> 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/ai-moderated-studies/create-an-ai-moderated-study/define-objectives-and-context-in-an-ai-moderated-study.md).
# Define objectives and context in an AI moderated study
To give the AI moderator of your study guidance, you'll start by defining your overall research objectives and providing any context that might be useful. You'll find both of these settings on the **AI moderator** tab of your study under the **Questions** view:
### Research objectives
In the **Research objectives** field, clearly state what you hope to achieve in your study. Maybe you want to evaluate the intuitiveness of a new user interface, or assess how participants perceive your company's rebrand. Whatever your goal, follow these guidelines:
* Write 3–5 clear objectives, and keep each to one sentence.
* Focus on what you want participants to share, reflect on, or demonstrate.
* Keep objectives specific and distinct. Avoid combining multiple goals into one.
The AI moderator uses these objectives when asking questions, crafting follow-ups, and probing for more information. They're also used during analysis (for AI summaries, themes, and more), so define them with both fielding and analysis in mind.
### Moderator context (optional)
Use the optional **Moderator context** field to give the AI moderator guardrails to keep in mind during sessions. Maybe your company uses specific terminology, or there are things you *don't* want the AI moderator to mention. You can also include past research findings here so the moderator knows what you already know and what you still want to find out.
For help adding your questions next, see [Add questions to an AI moderated study](/ai-moderated-studies/create-an-ai-moderated-study/add-questions-to-an-ai-moderated-study.md).
---
# 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/ai-moderated-studies/create-an-ai-moderated-study/define-objectives-and-context-in-an-ai-moderated-study.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.
