Responder fatigue refers to the decline in the quality or accuracy of responses given by participants in a survey, questionnaire, or study due to tiredness, boredom, or loss of motivation over time.

Key characteristics: 📉 Decreased attention or effort as the survey progresses.

✏️ Rushed or incomplete answers, often toward the end.

❌ Skipped questions or straight-lining (choosing the same response repeatedly).

⏱️ More likely in long or repetitive surveys.

Consequences: Low data quality

Biased results

Increased nonresponse rates in later sections

Example: In a 40-question online health survey, participants may start with thoughtful answers but give brief or patterned responses by question 30 — a sign of responder fatigue.