Final answer:
A major shortcoming of early psychologists was overgeneralizing findings due to a lack of broad experimental data, gender biases, and a significant under-representation of women and marginalized groups in research subjects. Psychology has evolved from its philosophical roots with leaders like Wilhelm Wundt and William James establishing it as a scientific field, and further diversifying into paradigms such as humanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
A major shortcoming of early psychologists was the overgeneralization of findings. This criticism aligns with the fact that early psychological theories were sometimes developed without an extensive body of experimental data. Sigmund Freud's theories, for instance, faced the criticism that they were not testable. His psychoanalytic theories were considered too broad and lacked empirical validation. Early psychology, as a science, also faced gender biases with few women being able to practice, leading to an over-representation of men in psychological studies. Marginalized groups were under-represented in research, affecting the generalizability of findings.
Furthermore, the field of psychology evolved from philosophical contemplation to empirical science with the works of pioneers like Wilhelm Wundt and William James. They sought to establish psychology as a distinct academic discipline, focusing on the mind and behavior using the scientific method. Despite its early shortcomings, psychology expanded globally, with experimental laboratories emerging worldwide.
Psychology eventually birthed different paradigms and specializations, including behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and humanism, each with unique viewpoints on human nature and behavior. Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, prominent figures in humanistic psychology, stressed the innate potential for good and personal control in their theories, marking a shift from the deterministic views of earlier psychological theories.