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.
These include the age of the parents at birth, infections during pregnancy, and certain medications taken during pregnancy, said Lawrence Fung, MD, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2025 That’s a big problem that often keeps teens from getting their license, said Dr. Rhonda Boyd, psychologist in the department of child and adolescent psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 It’s based on behavioral science—the study of human behavior through experimentation and observation. Mary Clements Evans, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The company researches behavioral science to help individuals and organizations make important decisions. Renée Onque, CNBC, 20 Feb. 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 26 Apr. 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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