When creating a drag ranking, the variables will receive the code that they are given in the ranking. #1 = Code 1, #2 = Code 2, etc. We can use this coding to make sure that participants only create a "Top 3 Ranking". In this example, participants are supposed to create a Top 3 out of 5 items. Naturally, you can make changes to this manual, so it fits your needs.
On the same page that you created the drag ranking, enter "plausibility checks" in the left menu. Here, create a "standard check"
Under "definition" select the first variable (of the first item) out of the drag ranking. In my example it is "v_14 (Dimension 1)".
2.a) To make sure that this variable can't be placed 4th, we have to define "v_14 (Dimension 1) >= 4". Now the plausibility check will be activated when someone tries to put this item in 4th place.
Add another standard check and connect the two checks with "OR".
Now select the second item and define it the same way ("v_15 (Dimension 2) >= 4")
4.a) Repeat this step with all items of your drag ranking.
