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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
Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford who studies the opioid crisis, says the idea that beefed-up border control could halt or greatly curtail the flow of fentanyl into the country is simply misguided.
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Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Ayelet Fishbach, a professor of behavioral science and marketing at the University of Chicago, said there are a couple of reasons people may hoard consumer goods.
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Ayana Archie, NPR, 13 Feb. 2025
Before talking to your doctor, spend time planning the best way to paint a vivid, accurate description of your symptoms, suggests Dr. Robert Gee, assistant dean of student affairs and a behavioral sciences professor at Ross University School of Medicine.
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Angela Haupt, TIME, 27 Jan. 2025
Inspired by behavioral science and the biology of behavior, this approach helps leaders build a diverse portfolio of behaviors for lasting success.
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Scott Hutcheson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1937, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of behavioral science was
in 1937
Dictionary Entries Near behavioral science
Cite this Entry
“Behavioral science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behavioral%20science. Accessed 25 Feb. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about behavioral science
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