But I'm here to tell you that statistics do not lie. Statistics cannot lie. Statistics are nothing more than recorded observations. People, on the other hand, can and do lie. This is by far the most important thing to keep in mind when reading through a statistical study.
Illumination means looking at all available evidence to help answer a question.
Support means finding and citing particular statistics that support a point that's already been decided upon by the author. If statistics are not brought in until after a conclusion has been drawn, there is a good chance that you're getting the truth but not the whole truth. For example, suppose I was trying to sell you on the theory that RBs who get a lot of carries one season are likely to get hurt the following year. I could rant and rave for a few paragraphs about how the human body simply isn't made to withstand the punishment that workhorse NFL backs get, and that they are therefore more susceptible to future injury. 11 of those 17 missed time due to injury the following season.