Is Anecdotal Evidence Science?

Abstract

It is asked how, if at all, can anecdotal evidence help us understand human thinking and behavior? First, the early views about anecdotal evidence are charted. Second, specific ways anecdotal evidence is used or could be, in conjunction with quantitative studies, independently, or for fields that require subjective self-understanding, running the gamut from economics to teaching, to medicine, to literature, are delved into. Finally, the ways in which anecdotal evidence can be used in scientific inquiry are summarized.