CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

A proportional stratified random sample is characterized by selecting sampling units in a way that reflects the proportions of different strata within the entire population. This type of sampling ensures that each subgroup (or stratum) is represented in the same proportion as it exists in the population, allowing for more accurate and reliable results that can be generalized to the larger population.

By following this method, researchers can ensure that important subgroups are not underrepresented or overrepresented, which is critical when the characteristics of the strata are expected to influence the outcome of the research. This approach is particularly useful in health education research, as it allows for more nuanced insights into different populations' behaviors or outcomes, such as age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

In contrast, selecting members without consideration of strata fails to account for the diversity within the population, and treating all strata equally disregards the importance of size and representation. Additionally, choosing from a single large group does not incorporate the diversity that exists among different strata, leading to potential bias in the findings. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the importance of proportional representation in sampling to accurately reflect the target population.