Adding Skip Logic to a Matrix Question

Last updated: 11 Mar 2022

In most situations, you can add skip logic to any question type as outlined in the support article Adding Skip Logic. However, when working within the formbuilder, adding skip logic to a matrix question is not yet possible. Instead, an XLSForm can be used to implement skip logic for this question type. This support article illustrates how you can add skip logic to a matrix question using XLSForm.

If you have gone through the support article Question Matrix Response Type, you will already know that there are 2 approaches to create a matrix question in KoboToolbox: the formbuilder approach and the kobo--matrix_list approach. This support article provides an overview of the necessary steps to add skip logic to a matrix question when using either of these approaches.

The formbuilder Approach:

The approach works with Enketo, also known as web forms, utilizing the Grid-theme layout. It may not function as expected if you ignore the Grid-theme layout settings as outlined in the support article Using Alternative Enketo Web Form Styles.

Follow the steps outlined below to add skip logic to a matrix question using the formbuilder approach.

Step 1: Create a matrix question in the formbuilder:

The first step is to create a matrix question in the formbuilder as outlined in the support article Question Matrix Response Type. Simply add rows and columns with the variables you intend to collect data for.

Step 2: Download form as XLSForm:

Once the matrix question is ready, SAVE the form and then download it as an XLSForm.

Step 3: Add relevant column header and skip logic to your XLSForm:

Now open the XLSForm and then add the relevant column header to the XLSForm. Once you have the relevant column header, you will be able to add skip logic to all the questions as needed.

To improve the way in which the matrix questions are displayed when responding, it is advised to add a note question type (highlighted in yellow in the image below) and then include skip logic to it as appropriate. This is entirely optional as it will simply affect the formatting of the matrix question. The difference of using and not using the note question type is illustrated below in Step 6: Collect Data.

Step 4: Replace XLSForm:

Upload and replace your XLSForm into the existing project, or create a new project (if needed).

Step 5: Deploy Form:

Once you have replaced the XLSForm (or uploaded the XLSForm as a new project), you will need to deploy your form.

Step 6: Collect Data:

After deploying the form, you can go to FORM>Collect Data>OPEN to start collecting data with the web form.

Data entry screen as seen in Enketo (web form): when nothing is entered.

Data entry screen as seen in Enketo (web form) with note question type added: when the matrix question is filled in.

As you can see in the image above, the format of the matrix question has not been distorted. This is how the matrix table will be displayed when you use the note question type that was highlighted in the image shared earlier.

Data entry screen as seen in Enketo (web form) with note question type not added: when the matrix question is filled in.

In this case, the format of the matrix question has been distorted. This is the matrix table that will be displayed when the note question type is not used.

You can access the XLSForm here that was used for this approach (adding skip logic to a matrix question using the formbuilder approach).

kobo--matrix_list Approach:

Just like with the formbuilder approach, this method of adding skip logic with an XLSForm works with Enketo using the Grid-theme layout.

Follow the steps below to add skip logic to a matrix question with an XLSForm using the kobo--matrix_list approach.

Step 1: Create a matrix question in the XLSForm:

Create a matrix question in the XLSForm, as outlined in the support article Question Matrix Response Type.

Step 2: Add relevant column header and skip logic to your XLSForm:

Once the matrix question is ready, you must add the relevant column header. You can now add skip logic to all the questions under the relevant column header.

Step 3: Upload the XLSForm:

If your XLSForm is ready, upload it as a new project.

Step 4: Deploy Form:

Once you have uploaded the XLSForm, you will need to deploy your form.

Step 5: Collect Data:

You can now go to FORM>Collect Data>OPEN to start collecting data.

Data entry screen as seen in Enketo (web form): when nothing is entered.

Data entry screen as seen in Enketo (web form): when the matrix question is filled in.

As you can see in the second image, the format of the matrix question has been distorted. In the kobo--matrix_list approach you do not have the space to fix the matrix table like you had with the formbuilder approach.

You can access the XLSForm here that was used for this approach (adding skip logic to a matrix question using the kobo--matrix_list approach).