Matrix and multi-matrix
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Novi Survey support sophisticated both matrix and multi-matrix questions. Matrix questions have one segment and multi-matrix questions have multiple segments. A segment corresponds to a set of related columns in the matrix. For example, a segment may be used to rate items represented in the rows for the question (see also figure below).



Two types of segment are supported:



See Adding a new question for help on fields common to all question types.



Constrain the number of answers for a matrix question or make the matrix question 'required':



For each segment in a matrix, the number of answers expected per row, column and segment can be specified. By setting these values, it is possible to constrain the answers to matrix questions. For example, in a rating matrix segment with 3 rows and 6 columns (1 - 5 and NA), setting the minimum and maximum answer count per row to 1 will ensure that every row has an answer.



Defines the rows in the question. The rows are common to all segments. The text for each row must be provided for each of the languages in the survey.

Option Randomize rows controls the order in which the rows will be shown in the matrix when respondents take the survey. By default, the rows are shown in the order in which they appear in the table (see illustration). If Randomize rows is selected, the order of the rows will be determined randomly when the page is presented to a respondent.

Option Hide row labels controls if the rows are shown to the participants.

Option "Heading" produces a row that spans the spans the width of the matrix with no other content than the text for the row (see row 'Type of service' in the example above).

For each row, in the matrix, option Heading defines if the row corresponds to a header that spans all of the columns of the matrix question. Rows set as heading can be used to partition the matrix in groups of logically related row. No data entry widget is shown in a row set as a heading.

Rows can be reordered by drag and drop using the drag handle in the first columns of the table.

To add a new row, use the Add row button or use Define in bulk.

To delete a row, use the Remove button. Rows that are referenced by page conditions and report filters cannot be deleted until the conditions or filters are deleted.



Matrix segments

The matrix segments for the question define the columns and the type of responses expected for each row.

To add a new segment to the question use button "Add segment".

To delete a segment, use button "Delete Segment". Segments that are referenced by page conditions or report filters cannot be deleted until the conditions or filters are deleted.

Field Segment heading define the text shown in the header for the segment. The segment heading is optional.

Field Column type specifies the type for the segment, either Rating or Label (see above for more details).

Field Position rel. to row text specifies whether the segment will be displayed to the right or to the left of the row text for the matrix (row text is defined in field Matrix rows as detailed above).

Dependency between segments and data exports: the data is data export depends on the organization of the segments in the questions. See define export.



Rating segments

Example: if a rating segment with values from 1 to 5 is defined for the question and a respondent select value 1 for a row with the Invert ratings option selected. Novi Survey will record the value as 5 rather than 1. Similarly, if the selected value is 2, the recorded value is 4 etc.

Rating inversion is especially useful for psychological surveys that ask a series or positively and negatively stated questions relating to the same topic.

Note that after responses are gathered for the matrix, the rating inversion option should not be changed as it would modify the meaning of the values recorded for responses.

The segments will comprise columns for each of the rank between the low rank value and the high rank value. For example, if the low rank value is set to 1 and the high rank value is set to 3, the segment will include columns with headers 1, 2, and 3.



Label segments





Slider cell value: When the cell value is set to "Slider", the following options are available that influence the visual appearance of the slider:




To reorder the columns, drag and drop the rows in the "Columns" table. As discussed above, the order of the columns is meaningful only when option Randomize columns is not set.



See also How to use the rich text editor, How to spell check the content of a page