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Randomization in computers is actually "pseudo-random" – it is based on an algorithm that when given a seed will return a seemingly random order. Normally, time is used to provide the seed-aspect. However, in Forsta Plus the responseID value is used (this being the unique system ID that is assigned to a respondent the first time they open the survey). This means that the order for a given respondent will be the same every time such a randomization takes place. For example, if the order of some questions on a page is randomized and the user re-opens the page, or clicks Next and then Back, the order of the questions is preserved for that user.
The same randomization pattern is also used when an answer-list is reused in several questions. For a given respondent, the answers listed will therefore be presented in the same randomized/rotated/flipped order for all questions when you use the same answer-list. It is the number of items in the answer-list that determines the randomization pattern.
Forsta Plus has several areas in the functionality where "answer-list randomization" is used. These areas include answer list display orders for all question types, column display orders for 3D-Grid questions, loops and blocks, rotation and flip.
Rotation displays answers in a rotated order – for example 3, 4, 5, 1, 2, and the start number will be random. Flip displays answers either increasing or decreasing order (for example, either 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 or 5, 4, 3, 2, 1) – which of the two orders is selected for a particular instance is random.
If the user wishes to create their own randomization, or for example randomly pick x number of respondents, this can be done through scripting with the Math.random() method (see Math Object Methods). Refer to the Scripting Manual for examples.