This study is currently not recruiting participants.

Defending Against Authorship Attribution Attacks

Study on the Identifiability of Writing Styles

Not Recruiting
100 years or below
All
Phase N/A

Brief description of study.

The study investigates to what extent individuals' writing style is identifiable. People writing documents (memos, emails, books) tend to use distinctive vocabulary and syntax. The study investigates how much pre-existing prose is needed to identify an individual's writing style. The study also explores ways individuals can mask or obscure their distinctive writing style. Sometimes this is important. For example, whistleblower programs in the financial industry rely on the promise of anonymity. If an individual's identity can be discovered by inspecting their prose style, this promise is not trustworthy.

Detailed description of study

The study investigates to what extent individuals' writing style is identifiable. People writing documents (memos, emails, books) tend to use distinctive vocabulary and syntax. The study investigates how much pre-existing prose is needed to identify an individual's writing style. The study also explores ways individuals can mask or obscure their distinctive writing style. Sometimes this is important. For example, whistleblower programs in the financial industry rely on the promise of anonymity. If an individual's identity can be discovered by inspecting their prose style, this promise is not trustworthy.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: healthy
  • Age: 100 years or below
  • Gender: All

This study investigates how identifiable a person's writing style is. It looks at how people use unique words and sentence structures in their writing, such as in emails or books. The purpose of this study is to find out how much of someone's previous writing is needed to recognize their style and how people might hide their unique way of writing. This can be important for keeping someone's identity secret, like in whistleblower programs.

Participants in the study will be asked to provide samples of their writing. These samples will be analyzed to see if their writing style can be identified. The study will also explore techniques that people might use to make their writing style less recognizable, ensuring that their identity remains confidential.

  • Who can participate: The study is open to individuals who write documents such as memos, emails, or books. There are no specific age or demographic criteria mentioned.
  • Study details: Participants will provide samples of their writing for analysis. They may also be asked to try different writing techniques to see if these can obscure their writing style.
Updated on 19 Feb 2024. Study ID: 1806940835

Interested in the study?

Select a study center that’s convenient for you, and get in touch with the study team.

Connect with the study team