Matrix Question Type

The Matrix question type is designed to collect answers to a series of like, Select One question types in a matrix format of rows and columns. Instead of designing one select-one question type after another, the Matrix design 'compacts' the series into a single screen display and speeds up the interview. The same picklist is assigned to each of the row items and a different picklist is assigned to columns. In the matrix the row items represent the 'questions' and the column items the 'categories'. For example:

Matrix question named: Q5_M (arbitrary)

"How would you rate yourself as a student in the following subjects?"

Only one Matrix question needs to be entered in the Designer. Because there are 4 rows, (4 select-one questions), there will be four answers collected. Four documentation records with the proper question name and extensions will be generated. In the above example, assuming the values assigned to the row picklists are 1-4, the generated documentation records would be question names: Q5_M~000001, Q5_M~000002, Q5_M~000003, Q5_M~000004. The four generated documentation records can then be used to 'customize' the documentation for each data item.

Sample Matrix question type (Design phase)

To view a sample (12 column) Matrix row and column setup, and completed Survey display, click here.