Forum Discussion

MelodieLuckman-'s avatar
MelodieLuckman-
Community Member
17 hours ago

Self-Scoring Questionnaire Not Calculating Properly

Hi everyone!

I’m relatively new to Articulate Storyline 360. I’ve built some simple courses, but nothing this complex. I’m trying to build a self-scoring Communication Styles questionnaire where, after answering 30 questions, the learner receives one of four styles based on their calculated results. This is definitely a stretch assignment for me!

Here’s what I’ve done so far:

  • Built each question slide with button-based answer choices
  • Created button sets per question
  • Used “Adjust Variable” triggers to assign numeric values (1–4) to responses
  • Created total variables for two sets of questions (Q1–Q15 and Q16–Q30)

My goal is to:

  1. Add Q1-Q15 variables together and divide by 15
  2. Add Q16-Q30 variables together and divide by 15
  3. Compare those two averages
  4. Show one of four results based on the combination

Where I’m stuck:
ChatGPT suggested using the fx button in the trigger panel to create a calculation formula, but I don’t see an fx option in my triggers. When I click the value field, it only allows me to choose a static number from a dropdown.

Am I approaching this incorrectly?
Should I be using a different type of variable or trigger?
Is there a better way to structure the scoring logic for this type of assessment?

I’ve attached:

  • My .story file
  • An open-source example I’m trying to model this after

Any guidance (or gentle correction!) would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

e-learning development

1 Reply

  • JudyNollet's avatar
    JudyNollet
    Super Hero
    16 hours ago

    I have no idea where ChatGPT got the idea that there was an "fx button" in Storyline. Glad you came here to the community instead. 

    In Storyline, calculations are done one operation at a time. For example, here's a set of triggers to get the total from Q1-Q3, and then figure the average. 

    • A trigger sets the variable to 0 first. That ensures it is reset if the user returns to the slide. The following triggers add variable values. 
    • FYI: In the Trigger Wizard window, a dashed underline indicates that the item is editable. That's how you can select Set vs. math operations and how you can set a specific number vs. using another variable's value.

     

    For simplicity, I like to put calculation triggers on a layer. That's why the "when" in the example triggers is "when the timeline starts on this layer." 

    • The layer's timeline would be set as short as possible. T
    • The final trigger would hide the layer when the layer's timeline ends.
    • The Slide Layer Properties would be "Reset to initial state." 
    • The trigger to show the layer could be attached to a "calculate" button, or could run when the user reaches the slide. 

     

    I don't know what you plan to show based on the results. Here's an example of how to show a layer if the Assert_Avg variable > the Resp_Avg variable. This trigger would come after all the calculation triggers. 

     

    Here are posts that you might find helpful: 

     

    Calculations can also be done with JavaScript. If you search the community, I'm sure you'll find examples.