Array by column question type | LimeSurvey

Array by column

About Array by column

Array by column is an array turned around: the items are the columns and the scale runs down the rows. Participants pick one point in every column. Use it when you compare a few items side by side, for example three brands rated on the same scale.

An Array by column question as participants see it, with two areas numbered 1 and 2, three brands as columns and the scale Good, Average, Poor and No answer as rows

In the picture: 1 the subquestions, one column per item, 2 the answer options, the scale in the rows.

Add an Array by column question

  1. Click the purple + in the top bar. The question type picker opens.

  2. Under Array, click Array by column. The question appears at the end of the current question group.

  3. Click Your question here and type your question.

  4. Type the items and the points of the scale. The items are subquestions and appear as columns, the scale consists of answer options and appears as rows. See Add subquestions and answer options.

Settings that matter

Select the question to open its settings on the right.

  • Answer order (Advanced > Display): changes the order of the answer options.
  • Mandatory (Simple tab): On requires a point in every column and removes No answer.

How the answers are stored

Every column is stored on its own: the first column of a question with the code Q029 is Q029_SQ001, and its value is the code of the chosen point, for example A002. In the export, each item is a column.

Next steps

FAQ

When should I use Array by column instead of Array (Point choice)?

When you have few items and a long scale. The items then fit side by side, and participants compare them directly. With many items, use Array (Point choice), which grows downward instead of sideways.

Does it work on phones?

Every item needs its own column, so keep it to about three or four items. More columns get too narrow on small screens.