Final answer:
The sampling method described is stratified sampling, where the population is separated into subgroups and a sample is drawn from each. Stratified sampling aims to represent each subgroup proportionally. Convenience sampling, though easier, may lead to biased data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sampling method used when the study selects 50 participants between the ages of 20 and 29, 50 participants between the ages of 30 and 39, and 50 participants between the ages of 40 and 49 is known as stratified sampling. In stratified sampling, the population is divided into subgroups, or strata, and a simple random sample is drawn from each stratum. This method ensures that the sample includes members from each subgroup and that these subgroups are represented proportionally to their size in the overall population.
The implications of using convenience sampling, such as selecting students enrolled in Introduction to Psychology courses, include the risk of obtaining biased data. This is because convenience samples may not represent the population adequately as they do not give all individuals an equal chance to be included in the sample.