Final answer:
Convenience samples are easy to obtain and involve individuals who are easily accessible, but they may lead to biased data because they do not represent the whole population.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary advantage of convenience samples is that they are easy to obtain. Unlike random sampling methods, convenience samples allow researchers to select individuals that are easily accessible, making the collection of data more straightforward and less time-consuming. However, it is important to note that convenience sampling is a nonrandom method for selecting a sample and may result in biased data, as the individuals chosen might not accurately reflect the demographics or characteristics of the entire population.
In the case of using students enrolled in an Introduction to Psychology course, the sample is limited to a specific subgroup, which could influence the results and create a selection bias. Furthermore, such samples cannot be generalized to the population at large since the sample does not give each member of the population an equal chance of being included. Therefore, while convenient, the use of convenience samples is often criticized for compromising the validity of a study's findings.