Final answer:
The answer D) Random sampling is correct because this method provides each individual in the population with an equal chance of being selected, resulting in a more diverse and generalizable group of study participants compared to other sampling methods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which sampling method tends to yield a more diverse group of study participants and enhances the generalizability of findings. The correct answer is D) Random sampling.
Random sampling is an effective method because it gives every individual in the population an equal chance of being chosen, thus enhancing the representation of the sample. This is in contrast to convenience sampling, which selects individuals that are easily accessible, but may result in biased data and is not representative of the population. Purposive sampling targets a specific group of people with certain characteristics, and snowball sampling involves participants recruiting other participants from their networks, which may also lead to a non-representative sample.
When using convenience samples, such as students in an Introduction to Psychology course, implications may include limited generalizability due to the homogeneity of the sample, and potential biases since the sample may not reflect the diversity of the broader population. However, convenience sampling can be useful when other more rigorous sampling methods are not feasible due to constraints like time, budget, or accessibility of participants.