To arrange or organize into distinct layers, levels, or groups, often based on characteristics like social class, age, or other relevant criteria. In research, it means dividing a population into subgroups before sampling.
From Latin 'stratum' meaning 'layer' (literally 'something spread out') and '-fy' (to make). Originally used in geology for rock layers, it was adopted by social sciences to describe layers in society and research methodology.
Just like rock strata tell geologists the Earth's history, social stratification reveals society's structure - and stratified sampling ensures every 'layer' of your population gets represented! It's like making sure your pizza slice has every topping, not just the ones that happened to be on top.
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