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: 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
1 Recommendation
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). I'm simplifying, of course, but it's only an example to show the importance of anecdotes as "data." Cite
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27th Jul, 2012
Loraine J Bacchus
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Annecodotal or experiential evidence, based on professional insight, understanding, skill and expertise that is accumulated over many years can provide valuable information in new emerging areas of research where there is little published data (e.g. development of interventions to address partner violence in health care settings). This intuitive or tacit knowledge has, for example, helped guide the development of training programmes. It still helps in understanding 'what works/doesn't work' in complex interventions. Cite
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30th Jul, 2012
Helen Gilburt
King's College London
One of the risks of anecdotal evidence is that it can be a bit mythological, or people can all observe/experience something and either jump to the same conclusion or coming from a certain philosophical or professional standpoint derive a certain explanation.