Final answer:
Credit for founding modern scientific psychology is mainly attributed to Wilhelm Wundt, who established the first lab, and William James, who contributed greatly to psychological research. Sigmund Freud also played a key role with his psychoanalytic theory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Credit for founding modern scientific psychology is usually given to Wilhelm Wundt and William James. Wundt, a German scientist, established the first laboratory for psychological research and was the first to be called a psychologist. His work initiated the scientific study of conscious experience, with a focus on introspection as a method to explore conscious thought processes. Alternatively, James, often referred to as the father of American psychology, made significant contributions to understanding motivation and consciousness.
While Wundt's and James's work laid the foundation for psychology as a scientific discipline, Sigmund Freud also played a pivotal role, especially with his development of psychoanalytic theory, which emphasized the importance of the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences in understanding behavior. Psychology has since evolved to include diverse perspectives and methodologies, influencing its development into a multifaceted science