anecdotal practice

[uh-NEK-doh-tuhl PRAK-tis]
nounpl: anecdotal practices
prática anedótica
1. A method or approach based on personal stories, isolated examples, or informal observations rather than systematic research, rigorous testing, or statistical data
The doctor's treatment recommendations were based on anecdotal practice rather than clinical trials.
As recomendações de tratamento do médico eram baseadas em prática anedótica em vez de ensaios clínicos.
2. The use of individual cases or anecdotes as evidence for a broader claim without scientific validation
Relying on anecdotal practice can lead to false conclusions about the effectiveness of a new product.
Confiar em prática anedótica pode levar a conclusões falsas sobre a eficácia de um novo produto.
In both Brazilian and American contexts, 'anecdotal practice' is often used critically in scientific, medical, and business discussions to distinguish between rigorous, evidence-based methods and informal, experience-based approaches. In Brazil, the term has gained prominence with the growth of evidence-based medicine (medicina baseada em evidências) and quality management practices in recent decades.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
anecdotal evidenceinformal observationexperiential methodcase-by-case approachpersonal testimony
Antonyms / Antônimos
empirical practiceevidence-based practicescientific methodologysystematic researchstatistical analysis

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
prática anedótica
Standard term used in academic and professional contexts
São Paulo
prática anedótica; evidência anedótica
Both terms commonly used in business and healthcare sectors
Rio de Janeiro
prática anedótica
Standard usage in medical and educational circles
Portugal
prática anedótica; abordagem anedótica
Similar usage but may emphasize 'abordagem' (approach) more frequently

Related Words

anecdoteempiricalevidence-basedmethodologyscientific rigordata-driven

Related Idioms & Phrases

based on hearsay
word of mouth evidence
taken with a grain of salt
not based on hard data
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