Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions are free-response questions, where answers are not a pre-defined set. Because a respondent can type in any response (governed by data type and response length), the question is described as "open." The answers from these question types are stored and exported as a text such as "yes". Explore the links below to learn about the different types of open-end questions.

text

The text question type (type: text) defines a single-line text field that a respondent can enter text into. Unless specified with additional tags, there is no limit to the amount of text that can be entered, nor are there any restrictions against the text that is entered.

textbox

The textbox question type (type: textbox) defines a multi-line text input control. Unless specified with additional tags, a textbox question can hold an unlimited number of characters.

number and integer

The question types number and integer (type: number and type: integer) accept only specific types of numeric input. Number questions accept positive and negative integers and decimals, as well as '0', whereas integer questions accept only positive and negative integers, plus '0'. 

uszip5

The uszip5 question type (type: uszip5) accepts five digit responses that match known US ZIP codes. 

date

The date question type (type: date) defines a date control that is activated by clicking in a text field. Respondents can either type the date into the field or use the automated date picker that is displayed when the respondent clicks in the field. 

password

The password question type (type: password) defines a password field in which the characters entered are masked.

hidden

The hidden question type (type: hidden) creates an input field that does not render on the screen, but does generate HTML elements and has a function on the survey page. Hidden fields are used for storing calculated values that are derived from other questions or variables within the survey.

upload

The upload question type (type: upload) defines a file-select field and a 'Browse...' or 'Choose File' button for file uploads.

slider

The slider question type (type: slider) is an interactive exercise and allows respondents to select one response by moving an indicator in a horizontal fashion from left to right.

star

The star question type (type: star) is an interactive rating system using stars and allows respondents to select one response.