![Decorative word cloud made up of statistical terms](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/1240/images/StatisticsWordcloud.jpg)
This guide will help you find and use statistics. Why use statistics with your research?
Statistics can:
- Strengthen your argument
- Provide objective information so you can debate arguments
- Put an argument into context
- Be a good visual aid, especially in clarifying trends
But some things you also need to consider:
- Statistics in and of themselves can't make the argument for you
- Like direct quotations from outside sources, you must interpret and explain statistics and apply them to the point you're making
- Treat statistics as evidence that requires interpretation
- Be sure to cite your statistics source
(part of above courtesy of Modesto Junior College)