Google Forms is a tool used to collect data or opinions through surveys. But it can do so much more. Typically, it takes the form of a questionnaire, where participants are prompted to answer questions in a linear sequence. But occasionally, you may need branching logic or nested questions in your Google Forms.
This shows the user different questions based on their answers, bypassing questions that don’t pertain to them. Branching in Google Forms is ideal when parts of your questionnaire are mutually exclusive. Here’s how to set it all up.
How to Make Users See Questions Based on Their Answers in Google Forms
We’ll introduce the concept of nested questions or branching logic in Google Forms through an example.
Let’s say you want to find out which vacation spots your respondents prefer as a holiday destination from cities in Greece, Spain, and France.
A linear survey cannot achieve this easily. Respondents who choose Greece should be taken to a subsequent question that has only Greek cities; likewise for the other countries in the survey.
Here is a flowchart showing what we are aiming to achieve with our Google Forms.
You’ll first have to set up each question in your survey. They are referred to asSectionsin Google Forms. EachSectionis represented by a parallelogram in our flowchart.
After setting up the basics, you’ll need to make modifications to ensure your form navigates respondents to specific questions based on their answers non-linearly. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
That’s it! You should be all set. Click on thePreviewbutton on the top right of your Google Forms to check whether your branching logic has been successfully implemented.
While this is a basic example, Google Forms allows for more intricate branching, where sections can intersect, directing respondents through a varied sequence. Below is the simple branching Google Forms we created as our example. You can test it out if you wish.
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Google has packed its Forms with a repertoire of features, including the ability to add nested questions, but you can get even more out of yourGoogle Forms with add-ons.
And, if you want to get still more savvy with the way you use Google’s survey tool, you should learn theseGoogle Forms keyboard shortcuts.
Complexity Made Simple in Your Google Forms
With Google Forms, you are not limited to linear surveying. Even complex branching questionnaires with multiple paths, like a maze with several exits, can be constructed with a little planning. A branched Google Form can guide survey participants through specific paths based on their responses.
