Participants or pretenders? Addressing the challenge of inauthentic participation in academic research in the UK: experiences from the FIO and DIO Food research teams. [Preprint]

Hunter, Emma; Stone, Rebecca A.; Greatwood, Hannah C.; Johnstone, Alexandra M.; Griffiths, Claire; Crabtree, Daniel R.; Douglas, Flora; FIO Food Team; DIO Food Team

Abstract

Individuals participate in research for numerous reasons, however, the global economic downturn may have driven some to participate solely for monetary recompense. While inauthentic participation is more widely recognised in quantitative survey studies, it is increasingly becoming an issue in qualitative research. Drawing on our experiences and supported by the wider literature, we highlight ways in which inauthentic participation can be identified and addressed. We argue it is pertinent researchers are aware of the risks and potential impact of inauthentic participants and recommend researchers consider this phenomenon from study planning stages onwards. We identify Universities and ethics committees as well placed to provide training and ensure, where necessary, mitigation plans are in place before granting study approvals. We suggest funders and publishers request inauthentic participation be considered and reported. These recommendations would establish awareness, prevent wasting valuable project resources, increase transparency of reporting and ensure data integrity is protected.

Citation

HUNTER, E., STONE, R.A., GREATWOOD, H.C., JOHNSTONE, A.M., GRIFFITHS, C., CRABTREE, D.R., DOUGLAS, F., on behalf of the FIO and DIO Food Team. Participants or pretenders? Addressing the challenge of inauthentic participation in academic research in the UK: experiences from the FIO and DIO food research teams. [Preprint]. Hosted on OSF: Centre for Open Science [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/gzfxh_v1

• Working Paper Type: Preprint
• Online Publication Date: Feb 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 23, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 26, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.31219/osf.io/gzfxh_v1
• Keywords: Inauthentic participants; Imposter participants; Data integrity; Data validity and reliability; Research methods
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2675717