choose the right question type for your inquiry):

Check our introduction on questions for some basic information.

The following question styles can be used within a survey in LimeSurvey:

Subquestions

Usually a question only has answers. But there are certain question types (like the Array question type) which are basically a subset of questions where each subquestion can be answered by the survey participant (often by using a predefined scale of answer options).

A more complex example is the question type 'Array of texts' where the respondent has to enter values for combinations. In that case the value entered by the respondent is the 'answer' and the two scales on the array are two scales of subquestions.

Arrays

The Array question type further extends the List question type. Using this question type, a matrix can be displayed where the left column is represented by a subquestion, while each row is represented by the same set of answer options. The text of the question can be either a specific question or a description.

In terms of output there is no difference in how responses are stored compared to List (Radio) question type. The given answer is stored in a separate column in the result table for both question types.

The most flexible array types are Array, Array (Text) and Array (Numbers)'. However, LimeSurvey also supports a number of array types which have predefined answer options (e.g., Array 5 point choice).

To quickly understand the basics of array-type questions, check the following video tutorial.

Array

An array allows you to create a set of subquestions. Each of them uses the same set of answer options. For example, you can use this question type when you need feedback on several aspects of a particular product.

Find out more about the Array question type...

Array (5 point choice)

It is an array type that is prefilled with answer choices. An 1 to 5 scale is used. A "No answer" answer option is automatically added if the question is not mandatory.

Hint: If you need scales other than 5 points, use the general array question type.

Example: Array 5 point choice example.zip

Find out more about the 5 Point Choice Array question type...

Array (10 point choice)

It is an array question type that is prefilled with answer choices on a 1 to 10 scale. A "No answer" answer option is automatically added if the question is not mandatory.

Hint: If you need to use another scale, change the question type to the general array question type.

Example: Array 10 point choice example.zip

Find out more about the 10 Point Choice Array question type...

Array (Yes/No/Uncertain)

It is an array question type that is prefilled with the following answer choices: "Yes", "No", and "Uncertain". You can also add a "No answer" choice if the question is not mandatory.

Example: Array Yes No Uncertain Example.zip

The "No answer" option is displayed if the question is not mandatory.

Find out more about the Yes/No/Uncertain Array question type...

Array (Increase/Same/Decrease)

It is an array type that is prefilled with the following answer choices: "Increase", "Same", and "Decrease". A "No answer" answer option is automatically added if the question is set to be not mandatory.

Example: Array increase decrease example.zip

Find out more about the Increase/Same/Decrease Array question type...

Array by column

This question type is the same as an array, except the subquestion and answer axes are swapped.

Example: Array by column example.zip

Find out more about the Array by Column question type...

Array dual scale

This question type provides two scales of answer options for each subquestion. A heading can be set for each scale from the question display options:

You can also set a special question attribute to use this question type with dropdown boxes:

Example 1: Dual Scale Example.zip

Example 2: Dual Scale Dropdown Example.zip

Find out more about the Array Dual Scale question type...

Array (Numbers)

This question types allows survey administrators to a create large arrays with numbered dropdown boxes with a set of subquestions on the "y-axis", and another set of subquestions on the "x-axis".

You can also set a special question attribute to use this question type with checkboxes:

Example 1: Example_Array_Numbers

Example 2: Example_Array_Numbers_Checkboxes

Find out more about the numbers Array question type...

Array (Texts)

The Array (Text) question type allows for an array of text boxes with a set of subquestions as the "y-axis", and another set of subquestions as the "x-axis".

Example: Array_Texts_Example_text.zip

Find out more about the text Array question type...

Mask questions

Due to a lack of better word we define all questions where the input of answers is predefined as 'mask questions'.

Date

This question type can be used to ask for a certain date, time or a combination of both date and time. The values can be selected by the participants either from a popup calendar or from dropdown boxes. Validation, minimum, and/or maximum dates can be chosen by the survey administrator. Various date and time formats are supported.

Example: Example_Date_Time.zip

Find out more about the Date question type...

File upload

The file upload question type can be used to collect file(s) from a user in response to a question. For example, a company with employment opportunities could use this question type to request the candidate to submit/upload his or her updated CV, as well as any other scanned documents in the employment survey.

