Cross-tabulation is a statistical tool used to analyze the relationship between two or more categorical variables. It organizes data into a matrix format, allowing researchers to observe how different groups interact with each other. For example, a survey might cross-tabulate age and gender to see how preferences vary among different demographics. This method helps in identifying patterns and trends within the data, making it easier to draw conclusions. By comparing the frequencies of responses across categories, cross-tabulation provides insights that can inform decision-making in fields like marketing, social research, and public health.