> 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/recruit-participants/dscout-scout-panel/targeting-attributes.md).

# Targeting attributes

When recruiting for a study, it’s important to only find people who fit your research needs. To help, you can use targeting attributes to ensure participants meet basic requirements to qualify. Here’s an example: You’re conducting a study on streaming services and only want to hear from Hulu or Netflix subscribers. With targeting attributes, you can identify those people and disqualify anyone else.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Targeting attributes are only available when recruiting from the Dscout Scout Panel. When inviting your own participants, it is up to you to properly screen your participants to ensure they meet your requirements.
{% endhint %}

Dscout offers three categories of targeting attributes:

| Category                            | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            | Availability                                                                                    |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Standard targeting attributes**   | Pieces of information Scouts either self-disclose in their Dscout profiles or can answer in a simple screener question. Think demographics, like age, gender, and location. For more information, see [Standard targeting attributes](/recruit-participants/dscout-scout-panel/targeting-attributes/standard-targeting-attributes.md). | All Dscout plans                                                                                |
| **Behavioral targeting attributes** | Browsing data collected for Scouts who’ve enrolled in Dscout XT. Think website visitation, like how often a Scout visits amazon.com. For more information, see [Behavioral targeting attributes](/recruit-participants/dscout-scout-panel/targeting-attributes/behavioral-targeting-attributes.md).                                    | All Dscout plans                                                                                |
| **Custom targeting attributes**     | Attributes custom-built in partnership with your Dscout Account team to fit your unique research needs. For more information, see [Custom targeting attributes](/recruit-participants/dscout-scout-panel/targeting-attributes/custom-targeting-attributes.md).                                                                         | Custom attributes are a **paid add-on**. Contact your Dscout Account team for more information. |

## Add targeting attributes to a screener or study

Targeting attributes can be added to screeners or studies recruiting from the Dscout Scout Panel. When building, you’ll add targeting attributes on the **Screener** tab (or the **Intercept** tab of intercept studies).

![](/files/7ccebd976004d9ef3aaed5b1dffb1036f1947d3d)

## Targeting attributes in analysis

Targeting attributes are not only useful when finding participants—they’re also helpful when analyzing results. Dscout automatically creates participant groups based on certain targeting attributes. For example, if you used the **Marital status** attribute to find participants who are married or in domestic partnerships, you’d see the following groups during analysis:

![](/files/024bec3f7c28c2d934ee0c7f83c050183292fe02)

These groups function the same as other participant groups, so you use them to filter, edit them, or delete them as needed. For more information, see [Participant groups](/recruit-participants/working-with-participants/scout-groups.md).

Targeting attributes are available in exports. Since they function similarly to participant groups, they’ll appear in the export file alongside other groups you may have utilized. For more information, see [How can I export my data?](/study-basics/analyze-missions/how-can-i-export-my-data.md).


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