Scientific Context
In science, anecdotal evidence has been defined as:
- "information that is not based on facts or careful study"
- "reports or observations of usually unscientific observers"
- "casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis"
- "information passed along by word-of-mouth but not documented scientifically"
Anecdotal evidence can have varying degrees of formality. For instance, in medicine, published anecdotal evidence by a trained observer (a doctor) is called a case report, and is subjected to formal peer review. Although such evidence is not seen as conclusive, it is sometimes regarded as an invitation to more rigorous scientific study of the phenomenon in question. For instance, one study found that 35 of 47 anecdotal reports of side effects were later sustained as "clearly correct."
Anecdotal evidence is considered the least certain type of scientific information. Researchers may use anecdotal evidence for suggesting new hypotheses, but never as validating evidence.
Read more about this topic: Anecdotal Evidence
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