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In the event the answer list for a Multi question is very long, for example hundreds of options, you can provide the respondents with the possibility to search the answer list so they can more easily find the answers they wish to use. To do this, go to the question's Properties > Advanced WI Features tab and check the Searchable answer list box (go to Advanced WI Features for more information). The functionality then available to the respondent is as follows (note that in this example the answer list is not very long, but the principles are the same).
Important
This functionality relies on JavaScript. If JavaScript has been disabled on the respondent's PC, or if the survey is being rendered in the Generic Mobiles mode (selected in the Survey Settings > Survey Channels page, then this question type should not be used. It is possible to test if JavaScript is enabled and also if the rendering mode supports this question type by using the following expression:
DynamicQuestionsEnabled() && GetRenderingMode()=="desktop"
If the above code is added to the Question Mask of a searchable multi, then the question will be skipped if it is not possible for the searchable multi question to function correctly.
When the relevant Multi question is presented to the respondent, it will include a "Search" field above the answer list and a "Selected" field below, as shown below - .
Note: In the event the answer list is very long, the list will initially display the first 100 answers with the option to search (through all the answers, displayed or not). In addition, below the list will be a Load More link. Click this link to load the next 100 answers into the list. The link will remain visible until there are no more answers to load.
Figure 1 - Example of an answer list with the Searchable property activated
The respondent can start to type the first characters of the desired answer into the Search field, and the answer list will reduce to include only those answers that correspond to the characters typed. In this example the respondent has typed the letter "t" into the search field, so all answers that do not start with the letter "t" have been removed from the list - .
Figure 2 - The answer list reduces as characters are typed into the search field
When the list is reduced enough that the respondent can find the desired answer easily, he/she can select that answer and it will be copied to the Selected field below the answer list - .
Figure 3 - An answer is added to the Selected Answers field
The respondent can then return to the search field, clear it and type in new search characters to find more answers as required - .
Figure 4 - Finding further answers using other search characters
Once the respondent has found and selected all the desired answers, they merely click the Next button as normal to progress to the next question.