Final answer:
The first laboratory exclusively for psychological research was established by Wilhelm Wundt in Germany in 1879, marking the inception of formal psychology as a science.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first laboratory devoted exclusively to psychology as an independent field of study was established by Wilhelm Wundt in Germany. This historic event occurred at the University at Leipzig in 1879 and is a significant milestone in the development of psychology as a scientific discipline. Before this, explorations into the mind were conducted within the realm of philosophy.
Wundt's work laid the foundation for experimental psychology, and his laboratory became a model for others worldwide, leading to the establishment of independent psychology departments and research programs. Remarkably, Wundt's approach was quantifiable and scientific; he utilized experimental introspection and devices to measure reaction times with remarkable precision.