Nodes
The Nodes module allows you to define and manage the core entities in your project. Nodes represent the subjects of your study — such as people, groups, or objects — and form the foundation of your data. They are used to build relationships and networks within the platform.
You can create node types to define the structure of your data, then add or import nodes based on those types. Nodes can also participate in surveys, depending on their configuration.
Open a Project → Select a Panel → Click Nodes
What is a Node?
A node represents an entity of interest within your project. Depending on your study, nodes can represent people, groups, or objects. For example, in a school project, nodes could represent students, teachers, or activities.
Nodes can also act as survey participants or exist solely as entities used to define relationships:
- Some nodes participate in surveys (e.g., students).
- Some nodes exist only for analysis and relationships (e.g., activities).
What is a Node Type?
A node type defines the structure and behaviour of nodes within a panel. It determines what information is stored for each node (fields) and how the node interacts with surveys (respondent mode). Each node must belong to a node type.
You must create a node type before you can create any nodes.
Access the Nodes Module
From the Nodes module, you can view and manage all node types and their associated nodes. See Node Type Management and Nodes Management for details.
- Open a Project.
- If the project has multiple panels, select a Panel from the left sidebar.
- Click Nodes in the left sidebar — the Nodes module page is displayed.