Alternative structures allow datasets within the same study family to be displayed using different structures. This feature allows you to provide a consistent user experience.
The following can be done using Alternative structures:
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Questions can be grouped differently from one study year to the next;
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Question text can be modified to indicate how the question was asked for a given study year;
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Question number can be different because the question was placed differently in the survey questionnaire.
Alternative Structures in Halo Reports
Alternative Structures can be found for some study families in Halo Reports but not for all of them. Some study families are consistent enough and do not require using Alternative Structures.
If Alternative Structures have been applied, then in Sources an additional icon will appear next to some datasets. The same information is visible after clicking on ‘three dots menu’ above the question list.
The structure can be changed in the context menu shown above or in Sources by clicking on a required dataset and selecting ‘Use survey structure of this dataset’.
Alternative Structures in Data Import
When adding a new dataset, go to the Connect tab and at the bottom left hand corner select Add Dataset.
The ‘Add new dataset’ modal will appear. There you need to upload a file by choosing the “Select a file” button. The dataset name can be adjusted at this stage.
The following pop-up window will be displayed as a second step of the process to add a dataset. There is a possibility to select one from the options presented there:
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'Create a new structure',
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‘Create a copy structure from the reference dataset’
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‘Apply structure from the reference dataset’
IMPORTANT: If not sure at this stage, the recommended solution is to apply a structure from the reference dataset.
A few important hints at this stage:
If a new structure is added, you can either create a structure from scratch or create a copy of existing structure for further editions.
If the only difference is about some questions added to the study or some other questions removed from the study, it is recommended to use the existing structure and just extend it by new questions.
A new structure can be also selected at a later stage, when working in the Query tab. At this point the type of structure can be selected from the list, which is visible after clicking on ‘Three dots’ next to the Questions list.
A new structure might be selected or added via the Data Import section as well. In order to access the Data Import module, where you can edit questions, sections, structures etc. please go to the ‘Three dot menu’ next to the Questions list and select ‘Edit questions & sections’.
