Masking Code Boxes
A new function within Snap 9 gives the ability to hide or mask code boxes of one single- or multiple-response questions. Mask expressions which reference other questions are termed dynamic masks and can be used in offline and online (web) questionnaires.
Masks which do not reference questions are termed static masks and they can be used in offline, online and paper questionnaires. They are particularly useful when you have a grid question where some of the responses are not required for certain individual questions.
This month we look at exactly that situation: applying a static mask to a grid question. Next month's worksheet will demonstrate the use of dynamic masks for electronic questionnaires.
Step By Step
Step 1
Whilst in the Questionnaire Design Window, locate the question you wish to Mask.
Step 2
Click & Drag with your left Mouse button to highlight the individual questions that you wish to Mask. In this example we will highlight Q6d and Q6e.
Step 3
Click the Variable Properties icon to bring up the Variable Properties of the selected questions.
Step 4
Click in the section entitled ‘Mask’ and type ‘not 5’. This will then exclude Code Value 5 from the possible answers. Click to save your settings.
Note: the Mask will not be visible in the Questionnaire Design Window.
Step 5
Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 as above, but this time highlight Q6a and Q6b - the two remaining questions which you wish to Mask the ‘Don’t Know’ Code Boxes.
Step 6
Click again in the section entitled ‘Mask’ but instead type ‘1~4’. This will then only include Code Values 1 to 4 and will thus hide the 5 th Code Box. Alternatively you could use ‘not 5’ again.
Step7
Click to save your settings.
Step 8
To preview the Mask as it would function on Paper or in a Web Browser.