QUALTRICS 101 - 4/10 - maTRIX TABLES, SKIP LOGIC, DISPLAY LOGIC
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Video 4 – Matrix Tables, Skip Logic, and Display Logic
Summary of Topics Covered:
• Introduction to matrix table question type
• Setting up gambling frequency questions
• Using skip logic and display logic
• Recoding values for data analysis
• Previewing the survey for different devices
Script:
Welcome to the fourth video! In this video, I’ll show you another new question type: the matrix table. Additionally, I’ll cover how to ask questions to certain respondents using skip and display logic.
Let’s start with the matrix table question type. For this example, we’ll focus on gambling frequency. The question will ask, “During the last 12 months, how often did you gamble for money on each of the following activities?” We have eight different types of gambling listed, such as buying lottery tickets and instant scratch tickets, with frequency response options.
First, create a new block and name it “Gambling Frequency”. Then, create a new question within this block and name it “Gambling Frequency” as well. Note that there’s a limit on how many characters you can use in variable names, so use abbreviations if necessary.
Change the question type to “Matrix Table”. This format allows you to easily set up multiple related questions with consistent response options. Use the Rich Content Editor to make important text, like “During the last 12 months”, stand out. You can make it bold or underline it.
To save time, prepare your list of gambling activities in a Word document and copy-paste them into the matrix table. Unfortunately, this method doesn’t work for column headers, so you’ll need to enter those manually.
Ensure forced response is enabled so participants must answer each question. Recoding values is also essential for data analysis. Click the gear icon and select “Recode Values”. Assign values that make sense for your analysis, such as coding “Never” as 1 and “Daily” as 5. Remember, this matrix table question will generate multiple variables in your dataset, one for each gambling activity.
Next, we’ll add a follow-up question: “Have you gambled on any of these forms online, including using smartphone apps?” This will be a simple yes/no question. Ensure you rename the variable to “Gamble Online” and enable forced response.
This question might not be relevant for all respondents. If someone selects “Never” for all gambling activities in the past 12 months, there’s no point in asking about online gambling. This is where skip logic and display logic come in.
Skip logic determines what happens after a respondent answers a question. If they select “Never” for all eight gambling activities, use skip logic to skip them to the end of the block. Display logic determines whether a question should be shown based on previous answers. For the online gambling question, display it only if the respondent hasn’t selected “Never” for all eight activities.
To set skip logic, click on the “Gambling Frequency” question and set the condition: if “Never” is selected eight times, skip to the end of the block. For display logic, set the condition that the online gambling question should only be shown if “Never” is selected fewer than eight times.
These are two ways to achieve the same outcome: ensuring that non-gamblers aren’t asked irrelevant questions. You don’t need to use both skip logic and display logic simultaneously; either one will suffice.
In this video, we’ve covered how to set up a matrix table question, use skip logic and display logic, and recode values for easier data analysis. In the next video, I’ll outline how to use scales in a survey. We’ll use the Problem Gambling Severity Index as an example and show how to score a scale within a survey and customize its appearance.
See you in the next video!