Discuss how anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of a weight-loss supplement differs from scientific evidence of the effectiveness of a weight-loss supplement. Which source of evidence would you trust more and why?
Anecdotal evidence comes in the form of patient testimonies as to how well the product works. There may only be testimonies from a few people who make the product sound wonderful. There is often a disclaimer that says that the results are not typical in small print. There is usually no cited study from a credible research center. This type of anecdotal evidence would be seen on TV or would be published in a popular magazine as a story.
Scientific evidence would actually describe a study that is done at an accredited research or clinical center. There would be results from a large number of people and the study would employ the suitable controls such as a group of patients who get the weight-loss supplement versus patients who get a placebo. The results of this study would be reviewed by and then published in a journal that is read by experts in the fields of nutrition and medicine.
Most people would trust information from a well-designed and published scientific study, since large numbers of people have participated in the study and the results are more easily repeatable by other researchers.
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