SurveyToGo: Empty Question

Empty question reference—used to display text or media (instructions, images, video) without capturing an answer from the respondent.

Aug 3, 2026
Knowledge

Title

Answer

Empty Question

Overview

Empty Questions are typically used to display information to respondents without collecting a response. They are commonly used to present instructions, display images, or embed multimedia content such as audio or video files.

For example, you might use an Empty Question to display a message such as:

"Please take a close look at the attached picture. In the next section, you will be asked questions about it."

Because Empty Questions do not require an answer, they are ideal for providing guidance, introducing a new section of the survey, or presenting content that respondents need to review before continuing.

Question Node

In the Survey Tree, an Empty Question appears as the following question node:

The Tabs

Each question has a set of tabs.
Each tab is used for different configurations.

The View Tab

In the view tab you can configure the basic components of a question, such as its body text.

Question Type & General Settings

In the main panel, you can set:

Question type
Text color
Formatting

In the bottom panel, you can:

Clear the questions content
Add a new question of the same type
Navigate between questions

The Question Tab

Under the Question tab, within the View section, you can define both the Question Body Text and any Surveyor Instructions that should accompany the question.

Defining the Question Text

The text entered in the question text box becomes the main body text displayed to the respondent during the interview.

The Surveyor Instructions field allows you to provide guidance or instructions specifically for the interviewer. These instructions are displayed using different formatting to distinguish them from the question text shown to respondents.

Example

For example, you might configure the question body text as follows:

"Please take a close look at the attached picture. In the next section, you will be asked questions about it."

You can also attach an image and configure it to be displayed together with the question text, allowing respondents to review the content before continuing.

The Rules Tab

Under the Rules tab, you can define the logic associated with the Empty Question, including:

Entrance Rules – determine whether the question should be displayed.
Validation Rules – define conditions that must be met before the respondent can proceed.
Branching Rules – control navigation to subsequent questions based on survey logic.

These rules can be used in the same way as they are for other question types, allowing Empty Questions to participate fully in the survey flow.

The Scripts Tab

The Scripts tab allows you to add scripting logic to the Empty Question to control its behavior and perform custom actions during the interview.

From this tab, you can define:

Start Script – code that runs when the question is displayed.
End Script – code that runs when the respondent leaves the question.
Advanced Scripts – additional scripting options used to implement more complex functionality and custom behaviors.

These scripts enable you to extend the capabilities of the question beyond its standard configuration, allowing you to automate processes, manipulate data, and implement advanced survey logic when needed.

The Variables Tab

The Variables Tab is used for configuring variable related properties of a question.

Variable Name: is the name of the column representing this question when exporting.
Missing Value: is the value that this question will get if it was not answered or skipped.
Short ID: Is a short name that is used for ease of readability and is viewable in the Survey Tree next to the Question Index – Short ID's can also be used as a basis for variable names, please see: How to work with QRef's & Short ID's

Variable names can be referenced instead of Indexes by using the correct functions.