Abstract

Introduction

Fraudulent and false survey responses are a significant issue for researchers using electronic data collection tools like REDCap Survey. The risk of fraud can rise when incentives are offered for completing surveys. While several methods exist to detect or prevent fraudulent responses, each has its own advantages and drawbacks that are not always clear.

Methods

Our team examined the published literature on this topic and considered discussions and presentations by data collection experts within the REDCap Consortium. The review team consisted of faculty and staff with REDCap data collection and information technology (IT) support expertise, and who evaluated the various approaches to assess their feasibility, effectiveness, and potential impacts.

Results

Potential solutions for mitigating false survey responses fell into three main categories, noted in parentheses in the Table (see poster): (1) Technical Controls; (2) Study Design & Process Controls; (3) Participant & Verification Controls.

Discussion and Conclusions

None of the potential solutions are foolproof, and most involve trade-offs that require additional study team effort, raise barriers to data collection, and potentially deter participants who would provide genuine survey responses. Research teams need to weigh these pros and cons to determine the best approaches for their specific needs.

Program schedule: https://amia.secure-platform.com/symposium/solicitations/102009/sessiongallery/94716