Question types

32 question types for real market research

From single choice to IAT, Kano, PSM, A/B testing and AI follow-ups: every type runs through the same editor and mobile runner, then lands in the analysis-ready dataset with the right structure.

DataLion question types in the questionnaire editor: semantic differential, IAT, swipe cards, map, Kano, price sensitivity, A/B test and generated follow-up

DataLion offers 32 question types plus description blocks. Beyond choice, matrix, NPS, MaxDiff and conjoint, the catalog includes semantic differential, IAT, swipe cards, map markers, Kano, Van Westendorp price sensitivity, A/B tests, file uploads and AI-generated follow-ups. The editor, mobile runner, validation, persistence and dataset export support every type end to end.

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The classics are all still there

For classic questionnaires you get single and multiple choice, dropdown, picture choice, rating, NPS, single and multi-select matrices, ranking, constant sum, slider, date, number, short and long text, emoji scale, swarm, gauge, hotspot, contact, consent, MaxDiff and conjoint.

Multiple choice still expands into one 0/1 column per option and a matrix into one variable per row. Description blocks structure longer questionnaires without collecting an answer.

  • Choice, scales, matrix, text, date and contact
  • Interactive swarm, gauge and hotspot questions
  • Native MaxDiff and choice-based conjoint tasks
  • Automatically labelled variables instead of later recoding

Semantic differential with clearly anchored poles

A semantic differential positions a concept between labelled opposites, such as relaxed versus packed or authentic versus touristy. You configure the scale minimum and maximum; every pair becomes its own numeric variable.

The poles stay attached to the endpoint values. It sounds like a small detail, but saves respondents a surprising amount of guesswork.

Semantic differential in a DataLion survey with labelled opposite poles on a seven-point scale

IAT with reaction time, error rate and D-score

The Implicit Association Test (IAT) asks respondents to categorize terms quickly with the arrow keys or E/I. Categories switch sides in a controlled way; an assigned version remains stable when a response is resumed.

The dataset contains version, D-score, error rate and median latency. That carries both the decision and the speed of classification straight into analysis.

Implicit Association Test in DataLion with left and right categories, keyboard controls and progress

Swipe cards with no, neutral and yes

Swipe cards let people exclude, mark neutral or include ideas with a swipe gesture or buttons. Labels, images and order are configurable; the neutral option is optional.

Every card becomes its own categorical variable, ready to filter, crosstab and visualize like an item battery.

Swipe-card question in DataLion with Leave out, Maybe and Include answer options

Map markers instead of a vague location list

The map question lets respondents place a marker on a zoomable map. You set the centre and zoom in the editor; the answer lands as latitude and longitude in the dataset.

It fits desired destinations, store locations, routes, neighbourhoods or any spatial context where a dropdown is simply too coarse.

Map question in DataLion with a placed marker and stored coordinates

Kano questions classify must-haves and delighters

The native Kano question asks about every feature functionally and dysfunctionally: how do people react when it is present, and when it is absent? DataLion derives the Kano category for each feature.

The dataset holds both individual answers plus the classification, such as attractive, one-dimensional, must-be, indifferent, reverse or questionable.

Kano question in DataLion rating a feature when present and when absent

Van Westendorp as a dedicated question type

The four Van Westendorp price thresholds are captured in one question: too cheap, cheap, expensive and too expensive. Currency and validation are built into the type.

The four numeric variables are immediately ready for the native PSM chart. The Price Sensitivity Meter page explains the analysis.

Van Westendorp question in DataLion with four euro price-threshold inputs

A/B testing with stable random assignment

An A/B test shows each person exactly one of up to twelve text or image variants and asks for a rating on a configurable scale. Random assignment is stored when the response starts and stays stable on resume.

Variant and score land separately in the dataset, so you can compare claims, concepts or packshots without manually distributing several questionnaire versions.

A/B test in DataLion with a randomly assigned communication concept and five-point rating scale

AI follow-ups and private file uploads

The generated follow-up connects to an earlier open answer and a research objective. DataLion generates one concise, neutral probe through the configured model endpoint, stores the prompt for reproducible resume behavior and uses the configured fallback if the model fails.

The file upload accepts validated files into private response storage. Allowed extensions, count and size are configurable; downloads are restricted to authorized admins.

Open source answer in a DataLion survey that later informs a tailored AI follow-up question

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Jens Falkenau, Vice President of Market Research · Nielsen Sports
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More survey features

Guides in the help center

Common questions about question types

Which question types does DataLion survey software support?
32 question types plus description blocks: classic choice, matrix, scale, text and input types, plus MaxDiff, conjoint, semantic differential, IAT, swipe cards, map, Kano, Van Westendorp, A/B test, file upload and AI-generated follow-up.
Are the new question types prepared for analysis too?
Yes. The editor, mobile runner, validation, persistence and dataset export support the types end to end. Structured answers expand appropriately, for example Kano into functional, dysfunctional and classified variables, or A/B tests into variant and score.
Can DataLion generate a follow-up from an open answer?
Yes. The AI follow-up uses an earlier answer and a research objective, generates one concise neutral probe through the configured model endpoint and stores the prompt. If the model does not answer, a predefined fallback is used.
Does DataLion support Van Westendorp and Kano natively?
Yes. Van Westendorp captures four price thresholds in one question and prepares them for the PSM chart. Kano asks about every feature when present and absent, then stores the derived Kano category as well.
Do A/B tests and IAT remain stable when a survey is resumed?
Yes. The random variant or version is stored when the response starts. If the person resumes later, they see the same experimental assignment.
How are uploaded response files stored?
Response files live in private storage. File extensions, maximum count and size are configurable per question; only authorized admins can download them.

Try the right question type directly

Start free and build a study with semantic differential, IAT, swipe cards, Kano, PSM or A/B testing. Or book a personal demo.