In this episode of Pebble Presents, host Emelia Rallapalli and Renato Silvestre discuss the rapid development of survey research and accompanying rise in survey fraud. They explore the impact of technology on survey participation and the importance of quality control before diving into the intricacies of survey design, data quality, and the challenges of sample fraud in market research. 

If you are ready to learn how fraud impacts research and how we can think and act differently to quell it, then this episode is for YOU!

Emelia Rallapalli is the founder of Pebble - a brand strategy and marketing research consultancy. With decades of experience in global brand planning, strategy, and research, Pebble has helped shape businesses of all kinds, from ambitious start-ups to global Fortune 100 companies. 

Renato Silvestre is a research and analytics leader with over 30 years of experience delivering actionable insights to drive business growth. As Founder + Chief Insights Innovator at Strategence, Renato combines deep expertise in market research, data science, and AI with a creative, strategic mindset. With a passion for innovation and a hands-on approach to research from exploratory ideation through in-market tracking, Renato is recognized for turning complexity into clarity and impact.

Welcome to Pebble Presents!

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Resources and References 

• Strategence: https://www.strategence-us.com/
• Strategence on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategence
• Strategence on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategence_smarts

Show Notes 

0:23 - Emelia introduces today’s topic and returning guest, Renato Silvestre

4:04 - Renato discusses the rise of survey fraud in research and what can compromise the quality of research outcomes

20:27 - Renato identifies quantitative surveys and research that are more vulnerable to fraud in the respondents, and a BIG challenge that comes with DIY research

27:40 - Renato explains factors that contribute to the evidence that the longer a survey is in field, the risks of fraud go down

32:45 - Emelia and Renato discuss when DIY research might be a good solution for you and why taking time and being thoughtful in your research process is important

37:44 - Renato discusses leveraging new technologies - including artificial intelligence

40:19 - Renato lists practical preventative measures in doing your own survey research, points of comparison in self-conducted online surveys, and shares if he would consider working with a research “one-stop shop”

46:24 - Emelia and Renato share their key takeaways from the episode

48:12 - Emelia brings the episode to a close

Episode Credits

Produced by Stephanie Watanabe 

Editing and Post Produced by Erin Zimmerman

Artwork and Design by Liisa Turan-Walters