Lessons Learnt: imposters in online focus groups

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.