Anecdotes in Primatology: Temporal Trends, Anthropocentrism, and Hierarchies of Knowledge

• DOI: 10.1111/aman.13295
• Publication Date: 2019-07-08T09:28:26Z
• Authors: Malcolm S. Ramsay; Julie A. Teichroeb
• Keywords: Primatology; Anecdote; Narrative review

ABSTRACT Formal narrative descriptions of primates have long been used by primatologists to describe novel events that are not captured other data collection methods. However, there has a shift away from accounts toward more quantitative methods both within primatology and broadly in the natural sciences. Our objective was investigate shifting use anecdotal evidence primatology. We systematically reviewed published four major journals since year 2000. found 163 out 3,960 total articles between 2000 2016. There an overall decrease rates anecdotes during this time. Those covered wide range topics taxa but were skewed larger, diurnal primates—in particular, apes. suggest should continue be publication these better reflect taxonomic diversity primates. also potential venues for anecdote may compensate their loss formal scientific journals. [ narratives, qualitative data, anthropomorphic, primates, observation ]