Custom Fields: Answer Type

When adding custom fields in GivePulse, you have the option to select "Answer Type". This means that for any one custom field, you can request that users fill out this field every single time it appears on a form, or fill it out once to be saved for the future. 

Many Answers - Save Each Response - allow users to update the response multiple times so that you as an administrator can see an audit or trail of answers as the users respond over time

Single Answer - Update Previous Response allow individuals who respond to this custom field to fill this out once and continue to update the existing field

Single Answer Type Example

Scenario: you create a custom field asking for a user's phone number

By setting this custom field answer type as Single Answer - Update Previous Response, the system will save the response that is entered the first time a user answers this question. Every single time they are presented with this custom field afterward, the phone number entered initially is the default response and they will not need to enter their phone number again and again. If the user gets a new phone number and enters it in this custom field on the 20th time they encounter this question, the system override all past responses so that the most current information is saved.

Many Answer Type Example

Scenario: you create a custom field asking a volunteer to describe their experience

By setting this custom field answer type as Many Answers - Save Each Response, the user will be asked to describe their experience every single time they see this custom field. The system will save each different response to this question over time. This is because the user will likely have a different experience after each activity and will likely write a different description each time. 

It is important to consider the answer type when developing assessments and applications for your users. Be sure to review your options carefully as answer type dictates how information is saved in our system. If you are unsure of which answer type best fits your custom field, reach out to our support team.