Why are respondents not able to move past the required questions?

If respondents report that they are having issues progressing past a page in the survey, consider if you have the Required to Answer feature active on the questions (e.g. those questions that have an asterisk next to them):

 

Scenario 1: 

The survey has Open-Ended questions with multiple input boxes. Respondents will need to put an answer in every textbox in order to completely answer the question.

  • If the respondent answers 1 or 2 prompts out of 4, he/she may think that the question has been answered, but our system will require some kind of response in every input box. 
  • We would recommend that the respondent type "N/A" into the areas that do not apply.

 

Scenario 2: 

If the survey has Matrix/Rating questions created, then respondents will have to make a selection for every "row" if the feature is set for "all rows" to be answered.

  • If he/she answers 2 out of let's say 5 total matrix rows, the respondent may think that the question is answered. 
  • However, our system requires all rows to have an answer choice marked (unless you specify otherwise if you choose to limit the answer choice).

 

Enable a Limitation: If respondents are getting an error message that the answer is required and the question has been answered, then you need to check the "limit" placed on the Required to Answer feature.  View the following topic to learn more:

arrow  Can I set a limit or range on the answer choices?

 

lightbulb Tips for Using Required Answers:

When using this feature, edit the error message for that question. By default, the error message reads, "This question requires an answer."

 

1. Edit Message:

You will want that message to reflect why it requires an answer. If there is skip logic, perhaps mention that an answer choice needs to be selected in order to properly move respondents through the survey. 

arrow Learn more: How do I customize the error message for Required Answers?

 

2. Edit Color of Error Message:

You may want to edit the color of the error message so it stands out to your respondents. If you have a dark background color, use a bright or lighter color for the error message.

If the color is dark too, then it may blend in with the question and respondents will not notice it. You can edit the color of the error message under the Theme Editor.

arrow Learn more: How can I edit the survey theme?

 

3. Applying Limits or Text Validations:

If you choose to apply limits of how many answer choices are allowed or establish a text validation for the question, make sure to test your parameters.

  • It is always important to test the survey link as if you were a respondent.
  • Then you can see how the required features or text validations work. You can customize your error messages accordingly so respondents know exactly what is expected of them.