behavioral science

American  

noun

1. a science or branch of learning, as psychology or sociology, that derives its concepts from observation of the behavior of living organisms.

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behavioral science Scientific  

/ bĭ-hāv′yə-rəl /

1. Any of various scientific disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology, or psychology, in which the actions and reactions of humans and animals are studied through observational and experimental methods.

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Other Word Forms

• behavioral scientist
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of behavioral science

First recorded in 1955–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

behavioral science

The results also open new opportunities in behavioral science, neuroscience, and chronobiology, the study of biological rhythms.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 27, 2026

Protecting them could require a master course in behavioral science.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

The Reid Technique, as it came to be known, relies on insights from behavioral science to help police officers determine if a suspect is likely guilty, or if a witness is telling the truth.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2024

Brussels’ success reveals both a strength and a limitation of using behavioral science to guide transportation policymaking.

From Slate ● Dec. 3, 2024

“There certainly have been times when things are like, one-click buy, and we're not in an environment where inflation and price are so salient,” Jeff Kreisler, head of behavioral science for JPMorgan Private Bank, said.

From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2024

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