Coding an Answer

Coding data is transferred on a page-by-page basis (not for the entire working data at once), the maximum number of answers that can be displayed on the page while coding is set in Home > User Settings > Coding screen size filed.

To code an answer:

1. Read the Answer Text you wish to code.
2. In the Answers Frame in the upper-right corner of the window - , choose a code appropriate to the respondent's answer.
3. Type the code into the Codes field for the selected answer text.
4. Use the Enter key or the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the cursor to the next field.

The Answers Frame text corresponding to the typed code is added to the Answers column opposite the Answer Text.

As answers are coded, updates to the page are made when you click Save or the navigation buttons. You will then see only the remaining un-coded answers.

Figure 1 - Coding the answers

The Codes that have been added originally to the single/multi question (those that are displayed in the Answers Frame) might be changed or added to. Whenever a code is changed or added, it is reflected in the code field with the corresponding code words (such changes will take effect only after survey re-launch).

Each answer has a corresponding edit box. Arrow keys or the Enter key can be used to move between these edit fields. The codes that are added or changed are saved whenever the navigation keys are pressed or the Save button is clicked.

Codes must be entered that correspond to the codes defined for the single/multi question. Should a code be entered which is not included in the code list of the single/multi question, a system-generated error message will appear, warning you that a valid code must be entered.

For answer alternatives with multi-punches, separate the codes with a comma, a dot or a space.

If you wish to stop coding one question and start coding another, click the Back button. This will return you to the list of assigned questions, where you can select another question to work with.

If you check the Keep empty fields un-coded box, the answers that have been shown on a page but which have not been coded, will be re-displayed the next time you search with the search property Uncoded selected. If you do not check the Keep empty fields un-coded box, the answers will be counted as coded once they are displayed on a page.

If you check the Suppress empty fields box, any answers that have been left empty by interviewers will not be included in the answers list. If you do not check the Suppress empty fields box, any empty answers will be displayed.