Recruitment materials are often treated as neutral tools, but they actively shape who chooses to participate—and why. In qualitative and decentralized research, where trust and authenticity are critical, poorly aligned design choices can unintentionally attract insincere participants while deterring the very individuals a study aims to reach.

This session explores how recruitment materials function as signals, influencing perceptions of legitimacy, eligibility, and risk. Through real-world case examples and interactive discussion, participants will examine how design elements—such as language, compensation framing, and screening structure—can create vulnerability to misrepresentation. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to align recruitment approaches with study risk tolerance, strengthening both participant authenticity and data integrity.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand how recruitment materials send signals that influence participant behavior: Session participants will learn how design choices (language, visuals, structure) shape perceptions of trust, eligibility, and legitimacy—and ultimately impact who chooses to engage with a study.

2. Identify risks and warning signs of insincere participation in qualitative and decentralized research: Session participants will be able to recognize how certain recruitment strategies (e.g., broad outreach, compensation emphasis, low-friction screeners) can unintentionally attract ineligible or insincere participants.

3. Apply practical strategies to align recruitment design with study risk tolerance: Session participants will leave with actionable approaches to design recruitment materials and screeners that balance access and data integrity—inviting the right participants while discouraging insincere engagement.