Anecdotal

[pd63]

Is healthunlocked sometimes too anecdotal, in my case I don't think so but what do others think.

[Tall_Allen]

What does "too anecdotal" mean? It is certainly a place for anecdotes, and is not representative of patient experiences. Take it for what it is worth.

[Lost_Sheep]

My reply is the same as Tall_Allen's. How much is "too" much? Every individual's story is anecdotal. And sure, enough anecdotes can become statistics (given the limitations of cohort selection not being controlled), but there are also quite a few posts which actually cite studies that do qualify as reporting valid statistical analyses.

So, how much is too much?

One of the great values of HealthUnlocked is that one gets support from other sufferers of cancer. "Burdens shared are half as heavy as ones borne alone." And posters like Tall_Allen who help interpret the statistics available in medical journals are another great value found here.

So, I agree that the stories are anecdotal. But not that they are TOO anecdotal. You just take anecdotes for the value they contribute...and no more than that. And that task is for your judgement to effect.

[SeosamhM]

I think it mostly depends my mood as I approach a post - not the mood/intent of the post writer. I can come away with some valuable insight or an eye-roll.

In a real-world example analogy, yesterday I was completely irritated by what appeared to me to be the irrelevant and anecdotal post-game analysis of why England lost to South Africa in the Rugby World Cup. They lost - shut yer gob and fergawdsake stop showing the Springboks celebrating. 🙄🙁

[dhccpa]

Everyone has their favorite anecdotes.