Example: File upload question type.zip

Find out more about the File Upload question type...

Gender

This question type collects gender information ("Male" or "Female") from the respondents.

Example: Gender question type.zip

The "No answer" option is displayed if the question is not mandatory.

You may also add a "No answer" choice if the question is not mandatory.

Find out more about the Gender question type...

Language switch

This question type allows the user to change the language of the survey. Users can choose from a dropdown list, the language in which they wish to have the survey questions displayed.

The dropdown list includes the base language (which is selected when the survey is created for the first time) and the additional ones (they can be edited from the general settings panel).

Example: Language switch question type

Find out more about the Language Switch question type...

Numerical input

This question types asks the survey participant to enter a single number.

Example: Question_example_numerical_input.zip.

Find out more about the Numerical Input question type...

Multiple numerical input

This question type is a variation of the "Numerical input" question type. It allows multiple text boxes to be created, each of them allowing the survey respondents to enter only numbers. Each text box corresponds to an subquestion, the subquestion text being the label for the input.

Example: Multiple_numerical_input_question_type_example.zip

Find out more about the Multiple numerical input question type...

Ranking

This question type allows you to present your survey participants a list of possible answers/options, which they may then rank according to their preferences.

Example: Question type ranking.zip.

Find out more about the Ranking question type...

Text display

This question type does not collect any input from the respondent. It just simply displays text. It can be used to provide further instructions or a design break in the survey.

Please note that you can write in the text of this question also html or javascript. In this way, you can use this question for other purposes.

Example: Text_display_example.zip

Find out more about the Text Display question type...

Yes/No

Survey administrators can collect "Yes" or "No" responses from the respondents with the help of this question type.

Example: Yes/No question type example.

Find out more about the Yes/No question type...

Equation

Hint: Unlike all other question types, if an equation is hidden, it is still computed, its value being stored in the database.

Hint: Equation question type allow to assign a value to another Question. See how to use assignment Operator.

No HTML tag can be saved in the database due to security concerns.

This question type lets the author create an equation (e.g., a calculation or tailored report) and save it in a database variable. Equations can use any syntax supported by ExpressionScript. If you are handling numeric values make sure that you use the advanced question setting "Numbers only" as explained below.

You may find below an example on how to use this question type:

Example: Limesurvey_survey_BMIsample.lss.zip.

Find out more about the Equation question type...

Multiple choice questions

Sometimes you want the participan to mark more than one answer option in the same question; this is achieved using checkboxes.

Multiple choice

This question type can collect input of multiple selections through checkboxes.

Example: Multiple choice question type example.

Find out more about the Multiple Choice Question type...

Multiple choice with comments

This question type can collect input of multiple selections through checkboxes, while allowing the user to provide additional comments.

Example: Multiple choice with questions example.zip

Find out more about the Multiple Choice With Comments question type...

Single choice questions

Single choice questions are those where the participant can only pick a single predefined answer option.

5 point choice

This question shows a horizontal 1 to 5 scale from where the survey participants can select a single answer option.

Example: Single choice question example.zip

Find out more about the 5 Point Choice question type...

List (Dropdown)

This question type collects input from a dropdown list menu. You can also create subcategories within this list by making use of the "Category separator" attribute.

Example: List dropdown question.zip

Find out more about the List Dropdown question type...

List (Radio)

This question type collects input from a list of radio buttons.

Example: List_radio_example.zip

Find out more about the List Radio question type...

List with comment

This question type displays a list of radio buttons, while allowing the participants to provide a additional comment with their submission.

Example: List_with_comment_example.zip

Find out more about the List with comment question type...

Text questions

LimeSurvey provides a number of possible variations of the standard text field. All of these can be defined further using the attributes of the question which permit to restrict the number of characters as well as the size of the field.

Furthermore text input can be validated by using regular expressions.

Short free text

This question type collects a single line of text input.

Example: Short_free_text_question.zip

Find out more about the Short Free Text question type...

Long free text

This question type collects multiple lines of text input.

Example: Long_free_text_example.zip

Find out more about the Long Free Text question type...

