Once a questionnaire and dataset has been documented, it then goes through a process called mapping or linking. This connects the documented questions to dataset variables, and both to topics.
- A variable can be mapped to either a source question or a source variable depending on whether the variable is normal or derived
- A question can be mapped to multiple variables
- It is possible, but not recommended, that a variable can be mapped to multiple questions (as these should ideally be mapped to source variables)
- A derived variable is expected to have at least two source variables mapped to it e.g. derived variable BMI, will have the source variables of height and weight
- Derived variables and their source variables do not have to have the same topic, although this is preferable that they have the same topic, it may not be possible
- Variables and questions which are mapped together must have the same topic (these are inherited, as described below)
- A question grid can be mapped to variables as a whole item or to individual grid cells
- A question grid can only be mapped as a whole to one topic
- Ideally all variables should be either mapped to a question or variable
- Ideally all items (question item, variable or question grid) should be mapped to a topic
Archivist (previously Mapper) provides a graphical user interface to simplify the task of connecting questions, variables and topics, automatically assigning mappings where possible and maintaining constraints.
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For a normal variable enter the question name into Sources. This will auto-populate as you type, so the question can be selected from the drop-down list. More than one question can be mapped to a variable. Note: if there is already a topic applied to the variable, only those questions mapped to that topic, or no topic will appear in the dropdown list.
For a derived variable select Derived from the drop-down list under Type. Enter the variable name into Sources. This will auto-populate as you type, so the variable can be selected from the drop-down list. More than one variable can be mapped to the derived variable.
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For sequences Whole sections of the questionnaire can be linked to a topic by adding a topic to a sequence. Note: This will only map questions were the direct parent is the sequence, if the question has a condition as their parent, this will not be mapped.
If there are questions which are already mapped to topics (either added or inherited) which are the first child of the sequence and they are all the same, then the sequence topic is available to update. Where the topics are not the same the option will not display. If you change the sequence topic it will change those first child questions to that, unless there is a conflict with the variable. Note, if you apply a topic to the sequence, it will display as 'saving' then 'saved' but yuu will need to refresh the page to see the topic display.
4) Check the mappings in the instrument view
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