> 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/guides/courses/from-usertesting-to-dscout/dscout-missions-vs-usertesting-tests.md).

# Dscout "missions" vs UserTesting "tests"

What UserTesting refers to as “tests” Dscout calls “missions” (or “studies”). **Missions** are the fielding tools you’ll use to actually collect data and insights from participants. Let’s take a look at the study types available in Dscout and highlight their closest UserTesting equivalent.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Keep in mind that Dscout uses “study” and “mission” interchangeably when referring to research methods. You may see both terms throughout this course and elsewhere in the Dscout help center.
{% endhint %}

### Dscout study types <a href="#h_01kbncnz50krw4s0gg6whe9sfe" id="h_01kbncnz50krw4s0gg6whe9sfe"></a>

Missions/studies are where the bulk of your research happens, so we offer four different methods designed to help you gather exactly the information you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of each:

| Study type         | Description                                                                                                                            | UserTesting equivalent                                                                                               | Best for                                                                               |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Media survey**   | Unmoderated tool to gather quick data using a combination of media-rich questions, including card sorting, photo responses, and more.  | **Survey**                                                                                                           | Concept testing, A/B tests, competitor reviews, message testing, mixed-method studies. |
| **Usability test** | Unmoderated tool to gather quick data using task-based questions, resulting in a screen recording of the entire participant’s session. | **Unmoderated test** (either **think-out-loud test** or **interaction test**)                                        | Website, app, and prototype feedback with tasks and metrics.                           |
| **Diary study**    | Unmoderated tool to gather data over time in entries submitted at a cadence of your choosing.                                          | N/a—this is something UserTesting doesn’t support. An entirely new research method for you to make use of in Dscout! | Exploring journeys, habits, and in-context behaviors over time.                        |
| **Interview**      | Moderated tool to conduct live interviews with participants using Dscout’s built-in video chat functionality.                          | **Live conversation**                                                                                                | Deep dives, exploratory conversations, and follow-ups with participants.               |

Dscout’s fielding tools are purpose-built, but they’re also designed to be used together. For example, you might start with a **media survey** to learn what features your users might be most interested in. From those responses, you might identify a handful of participants you want to hear more from, so you can invite them to a follow-up **interview**. Then, once you have a prototype to test, you can launch a **usability test** to see how users interact with what you’ve built. Finally, you might launch a **diary study** to see how people use the final feature over time.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You can learn more about Dscout’s study types in our [Dscout quickstart guide](https://help.dscout.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038171372) or through our dedicated learning paths (coming soon!).
{% endhint %}

Next, let’s look at some specific differences between how you might be used to running usability tests in UserTesting and how you’ll run those studies in Dscout.


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