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Battling bots: Experiences and strategies to mitigate fraudulent responses in online surveys

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  • Brittney Goodrich
  • Marieke Fenton
  • Jerrod Penn
  • John Bovay
  • Travis Mountain

Abstract

Declining survey response rates have driven many researchers to seek out cost‐effective methods of increasing participation, such as conducting surveys online, paying incentives, and using social media to engage hard‐to‐reach populations. Malicious actors can exploit the monetary incentives and anonymity of online surveys, threatening the integrity of survey data. We share two recent experiences conducting online surveys that were inundated with fraudulent responses. Our objective is to increase awareness of this emerging issue and offer guidance for others to mitigate the effects of fraudulent responders in their own research.

Suggested Citation

  • Brittney Goodrich & Marieke Fenton & Jerrod Penn & John Bovay & Travis Mountain, 2023. "Battling bots: Experiences and strategies to mitigate fraudulent responses in online surveys," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 45(2), pages 762-784, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:45:y:2023:i:2:p:762-784
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13353
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. John C. Whitehead & William P. Anderson, Jr & Dennis Guignet & Craig E. Landry & O. Ashton Morgan, 2024. "Sea-Level Rise, Drinking Water Quality and the Economic Value of Coastal Tourism in North Carolina," Working Papers 24-01, Department of Economics, Appalachian State University.

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