Final answer:
Psychology was established as a scientific discipline in the 19th century with Wilhelm Wundt and William James playing pivotal roles. It has evolved to include multiple perspectives, notably the Cognitive Revolution in the mid-20th century, and Freud's psychoanalytic theory which focused on the unconscious mind.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overview of the History of Psychology
Psychology matured into a scientific discipline in the 19th century. Prior to Wilhelm Wundt and William James, inquiries into mental processes were primarily philosophical. As pioneers, Wundt, who is associated with Structuralism, emphasized introspection to break cognitive experiences into parts, while James is known as the first American psychologist. Throughout the following century, psychology evolved significantly, incorporating the contributions of notable psychologists, including women such as Margaret Floy Washburn and Mary Whiton Calkins, despite early barriers to gender inclusion.
The Development and Shift in Psychological Studies
Psychology's domain shifted from the study of the 'soul' to the brain and behavior. The mid-20th century marked a pivotal change with the Cognitive Revolution, where the focus returned to mental processes aided by advancements in neuroscience and computer science. Behaviorism, with key figures such as John Watson and B.F. Skinner, crucially shaped the science by insisting on the observation of overt behavior and minimizing unobservable mental processes.
Influence of Freud and the Psychoanalytic Theory
Sigmund Freud, an eminent figure in psychology's history, introduced the psychoanalytic theory which emphasized the unconscious mind's role and early childhood experiences. Despite Freud's impact, psychology is a vast field with various subdivisions such as biological, cognitive, and clinical psychology, all contributing unique perspectives to the study of human behavior and mental processes.