I'm a beginner - as in, only just picked up some sticks for the first time and starting to learn - so this is probably something that seems obvious to everyone here. But as my local music shop was unwilling to help a girl, perhaps you could tell me?

I was looking at the sticks in the shop; I only wanted the cheapest ones I could find, at this stage, but I'm the curious type and wanted to see what there was for future knowledge. But there were so many different types and styles and I was wondering about them. What is the difference between plastic and wood - does it change the volume, or how hard you have to hit, or is it just about durability? What about the different types of wood - does that have any effect? And are the different thicknesses for different styles of music, or different volumes, or is it just all about the size of the drummer's hands?

Thanks!