I think this post may deserve the reply 'implement it yourself'. But in the hope that it is something that might easily be included I suggest it.

I have a survey (which I'd point you to if I had a static IP address) which is gathering data about novices before they learn to program. The questions look something like this (with a checkbox next to each answer and an 'other' box at the end:

---

1. Read the following statements and tick the box next to the correct answer below.

int a=10;
int b=20;

a=b;

The new values of a and b:

a=20 b=0
a=20 b=20
a=0 b=10
a=10 b=10
a=30 b=20
a=30 b=0
a=10 b=30
a=0 b=30
a=10 b=20
a=20 b=10

any other values for a and b:

---

For various reasons I'd really like, rather than an 'other' box (which, by the way, could perhaps be of a controllable size rather than just a single line), something like this

(check) a=(box) b=(box)
(check) a=(box) b=(box)
(check) a=(box) b=(box)

-- three alternative-lines, with the boxes only accepting numerical input.

Now this is _such_ a specialised requirement that I'm pretty sure I deserve 'implement it yourself'. But in hope that somebody has already done it, and I don't have to wade through Javascript just yet, I ask.

Does (check) mean checkbox?

Have a look at the available question typs, I think you should find something suitable there.

Maybe uploading a draft would help to se what you are up to and how the design should look like...

OK. Here's a (very early draft) survey.

Why do you need a checkbox in front of the text fields if the user has to fill out the fields manually?
Why not simply using an array (text) question type with heading "value for A" and "value for B" and setting the advanced question attributes "numbers only".
This way the user can enter several data sets with A and B values: docs.limesurvey.org/Question+type+-+Arra...eSurvey#Numbers_only

Mazi wrote:
Thanks, that's very helpful. A reply in two parts:

1. I need a _mixed_ answer: some checkboxes (for the answers we want to put in front of the users) and an array of numerical entry boxes for any different answers which they may dream up. I'm sure that isn't in LimeSurvey at present, but perhaps you might be able to give some advice about how I could hack it up.

2. Interaction with those numerical checkboxes is a delicate issue. I don't think array column headings would do: I'd much rather put a label (like a= or b=) on each box. The reason: we're dealing with complete novices here, and we want to prompt them to do certain things. Making the array lines look like the fixed alternative lines would be a good idea (I think).

2a. As for the checkbox on the numerical-box lines: I see it as a simple way for my subjects to _delete_ an answer they don't want to give. As in my previous post about other-box interaction, I'd like them to type directly into those boxes, see a checkmark immediately and automatically appear, and be able at any stage to uncheck or recheck (without erasing the stuff already typed in).

3. User-interaction design is a delicate and experimental subject (sorry, I'm being professorial ). Apple is rich because Steve Jobs realised this; Linux is hard to use because (most) geeks don't. A solution which seems adequate, to an expert programmer-geek like me or you (I'm presuming ... ) may floor inexperienced users. So 'implement it yourself' may still be the best answer, because I'm not sure about 1, 2 or 2a until I've experimented.

Thanks for your help and advice: I really appreciate it. If there's an easy way to experiment by defining a new question type and coding it up by using bits of two or three existing question types, I'd love to hear.

@1: You are right, such a mixture of question types isn't supported yet, but there is a workaround for this: docs.limesurvey.org/tiki-index.php?page=...stion_types_in_array

@2: Then several multiple numeric questions might do the trick.

@2a: I see, but this is not supported and also the workaround doesn't work for this behavior. It would require some additional JavaScript.

@3: I totally agree about the design. Even when using Limesurvey, the interface isn't made for the noobs and some feature require a deep understanding of coding, like the Expression Manager. There are some great features at Limesurvey, but some of them are hard to use.
We are always open for suggestions and appreciate any helping hand being offered.

@4: Creating your own question type seems to be no option for me because it is VERY complex.