Are they who they say they are? Exploring impostor / fraudulent participants in qualitative research and PPIE
Join the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Hub at King's College London for a group training session exploring the challenges posed by imposter or fraudulent participants—individuals who misrepresent their lived experience or identity in the context of qualitative research or Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement.
This session will open up honest discussion and provide practical tools to help researchers and PPIE facilitators reflect on and respond to this growing issue.
In this session, we will:
• Examine what we mean by “imposter” or “fraudulent” participation
• Discuss real-world case studies where concerns emerged
• Explore ethical tensions and dilemmas in inclusive research in the context of suspected imposter / fraudulent participants
• Explain strategies to help recognise, manage, and reduce risks without undermining trust or participation.
Who should attend?
Qualitative researchers, public involvement professionals, PPIE contributors, and anyone working in co-produced, community-based, or participatory research.
Please register and submit your questions in advance using this link.