Open questions are variables that require the respondent to give a text answer. There is no limit regarding the actual length or amount of text which can be given as response to an open question. In the question list, open questions are indicated by the icon .

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The following properties are available to open variables:

• Allow 'Don't Know': Ensures that the respondent is allowed to not give an answer to this variable. In other words, the respondent can respond with ’Don’t Know’ (DK). If this option is not selected, the respondent will not be able to continue the questionnaire, remaining blocked until an answer concerning this variable is given. 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 allow don't know in the context menu.
• Visible during data-entry: Ensures that the respondent will see the variable. In other words, a screen will be generated for this variable. 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 the context menu.
• Visible in Analyse: Ensures that the variable and its sub-variables will be visible in both AskiaAnalyse and AskiaVista. If this option is not selected, the variable and its sub-variables will not appear in AskiaAnalyse or 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.
• Anonymise the data: If you select this option, then sensitive survey data can be hidden in AskiaField Supervisor. See the topic Data Anonymisation (in the AskiaField Assistant) for details.
• Uppercase: Ensures that the text entered during data fieldwork will be saved in uppercase, such as THIS IS MY ANSWER.
• Use as an array: If this option is selected, the variable will be able to import several fields via an ODBC import. The number of columns that will be used is determined by the size option. See the import option for further details on importing external data.
• Record response: Records the respondent's answer during data-entry as an audio file. To use this option, the fieldwork has to be conducted using askiavoice, in conjunction with an integrated telephony system.
• Size: The number of columns that your array will have when the option use as an array is in effect.
• Import: allows you to import sample list information or other information from a database or panel. See importation on open questions for information on this option.
• FastFinder: The FastFinder feature is useful when you need to define a very long list of response items. It enables you to access response items stored in an external database via a DSN connection and an ODBC query. See fastfinder for further information on this option.