Title: Learn How Anecdotal Evidence Can Trick You! - Statistics By Jim
Headings: Learn How Anecdotal Evidence Can Trick You!
Learn How Anecdotal Evidence Can Trick You!
Statistical Methodology versus Anecdotal Evidence
Graphically Illustrating the Shortcomings of Anecdotal Evidence
A scientific study of the weight loss supplement
How Statistics Beats Anecdotal Evidence
Has anecdotal evidence ever influenced you?

Content: Other relevant factors are measured and controlled. Pertinent factors are ignored. Strict requirements for identifying causal connections
Anecdotes assume causal relationships as a matter of fact. A quick look at the table should be enough to convince you that anecdotal evidence is not trustworthy! However, it’s even worse thanks to psychological factors that prime us for believing these stories. Humans are more likely to tell and remember dramatic, extraordinary personal stories. Throw in some emotion, and you’re more likely to believe the story. In psychological terms, statistical analysis of data that are carefully collected from well designed experiments lacks that emotional kick. Sad but true. Furthermore, if B follows A, our brains are wired to assume that A causes B.
Finally, anecdotal evidence cherry picks the best stories.