Before you launch your study, the system provides a clear, real-time calculation of the total required funds. This transparency helps you budget appropriately and understand exactly what you're paying for.
The Cost Formula
The total cost for your study is calculated using this simple formula:
Total Cost = (Base Payment × Sample Size) + Service Fees
💡 How It Works
The system calculates costs in real-time as you adjust your study settings. Every time you change the sample size, base payment, or estimated duration, you'll see the updated total cost immediately.
Cost Breakdown Components
Base Payment
- Calculation: Set using the hourly wage slider based on your estimated study duration
- Formula: (Hourly Rate ÷ 60) × Estimated Duration in Minutes
- Reserved: These funds are reserved immediately when you launch your study
Service Fees
- Percentage: Displayed on your project page and included in the cost breakdown
- Applied to: The total participant payments (Base Payment × Sample Size)
- Purpose: Covers platform maintenance, participant recruitment, and payment processing
Bonus Amounts
- Display Only: Bonus ranges are shown in the cost breakdown for your reference
- Not Reserved: Bonus funds are not reserved upfront
- Payment Time: You'll be prompted to fund bonuses when you actually award them
Validation Warnings
The system will alert you to potential issues with your study configuration:
⚠️ Common Warnings
- Low Compensation: Payment below recommended minimum wage rates
- Duration Mismatch: Estimated duration seems too short/long for the hourly rate
- Sample Size: Very large sample sizes that might affect recruitment speed
Example Cost Calculation
Let's walk through an example:
- Target Participants: 100
- Estimated Duration: 15 minutes
- Hourly Rate: $12.00
- Service Fee: 15%
Calculation:
- Base Payment per Participant: ($12.00 ÷ 60) × 15 = $3.00
- Total Base Payments: $3.00 × 100 = $300.00
- Service Fees: $300.00 × 15% = $45.00
- Total Required: $345.00
Important
The estimated cost breakdown is calculated based on your target sample size. If your study completes with fewer participants than targeted, unused funds will be returned to your wallet after the study is reviewed.