What happens to elements not nested within an Authenticator?

The correct answer is that elements not nested within an Authenticator can be accessed without authentication. When using an Authenticator in Qualtrics, any elements or blocks that are outside of this Authenticator structure do not require users to complete the authentication process to view or interact with them.

This setting is particularly useful when designing surveys or forms where some content should be available to all respondents, regardless of authentication status, while still controlling access to other parts of the survey that may contain sensitive or restricted information. By placing elements outside of the Authenticator, you ensure that they remain accessible to anyone who reaches that part of the survey, thus maintaining an open path to certain types of questions or information, while still managing who can see threaded or particular responses in the authenticated sections.