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A comment on Newly released UFO files from the UK government. Parent comment

Re:Newly released UFO files from the UK government by calebmpeterson on Tuesday July 17, 2012 @02:37AM (#4254441)
> I think it's incredibly important to remember that the plural of "anecdote" is not "data".

Honestly, where is the barrier between the two? I'm not suggesting it doesn't exist, just genuinely asking where it is, or at least where it's near?

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Re:Newly released UFO files from the UK government by grimboy on Tuesday July 17, 2012 @03:05AM (#4254534)
Well, roughly and someone may have a better answer. Data is collected in a structured, systematic way, and the sample is carefully chosen. Anecdotes are not structured or collected in a systematic way, but worst of all the sample you've taken is the people who've chosen to speak up.
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Re:Newly released UFO files from the UK government by nazgulnarsil on Tuesday July 17, 2012 @03:50AM (#4254684)
Anecdotes ignore selection effects. Data tries to control for them.
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