"Stratified" refers to something that is arranged in layers or levels. This term is often used in various fields, such as geology, where different layers of rock or soil represent different periods of time. In social sciences, stratification describes the hierarchical organization of individuals or groups based on factors like wealth, education, or social status. In statistics, stratified sampling is a method where a population is divided into distinct subgroups, or strata, to ensure that each subgroup is adequately represented in a sample. This approach helps improve the accuracy and reliability of research findings by capturing the diversity within the population, such as age groups or income levels.