Dummy (DUMMY)
An advanced hidden question type used to hold values for piping, randomization groups, or complex branching logic.
DUMMY is a special hidden question — it is never shown to the respondent. It exists purely to support internal logic: piping variable storage, randomization grouping, and complex conditional branching.
When to use it (advanced)
- Storing a piping variable derived from multiple earlier questions, for later reference
- Acting as a randomization group controller
- Serving as a waypoint in complex conditional branches, holding intermediate logic results
Display
The DUMMY question is never rendered to respondents. It appears in the designer's question list but is skipped at runtime.
Configuration
- Internal value — a value held by the dummy (can be derived from earlier answers)
- Piping variable reference — available to later questions via
{Q◯_answer}syntax
Example
- Combine Q1 and Q2 answers into a single value stored on a DUMMY, then pipe it into Q3's question text
- Fold several selection results into one, to simplify a downstream skip rule
Notes
- This is an advanced feature. Most surveys never need it
- If you use it, document your design intent clearly so other team members aren't confused later
- DUMMY questions do not hold response data and are therefore excluded from tabulation