Anecdotal evidence has to do with evidence gotten in an informal which is backed up by personal testimony and it may not be regarded as a piece of scientific evidence because it has to do with word of mouth.
Therefore, having critical thinking about media reports of research needs the researcher to be familiar with this anecdotal evidence as it relies on personal testimony.
Some examples of an anecdotal evidence is
Wow! This wonder drug completely cured me of cancer.
I drank heavily for years but my kidney is fine. I'm sure alcohol does not affect the kidney.
