In this article, we cover and explain the key difference between multiple choice and checkboxes in Google Forms. Read on to learn more.
The "Multiple choice" question type in Google Forms allows users to select one option from a predefined set of choices. It is ideal for questions where only one answer is considered correct or applicable.
Example: "What is your age group?"
The possible options could be:
Here's how it should look like in Google Forms:
Checkboxes in Google Forms allow respondents to choose several options from a list of answers. They are used when multiple selections are relevant and valid for a single question.
Example: "Which of the following hobbies do you engage in?"
The possible options could be:
Here's how it should look like in Google Forms:
Let's compare the checkbox and multiple-choice question types in Google Forms together to highlight their differences:
Checkboxes: Permits multiple selections from a set of predefined options.
Multiple choice: Only allows for one selection from a set of predefined options.
Checkboxes: Presents options with small square boxes that can be ticked, visually indicating that multiple selections are possible.
Multiple Choice: Presents options with radio buttons, which symbolize a singular choice.
Checkboxes: Suitable for inquiries that are multifaceted or where participants may have more than one affiliation or preference.
Multiple Choice: Best for questions where the respondent must make a decision or where only one option is applicable.
Checkboxes: Can lead to an overwhelming number of choices if not used judiciously, potentially complicating the data analysis process.
Multiple Choice: Restrictive in the sense that it doesn't allow for the complexity of answers where more than one may apply.
Checkboxes: While versatile, they can make data analysis more complex due to the variability of multiple responses.
Multiple Choice: Simplifies analysis since each response corresponds to one clear choice, making it easy to tally and interpret results.
We hope that this article has helped you and given you a better understanding of the difference between multiple choice vs. checkboxes in Google Forms. If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our article on question options on Google Forms or our article on how to make a sign up sheet on Google Forms. If you want to know how to set up approval workflow on Google Forms, we also suggest checking out our detailed guide.
