Anti-Cheating Settings
SurveyMars provides comprehensive anti-cheating features to ensure the integrity of your online quizs. The platform offers two main anti-cheating methods: screen switching prevention and time restrictions, which can be used individually or in combination.
Accessing Anti-Cheating Settings
1. Navigate to the survey editing page
2. Click on "Common Quiz Settings"
3. Locate the anti-cheating settings section
Screen Switching Prevention
This feature helps prevent quizinees from switching between screens during the quiz:
1. Set the maximum number of allowed screen switches
2. When the limit is exceeded, the system will automatically redirect to the submission page
3. quizinees can only submit their current progress at this point
Important Notes:
- Minimum allowed screen switches is 1 (complete prevention is not possible)
- Incoming calls and SMS notifications count as screen switches
- May not work effectively on iOS devices
- Split-screen features on Android devices are not restricted
- Not supported in IE 10 and lower versions on PC
Time Restrictions
This feature automatically submits the quiz if there's no activity for a specified duration:
1. Set the maximum allowed inactive time
2. System monitors for screen touches or clicks
3. If no activity is detected within the time limit, the quiz is automatically submitted
Detailed Feature Description
Screen Switching Prevention
1. You can set the number of allowed screen switches. When users exceed the specified number of screen switches, the system will automatically redirect to the submission page, preventing further answers. Users can only click the submit button to submit their current progress.
2. The minimum number of allowed screen switches is 1, and complete prevention is not possible.
3. During the quiz, incoming calls and SMS notifications are also counted as screen switches. Due to these passive screen switches, it is recommended to set an appropriate number of allowed screen switches to ensure normal quizinees can continue their quiz. (Note: Due to iOS system limitations, this feature may not work effectively)
4. This feature can only restrict the current screen. Some Android phones have split-screen functionality, which is not considered a screen switch and cannot be restricted.
5. This feature is not supported in IE 10 and lower versions on PC. (Due to compatibility issues, it is recommended to use time restrictions for anti-cheating)
Time Restrictions
1. Time restriction means that if a user does not scroll or click the screen for a certain period during the quiz, the system will automatically submit the quiz.
For quizple, if an quizinee opens the questionnaire on their phone but searches for answers on their computer, they won't be operating the phone. Once the set time limit is exceeded, the quiz will be automatically submitted.
Best Practices
1. Consider using both features together for maximum security
2. Set reasonable screen switch limits to accommodate normal usage
3. Choose appropriate time restrictions based on quiz length
4. Inform quizinees about these restrictions before the quiz begins
Important Notes
- Screen switching prevention has limited compatibility on certain devices
- Time restrictions are more reliable across different platforms
- Consider device compatibility when choosing anti-cheating methods
- Test the settings before deploying to ensure they work as expected
FAQs
Q: What anti-cheating features does SurveyMars provide?
A: SurveyMars offers two main anti-cheating methods: screen switching prevention and time restrictions. These features can be used individually or in combination to ensure quiz integrity and prevent cheating during online assessments.
Q: How do I access the anti-cheating settings?
A: Navigate to the survey editing page, click on "Common Quiz Settings," and locate the anti-cheating settings section. This is where you can configure both screen switching prevention and time restrictions.
Q: How does screen switching prevention work?
A: You can set the maximum number of allowed screen switches. When users exceed this limit, the system automatically redirects them to the submission page, preventing further answers. Users can only submit their current progress at this point.
Q: What is the minimum number of allowed screen switches?
A: The minimum allowed screen switches is 1, as complete prevention is not possible. This allows for essential screen switches while maintaining security against excessive switching.
Q: What counts as a screen switch?
A: Incoming calls and SMS notifications count as screen switches. These passive screen switches are counted by the system, so it's recommended to set an appropriate limit to accommodate normal quiz participants.
Q: How do time restrictions work?
A: Time restrictions automatically submit the quiz if there's no activity for a specified duration. The system monitors for screen touches or clicks, and if no activity is detected within the time limit, the quiz is automatically submitted.
Q: What are the compatibility limitations of screen switching prevention?
A: Screen switching prevention may not work effectively on iOS devices, split-screen features on Android devices are not restricted, and it's not supported in IE 10 and lower versions on PC. Due to these limitations, time restrictions are often more reliable.
Q: Can I use both anti-cheating features together?
A: Yes, it's recommended to use both features together for maximum security. Screen switching prevention and time restrictions complement each other and provide comprehensive protection against different types of cheating attempts.
Q: How should I set reasonable screen switch limits?
A: Consider normal usage patterns and set limits that accommodate legitimate screen switches (like checking notifications) while preventing excessive switching. Factor in that incoming calls and SMS count as switches.
Q: What should I consider when setting time restrictions?
A: Choose appropriate time restrictions based on quiz length and question complexity. Set limits that allow participants enough time to think and answer while preventing them from leaving the quiz to search for answers elsewhere.
Q: Should I inform participants about these restrictions?
A: Yes, it's important to inform quiz participants about these restrictions before the quiz begins. This helps set expectations and prevents confusion when the system enforces these security measures.
