Unit 1: Overview of Research Fatigue
Fatigue - a state or attitude of indifference or apathy brought on by overexposure (as to a repeated series of similar events or appeals).
~Merriam-Webster dictionary
Research fatigue (also known as respondent fatigue) is a state of indifference or apathy brought on by overexposure to engaging in research, or being researched. Populations of people who are subject to being studied due to their situations can develop research fatigue and become reluctant to continuing engagement as participants in existing studies or future work. This can lead to deterioration of the quality of the data. Groups of people who are subject to continual and high volumes of research may exhibit a drop in motivation and attention, leading to increased “don’t know” or “straight-line” responses to questionnaire surveys, short answers, or no answers at all.