The Import feature allows you to import case records (sample data) from CSV, XML and other format files into your project.
Data is imported into the project before interviewing begins, nevertheless you may import several sample waves during the Field or campaign, and you may look at a history of all importations.
Two types of data elements may be imported:
System variables such as phone number, interview language etc.
Data or Code to fill any specified field corresponding to a question in the questionnaire attached to the project. This imported data may be used in the same way as data collected during interviews, for example in skip calculations or to define quota strata.
You may also sort or randomize the order of cases contained in the project. When sorting. you may specify questions or system variables as sort keys.
You can save the complete set of currently configured Importation Options as a Task; this enables you to reuse the set at a later date.
When you make a successful importation (see Task History) the complete set of importation options specific to the Import Format (selected questions included), and you as a User, are automatically stored as a 'virtual task'. When you next enter this page to perform an importation for this project, these options will be loaded automatically corresponding to the chosen Import Format. This minimizes the work required to repeat the last importation, with the exception of, perhaps, changing the source file name.
Warning: If changes were made to the questionnaire since the last successful importation, the above 'default' settings might no longer be valid and this would result in an 'unsuccessful importation'.
To import data, use the following procedure in the Importation page:
In the Import From section, specify the file that is to be imported:
Select the Import Format of the file to be imported - CSV, XML or Respondent Generator.
Use the Upload button to upload the source file(s) to the server.
In the Source Name field's drop-down list, select the uploaded file to import.
In the Importation Options section, select the options for the project.
In the PINS Options section, select and configure the options if applicable i.e. for CAWI collection.
In the Field Mapping section, add and select the questions and system variables into which data is to be imported, and specify the order in which the data is positioned in the source file.
Click on the Preview Importation button in the Toolbar
The first 10 records of the file to be imported will be displayed according to the way the Field Mapping has been set up. This allows you to check the result of the settings you have made, and possibly make corrections before doing the Importation.
Click the Import button to import the data.
You can use the Browse button in the Toolbar to look at the data that has been imported. If you discover that the importation that you made has problems, you can cancel it. To do this, click on the Import History button in the toolbar, where you can click on the Cancel Last Wave button.