> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/diary-studies/what-are-diary-studies-in-dscout/question-types-in-diary-studies.md). # Question types in diary studies In a diary study, you can ask questions in a variety of formats. The table below outlines which Dscout question types you can use in a diary study: {% hint style="info" %} **Note:** The following question types can be added to the activities in your diary study (on the **Questions** tab). {% endhint %} | Question type | Description | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [**Multiple choice**](/study-basics/question-types/closed-ended-questions/multiple-choice-questions.md) | Provide participants with a list of options to choose from. Participants can select a single answer (single select) or several (multiple select). | | [**Typed response**](/study-basics/question-types/open-ended-questions/typed-response-questions.md) |

Allow participants to provide a written response. You can limit responses to 140 characters or apply no limit.

Tip: Use the Headline setting to make a participant's answer the title of their diary entry, instead of the date and time the entry was submitted.

| | [**Checkpoint**](/study-basics/question-types/question-settings-and-organization/checkpoint-questions.md) | Give participants a breather or additional context without asking a question. | | [**Scale**](/study-basics/question-types/closed-ended-questions/scale-questions.md) | Have participants rate something on a numerical scale. In diary studies, the scale starts at 0 or 1 and can be as large as 100. | | [**Ranking**](/study-basics/question-types/closed-ended-questions/ranking-questions.md) | Have participants rank a list of options in comparison to one another. For example, “Rank the following pizza toppings from best (1) to worst (6).” | | [**Number**](/study-basics/question-types/closed-ended-questions/number-questions.md) | Have participants provide a number up to nine digits in length. | | [**Photo**](/study-basics/question-types/open-ended-questions/photo-questions.md) | Have participants take or upload a photo. Supported file types include .png and .jpeg. | | [**Video**](/study-basics/question-types/open-ended-questions/video-questions.md) |

Have participants record or upload a video. Supported file types include .mp4 and .mov, and you can set a maximum length of up to 5 minutes.

Note: A participant can be asked up to 3 video and screen recording questions in an activity. For more information, see Media limits.

| | [**Screen recording**](/study-basics/question-types/open-ended-questions/screen-recording-questions.md) |

Have participants record their phone or computer screen. You can send participants to a website or prototype first, and set a maximum length of up to 5 minutes. For what participants need to complete desktop activities, see Device options in a diary study.

Note: A participant can be asked up to 3 video and screen recording questions in an activity. For more information, see Media limits.

| {% hint style="info" %} **Note:** [Skip logic](/study-basics/design-a-study/skip-logic-in-diary-studies.md) can be applied to all question types. [Stimuli](/study-basics/question-types/question-settings-and-organization/question-stimuli.md) can be added to most question types, but not to screen recording questions. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://help.dscout.com/diary-studies/what-are-diary-studies-in-dscout/question-types-in-diary-studies.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.