Loop with preliminary selection

This type of variable presents a series of sub-questions that vary between interviews. The concept of preliminary selection means that the loop will be based on a multi-coded closed question posed before the loop is started. In the question list, loops with preliminary selection are indicated by the icon .

Example:

When the respondent answers the question washing powder before the loop, this determines the items on which the popularity question will be posed.

The questionnaire will unfold as follows: the popularity question is posed only on the washing powders selected in the loop.

The properties available to this type of variable are:

• Sub-questions visible during data-entry: Ensures that the variable and its sub-variables will be visible during data-entry. If un-ticked, the respondent will not see the variable, nor will he see and be asked the variable’s sub-variables.

• Stops during data-entry: Ensures that the respondent will see the variable; a screen will be generated for this variable.

• Visible in Analyse: Ensures that the variable and its sub-variables will be visible in both AskiaAnalyse and AskiaVista. If un-ticked, the variable and its sub-variables will not appear in AskiaAnalyse and AskiaVista. Note: you can change this property even after a questionnaire's fieldwork is completed. Note that you can set this option for multiple questions at once by selecting the questions in the questionnaire list (in the left-hand pane), then right-clicking and selecting set questions, then visible in analyse in the context menu.

• Develop level in Analyse: Enables you to access this variable’s data by levels in AskiaAnalyse.

• Probability question in Analyse: Disposes of this variable’s data for probability analysis.

• Number of iterations: Specifies the maximum number of iterations. By default, this property is set to the value of the global option default maximum number of responses.

The following properties are available to this variable’s items:

• Exclusive: Ensures that a respondent cannot select both this exclusive item and any other of the variable’s item(s). In other words, a respondent can only select: this item and no other.

  

• Rotation order: Enables you to assign a specific order to a variable’s items where Rotation has been activated. The following properties are available:

  • Authorised: authorizes this item to be rotated.

  • Fixed: ensures that this item will never be rotated.

  • Always follow previous: ensures that this item follow right after its preceding item, regardless of the position the latter can be assigned as a result of a rotation.

    

• Entry code: Specifies custom entry codes for this variable’s items. During data-entry, the Interviewer will therefore be able to select answer(s) from the list of items by typing the specified Entry codes. Note: You must specify entry codes to all the items of a variable. A variable’s entry codes must share the same character length. Furthermore, this option is restricted to questionnaires sent live in askiavoice.

• Version: Enables you to assign the variable to one or all of the *.QES file’s versions. By default, a variable is assigned to All versions.
  

• Link: enables you to re-use the item list from another variable in this variable. This option allows you to save time and reduces the likelihood of making errors when creating a questionnaire, and it also helps reduce the size of the *.QES file. For details, see linked items.