How do graphs and charts tell stories?
A. From a statistical perspective, charts and graphs allow you to do a quick analysis of what the data is telling you. It gives you a sense of how important is the data that you’re looking at. Charts and graphs paint the picture. Charts and graphs are used in our daily lives [in] advertising, magazines, television. Q. How does your job relate to storytelling? A. I can be able to predict outcomes. Having knowledge of what occurred in the past allows me to anticipate outcomes in the future. In simple terms, that is what statistics is all about. Our job at the NASS is to provide useful and meaningful statistics in service to the U.S. Agriculture. So knowing [on average] how many bushels of wheat we produce allows me to have a better idea of how many bushels of wheat we’ll have for this upcoming crop year which translates to, “Do we have enough food to feed ourselves?” Q. How do you know you’ve done a good job? A. When I’m able to provide answers, I know I’ve done a good job. When people a
