The derived answers option allows you to derive answer options from previous questions within the same survey into a subsequent question.
This feature can be used to prompt additional information based on the answers a respondent has given, or to represent the same answer options against a different or amended concept.
“Derive answers” is available for multiple question types, including single and multiple choice, grid, and cart sort questions. You will find the option to derive answers once you have added a question type to your form. The option to derive answers will appear below the text box where you enter your question text. Once you turn on the toggle button, you will be directed to select the previous question from which you would like to derive your answers.
Editing which answers to derive, and who will see them
When you have turned on the feature and derived your answers, an additional section, “Derived options” will appear below the answers.
“Avoid if only one answer option selected” – Selecting this will automatically divert anyone who only chose one previous answer past the question where you turn on derived answers. For example, if you wanted to refine a choice of multiple previous answers down to a single choice, you would not need to show this question to people who only selected a single answer previously.
“Use unchosen answers” – The default setting for derived answers is to show the answers a participant has previously chosen. However, by selecting this option you can amend the list of derived answers to include only the ones that were not chosen previously.
As with other question types and answers, you can also randomise or require answers by using the additional settings listed.
Once you have finished adding or editing any text or settings that you need to, you can submit the question then save the form.
Options for individual answers
Always Show – If you select this option the answer will always show to the respondent whether they selected it in the previous question, or not.
Never Show – If you select this option the answer will never show. This is useful if the answer option does not apply in the follow up question.
Defer – this is the default option for every answer unless ‘Always Show’ or ‘Never Show’ are selected. It indicates that the answer will show to the respondent based on their selection at the previous question, and whether you have chosen for chosen or unchosen answers to be derived.