Anecdotal-based

Describing something that relies on or is supported by personal anecdotes, observations, or stories rather than rigorous scientific evidence, statistical data, or systematic research. It emphasizes the use of individual experiences to illustrate a point, convey information, or make an argument. While often engaging and illustrative, anecdotal-based information may be subject to biases, limited generalizability, and inaccuracies due to the subjective nature of personal accounts. It is a qualitative rather than quantitative form of evidence.

Anecdotal-based meaning with examples

• The marketing team's decision to launch the new product was largely anecdotal-based. They relied on positive feedback from a small focus group and social media comments rather than conducting comprehensive market research, which led to a failed product launch. The reliance on small, personal, and opinionated sources made their decisions too risky.
• A doctor might avoid the use of medications and instead prefer anecdotal-based treatments. The doctor, after treating patients for over 30 years, developed a method that worked for them, but it wasn't necessarily effective. The practice was effective in the doctor's opinion, but was never tested on a larger scale to ensure it worked for more people.
• The website's reviews of the new restaurant were entirely anecdotal-based; each review consisted of a single diner's personal experience. A website that used purely these types of reviews could be misleading, as there was no comparison or verification in terms of food quality, price, or service.
• The coach's training regimen was primarily anecdotal-based, drawing on his own experiences and observations of past successful athletes. The coach did not take the scientific information available for an athletes health, and instead created his own personalized training program. Therefore, athletes were prone to injury and burnout.