Statistics can help provide concrete examples of a larger trend, give the basis for an important chart or graph, or make theoretical arguments tangible.

There are two main branches of statistics:

• Descriptive--concerns the numerical or quantitative data alone, and can help draw conclusions about a sample, rather than a population.
• Inferential--concerns the conclusions drawn about an entire population which are infered through the results of a random sampling of a population

Be aware of bias in statistics! Numbers can be manipulated, and charts and graphs can be arranged to give a certain impression. Always double-check your facts!

Try resources on the web: 100+ of the Best Free Data Sources For Your Next Project 

Contact your subject specialists or our Statistics Librarian for additional assistance.