testnote tag

testnote is a tag that allows the Survey Programmer (SP) to share information with survey testers. Text written at the testnote tag appears in the Testmode Toolbar and in the Testnotes applet. The text does not appear in survey reports or anywhere that is respondent-facing. 

This article discusses the testnote tag and widget and the Testmode Toolbar. For reviewing and downloading testnotes in the applet, see Testnotes. 

Syntax

testnote can be a standalone widget or affixed to a question as a tag. 

If using IntelliBuilder, affix testnote to a question, so the note appears under the question text. Otherwise, it will show as a separate programming comment.

testnote: Content to display here

Examples

'testnote' as a widget

Create as many testnote widgets as needed. There can be an additional line between each testnote, or they can be placed one after another, as shown below. The text can also include piping to aid testers.

8. Which of the following methods of exercise do you prefer most?
type: radio
randomize: y
1. Walking
2. Running/jogging
3. Cycling (road biking, mountain biking)
4. Cardio equipment (ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc.)
5. Lifting weights
6. Exercise classes

testnote: Should we add an 'Other' opt to this? What about things like yoga?
testnote: Your previous answer was $Q7_text.

'testnote' as a tag

Place the testnote tag directly on the question widget. If you are programming in IntelliBuilder, this is the preferred method.

8A. Which of the following methods of exercise do you prefer most?
type: radio
randomize: y
1. Walking
2. Running/jogging
3. Cycling (road biking, mountain biking)
4. Cardio equipment (ellipticals, stationary bikes, etc.)
5. Lifting weights
6. Exercise classes
testnote: Should we add an 'Other' opt to this? What about things like yoga?

Viewing testnotes in IntelliBuilder

In IntelliBuilder, any testnote tag added to a question will appear as a programming note, directly beneath the question text and other programming directives. 

Viewing testnotes while testing

When a testnote widget or tag has been included in survey source, it will be indicated under the NOTES section of the Testmode Toolbar. If the testnote was added as a tag attached to a displayed variable, it will also be shown in the source when the View Survey Source button has been clicked, as shown below. Standalone testnote widgets will not be shown with the source code and will only appear under the NOTES section.

If the toolbar has been minimized while viewing a page with testnotes on it, the NOTES section will appear and display a green circle with a number in it, indicating the number of notes on that survey page. To view the testnotes, click the >> button to expand the Testmode Toolbar, and the NOTES section will appear with any testnotes listed in it. Note that if a testnote widget is not on a page with visible content, it will be shown on the next available page with content.

Users should also note that the green Notes icon is not strictly for testnotes and may also indicate other items such as display or selection logic, or hidden value assignments.