Choice types
Selection-based questions for gathering structured, predefined responses
Choice question types allow you to present respondents with predefined options to select from. These are ideal for collecting structured data that's easy to analyze and compare.
All choice types are available for both surveys and forms. Each type requires an options array that defines the available choices.
Radio
Single-choice selection using radio buttons. Respondents can select exactly one option from the list.
Use cases
- • Preference selection (e.g., "Which plan do you prefer?")
- • Categorical choices (e.g., "What is your role?")
- • Agreement levels (e.g., "How satisfied are you?")
- • Any question with mutually exclusive options
Example configuration
{
"question_text": "Which product are you most interested in?",
"question_type": "radio",
"is_required": true,
"options": [
"Basic Plan",
"Professional Plan",
"Enterprise Plan"
]
}When to use radio vs. select
Use radio buttons when you have 2-6 options. For 7+ options, consider using a select dropdown to save space and reduce visual clutter.
Checkbox
Multiple-choice selection using checkboxes. Respondents can select zero, one, or multiple options.
Use cases
- • Multi-select preferences (e.g., "Select all that apply")
- • Feature selection (e.g., "Which features do you use?")
- • Interest areas (e.g., "What topics interest you?")
- • Any question allowing multiple answers
Example configuration
{
"question_text": "Which features do you use regularly? (Select all that apply)",
"question_type": "checkbox",
"is_required": false,
"options": [
"Dashboard",
"Reports",
"Analytics",
"Integrations",
"API Access"
]
}Important: Checkbox questions can return an array of selected values. Make sure to clearly indicate in your question text that multiple selections are allowed (e.g., "Select all that apply").
Tip: Consider adding an "Other" option with a text field for responses not covered by your predefined options.
Select
Dropdown selection that conserves space. Respondents click to reveal options and select one.
Use cases
- • Long lists of options (countries, states, cities)
- • Space-constrained layouts
- • Hierarchical or categorized options
- • Any single-select with 7+ options
Example configuration
{
"question_text": "What country are you located in?",
"question_type": "select",
"is_required": true,
"options": [
"United States",
"United Kingdom",
"Canada",
"Australia",
"Germany",
"France",
"Other"
]
}Advantages of select dropdowns
- • Saves vertical space on your form
- • Works well with long lists of options
- • Familiar interface pattern for users
- • Can include searchable options for very long lists
Consideration: Dropdowns require an extra click to view options. For shorter lists (2-6 options), radio buttons may provide better user experience.
Yes/No
Binary choice question with simple yes/no options. A specialized radio type optimized for boolean responses.
Use cases
- • Confirmation questions (e.g., "Have you used this feature?")
- • Qualification questions (e.g., "Are you a current customer?")
- • Agreement questions (e.g., "Do you agree with this statement?")
- • Any binary true/false question
Example configuration
{
"question_text": "Have you used our mobile app?",
"question_type": "yes_no",
"is_required": true
}Automatic options: The yes/no type automatically provides "Yes" and "No" options - you don't need to specify them in the options array. The response is stored as a boolean value.
When to use yes/no vs. radio
Use yes/no for simple binary questions. Use radio when you need custom labels (e.g., "Agree/Disagree" or "True/False") or when you have more than two options.
Best practices
Keep option lists focused
Limit options to the most relevant choices. Too many options can overwhelm respondents. For long lists, consider grouping or using a select dropdown.
Use clear, distinct labels
Make each option clearly different from the others. Avoid similar wording that might confuse respondents. Each option should represent a distinct choice.
Order options logically
Arrange options in a logical order: alphabetically, by frequency, by rating scale (low to high), or chronologically. Logical ordering helps respondents find their answer quickly.
Include "Other" when appropriate
If your options might not cover all possibilities, add an "Other" option. This prevents respondents from being forced into an inaccurate choice.
Avoid leading options
Keep option wording neutral and unbiased. Avoid language that suggests one answer is better than another. This ensures you collect honest, unbiased responses.
Be clear about multi-select
For checkbox questions, explicitly state that multiple selections are allowed (e.g., "Select all that apply"). This prevents confusion about whether multiple answers are permitted.
Choose the right selection type
Radio for single choice with 2-6 options. Select dropdown for 7+ options. Checkbox for multiple selections. Yes/No for binary questions. Match the type to your needs.