Final answer:
The systematic study of human behavior commenced with sociological and historical research by figures like Emile Durkheim, Max Weber, and Leopold von Ranke in the late 19th century, with prior contributions from philosophers and thinkers. Psychological anthropology and psychology diversified the study of behavior, with key figures like W. H. R. Rivers, Margaret Floy Washburn, and Mary Whiton Calkins making significant contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The academic discipline of sociology began with the works of figures such as Emile Durkheim and Max Weber in the late nineteenth century. Durkheim analyzed religion's role in the regulation of behavior, while Weber explored the operation of various societal institutions. On the other hand, the academic discipline of history was formalized by Leopold von Ranke through his systematic historical research. Anthropologists like W. H. R. Rivers pioneered the field of psychological anthropology by studying sensory capabilities among different populations, paving the way for understanding behavior from a biocultural standpoint. Psychological research into cognition and behavior has been enriched by the works of individuals like Margaret Floy Washburn and Mary Whiton Calkins, contributing to the diversity of perspectives in psychological science.
Even before sociology and psychology were formalized, figures including Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, Khaldun, Voltaire, and Mary Wollstonecraft engaged in societal observation that preempted modern sociological thought. This reflects human beings' inherent interest in group behaviors and social dynamics, as evidenced by nearly 3 million years of forming groups for survival. In the mid-20th century, the cognitive revolution redirected scientific attention to mental processes, integrating diverse disciplines and reinforcing the multifaceted approach to studying human behavior.