The Implications of Bots on Psychological Science: A Speculative Article

Scammers, or individuals who purposely give false answers in research surveys (e.g., to earn study compensation), have always been a concern to Psychological Science researchers. However, their potential impact on the field has grown immensely due to contextual factors, including technological advances such as bots that allow scammers to complete large quantities of surveys in a short amount of time. While recent research has focused on how to prevent or detect scammers using bots, little research has considered the implications of bots (and our preventative measures) on the field of Psychological Science. The goal of this speculative paper is to start a conversation about the potential implications of bots on the field, along with changes needed to address potential negative impacts. To do this, we first provide a background on bot attacks on research, which includes the researchers’ experience with a recent scammer attack that utilized bots. Next, we propose five ways that bots may impact the field of Psychological Science, along with recommendations for researchers, universities, and journals to help reduce the potential negative impact. This reflective practice can help Psychological Science ensure the field, as a whole, is still meeting its goal to understand the human mind and behavior while engaging in efficient, thoughtful, and ethical practices.