Randomizing and anchoring options

List items can be shown in a randomized order to minimize respondent bias. Additionally, items can be anchored in specific positions. When the randomize tag is used on a list, all elements are displayed in random order. When the anchor decorator is added next to a list element, the item remains fixed in its position, regardless of any other ordering applied.

set list: COLORS
randomize: y
1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green {anchor: y}
5. Blue
6. Purple
7. Pink

1. Colors listed in random order, but green is anchored in place.
type: radio
optsfrom: COLORS

'randomize' tag

• The randomize tag accepts 'y' and 'n' inputs.
• randomize: y is the functional equivalent of order: [*]. 
• The randomize tag may be applied at either the list level or question level. If applied at the list level using a set list, the same randomized order will occur for a respondent for every question (or table) where the list is used. When the randomize tag is included inline at the question level, all list elements will be randomized for that question only.
• The randomize tag can be paired with the anchor decorator to keep specific options anchored in their list positions.
• The randomize tag can be used as a decorator or as a column header in a sheet to randomize collections organized by collection headers.
• Applying the randomize tag to a group randomizes both its questions and their option sets.

'anchor' decorator

• The anchor decorator accepts 'y' and 'n' inputs.
• anchor: y functions the same as using shorthand notations with '^' or '$' in the order tag.
• The anchor decorator may be applied at either the list level or question level. If applied at the list level using a set list, the list element is anchored in every question (or table) where the list is used. When the anchor decorator is included inline at the question level, the list element is anchored for that question only.
• The anchor decorator can be used as a column header in a sheet to anchor list items grouped by collection headers.
• If a question or table uses the randomize or order tag and also includes exclusive options or autoother options, these options are automatically anchored in their positions. The anchor decorator is not needed. You can modify this behavior with the survey's set defaults.

Additional examples

Using 'randomize' at the question level

2. Colors listed in random order.
type: radio
randomize: y
1. Red
2. Orange
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Purple
7. Pink

Randomizing rows and columns in a table

3. Select the material wanted for each piece of clothing per season.
type: radio table
randomize: y
1. Cotton
2. Wool
3. Blend 
rows:
randomize: y
1. Winter
2. Spring
3. Summer
4. Fall
columns:
randomize: y
1. Socks
2. Pants
3. Shirts

Using 'randomize' and 'anchor' with collection headers

set list: ICECREAMS
100. Cream based {collection header: y} {randomize: y}
1. Fior di latte
2. Cookies and Cream
3. Vanilla
200. Chocolate based {collection header: y} {randomize: y}
4. Choco-cookie crunch
5. Rocky Road
6. Milk chocolate
7. Dark chocolate {anchor: y}

4. What is your favorite ice cream?
type: checkbox
optsfrom: ICECREAMS

Removing default anchors for autoothers and exclusive options

1. Which of the following fruits have you eaten?
type: checkbox
randomize: y
anchor autoother: n
1. Apple
2. Orange
3. Banana
4. Pear
5. Grapes
97. Other {autoother: y}