As an expert in the field of psychology, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding the founding of structuralism. Structuralism is a school of thought within psychology that emerged in the late 19th century, and it is closely associated with the work of Wilhelm Wundt, who is often regarded as the father of experimental psychology.

### The Birth of Structuralism

Structuralism was founded in the late 19th century, with its roots firmly planted in the establishment of the first psychological laboratory by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany, in 1879. Wundt's laboratory was a significant milestone in the history of psychology, as it marked the beginning of psychology as a formal scientific discipline.

### Wilhelm Wundt and the Leipzig Laboratory

Wilhelm Wundt was a German physician and physiologist who turned his attention to the study of the mind. His laboratory in Leipzig was designed to study consciousness through a method known as introspection. Wundt believed that by breaking down the human consciousness into its basic components, or "elements," and then studying these elements, psychologists could understand the structure of the human mind.

### The Method of Introspection

Introspection was the primary method used by structuralists. It involved individuals reporting on their own conscious experiences as they engaged with various stimuli. Wundt and his students would then analyze these reports to identify the underlying structure of consciousness.

### The Legacy of Structuralism

Structuralism's focus on breaking down the mind into its constituent parts had a profound impact on the field of psychology. It laid the groundwork for the development of other schools of thought, such as functionalism and behaviorism, which would later challenge and expand upon the ideas of structuralism.

### Criticisms and Evolution

Despite its foundational role, structuralism faced criticism for its reliance on introspection as a method, which was seen as subjective and difficult to verify. As a result, psychology evolved, and new theories and methods emerged to address these concerns.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, structuralism was founded in the late 19th century with the establishment of Wilhelm Wundt's laboratory in Leipzig. It represents a pivotal moment in the history of psychology, marking the transition from philosophy to a more scientific approach to the study of the mind. Wundt's work and the structuralist school have left an indelible mark on the field, shaping the way psychologists understand and study the human mind.

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It was at this time that, what most psychologists acknowledge as, the first "school of psychology" began. In 1879 Wilhelm Wundt began the first psychological laboratory in Leipzig, Germany. The school of psychology that Wundt began and championed all his life is referred to as "structuralism".read more >>