Title: Anecdotal Evidence: Definition & Examples - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: Anecdotal Evidence: Definition & Examples
Anecdotal Evidence: Definition & Examples
Lesson Transcript
Starting Over
Anecdotal Evidence
Drawbacks of Anecdotal Evidence
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Anecdotal Evidence: Definition & Examples
Start today. Try it now
Anecdotal Evidence: Definition & Examples
Related Study Materials

Content: It's been my personal experience that I can ask for anecdotal evidence from fellow community members and almost always get pointed in the right direction. Similarly, I can get feedback on where NOT to frequent or patronize, which is just as helpful! Lesson Summary
Anecdotal evidence can be defined as testimony that something is true, false, related, or unrelated based on isolated examples of someone's personal experience. It is distinctly different from scientific evidence, or proof based on findings from systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation. While scientific evidence can be independently verified using the scientific method, anecdotal evidence cannot. Anecdotal evidence is often offered when there is an absence of scientific evidence or in an effort to refute scientific evidence. Anecdotal evidence is often regarded as unreliable because it is based on someone's personal testimony. When one person's experience is used as proof that the same would happen or apply to a larger group of people, the 'evidence,' as such, should be examined using the scientific method to verify credibility. Anecdotal evidence can be very effective in indicating a need for further study about a phenomenon and in our personal decision-making. Learning Outcomes
As you come to the end of the video, you should be able to: