Slider Survey Questions

Slider questions collect numeric ratings on a continuous or stepped scale. They are useful in academic survey research for probability judgments, feeling thermometers, intensity ratings, perceived risk, willingness to pay, confidence, ideology, and other scaled outcomes.

Use a slider when the distance between values matters. If the scale is purely categorical, use Multiple Choice or Grid Matrix instead.

• Minimum, maximum, and step define the numeric measurement scale.
• Endpoint labels explain what low and high values mean.
• Manual input lets respondents type exact values when precision matters.
• Random flip can reverse the displayed orientation while preserving stored values.
• Endpoint numbers can be shown or hidden depending on the protocol.
• Slider color sets the color of the track and handle for this slider.
• Use as an attention check turns the slider into an instructed-response item — see below.
• Starting position is unset by default: the slider shows no value until the respondent interacts, and it counts as unanswered exactly like any other unanswered question.

1. Step 1: Open Block Builder. Open the survey and select the block where the numeric rating belongs.

   Step 1: Open Block Builder

2. Step 2: Add a Slider question. Choose Slider from the question type selector.

   Step 2: Choose Slider question type

3. Step 3: Set the scale. Configure the minimum, maximum, and step size so the stored values match the measure.

   Step 3: Set the scale

4. Step 4: Label the endpoints. Write endpoint labels that define the construct, not just "low" and "high."

   Step 4: Label the endpoints

5. Step 5: Decide on manual input. Allow typed values only when precision matters and respondents can understand the scale.

   Step 5: Manual input option

6. Step 6: Use random flip when needed. Flip orientation when direction effects could bias responses, and document that choice with other randomization settings.

   Step 6: Random flip option

7. Step 7: Preview the stored value. Submit a test response and confirm the exported number is what analysis expects.

   Step 7: Preview the slider

Turn on Use as an attention check to use a slider as an instructed-response item. Put the instruction in the question text, such as "To show you are reading, move the slider to 80," then set the accepted minimum and maximum. A small range (for example, 75 to 85) allows for imprecise dragging. An answer outside the range is flagged with the Failed Attention/Manipulation Check quality flag. Instrument Review warns if the accepted range can never be reached on the slider's scale.

Slider responses export as numeric values, which makes them ready for statistical models, scale construction, and treatment effect analysis. If a slider answer controls by-variable assignment, use ranges in Flow so each numeric interval maps clearly to a condition arm.

• Grid Matrix Survey Questions for repeated slider rows
• Create Experimental Conditions
• Text Response Survey Questions for typed numeric entry
• Create Your First Academic Research Survey