Shuffling Questions in Forms

With Form Builder Pro, you can shuffle the order of questions in your forms to provide a unique experience for each respondent. This guide explains how to use the shuffle feature and the rules governing shuffled questions.

Sequential vs. Shuffle Sort Types

When generating a form, you can select the sorting type from the Sort Type section in the dialog. Let's compare the two options:

  1. Sequential: Questions appear in the same order as they are listed in your data sheet. The first question in the sheet becomes the first question in the form, and so on.
  2. Shuffle: Questions are randomized within the form, offering a fresh layout each time the form is generated.

How Shuffle Works

When generating a form with the shuffle option:

  • Questions are randomized, but the numbering adjusts automatically to match the shuffled order.
  • Delimiters such as sections and titles remain fixed in their assigned positions. Questions are shuffled only within the boundaries defined by these delimiters.

Step-by-Step Example

Here’s an example to illustrate:

  1. Create a form in your data sheet with 5 Short Answer and 5 Linear Scale components.
  2. Generate the form with the Sequential sort type. You’ll notice the questions appear in the exact order they are listed in the sheet.
  3. Now, regenerate the form, select the Shuffle sort type, and click Create. The questions will appear in a randomized order.

Pay attention to the numbering—the questions are shuffled, but sections and titles remain in their respective places. This ensures the overall structure and flow of the form is preserved.

Advanced Example with Sections

Let’s take it further with sections, images, and titles:

  1. Add an image and title at the top of the form, another set in the middle, and create a three-page form using Section components.
  2. On the last page, include 5 Paragraph components.
  3. Generate the form with the Shuffle sort type. You’ll see:
    • Questions shuffle only within their respective sections or pages.
    • Titles, images, and section headers remain in their designated places.

If you send the form to 10 respondents, each will see a unique question order, but the structure defined by sections and titles remains intact.

Key Points to Remember

  • Delimiters: Sections and titles act as boundaries for shuffling. Questions shuffle only within these limits.
  • Use Cases: Shuffling is ideal for quizzes and surveys to minimize order bias and ensure fair responses.

Watch the Video Tutorial

For a full demonstration of the shuffle feature, watch our tutorial video. This video explains how to set up your sheet and generate forms with shuffled questions.

Watch the video here (at 35m:36s).