behavioral science

noun

: a branch of science (such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior in society

behavioral scientist noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The next step comes directly from neuroscience and behavioral science. —

Dr. Jon Finn, Forbes, 16 May 2022 With no good medication to treat dementia, experts have been focusing on lifestyle factors that may have some bearing on risk, said Dr. Emily Rogalski, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. —

Linda Carroll, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2023 Martin will play Alec Baker, a renowned professor of behavioral science who lends his expertise to an array of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement and corporations with his unique and unexpected approach to understanding human behavior. —

Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Dec. 2022 During the debate at the virtual Researcher to Reader conference, arguments for paying reviewers were presented by James Heathers, a former research scientist in computational behavioral science who is now chief scientific officer at a technology startup, Cipher Skin. —

Jeffrey Brainard, Science | AAAS, 1 Mar. 2021 Why behavioral science? —

Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2021 Read her full interview here: on scaling behavioral science and creating delightful experiences. —

Aline Holzwarth, Forbes, 21 June 2022 But behavioral science tells us that there is often a gap between people knowing what action to take, having the intention to take it, and actually following through. —

Emma Kisby, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2022 Join us for this free webinar and discover what the future of work might look like based on trends, behavioral science, and career industry insights to get your career growth plan on track. —

IEEE Spectrum, 1 Oct. 2020 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'behavioral science.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of behavioral science was in 1937

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near behavioral science

behavioralist

behavioral science

behavior disorder

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Behavioral science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavioral%20science. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

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