understanding 3D matrix questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Understanding 3D Matrix Questions
• Accessing Question Management to Create New Questions
• Steps for Creating Static Row Matrix Questions
• What is an Add-a-Row Matrix? 
• Steps for Creating Add-a-Row Matrix Questions

Understanding 3D Matrix Questions

In most surveying systems, a matrix question is a closed-ended question that asks reporters to evaluate one or more row items using the same set of column choices. But your Impact Suite isn't like most surveying systems. 

Your 3D Matrix questions allow you to ask reporters to respond to both closed and open-ended questions. It can track dates, times, and even the total number of instances of various events. It's powerful.

There are two types of Matrix Questions: 

• Static Row Matrix (you determine the number and type of row items), and
  
  
• Add-a-Row Matrix (your reporter determines the number of rows dynamically)

 Below, you'll find steps for creating each type of matrix and examples of scenarios that call for each type. 

Accessing Question Management to Create New Questions

To create a new question: 

1. On the left, in your Mission Control, click Report Management.
   
   
2. On the right, under Question Management, click Create and manage questions.
   
   
3. To build questions, click Create a New Question and walk through the steps you’re prompted with on the next page.

Steps for Creating Static Row Matrix Questions

1. Add the Main Text and optionally Highlighted Text.
   
   
2. Next, select your Question Type. For more information on these question types, see this article. 
   
   
3. Once you’ve selected the 3D Matrix Question type, you will see a new section below titled 3D Matrix.
            
4. Step 1: Choose your matrix type. (Static Row Matrix).
   
5. Step 2: Create and label rows. 
   
   Give each row and name (like Reading, etc.).
6. To add 'help text' for your row items, click Optional: Help Text (Row 1).
   
   This will allow you to create a Help Text Title (will be the same for all rows) and Help Text.
   Here's what the Help Text Column looks like in a Static-Row Matrix question!
   
   
7. Add as many rows as you’d like by clicking Add Another Row.
   
   Re-order row labels by using the Move Up or Move Down links, and use the Delete link to delete any unwanted rows.
   
   
8. Step 3: Create and label columns. After labeling a column, choose the column’s question type. 
   Each column you create can use a different type of question.
   
   Once you select your column's question type, you may need to customize the column further. 
   
   For example, if we select the Date Field (Calendar Selection), you will need to select and customize how reporters will enter date values:
   
   
9. Add an unlimited number of columns with the Add Another Column link.
   
   Here’s a sample Static Row Matrix question:
   
10. In the next section, let the Impact Suite know if you would like your Reporters to respond to this question separately Identifiers belonging to one or more Groups.
    
    NOTE: If you activate this option, the entire 3D Matrix and any subquestions you create below it will appear for each Identifier.
    
    
11. Next, tell the Impact Suite which cells in the matrix are required. Either use the Make All Cells Required link or click the specific cells that will be required.
    
12. Give your question a Data Viewing Title. 
    Remember: This is the text that will be displayed above the responses to this question on the data viewing pages. This text should be specific and unique to this question.
    
    
13. Add another question by clicking Add Subquestion, or complete Step 2 (and, optionally, Steps 3, 4, and 5) and click Create this Question.

What is an Add-a-Row Matrix? 

We're glad you asked. 

Steps for Creating Add-a-Row Matrix Questions

1. Add the Main Text and optionally Highlighted Text.
   
2. Next, select your Question Type. For more information on these question types, see this article. 
   
   
3. Once you’ve selected the 3D Matrix Question type, you will see a new section below titled 3D Matrix.
            
4. Step 1: Choose your matrix type. (Add-a-Row Matrix).
   
5. Step 2: Create and label rows. Here you will give your rows a name. For example, if your reporters are tracking events you'll use the word 'Event'.
   
   
6. Step 3: Create and label columns. After labeling a column, choose the column’s question type. 
   Each column you create can use a different type of question.
   
   Once you select your column's question type, you may need to customize the column further. 
   
   For example, if we select the Date Field (Calendar Selection), you will need to select and customize how reporters will enter date values:
   
   
7. Add an unlimited number of columns with the Add Another Column link.
   
   
8. Next, you'll determine the Row Limits for your reporters.
   Here’s a sample Add-a-Row Matrix question:
   Reporters can add rows by clicking the Add new Event link.
   
   Reporters can remove added rows by clicking the remove link.
   
   As reporters add new rows, the Impact Suite will count each row as a separate event.
   
   
9. In the next section, let the Impact Suite know if you would like your Reporters to respond to this question separately Identifiers belonging to one or more Groups.
   NOTE: If you activate this option, the entire 3D Matrix and any subquestions you create below it will appear for each Identifier.
   
   
10. Next, tell the Impact Suite which cells in the matrix are required. Either use the Make All Cells Required link or click the specific cells that will be required.
    
11. Give your question a Data Viewing Title. 
    Remember: This is the text that will be displayed above the responses to this question on the data viewing pages. This text should be specific and unique to this question.
    
    
12. Add another question by clicking Add Subquestion, or complete Step 2 (and, optionally, Steps 3, 4, and 5) and click Create this Question.