Activity credits are used to measure certain tasks completed in the Dscout platform. While Dscout does not limit the number of projects or missions you can build, your ability to complete those missions with actual participants is limited by your available activity credits.
Activity credits apply to an entire Dscout account and all of its users. So, if others within your organization also use Dscout, you are all working with the same allotment of activity credits. This also applies if you’re using workspaces. Each workspace in Dscout has its own activity credits allotment, but it applies to everyone working in that workspace.
You can view your activity credits—including those used and remaining—on the Account management page in Dscout.
Note: You can access the Account management page by clicking the name of your Dscout account in the sidebar navigation. Then, click the Settings (gear) icon. If you don't have access to this page, contact your Dscout Account Owner.
What counts as an activity credit?
An easy way to think of an activity credit is that it represents a piece of data collected using Dscout that can then be analyzed. For example, you can analyze a completed Live interview, so that counts as an activity credit. However, a Live session that has been scheduled but not conducted can’t be analyzed, so that doesn’t count as an activity credit.
Here’s a breakdown of what counts as an activity credit for each type of Dscout mission:
| Mission type | Activity credits required |
|---|---|
| Usability tests and media surveys |
1 completed study entry = 1 activity credit For each participant who completes your mission, you’ll have 1 entry. So, if 50 people take part in your mission, you’ll need 50 activity credits. |
| Diary missions |
1 completed Diary activity = 1 activity credit per participant Each Diary mission can include multiple activities. So, the number of activities in your mission will determine how many activity credits you need for each participant. However, activity credits needed for Diary missions are capped at 5. So, if your mission includes 7 activities, you’ll still only need 5 activity credits per participant. |
| Live missions |
1 completed Live interview session = 1 activity credit Each Live interview session involves one participant. So, if your Live mission has 20 participants, you’ll need 20 activity credits. |
Note: Activity credits may also be required when recruiting from Partner Panels. For more information, contact your Dscout Account Manager. And to learn more about Partner Panels, see Recruit from Partner Panels.
How can I get more activity credits?
The number of credits available in your Dscout account is determined by your Dscout subscription. If you need more activity credits, contact your account owner (listed on the right side of the Dscout home page). If you are the owner of your Dscout account, contact your Dscout Account Manager to discuss your options.
What’s the difference between activity credits and “completes”?
Dscout used to measure the above activities using “completes,” which worked similarly to activity credits. If your account has not made the switch to activity credits or you have any questions, reach out to your Dscout Account Manager.