Interview pre-test scout overview troubleshooting
The interview pre-test, required for participation in a desktop interview study, ensures that your system is equipped and ready for an interview session. In order to schedule a session, you'll need to successfully pass your pre-test, so it's important you do so as soon as possible after receiving your study invitation!
In the event you encounter issues while trying to pass your pre-test, we've included troubleshooting for all of the system checks below.
Locating the pre-test
Your pre-test is contained within your interview session link, so no need to locate a separate link! All you'll need to do is open up your session link and run through the prompts. Your session link can be found in these places:
Your original invitation email
By logging into app.dscout.com with the email address your invitation was sent to. If you've accepted your invitation, the study will appear in the "In Progress" tab. If you haven't accepted your invitation, the study will appear in your "Invites" tab. Simply tap on your study to arrive at your session link!
Invitation email
In Progress tab
Invites tab
Completing the pre-test
Navigate to your session link (instructions above for locating your link!) using a Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser.
Tap on the button at the bottom of the page that says "Start Hardware Setup." (If you haven't accepted your invitation, you will first see a button that says "Accept Study.")
This will take you to a page where your camera, microphone, speakers, and connection will be tested for compatibility. Be sure to grant camera and microphone permissions when prompted!
After passing the tests, tap "Complete Hardware Setup" at the top right of the page
Hardware setup
Pre-Test (Hardware Setup)
Scheduler
Browser compatibility
Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are the only browsers that are compatible with interview studies, so you'll need to install one of these in order to have your video conversation.
If you've downloaded Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, be sure to open your session link/pre-test in a Chrome or Edge browser. Otherwise, you'll continue to see the Chrome or Edge pre-test error.
Video/Audio troubleshooting
Interview study is a video research tool, so you'll need a laptop/desktop with a working camera and microphone in order to complete a desktop interview session.
For general camera, microphone, and sound/headphone troubleshooting, click here.
See how to grant audio & video permissions here.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is how we test the strength of your internet connection. A weak connection won't stop you from joining your session, but it can affect audio and video quality, so it's worth testing on the same network you'll use for your session. Here are some recommendations for improving your internet connection:
Close out of all other programs and browsing sessions on your computer.
Move closer to your router.
Connect to your internet via ethernet cable.
Firewall
If you’re using an antivirus or firewall software, you'll need to ensure Chrome or Edge and Dscout are trusted/allowed by these programs.
See how to troubleshoot firewall issues here.
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