Title: What is the role of anecdotal evidence in research of complex social systems?
Headings: What is the role of anecdotal evidence in research of complex social systems?
What is the role of anecdotal evidence in research of complex social systems?
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Content: I have used Strauss's Negotiated Order theory as a complexity consistent theory that deals with the case and hence uses qualitative work as core data. There is an article in Evaluation 2008 and a development of the idea in a book being published this year-. The theory brings agency to the fore and recognises how agents produce 'order' reproduce, sustain or change it within the context of structural constraints. The other main strand I know of is in Qualitative Comparative Analysis which looks at s number of case configurations using both quantitative and qualitative evidence. Cite
2 Recommendations
26th Jul, 2012
Rocky L Sexton
Ball State University
I find anecdotal evidence to be rather loaded terminology since one could make the argument that all qualitative research is anecdotal in nature. However, since anecdotal evidence can clearly serve as the basis for developing a hypothesis and can play various roles in supporting a hypothesis the question pretty much answers itself. Cite
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26th Jul, 2012
Alice Robbin
Indiana University Bloomington
Anecdotes can be treated as data, but it depends on what the research question is and the context for the research. For example, as a political scientist who studies decision making, I am fascinated by how legislators decide on what legislation to sponsor and what contributes to their vote (s). What I have found is that legislators often begin with a story (anecdote) that is typically of a personal nature (whether their own, a constituent, a colleague). Thus anecdotes form a rational basis for the legislator's action (s).