Lessons learnt: imposters in online focus groups

Pritchard, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0179-2331, Stojanovik, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6791-9968, Titteringdon, J. and Pagnamenta, E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4703-3163 (2025) Lessons learnt: imposters in online focus groups. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. ISSN 1464-5300 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

Research using online platforms and recruitment via social media allows for a diverse range of participants and increased geographical reach. This, however, risks non-genuine participants, also known as ‘imposter participants,’ entering a study undetected. This commentary discusses our experiences with imposter participants in a recent focus group study. The study involved parents of young children with a speech sound disorder, looking at their experiences and perceptions of attending speech and language therapy and practising at home with their child. Ensuring participants are genuine is a complex issue that requires learning and discussion amongst researchers. It is essential that measures such as screening calls are put in place and considered in the design phase of studies to stop imposters entering. We urge those supporting research, as well as those training researchers, to make sure they have the relevant information, policies and procedures in place to prevent researchers from recruiting imposters.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/125457
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Clinical Language Sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords	Online research, imposters, focus groups, qualitative research, speech and language therapy
Publisher	Taylor and Francis
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