The Use of Anecdotal Information in a Hypothetical Lung Cancer Treatment Decision

ABSTRACT

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 for lung cancer treatment.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

Notes

¹ The participant instructions and scenarios are available from the corresponding author.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by a Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (RSCA) grant awarded to Erin Woodhead through the SJSU Division of Academic Affairs.