How to make cells within merged cells all have the same value?

I have two columns:

One merged ( to simplify groupings )
One NON-merged with cells next to these merged cells corresponding to the data contained in them. The layout expressed below

Group 1 - Q1
Q2
Group 2 - Q5
Q4
Q3
Group 6 - Q3
Q1
Q2
Group 2 - Q1
Q5

I have a formula column in another spreadsheet to gather question data for each respective group using IF functions. So IF(A:A = "Group 2",[my function],0).

The issue here is that although my formula column works, it will only bring about the first value to the right of the merged cells and none of the others. Excel only sees the merged cell as one cell with a value with the rest being empty.

Is there anyway to make it so that the merged cell is seen as having the same value through all the cells that make it up?

It would help if you attached a sample Excel workbook.

To do this, click on Go Advanced (below the Edit Window) while you are composing a reply, then scroll down to and click on Manage Attachments and the Upload window will open. Click on Browse and navigate to (and double-click) the file icon that you want to attach, then click on Upload and then on Close this Window to return to the Edit window. When you have finished composing your post, click on Submit Post.

Please note that the Paperclip icon (Attachments button) does not work on this forum.

Hope this helps.

Pete