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Nested Group Logic is advanced form of aytm Group Logic that enables you to introduce randomization to a set of questions within a larger set of randomized questions, streamlining the programming for complex concept testing, and reducing the risk of bias in respondent data. Sometimes this logic is also called "group within group" logic.

Learn more about Nested Group Logic in our Lighthouse Academy Course, Group Logic & Smart Loops!

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Syntax

Nested Group Logic syntax includes:

  • the command Group
  • question references
  • parentheses (to indicate nesting, group questions to be randomized in a single level, or have a max limit placed)
  • the operator THEN (to indicate order within a nested group)
  • the operator and (to separate both larger nodes and the questions or question groups nested within that larger node)
  • subcommands max, balance, randfill, and leastfill, as desired
 
Ex: [group (Q13-14 and Q15-16) and (Q17-18 and Q19-20) and (Q21-22 and Q23-24)]

In this example, we have three nodes that will be randomized, as shown by the groups of parentheses. These nodes will be shown in a random order. Within each node, there are two groups of questions that will be randomized. For example, in the first larger node, the respondent could see Q13-14 first or Q15-16 first.

 

Ex: [group (q2-3 then q4 and q5) and (q6-q7 then q8 and q9)]

In this example, we have two nodes that will be randomized—some respondents may see the Q2 through 5 node first, while others will see the Q6 through 9 node first—and within each of those larger nodes, the groups of questions following the THEN operator will be seen in random order.

 

Ex: [group ((Q13-14 and Q15-16) and (Q17-18 and Q19-20))
and ((Q21-22 and Q23-24) and (Q25-26 and Q27-28))]

In this example, we have three levels of group logic: two large nodes (encompassing Q13-20 and Q21-28) indicate the highest level. Within each of the highest level nodes, there are two additional nodes, and in each of those, there are two sets of questions that are randomized. All relationships between nodes are shown with parentheses.

 

Ex: [group (Q26-27 then (Q28 and Q29 and Q30 max 1)) and 
(Q31-32 then Q33 and Q34) and (Q35-36 then Q37 and Q38)]

In this example, we will randomize three uneven parent nodes. These nodes contain slightly different setups. In the first node, respondents will see Q26-27 then either Q28, Q29, or Q30. In the second node, respondents will always see Q31-32 first, followed by Q33 and Q34 in a random order. In the last node, respondents will always see Q35-36, followed by Q37 and Q38 in a random order.

 

 

Placement

Once your questions have been programmed, type your group logic string into any question that all respondents will see, that occurs before the first question that your logic applies to. If you place the logic on a conditional question, it will only apply to the respondents who saw the question.

 

 

Using Nested Group Logic in Smart Loops

  1. When all Smart Loop questions have been programmed, set the number of runs to All Runs, and order to Static Order. 
  2. Type the Nested Group Logic into any question that occurs before the Smart Loop (that every respondent will see), including parentheses and/or the then operator, and writing out further question references.
  3. Use the Preview tool in Respondent mode or Researcher mode to ensure that your pathing is functioning as expected.
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Virtual Question Presets

When the system detects Group Logic, it will populate the comparable questions in the Optional Presets menu of Virtual Question. 

If your nested groups are parallel—meaning, they have identical paths/groupings—each set of parallel questions will appear together. 

If your groups are uneven, they will not populate in the Optional Presets menu.
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