About Automatic Variables

Automatic Variable Elements are used to calculate a value to be stored in your Data File. For example, an Automatic Variable can use the system date/time to store the current date and time in your Data File automatically—i.e., without manual entry. This saves time and ensures accuracy (as long as the system date is correct).

Automatic Variables are also often used to calculate values based on responses to previous questions.

Types of Calculated Values

Type	Description
Today's Date	Date record was recorded (i.e., interview date for CAPI, ACASI, or QDS-Web; data entry date for Data Entry)
Current Time	Time record was recorded (i.e., interview time for CAPI, ACASI, or QDS-Web; time of data entry for Data Entry)
Elapsed Time	Number of seconds since beginning of interview. If an interview is interrupted and resumed, the elapsed time is calculated as the total time since the beginning of interview, not only the time the interview was in progress.
Interview Language	Control File Language
Mode of Administration	Control File type (i.e., CAPI, ACASI, Data Entry, or QDS-Web)
Data File Name	Default Data File Name
Character String	Fixed string entered in Character String box
Numeric Calculation	Numeric value: result of expression entered in Numeric Calculation/String Expression box
String Expression	Character string: result of expression entered in Numeric Calculation/String Expression box
QDS Version	Store the current QDS version of the module (CAPI, ACASI, Data Entry, or QDS-Web) that is running an interview.

Tip: If you have multiple Elapsed Time Elements, each variable will record the number of seconds since the beginning of the interview (not the number of seconds since the last Elapsed Time Element).