Non-genuine participants: Undermining the veterinary evidence base?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Research
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Research Integrity

Background:

• Non-genuine participation (NGP) presents an emerging challenge in online research.
• NGP has been under-examined within veterinary qualitative studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report suspected non-genuine participation (NGP) in a qualitative study of early-career veterinary graduates.
• To highlight the implications of NGP for data integrity in veterinary research.

Main Methods:

• Online recruitment of early-career veterinary graduates for a multi-institutional interview study.
• Incentive provided to participants.
• Identification of suspected NGP based on specific indicators.

Main Results:

• Indicators of NGP included inconsistent background information, inability to answer veterinary-specific questions, vague responses, and contact detail discrepancies.
• Eleven potential interviewees were excluded due to inability to establish eligibility.
• Suspected NGP impacted data collection and raised concerns about data integrity.

Conclusions:

• The study encountered suspected NGP, though participant intent was not definitively established.
• There is a lack of existing literature on NGP within the veterinary field.
• Addressing NGP is crucial for ensuring the reliability of qualitative research informing veterinary education, workforce policy, and clinical practice.