Data Element: Applicability Tab Options

Use the items on this tab to restrict applicability of the element based on the respondent's gender, interview methods, or specific categories in a Table.

In most instances, it is best to leave all options at default settings.

Data Element Applicability tab

Applicability: Interview Method

By default, all Elements apply to all interviewer methods.

Tip: In general, it is best to leave all these methods checked even if you do not plan on using all method types. However, if you never plan to use Web or Data Entry, you may choose to uncheck those methods to avoid validation warnings related to those types.

Applicability: Respondent’s Gender

By QDS default, all Elements are applicable for all respondents. To restrict a Data Element based on respondent’s gender, uncheck the Men or Women option box. For example, if the Men box is unchecked, the Data Element will be asked only for female respondents.

In order to use Gender Applicability, you must have at least one Data Element with Response Type set to Gender. Additionally, the Determines Gender Applicability option box must be checked on the Response Set tab on the Gender Element. Since there may be multiple gender Variables in a single Specifications File, it is the Determines Gender Applicability setting that allows QDS to know which Variable will be used for gender applicability.

Tip: Always use a Skip Element rather than Gender Applicability. They are more flexible and are displayed in the element listing; this makes review and testing easier.

Applicability: Table Categories

By default, all Table Elements apply to all Table categories (See Tables for an explanation of Elements and Categories in Tables). You may exclude specified categories for any Element in your Table by choosing one of the following options in the For Elements in Tables box:

  • All Table Categories: Select this option to indicate that this Element is applicable for all Table categories.
  • Exclude from categories: Select this option to indicate that this Element should be excluded from one or more Table categories. List the categories for exclusion (for example, B, E, F). For help creating this list, select Tools|Tables Categories. This provides a list of categories and allows you to build the list by double-clicking on the category to be inserted. Category Suffixes may be separated using spaces or commas.
  • Include only in categories: Select this option to indicate that this Element should be included only for a subset of Table categories. List the categories for inclusion (for example, B, E, F). For help creating this list, select Tools|Tables Categories. This provides a list of categories and allows you to build the list by double-clicking on the category to be inserted. Category Suffixes may be separated using spaces or commas.