A stratified sample is a method of sampling that involves dividing a population into distinct subgroups, known as strata, based on specific characteristics such as age, gender, or income level. This approach ensures that each subgroup is represented in the sample, which can lead to more accurate and reliable results when analyzing data. Once the population is divided into strata, researchers randomly select samples from each subgroup. This technique helps to minimize sampling bias and allows for better comparisons between different segments of the population. Stratified sampling is commonly used in fields like market research and social sciences to gather insights that reflect the diversity of the entire population.