Distributing answers

The Distribute function allocates one text answer into the semantically closest topic among a list of existing topics.

• It moves the answer into maximum one topic
• It might not allocate the answer if the closest topic is judged as not close enough
• It does not create any new topic
• Answers previously belonging to one given topic will be moved out from this topic
• The semantic distance is based on the answers already belonging to each topic. IN cas of empty topics, samples will be used and if missing the topic label

When prompted to Distribute, SimpleX computes the average 'meaning' of each target topic. Then it computes the semantic distance between the answer to allocate and the average meaning of each topic. Above a certain distance threshold, the answer is not allocated. Below, the answer is moved into the closest topic.

In order to use the Distribute function, you must:

• select the answers to distribute
• select the Destination topics

Using Grouped actions

• You can use this function upon a selection of answers in the console:
• Make sure you have selected the right number of answers you wan to distribute
• Select grouped actions/distribute selection... click Apply

• in the subsequent modal window, select the Destination topics
• Click on Distribute

Using default settings in the Build topics menu

You can also Distribute answers via the Build topics menu.

Default settings will be applied:

• Distribute function will be applied to all remaining answers ie answers not belonging to any topic
• All existing topics will be considered as destination topics

• Distribute function will to some extent 'force' the allocation of answers into identified topics and pick only one among several. Therefore it is not appropriate when:
• you don't have a comprehensive list of destination topics
• you plan to have many answers belonging to multiple topics

Ont he other hand it is a very powerful function when you have started to classify answers into topics, that you have already put several representative answers into each topic and that you are rather confident you are not missing any important topic.