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

Etymology

Origin of behavioral science

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

These kinds of “nudges,” informed by behavioral science, don’t force anyone to give up social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

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

He solves each week’s case by applying one or more behavioral science concepts — the halo effect, the Barnum effect, paradoxical persuasion.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 2024