> 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/intercept-studies/create-an-intercept-study/manage-participant-limit-and-incentive-in-an-intercept-study.md).

# Manage participant limit and incentive in an intercept study

Your research needs (and your research budget!) will determine how many participants your study can have—and of course how much you’ll pay them. These are both managed on the **Overview** tab of your study prior to launch.

### Participant limit

Your study’s participant limit determines how many people can complete your mission. You can have as few as one participant or up to a recommended maximum of 100 in a single study. When your limit is reached, your mission will automatically close.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the **Overview** tab of your study.

![](/files/140aa8091d99a3b6284c35488beffbb1cbba47c6)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click anywhere in the **Mission details** section.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the **Participant limit per intercept** field, enter your desired sample size (1–100 recommended).

![](/files/9524638dc78bb97430a37b3112ebac00b3b44bec)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Done**.

Now, your participant limit is set. Once your study receives your designated number of responses, it will automatically close.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** If you need to gather more insights later, you can edit your participant limit and re-launch. For more information, see [Edit a launched mission](/study-basics/edit-close-or-relaunch-missions/edit-a-launched-screener-or-study.md).
{% endhint %}

### Mission incentive

Your mission incentive determines how much each participant will receive as a thanks for their input. The incentive should be reflective of the time and effort required on their part, and it should also be enticing enough to encourage people to stop their browsing and participate.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Tip:** For advice on what to offer your participants, see [How much should an intercept study pay?](/intercept-studies/what-are-intercept-studies-in-dscout/how-much-should-an-intercept-study-pay.md)
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the **Overview** tab of your study.

![](/files/140aa8091d99a3b6284c35488beffbb1cbba47c6)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click anywhere in the **Mission details** section.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Enter an **Incentive per participant** (up to $100). Your mission’s **Incentive total** is automatically calculated based on your entry here and your participant limit.

![](/files/8e71cc56335c62e6f0336df1963efb45e0730546)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **Done**.

Now, your mission’s incentive is set. This amount will be displayed to participants in the pop-up that appears when they visit your designated intercept URL.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


---

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