A behavioral scientist is a specialist who studies human behavior and applies their findings to a variety of real-world issues. A behavioral scientist’s expertise can be applied to a wide range of tasks. Many people work for government organizations in fields as diverse as public health, education policy, and terrorism prevention. Others work in research firms, lobbying firms, and universities, among other places. Whatever field these experts work in, they all have one thing in common: they all study people and social norms as part of their work.
The majority of behavioral scientists have a psychology background. The study of the human psyche is a part of every behavioral scientist’s job. Individual and group reactions can be predicted, demographic and ethnic trends can be understood, and strategies for changing people’s minds can be devised.
In almost all cases, research is an important part of the behavioral scientist’s job description. The scientist’s job is to research and comprehend both how people behave and how they are likely to behave in a given situation. Some of the world’s most renowned behavioral scientists collaborate with law enforcement to better understand and predict criminal behavior. These professionals work with juvenile offenders to assess the effects of early-life incarceration on recidivism rates and study convicted felons to better understand their thought processes. Some also work on terrorism prevention teams, predicting and anticipating global threats based on previously observed patterns of behavior.
To work in government, a behavioral scientist does not need to specialize in criminal behavior. These experts are frequently invaluable to policymakers and politicians who are attempting to comprehend social trends or promote specific agenda items. Having a behavioral scientist on staff can result in a wealth of useful research, both in terms of how to reach people and what they need to hear once they’ve been reached in order to change their minds or expectations.
In the field of public health, population-based behavioral scientists are particularly sought after. Health officials can often benefit from behavioral experts’ explanations of how and why disease pandemics spread in communities, as well as how to combat them through altered behavior. This frequently entails the development of educational campaigns aimed at assisting citizens in protecting themselves and learning more about disease transmission and prevention.
Although nearly all behavioral scientists have advanced degrees in psychology, public policy analysis, or global public health, there are no specific requirements for these professionals. Behavioral scientists who work in universities typically conduct their own research while teaching and developing educational materials.