Data validation gives you the power to affect how data is entered and handled in your database. The data validation menu is accessed by selecting Question | Validate data entry from the Form Design main menu. Depending on which type of question is selected, different data validation options appear. All questions have the option for Force entry, Warn but do not force, and Force entry of all spaces.
This feature, if selected, will force your users to fill out a question. The program will not advance to the next screen until the user has answered all of the forced entry questions on the current page. The user will see a pop-up message that they mus t fill in the unanswered question.
This option will warn your users if they forget to answer a question on the current page. A Data entry required window will appear on the screen that contains the text of the question that the user forgot to answer. If the user selects 'Yes' in this window, the program will allow the user to goback and answer the question they forgot. If the user selects 'No' in this window, the program will proceed to the next screen.
This feature is used with write-in type questions. If this option is enabled, the user will be forced to fill out all of the space allotted them for the write-in response. For example, if you have a field in your survey that contains phone numbers and it is vital to your results that each user enter their full phone number, the Force entry of all spaces option will ensure this. This option is often needed for social security numbers, license numbers, and other identification fields.
If you select data validation on a write-in number field, this option will appear. The range check option will not accept the number input unless it falls between the specified range. To use this feature, select the option and enter the range that you wish to check for in the Minimum and Maximum boxes.
If you select data validation on a check all that apply type question, this option appears. For example, if your users have five options to choose from and you want them to select exactly three out of the five, type 3 into the Minimum box and 3 into th e Maximum box. If you want your users to select at least two of the five responses, enter 2 in the Minimum box and 5 in the Maximum box.
If you select a write-in type question, numerous extra data validation options are available to you.
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