Stratified random sampling is a way to ensure that ______.

A) individuals important to the researcher are selected into a sample
B) research participants have a chance to nominate other individuals to join the study
C) small but important subgroups of a population are captured in a sample
D) research participants have an opportunity to shape the research project

Stratified random sampling allows for the selection of small but important subgroups of a population by dividing the population into strata or subgroups based on specific characteristics (such as age or gender) and then randomly selecting individuals from each stratum to be part of the sample. This helps to ensure that important subgroups are represented in the sample and can lead to more accurate and representative results. Option A is incorrect because stratified random sampling may not necessarily select individuals important to the researcher. Option B is incorrect because it describes a different sampling method called snowball sampling. Option D is incorrect because it implies that the research participants have a significant role in shaping the project, which may not necessarily be the case with stratified random sampling.