Preventing fraudulent research participation: Methodological strategies and ethical impacts.
| Title: | Preventing fraudulent research participation: Methodological strategies and ethical impacts. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Mayer C; Master's Program in Genetic Counseling, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.; Tryon R; Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant, M Health Fairview, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.; Ricks S; Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.; College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.; Lane K; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.; Van Hook E; Master's Program in Genetic Counseling, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.; Department of Cancer Risk and Prevention, MaineHealth, Scarborough, Maine, USA.; Zayhowski K; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. |
| Source: | Journal of genetic counseling [J Genet Couns] 2025 Jun; Vol. 34 (3), pp. e70048. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9206865 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1573-3599 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 10597700 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Genet Couns Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: 2019- : [Hoboken, NJ] : Wiley; Original Publication: New York, N.Y. : Human Sciences Press, c1992- |
| MeSH Terms: | Genetic Counseling*/ethics ; Fraud*/prevention & control; Humans |
| Abstract: | This article addresses a growing issue in genetic counseling research: the participation of individuals who falsify demographic information or experiences to qualify for studies, often motivated by remuneration. This issue is particularly pressing in studies using social media recruitment, where detecting fraudulent participants has become increasingly difficult. The prevalence of inaccurate data raises serious questions about the integrity, reliability, and validity of research findings. We explore potential sources of participant fraud and inconsistency informed by prior, direct experience with fraudulent participants, discussing various strategies to strengthen participant screening, data validation, and interview protocols. We also examine the challenges screening methods pose for marginalized communities, who may already harbor distrust in research or face privacy concerns. We emphasize the need for transparent, responsible approaches to participant verification and advocate for developing standardized guidelines to protect both research quality and participant rights. By promoting trust, inclusivity, and fairness in research practices, we aim to preserve the dignity of participants and ensure that genetic counseling research remains rigorous. Ultimately, we call for collective action to reinforce the integrity of research and enhance its impact on clinical practice, ensuring that evidence-based insights guide patient-centered care.; (© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Genetic Counseling published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of National Society of Genetic Counselors.) |
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| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: data accuracy; fraudulent participants; genetic counseling; online recruitment; qualitative research; quantitative research; research ethics |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20250507 Date Completed: 20250507 Latest Revision: 20260410 |
| Update Code: | 20260411 |
| PubMed Central ID: | PMC12057331 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/jgc4.70048 |
| PMID: | 40331685 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article