Survey logic is the key to customized and relevant surveys. It allows you to create a more personalized survey experience by displaying questions based on previous responses or other conditions. So respondents will only see questions that are relevant to them. In this blog post, we will explain what survey logic is and why it’s important. We’ll also dive into the different types of survey logic available and how they can be used to enhance accuracy and personalize your surveys. 

What is Survey Logic?

Survey Logic is a method of customizing surveys by using conditional statements and rules. It enables researchers to skip irrelevant questions and show follow-up questions based on previous responses. By improving the survey experience for participants, Survey Logic can help increase response rates and data quality. There are different types of Survey Logic available, including branching logic, skip logic, display logic, and piping.

The Importance of Survey Logic

Survey logic enables researchers to skip irrelevant questions, show follow-up questions based on previous responses, rank choices, and use net promoter score (NPS) or quota logic while tailoring survey responses to respondents’ answers. Online surveys that integrate complex conditional logic or multi-question branching rely on survey software that can handle such complexity. By implementing logic format such as skip or display logic that hides certain questions, you can create personalized surveys that are shorter yet more engaging than traditional long-form questionnaires.

Making Surveys Logical with Logic Rules

Customizing your question type according to respondents’ answers lead to fewer irrelevant questions and more reliable results. It leads to better completion rates. Not only does this increase response rates but also improves engagement. Additionally, one needs to carefully plan before using follow-up questions such as checkbox or ranking questions. Finally, test your surveys thoroughly on various devices such as smartphones or desktops to get optimal results.

Types of Survey Logic

To create a survey that is both efficient and personalized, it’s important to make use of survey logic. This involves using skip logic, display logic, and branching logic to ensure that each respondent only sees questions that are relevant to them. Here are some of the survey logic formats one can use depending on the type of survey created.

Skip logic and branching

Skip logic, also known as branching logic or conditional branching, allows respondents to skip certain questions or sections based on their previous answers. It ensures that participants only come across questions that are relevant to them. This will improve a survey’s efficiency and reduce respondent burden. Skip logic can be based on various criteria, such as multiple-choice selections, numerical values, or open-ended responses.

Branching logic is similar to skip logic but is used to direct respondents to different sections of a survey based on their responses.  For example, based on a respondent’s answer to a demographic question, they may be directed to a section specific to their age group or occupation.

Piping logic

Piping logic, also known as carry forward logic. This involves prefilling subsequent questions with previous responses. It allows survey designers to reference or display answers from earlier questions within the survey, providing context and allowing for continuity. This can be particularly useful in situations where later questions depend on or build upon earlier responses.

Quota logic

Quota logic is used when a survey sample represents a specific demographic or target groups accurately. It sets predefined quotas for different segments of the population. This includes age, gender, or geographic location. Once a quota for a particular group is filled, respondents who belong to that group may be directed to a message indicating that the survey is no longer available to them.

Randomization logic

Randomization logic is employed to counteract order bias, where the order of questions can influence responses. It involves randomizing the order of questions or answer options for different respondents. This ensures that each participant receives a unique order of questions to  improve the survey’s validity.

Looping logic

Looping logic allows for the repetition of a set of questions based on certain conditions. It is useful when survey designers want to gather detailed information on a specific topic. The survey will offer respondents the option to repeat a section based on their experiences or preferences. For example, in a customer satisfaction survey, if a respondent indicates they have used multiple products, a section evaluating each product can be repeated for each item.

Adding Survey Logic: IF, OR, AND, THEN

IF Logic helps in creating customized questions based on previous answers while OR Logic offers multiple options for a question allowing the respondent to choose one or more responses. AND Logic uses multiple criteria to determine the relevance of a question. The THEN Logic directs respondents towards specific follow-up questions based on their previous answers.

Conclusion

Applying survey logic to different set of questions is a dynamic way to collect non-biased and authentic data. Logic is required to keep surveys relevant for the audience and bring a high response rate. Merren offers templates with readymade surveys and logic options. Alternatively, we also have an AI survey builder that can instantly create surveys without the need for cognitive loading. You can demo test every survey across any device type be it smartphone or laptops. Sign up for a 14 day free trial and create your own market research survey questionnaire with our robust tools.