Rhode Island What Is Evidence; Inferences are the logical conclusions and interpretations that are drawn from known facts or evidence. This type of evidence is used to answer the question "What is Rhode Island?" In most cases, the evidence used for this inference is historical documents, artifacts, or other records that provide information about the state's history, geography, culture, and economy. Specific types of evidence that can be used for this inference include historical maps, census data, photographs, oral histories, and documents from the colonial period. Additionally, inferences can be drawn from scientific evidence such as climate data, geological data, and soil composition.