Brief report: Fraudulent data responses as a major threat to validity in online autism research – Case studies from four independent research teams

Abstract

Purpose: The growing popularity of online research increases risks of fraudulent data that threaten the validity of findings. Autism research is particularly susceptible, as digital methods are frequently used to enhance inclusivity and accessibility. Methods: Here we examine this vulnerability to bot-generated data and impersonation by scammers, which can jeopardize the integrity of study results. Results: Four case studies are presented from independent research teams who encountered fraudulent participation. Each team used a variety of strategies to detect, address, and prevent these issues. Conclusion: Our discussion emphasizes the importance of balancing the need for ethical inclusivity, particularly for autistic people who may benefit from online participation options, with necessary data integrity protections.We emphasize the role of proactive and adaptable safeguards in mitigating threats posed by fraudulent responses without inadvertently limiting access for legitimate participants. Finally, we offer practical recommendations for autism researchers to mitigate validity threats.