Let's Talk aBOT Scam Online Survey Completions in Health Behavior Research: Tutorial With Case Studies, Practical Guidance, and a Checklist for Researchers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Online data collection can reach large populations efficiently and cost-effectively. However, the increase in bots and scammers (ie, person- or software-based fraudulent completions) completing online surveys raises data integrity issues and wastes scarce research resources.

Objective

This paper aims to describe case studies and experiences in which bot or scam completions of online surveys occurred within the health behavior field (specifically physical activity and nutrition). Lessons learned and a checklist of strategies to assist researchers before, during, and after data collection to reduce the incidence of and identify bot or scam completions are provided.

Methods

Four diverse case studies are presented from studies that used online recruitment and d

SUBMITTER: Arundell L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12780700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature