Question 61

The first psychological laboratory was founded in Germany in the late nineteenth century.

The first psychological laboratory was established in Germany in 1879 by Wilhelm Wundt, marking the formal beginning of psychology as a scientific discipline.

A) early eighteenth century

This option is incorrect as the eighteenth century predates the founding of psychology as a recognized field. The establishment of a psychological laboratory did not occur until the late nineteenth century.

B) late eighteenth century

This choice is also incorrect because the late eighteenth century was still too early for the development of psychology as a scientific discipline. The first psychological laboratory was not founded until the late nineteenth century.

C) early nineteenth century

Though this option is closer to the correct timeframe, it remains incorrect. The early nineteenth century saw the beginnings of psychological thought, but the formal establishment of a laboratory occurred later, in 1879.

D) late nineteenth century

This is the correct answer, as it accurately reflects the year 1879 when Wilhelm Wundt founded the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, establishing psychology as an independent science.

E) early twentieth century

This option is incorrect, as it suggests a timeframe that is too late. The first psychological laboratory had already been established in the late nineteenth century, specifically in 1879.

Conclusion

The correct answer, late nineteenth century, is definitively right because it identifies the precise period when psychology transitioned into a formal scientific discipline with the establishment of Wundt's laboratory. All other options fail to recognize this pivotal moment in the history of psychology, either placing it too early or too late in history.