Sunday, October 19, 2008

The plural of anecdote is not data

I came across this expression: "The plural of anecdote is not data." I was astounded that in just a few words, it conveyed what takes me a couple of lectures in my social research methods class. It also summarizes concerns I have with various pieces of research about Christianity.

So much in short sentence. Maybe it will become a t-shirt slogan popular with sociologists.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that saying and use it often when trying to explain sociology to students and others. I learned it from Rhys Williams in grad school.

Brad Wright said...

Hm-m-m-m, I wonder if I would be as famous as Rhys if I had heard that earlier in my career. :-)