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Mission Possible: The Collection of High-Quality Data

Author

Listed:
  • Can Celebi
  • Christine Exley
  • Soren Harrs
  • Hannu Kivimaki
  • Marta Serra-Garcia
  • Jeffrey Yusof

Abstract

Absent high-quality online data, research questions would be constrained conceptually and in study populations. To inform the debate about online data quality, this paper provides empirical evidence that compares data quality of responses from online participants, AI agents, and human subjects in the lab. Corresponding results reveal high data quality on some platforms, but not others. This paper also highlights a viable path for high-quality online data in an evolving landscape: use a two-stage recruitment method to broadly recruit online subjects in a baseline study and then limit recruitment for the main study to the resulting subset of "high quality" subjects.

Suggested Citation

  • Can Celebi & Christine Exley & Soren Harrs & Hannu Kivimaki & Marta Serra-Garcia & Jeffrey Yusof, 2026. "Mission Possible: The Collection of High-Quality Data," CESifo Working Paper Series 12535, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12535
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    File URL: https://www.ifo.de/DocDL/cesifo1_wp12535.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C81 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Microeconomic Data; Data Access
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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