“The Plural of Anecdote is not Data” is a commonly used phrase. The plural of anecdote is anecdotes. While useful and interesting it is not the same as the systematic collection, and contextualization of information which becomes data. When an anthropologist examines an anecdote, it becomes ethnographically informed data because of the methodology of ethnography. Ethnography is the study and systematic recording of human cultures. It is an important tool developed by Anthropologists to scientifically study specific human population groups and their economic, social, cultural, political, religious, relationships.
When studying health issues of population groups, it is helpful to undertake an ethnographic analysis of the groups. Anthropology contributes to the study of disease and illness through an integrated conceptual perspective
It examines individual or population health through biological, medical, social, cultural, political, and environmental factors, or a socio-ecological perspective.
Anthropological methods of culturally competent, ethnographic studies can be combined with survey analysis to explore community based health issues and apply the results to empower people to respond appropriately.
