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

Examples of behavioral science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The growth of social and behavioral sciences within our field has been important. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 Social and behavioral sciences ↓ 20% N.C.S.E.S. $0m Social science & economics $20m Multidisciplinary $0m Behavioral & cognitive sciences $42m Source: N.S.F. There has been a 96 percent decrease in grant funding for multidisciplinary research, which spans biology, physics and engineering. Aatish Bhatia, New York Times, 22 May 2025 What’s driving change now is the use of behavioral science to influence financial decisions. Nandan Sheth, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 This study relied on information supplied by family members and didn’t follow participants’ health over time, said Edith Sullivan, PhD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine. Cathy Nelson, Health, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for behavioral science

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of behavioral science was in 1937

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Cite this Entry

“Behavioral science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavioral%20science. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

behavioral science

noun
: a science (as psychology, sociology, or anthropology) that deals with human action and seeks to generalize about human behavior in society
behavioral scientist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on behavioral science

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