TIP: Track Responses to Custom Questions or Surveys

Apr 05, 2021

Do you want to customize a course based on the results of a survey? Do you want to create questions that assign different point values to different responses? In other words, do you want to track responses? 

You can do that by adjusting the values of number variables based on which buttons are selected. Then add up those values, and use that "total score" to customize what happens next.

The attached demo file shows you how. It includes two examples: 

  • how to track multiple single-response items (like a Likert scale)
  • how to track multiple-response slides

In addition to the demos, the file explains how the triggers work. 

I hope this is helpful for those who want to track custom surveys and/or create question slides that assign different values to each response (instead of just grading right or wrong). 

7 Replies
Judy Nollet

Hi, Craig,

Based on what you described in a comment on your question (https://community.articulate.com/discussions/building-better-courses/non-graded-assesments ), I think you could use built-in graded questions and a Results slide. However, to branch the way you want, do this:

  • Delete the triggers for showing the Success and Failure layers, as well as the trigger for submitting the results.
  • Delete the Success and Failure layers.
  • Add layers for each score range. Put the appropriate info on each layer. (For example, "You should enroll in Math 101.") 
  • Add triggers to show the appropriate layer based on the user's score. This could be done via points or percentage.
  • As an example, the Trigger and Layers panels might end up looking something like this: 

 

If you do want to create a completely customized file, you can start with whatever design/template you want. Be aware that my demo file doesn't use built-in graded questions nor survey questions. I simply inserted the necessary radio buttons (for single-response items) and check boxes (for multiple-response items). 

Note: I also put the radio buttons into appropriate button sets. That automatically does the programming to ensure only one button in the set can be selected. 

The demo file provides instructions re: the variables and conditions used to provide customized feedback. 

For more info about button sets, conditions, and variables, check out the User Guide: 

It's worth the time to learn about these. They provide the real power in Storyline. 

Stacy Eddleton

This is very helpful.  Thanks for the demo.  Do you know of a way to show a summary of the items that they selected?  I have about 50 items and want them to select the 10 that apply to them.  I want to show which ones they selected at the end.  I'm still pretty new to Storyline but hoping to be able to do this.

Judy Nollet

Hi, Stacy,

Using just Storyline's tools, you'd need to have a slide set up with all 50 items, and then show or hide each item based on a variable that tracks whether or not the learner selected that item. Unfortunately, that means you end up with a lot of blank space, because you can't re-arrange the items. 

JavaScript allows for combining info from different sources (e.g., the name of each item selected) and then presenting it via one text field. If you really need that functionality, search the Forum. I know I've seen it talked about. But I don't have that expertise. 

Judy Nollet

Kim: As noted in the original post, this tracking is for use within the course, such as for branching based on the results. It's not for reporting.

If you want Storyline to send responses to an LMS, you need to use graded- and/or survey-questions, plus include a corresponding Results slide.