Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

The Use Of Anecdotal Information In A Hypothetical Lung Cancer Treatment Decision, Preston Brown, Victor Kwan, Michael Vallerga, Hardeep Obhi, Erin Woodhead

Faculty Publications

This mixed-methods study examined variables associated with use of experience-based (i.e., anecdotal) decisional strategies among 85 undergraduate students presented with 2 hypothetical lung cancer scenarios. Participants were asked to think aloud while they made their treatment choice. Eleven decisional strategies were identified and grouped into either data or experience-based strategies. Approximately, 25% of participants used experience-based strategies. Use of experience-based strategies was more likely if the participant reported involvement in the life of someone going through cancer treatment, and if they rated print-based media sources as less important. Use of experience-based strategies was associated with choosing surgery instead of radiation …