Explain why quantitative data from a research study must be condensed into a manageable size before you can interpret it.

Answers will vary. Before we can interpret quantitative data, the elements must be classified, summarized, and condensed into a manageable size. This condensed information is meaningful and can be used to answer our research questions. A large accumulation of data is overwhelming until we tabulate the responses for each questionnaire item by manually inputting or compiling responses received through an online survey or optically scanning the responses into a computer. Then, we can apply appropriate statistical analysis techniques to the tabulated data.