# File app/models/smerf_question.rb, line 95
  def validate
    # Decode the raw data
    decode_data()
    # Validate all fields present
    errors = validate_object_fields()
    # Process answers for this question
    @answer_objects = nil
    if (!@answers.nil? and !@answers.empty?)
      # Process and validate answers 
      @answer_objects = Array.new
      errors += validate_sub_objects(SmerfAnswer, 
          @answers, "sort_order", @answer_objects)
    end
    
    # Clear data no longer required, this will reduce the amount of data 
    # saved to the DB
    cleanup()
    remove_instance_variable(:@answers) 

    return errors
  end