Hello All, In a recent paper I've submitted about using MMP tech for education, the validity of our demographic data (age, race, location, etc) was brought into question. We collecting data during account or character creation using a client/server system and they argued that since this data is collected remotely, how could we be certain it's true. My problem is that I can see their point. I too have often wizzed though the demographic sign up sheets just to get to the game or because I felt it was none of their business. But my gut feeling is that since we are creating this simulation for research and specifically assureing our participents of their anonymity and importance of accurate responses, this won't be a problem. So my question to the community is: are there any reports, studies, or articles that address how accurate the demographic data set is for MMP games? So that for example, when we say that TSO had over 50% women involved, how "sure" are we that these were women? Or when we say that "alot of men play women", how sure are we that these aren't women signing on as men and making women avatars!? What steps are (or can) be taken to validate that demographic? Any information, no matter how anecdotal, would be appreciated. Thanks!

I am not sure what is MMP.
However, if someone gives his credit card information, such as subscribing to an MMO game. Then he would probabbly not lie in the rest of the data collected from him. I think.

Actually I think you need to ask this question at a web site dedicated to market research/demographic research as your quation is actually about the research and not about game development. Few developers will have knowledge of the the subject your asking about.