Some results that various researchers have experienced due to research fatigue include:

  • Difficulties in recruitment for further research work
  • Misleading (research) results - Survey response fatigue can lead to collection of inaccurate data, which can skew research results. This occurs when participants are tired of taking surveys and answer questionnaires untruthfully. Data can also be skewed as participants learn what to anticipate on surveys. For example, a participant may respond that they do not have a particular health affliction to avoid answering sub-questions related to this health condition. 
  •  “Research savvy” communities - In some cases, a somewhat positive effect of over-research on a community may be the skills the population develops in establishing terms with researchers and following through with participation in a study. Familiarity with social research protocols can lead participants to be confident in their participation.

 

Previous: What Causes Research Fatigue to Occur?

 

Next: Take-aways from Unit 1