Select multiple from a list, but then be able to select options for each selection from the previous question

Question

I'm setting up a survey where I have sampling units where multiple plant species could be found.  I want to be able to select multiple species from a file (which I already know how to do), but I want to be able to select the abundance for each plant species I selected from that list for each sampling unit.  Is there a way I could do this?

For example,  my sampling unit is a 1/4 m^2 area and I find five plant species.  I select all five species from the list, but then I need to assign an abundance value (in this case we use categories) for each one of those species.

dougbrowning · Answer

We do this and went straight repeat.  Each repeat is one plant and an abundance value.  Storing species as a list from a select multiple becomes a nightmare and not very useful.  You will want one table record per species in the end. Better yet add GPS to the repeat and have a point per species.  It does take the crew a little bit longer but its worth it.  We have a dup checker built in also.  And a running list so they can see if they already added it.  Our species list are 60,000 long with code, scientific name, and common name as the label so you can search on any of them at once.  Its slick.  We share forms if you would like to see it.

Hope that helps

Neal_t_k · Answer

A couple options, there may be others.

Depending on the amount of species in your select multiple list, you could add series of questions, 1 for each species, making them relevant that species being selected.  You would use: selected(${select_multiple_question}, 'SpeciesA') for the relevant calculation

Another option if you want to implement a repeat for abundance could be:

Add a repeat group, in the repeat count column put count-selected(${select_multiple_question})

Then add two questions one for species selected and one for abundance.

Then set the Species question calc to   selected-at(${select_multiple_question}, position(..))  and make ready only.  With the second question being your abundance making sure that is required so users have to fill out all the repeats to submit.