Quick resampling question

I take digital images in RAW format, usually quite large, and then open and save the image as a large format Tiff file. At that point, I have to resize the image for the purpose at hand. Here goes...

I normally take the image down to roughly 4x6 inches (I keep the "Constrain Proportions" box checked) and desire a final resolution of 300dpi. Because I'm starting with a much larger image also at 300dpi or higher, this isn't a problem. However, I'm unsure about checking the "resample image" box.

My question is, should I check this box? I'm going to insert my desired resolution dpi regardless, so is it necessary to check the box or should I leave it unchecked? I'm starting to think that the purpose of leaving it checked is to perform roughly the same function as the "constrain proportions" box - to allow the software to automatically resample the image based on the resizing I do. But again, I have a particular resolution in mind and so I'm wondering if it's okay to just uncheck the box and insert my desired resolution. Or, even leave it checked but just go ahead and insert my desired dpi resolution as planned.

Thanks in advance. This is probably a silly question but I did want to try and get a definitive answer on it. Thanks.

Well there's two ways of looking at it.

1) Unchecked. Your dimensions get smaller > your resolution goes up. No real harm done here. There's probably little if any difference in quality, so it all comes down to if you can print at higher resolutions?. I dont know about the inner workings of a printer...like if you send it a bigger file than it can print.......if it resamples on its own or something.

2) Checked. Your dimensions get smaller > photoshop throws out some of your pixels. But your already at 300dpi, so its a very small (unoticable) loss. Also if your image does get resampled along the way, atleast you have control over the outcome. Plus you can sharpen it back up after.

Id say, just for a smaller file size check the box anyway.