Redefining data quality: How Acuity Knowledge Partners delivers unmatched survey insights

Published on January 31, 2025 by Amandeep Singh Rekhi

In today’s hyperconnected world, decisions are only as good as the data that supports them. Organisations invest heavily in surveys, expecting actionable insights to drive innovation, refine strategies and boost profitability. Yet, many are unknowingly building their strategies on flawed foundations due to fraudulent or low-quality survey responses, which severely impact survey data quality. Imagine investing in a campaign, product launch or business transformation only to realise your foundational data was compromised by bots, fake respondents or careless answers.

The hazards with compromised data are numerous:

• Bad data – Inaccurate data hinders businesses from making decisions, leading to potential losses and wasted resources.

• Global impact – The global economy suffers billions of dollars in losses annually due to the consequences of poor data quality and fraud.

• Skewed insights – Fraudulent survey responses distort research findings, leading to misinterpretation and inaccurate conclusions.

• Survey truth compromised – Survey fraud is a serious threat to accurate data and informed decisions, requiring proactive measures to ensure reliable research and effective strategies.

At Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), we don’t just promise data integrity, we deliver it. Through innovative technology and a commitment to excellence, we ensure every data point you receive is authentic, actionable and tailored to your business needs.

Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 survey responses globally are fraudulent? From bots generating fake responses to inattentive participants skipping through questions, bad data can quietly undermine even the most carefully designed research.

Consider this:

• 48% of businesses say poor data has impacted their ability to make informed decisions (source: Forbes)

• Bad data costs the global economy over USD3tn annually (source: IBM)

• Fraudulent responses lead to skewed insights, misdirected investments and wasted budgets

For companies that rely on precision and trust, these numbers aren’t just statistics; they’re risks.

How Acuity ensures authenticity in survey data

In today’s fast-paced data-driven environment, ensuring survey data quality and the reliability of survey responses is paramount. We implement cutting-edge tools and methodologies to deliver trustworthy, actionable insights. Real-world scenarios and proven techniques back each step in our approach, ensuring practical applicability and measurable results.

1. Intelligent fraud detection in real time

Our fraud detection system, powered by AI and machine learning, detects and eliminates fraudulent or unreliable data points the moment they are submitted. These systems mirror the practices used by global leaders in data security and analytics. Our major fraud-detection tool comprises the following:

2. Context-aware text analysis

We deploy sophisticated natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, akin to those used by platforms such as IBM Watson or Google Cloud NLP, to analyse and refine open-ended responses. This ensures high contextual relevance and thoughtful inputs.

3. Dynamic engagement tracking

Dynamic engagement tracking combines behavioural analytics and engagement metrics, ensuring respondents are attentive and participating actively. Major checks employed are the following:

4.Multi-layer verification

The multi-layer verification process detailed below incorporates the gold standards for providing comprehensive security and authenticity checks.

• Response timestamping: In market research for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), timestamp analysis helps identify discrepancies. For instance, responses logged outside standard survey timings may indicate a bot or outsourced respondent.

• Device fingerprinting: By identifying unique device details, we avoid repetitive data entries. For example, in a political survey conducted pre-election, device fingerprinting ensures each vote represents a unique opinion.

• Digital watermarking: Proprietary watermarking techniques prevent manipulation of survey results. For instance, in academic research studies, this ensures data integrity from collection to publication.

• Behavioural analysis: By tracking mouse movements and click behaviour, we distinguish genuine respondents from fraudulent ones. For instance, rapid, erratic clicks without engaging with survey content are clear signs of fraud; identifying these helps ensure only valid responses are used for analysis.

Acuity’s success stories

 

With AI-powered fraud detection and stringent data-authenticity protocols, we ensure the highest standards of quality, delivering insights that empower businesses to make confident, data-driven decisions. These real-world applications and robust methodologies make us a trusted partner in providing accurate, reliable and actionable survey data.

The Acuity edge: delivering excellence at scale

Global reach with local expertise

With projects spanning 50+ countries, we are equipped to navigate the nuances of diverse markets, industries and target audiences. From North America to Asia Pacific, our global network ensures no audience is out of reach.

Acuity’s proven impact across sectors

Healthcare: For a leading provider, we ensured 100% compliance with GDPR and HIPAA standards, enabling accurate collection of patient feedback.

Retail: A global retailer increased post-survey conversion rates by 40%, thanks to insights derived from our fraud-free data.

Finance: A multinational bank reduced bad data by 99%, securing reliable insights for investment strategies.

Data integrity drives client retention

Reliable data isn’t just about accuracy; it’s about trust. When clients see results rooted in genuine insights, they return for more. Our 85% client retention rate is a testament to our commitment to excellence.

What our clients say:

"Acuity’s fraud-detection system saved us thousands of dollars in wasted survey costs while delivering insights that changed the way we approached our product strategy." — Senior Analyst, FMCG giant

"Their precision in managing complex multi-country surveys is unmatched. We’ve grown to trust their team implicitly." — Market Research Lead, global tech company

Why data quality equals competitive advantage

High-quality data is more than a checkbox – it’s the foundation for growth and differentiation. Based on internal studies, businesses that prioritise genuine data experience the following benefits:

• 23x greater customer acquisition rates

• 15% faster decision-making cycles

• Significant cost savings due to reduced errors and misdirected strategies

In a crowded market, genuine insights give you the edge you need to succeed.

Why Acuity Knowledge Partners?

We’re not just survey providers; we’re your partners in success. With over two decades of experience in managing complex, end-to-end research projects, we understand the critical balance between speed, quality and reliability.

What sets us apart:

• Tailored solutions: From survey design to reporting, we customise every step in line with your needs

• Advanced technology: Our real-time fraud detection ensures immediate flagging of bad data

• Global reach, local sensitivity: Expertise in delivering data across regions and sectors

• Rapid turnaround: Quick yet reliable data collection to meet tight deadlines

• End-to-end expertise: Seamless execution from project inception to actionable insights

Take the next step towards data excellence

Don’t let bad data hold you back. The right partner can transform your surveys from mere responses into powerful business insights.

We bring unparalleled precision, innovation and dedication to every project we handle. From identifying fraud to delivering actionable results, we ensure your data is nothing short of exceptional.

Ready to transform your surveys? Contact us today. Let’s redefine what genuine data can do for your business.

Sources:

• https://www.mrbuddies.online/fraud-cop/

• https://www.greenbook.org/insights/data-quality-privacy-and-ethics/the-rising-issue-of-bad-data-in-online-surveys-causes-and-contributing-factors

• https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2021/10/14/flying-blind-how-bad-data-undermines

• https://www.science.org/content/article/many-surveys-about-one-five-may-contain-fraudulent-data

• https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pan3.10557

• https://www.edq.com/blog/the-consequences-of-poor-data-quality-for-a-business/

• https://www.greenbook.org/insights/5-steps-to-prevent-online-survey-fraud

• https://www.kantar.com/inspiration/research-services/how-to-combat-survey-fraud-pf

• https://www.qualtrics.com/support/survey-platform/survey-module/survey-checker/fraud-detection

• https://www.greenbook.org/insights/research-methodologies/online-survey-frauds-in-market-research-challenges-and-solutions

• https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2024/10/21/the-importance-of-data-quality-metrics-that-drive-business-success/

• https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/07/18/being-data-driven-is-likely-your-best-bet/

---

---