Huge free text

This question type collect multiple lines of text input, allowing more text to be typed in.

Example: Huge_free_text_example.zip

Find out more about the Huge Free Text question type...

Multiple short text

This question type is a variation on the "Short Text" question type which allows more than one text entry per question. The user first defines the question and can then add additional text boxes by adding 'Answers'. Each answer becomes the label of the new text box.

Example: Multiple_short_text_example.zip

Find out more about the Multiple Short Text question type...

Styling questions

It is possible to generally edit the question layout/design by using CSS. You can find more information at styling questions with CSS

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 __TOC__
-=General=
-This page shows a visual overview of all available question types and it is meant as a starting point to get to detailed information about every question type.
+=Introduction=
-By the way, the LimeSurvey download package includes a sample survey which includes all question types. You'll find it in your /docs/demosurveys-Directory - import it and test it out!
+This page offers you a visual overview of all available question types. You can also see it as a starting point from where you can get to different wiki sections that explain in detail every question type.
-<div class="simplebox">'''Hint:''' In LimeSurvey a survey consists of question groups which contain one or more question. So you have to '''create a question group first''' before you can add questions to your survey.</div>
+<div class="simplebox">[[File:help.png]] The LimeSurvey download package includes a sample survey which includes all question types. You'll find it in your "/docs/demosurveys/" directory. Import each of them and try every question type!</div>
-=Subquestions=
+Please note that a LimeSurvey survey consists of question groups which contain one or more question. Therefore, you have to '''create a question group first''' before you can start adding questions to your survey. For more details on question groups, access the following [[Question groups - introduction|wiki section]].
-The concept of subquestions is new to LimeSurvey version 1.90 or later. Although subquestions existed before that in LimeSurvey they were named differently and were mostly covered by [[Label sets]]. With LimeSurvey 1.90 they are now clearly visible, definable, and logically structured.
-==An explanation of subquestions==
+=Question types=
+To change the type of a question, you have to first access the panel from where you edit the respective question. Then, click on the '''General options''' tab located in the right part of the screen:
+<center>[[File:Question_type_button_location.png]]</center>
+Then, select the desired form for your question from the ''Select question type'' menu (check also the screenshots to choose the right question type for your inquiry):
+<center>[[File:Question type - 2.png]]</center>
+{{Note|Check our [[Questions - introduction|introduction on questions]] for some basic information.}}
+<hr width="50%" style="margin:auto">
+The following question styles can be used within a survey in LimeSurvey:
+*[[Question types#Arrays|Arrays]]
+*[[Question types#Mask questions|Mask questions]]
+*[[Question types#Multiple choice questions|Multiple choice questions]]
+*[[Question types#Single choice questions|Single choice questions]]
+*[[Question types#Text questions|Text questions]]
+===Subquestions===
 Usually a question only has answers. But there are certain question types (like the Array question type) which are basically a subset of questions where each subquestion can be answered by the survey participant (often by using a predefined scale of answer options).
@@ Line 24: / Line 51: @@
 [[File:SC_MFT.png]]
-=Styling questions=
-It is possible to generally edit the question layout/design by using CSS. You can find more information at [[The template editor|#Styling_questions_with_CSS|styling questions with CSS]]
+==Arrays==
-=Question types=
+The ''Array question type'' further extends the ''List question type''. Using this question type, a matrix can be displayed where the left column is represented by a subquestion, while each row is represented by the same set of answer options. The text of the question can be either a specific question or a description.
-==Arrays==
+In terms of output there is no difference in how responses are stored compared to ''List (Radio)'' question type. The given answer is stored in a separate column in the result table for both question types.
-The Array question type (sometimes referred to as ''Array Multi Flexible'') further extends the List question type. Using this question type a matrix can be displayed in which columns are represented by subquestion and the same answer options are shown for each row. The text of the question can be either a specific question or a description.
+The most flexible array types are ''Array'', ''Array (Text)'' and ''Array (Numbers)'. However, LimeSurvey also supports a number of array types which have predefined answer options (e.g., ''Array 5 point choice'').
-In terms of output there is no difference in how responses are stored compared to question type 'List(Radio). In both cases the given answer is stored in its separate column in the result table.
+<div class='simplebox'> [[File:help.png]] To quickly understand the basics of array-type questions, check the following [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7134QebOQzY video tutorial].</div>
-Beside the most flexible array types 'Array', 'Array (Text)' and 'Array (Numbers)' LimeSurvey also supports a number of convenience array types which have predefined answer options.
 === Array===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Array|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Array|more about the Array question type...]]
-=== Type A: Array (5 point choice)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (5 point choice)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Array (5 point choice)===
