There are several methods to create and manage sets of elements in our software: inline lists, setlists, derived lists, and spreadsheets.
- Inline lists: Integrated into the question text.
- Setlists: Defined in the survey source but separate from questions.
- Derived lists: Referenced from previous questions or tables.
- Spreadsheets: External files linked to the survey.
List-related terminology
- Set: A set of elements used in the survey (e.g., brands, products), synonymous with "list" elements.
- Element: An individual item in a set (e.g., Diet Coke).
- Option: An individual item in a set; more specifically, they are the answer choices in a question or table. When referring to a question, the word "option" is interchangeable with the word "element." When referring to a table, elements refer to the various questions (often the rows) and options refer to the answer choices (often the columns).
- Subset: A smaller group within a set (e.g., only main brands).
- Attribute: Metadata for elements, such as images or conditions. Attributes are defined by element decorators.
-
Listcall: Tags like
optsfrom
orrowsfrom
used to reference a set of elements.
List creation methods
Inline lists
An inline list is a set embedded in the question.
1. What is your favorite diet cola? type: radio 1. Diet Coke 2. Diet Pepsi 3. Diet RC Cola 97. Other {autoother: y; size: 10} 2. How often do you do the following? type: radio table 1. Never 2. Seldom 3. Often 4. Daily rows: 1. Go for a walk 2. Read a book 3. Watch TV 4. Cook a meal
Usage
Best for single-use lists, as it's simple to program and aligns closely with survey documents. Inline lists can also be referenced later (e.g., optsfrom: Q1
). They also are preferred when programming in IntelliBuilder.
For more information, see: Creating lists and Referencing lists.
Setlists
A setlist
is created independently in the survey source and referenced by questions.
set list: DIET_SODAS
1. Diet Coke
2. Diet Pepsi
3. Diet RC Cola
1. What is your favorite diet cola?
type: radio
optsfrom: DIET_SODAS
Usage
Ideal for reusable sets or sets with attributes. However, larger or more complex sets are better managed with spreadsheets.
Derived lists
A derived list is a set of elements that is initially listed inline with a question, then referenced in other questions. Derived lists are then pulled into the question via listcalls like any other setlist
. Like a setlist
, when a derived list is used, all options are pulled into the question or table (unless otherwise specified).
1. Which of the following items do you typically buy when shopping? type: checkbox 1. Apples 2. Milk 3. Lunch meat 4. Bread 5. Chocolate 2. Which of the following items do you enjoy most? type: radio optsfrom: Q1.options 3. How frequently do you buy these items? type: radio table 1. Never 2. Rarely 3. Occasionally 4. Frequently rowsfrom: Q1.options
Usage
Great for reusing sets of elements. Derived lists can be transformed (e.g., options later reused as rows or columns) and also support decorators like explain
or text
.
Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet (or sheet) is a separate document hosted within your survey and referenced by the survey code, as in the example below:
1. What is your favorite diet cola?
type: radio
optsfrom: surveyid.diet_soda_sheet
Usage
Best for large sets or those with many attributes. Spreadsheets simplify organization, visualization, and client collaboration.
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