Imposter Participants: Overcoming Methodological Challenges Related to Balancing Participant Privacy with Data Quality When Using Online Recruitment and Data Collection

Abstract

In this paper we describe the lessons learned when untrustworthy participants were included in a qualitative interview study. In online research, participants can more easily misrepresent their identity and volunteer for studies even if they do not meet inclusion criteria. The term “imposter participant” refers to dishonest participants who completely fake their identities or simply exaggerate their experiences in order to participate in qualitative studies. Untrustworthy participants are a threat to data quality, yet little has been published on how qualitative researchers should prevent and handle this unique methodological challenge. In this paper, we provide a detailed account of how specific issues with the research design create methodological challenges related to participant honesty when participants self-identify as meeting study inclusion criteria and participate in a virtual interview. Through our experiences as a doctoral student and dissertation supervisor, we offer lessons learned relating to recruiting online participants, collecting virtual interview data, and analyzing data for a qualitative study. Our experiences and reflections might help other qualitative researchers, including doctoral candidates and their supervising committees, work with internal review boards to prevent imposter participants and thereby contribute to the trustworthiness of their research.

Qualitative study of the impact on recovery of peer relationships between female inpatients during treatment for anorexia nervosa in the United Kingdom

“…However, it stimulated discussion around a limitation of qualitative method: we cannot confirm the identity and experiences of individuals. There is growing evidence of dishonest participation in qualitative studies, especially when using online recruitment and non‐synchronous methods of data collection (Hewitt et al, 2022; Jones et al, 2021; Roehl & Harland, 2022). Safeguarding against this is challenging while maintaining participant privacy; a level of trust must be granted to participants without threatening methodological rigor.…”

Recruiting Nurse Participants in Ambulatory Care Nursing Research

“…Another strategy to improve the quality of recruitment, particularly in qualitative studies, is to employ an additional layer of screening. Roehl and Harland (2022) recommend adding telephonic screening with potential interviewees who appear to meet inclusion criteria based on their responses to an initial online screening form. Both authors used a layered approach to screening.…”

‘Imposter participants’ in online qualitative research, a new and increasing threat to data integrity?

“…Other authors have suggested that the falsification of identity in online surveys is more widespread than suggested by Hydock. 9 , 10 Roehl and Harding 11 argue that participants in online qualitative research have a good opportunity to perform an identity to volunteer for research studies when they do not meet inclusion criteria. They (and those discussing self‐reported survey research) recommend that researchers plan their recruitment procedures, data collection and approach to analyses to protect data from ‘dishonest’ participants.…”