+{{:Question type - Array (5 point choice)|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question type - Array (5 point choice)|more about the 5 point choice Array question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Array (5 point choice)|more about the 5 Point Choice Array question type...]]
-=== Type B: Array (10 point choice)===
+===Array (10 point choice)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (10 point choice)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Array (10 point choice)|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question type - Array (10 point choice)|more about the 10 point choice Array question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Array (10 point choice)|more about the 10 Point Choice Array question type...]]
-=== Type C: Array (Yes/No/Uncertain)===
+===Array (Yes/No/Uncertain)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (Yes-No-Uncertain)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Array (Yes-No-Uncertain)|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Array (Yes-No-Uncertain)|more about the Yes/No/Uncertain Array question type...]]
-=== Type E: Array (Increase/Same/Decrease)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (Increase-Same-Decrease)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Array (Increase/Same/Decrease)===
+{{:Question type - Array (Increase-Same-Decrease)|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Array (Increase-Same-Decrease)|more about the Increase/Same/Decrease Array question type...]]
-=== Type H: Array by column===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array by column",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Array by column===
+{{:Question type - Array by column|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Array by column|more about the Array by Column question type...]]
-Find out [[Question type - Array by column|more about the Array by column question type...]]
+===Array dual scale===
-=== Type : - Array dual scale===
+{{:Question type - Array dual scale|transcludesection=short_description}}
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array dual scale",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+Find out [[Question type - Array dual scale|more about the Array Dual Scale question type...]]
-Find out [[Question type - Array dual scale|more about the Array dual scale question type...]]
 === Array (Numbers)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (Numbers)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Array (Numbers)|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Array (Numbers)|more about the numbers Array question type...]]
-===Array (Text)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Array (Texts)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Array (Texts)===
+{{:Question type - Array (Texts)|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question Type - Array (Texts) |more about the text Array question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Array (Texts) |more about the text Array question type...]]
 ==Mask questions==
@@ Line 96: / Line 125: @@
 Due to a lack of better word we define all questions where the input of answers is predefined as 'mask questions'.
-=== Type D: Date===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Date",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Date===
+{{:Question type - Date|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Date |more about the Date question type...]]
-Find out [[Question Type - Date |more about the Date question type...]]
 ===File upload===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - File upload",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - File upload|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question Type - File upload |more about the Date question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - File upload |more about the File Upload question type...]]
-===Type G: Gender===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Gender",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Gender===
+{{:Question type - Gender|transcludesection=short_description}}
 You may also add a "No answer" choice if the question is not mandatory.
-Find out [[Question Type - Gender |more about the Gender question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Gender |more about the Gender question type...]]
 ===Language switch===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Language switch",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Language switch|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question type - Language switch|more about the Language switch question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Language switch|more about the Language Switch question type...]]
-===Type N: Numerical input===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Numerical Input",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Numerical input===
+{{:Question type - Numerical input|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Numerical input |more about the Numerical Input question type...]]
-Find out [[Question Type - Numerical Input |more about the Numerical Input question type...]]
 ===Multiple numerical input===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Multiple Numerical Input",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Multiple numerical input|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question Type - Multiple Numerical Input |more about the Multiple numerical input question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - Multiple numerical input |more about the Multiple numerical input question type...]]
-===Type R: Ranking===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Ranking",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Ranking===
-Find out [[Question Type - Ranking |more about the Ranking question type...]]
+{{:Question type - Ranking|transcludesection=short_description}}
-===Type X: Text display===
+Find out [[Question type - Ranking |more about the Ranking question type...]]
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Text display",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
-Find out [[Question type - Text display|more about the Text display question type...]]
