Title: Types of Evidence. Social scientists have to use evidence… | by Phil Howard | Medium
Headings: Types of Evidence
Types of Evidence
1. Anecdotal Evidence
2. Testimonial Evidence
3. Statistical Evidence
4. Analogical Evidence

Content: Types of Evidence. Social scientists have to use evidence… | by Phil Howard | Medium
Types of Evidence
Phil Howard
Jan 28, 2016 · 3 min read
Social scientists have to use evidence to explain they dynamics of our economic, cultural and political lives. Powerful arguments use several kinds of evidence, and weak arguments use just one kind evidence. These are the four forms of evidence we use in supporting our claims. 1. Anecdotal Evidence
a. Provides weak support for an argument
b. Acts as a powerful counterexample for dismissing an argument
c. Describes one, or a few best instances all of the same type, general nature, or structure
An anecdote is a spec i fic example, usually grounded in personal, secondary, or incomplete evidence. Obviously an anecdote cannot prove a general statement, so avoid treating a single case as proving a general point. An anecdote is especially unconvincing when it is a broad example being used to support or oppose a very narrow claim. And a single anecdote or counterexample is alone sufficient to disprove a general statement. A well-chosen anecdote, however, can be a counter-example that demonstrates how a claim must be modified or qualified.