What term is used for recording reasons for zero responses?

• A. Response tracking
• B. Response coding
• C. Interview stopping rules
• D. Category cues

Answer: (A)

When data collectors need to document why an item has no answer, the process is called response tracking. It captures the reasons for nonresponse (for example, patient refused, not attempted due to safety or time constraints, or unable to assess) so the data remains interpretable and complete. This supports accurate care planning and data quality.

Response coding, in contrast, is about assigning codes to actual responses once an item is answered. Interview stopping rules are guidelines for when to end the interview. Category cues are prompts used to help classify or categorize responses.