+===Text display===
-===Type Y: Yes/No===
+{{:Question type - Text display|transcludesection=short_description}}
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Yes-No",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+Find out [[Question type - Text display|more about the Text Display question type...]]
+===Yes/No===
+{{:Question type - Yes-No|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Yes-No |more about the Yes/No question type...]]
 ===Equation===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Equation",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Equation|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - Equation|more about the Equation question type...]]
 ==Multiple choice questions==
@@ Line 162: / Line 202: @@
 Sometimes you want the participan to mark more than one answer option in the same question; this is achieved using checkboxes.
-===Type M: Multiple choice===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Multiple choice",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Multiple choice===
+{{:Question type - Multiple choice|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Multiple choice|more about the Multiple Choice Question type...]]
-Find out [[Question type - Multiple choice|more about the Multiple choice question type...]]
 ===Multiple choice with comments===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Multiple choice with comments",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+{{:Question type - Multiple choice with comments|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Multiple choice with comments|more about the Multiple Choice With Comments question type...]]
-Find out [[Question type - Multiple choice with comments|more about the Multiple choice with comments question type...]]
 ==Single choice questions==
@@ Line 178: / Line 221: @@
 Single choice questions are those where the participant can only pick a single predefined answer option.
-===Type 5: 5 point choice===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - 5 point choice",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===5 point choice===
+{{:Question type - 5 point choice|transcludesection=short_description}}
-Find out [[Question type - 5 point choice|more about the 5 point choice question type...]]
+Find out [[Question type - 5 point choice|more about the 5 Point Choice question type...]]
-===Type !: List (Dropdown)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - List (Dropdown)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===List (Dropdown)===
+{{:Question type - List (Dropdown)|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - List (Dropdown)|more about the List Dropdown question type...]]
-===Type L: List (Radio)===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - List (Radio)",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===List (Radio)===
+{{:Question type - List (Radio)|transcludesection=short_description}}
 Find out [[Question type - List (Radio)|more about the List Radio question type...]]
-===Type O: List with comment===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - List with comment",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===List with comment===
+{{:Question type - List with comment|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - List with comment |more about the List with comment question type...]]
-Find out [[Question Type - List with comment |more about the List with comment question type...]]
 ==Text questions==
-LimeSurvey provides a number of possible variations of the standard text field. All of these can be defined further using the [[Advanced question settings]] which permit to restrict the number of characters as well as the size of the field.
+LimeSurvey provides a number of possible variations of the standard text field. All of these can be defined further using the attributes of the question which permit to restrict the number of characters as well as the size of the field.
-Furthermore text input can be validated by [[Using regular expressions]].
+Furthermore text input can be validated by [[Using regular expressions|using regular expressions]].
-===Type S: Short free text===
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Short free text",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Short free text===
-Find out [[Question type - Short free text|more about the Short free text question type...]]
+{{:Question type - Short free text|transcludesection=short_description}}
-===Type T: Long free text===
+Find out [[Question type - Short free text|more about the Short Free Text question type...]]
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Long free text",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
+===Long free text===
-Find out [[Question type - Long free text|more about the Long free text question type...]]
+{{:Question type - Long free text|transcludesection=short_description}}
-===Type U: Huge free text===
+Find out [[Question type - Long free text|more about the Long Free Text question type...]]
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Huge free text",start="!Short description",stop="---")}{INCLUDE}
-Find out [[Question type - Huge free text|more about the Huge free text question type...]]
+===Huge free text===
-===Type Q: Multiple short text===
+{{:Question type - Huge free text|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Huge free text|more about the Huge Free Text question type...]]
+===Multiple short text===
+{{:Question type - Multiple short text|transcludesection=short_description}}
+Find out [[Question type - Multiple short text|more about the Multiple Short Text question type...]]
+=Styling questions=
-{INCLUDE(page="Question type - Multiple short text",start="!Short description",stop="---")}<br/>{INCLUDE}Find out [[Question type - Multiple short text|more about the Multiple short text question type...]]
+It is possible to generally edit the question layout/design by using CSS. You can find more information at [[The template editor#Styling_questions_with_CSS|styling questions with CSS]]

Question types/pl: Difference between revisions

From LimeSurvey Manual