A person who is interested in studying how human actions affect their own health, relationships and future behaviors may want to know, “What is a behavioral research scientist?” A behavioral research scientist may be categorized within sociologists or psychologists as apart of the occupational data collected and analyzed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Knowing what a behavioral research scientist is could help a person select a college major, graduate program or career path.
Researcher of Human Behavior
A behavioral research scientist is a person who researches and studies the behaviors of others. They might choose a particular culture, age group or other demographic to study. Some of these research scientists compare two groups or conduct longitudinal studies of the same group of people over a long period of time. This is also called a cohort study. Some studies of human behavior might include how a new mother with postpartum depression’s relationship with her child or children is affected over the years or how people wit post-traumatic stress disorder relate to others.
Analyzer of Behavioral Patterns
Behavioral research scientists analyze human behaviors and behavioral patterns. They do this in order to find out the range of what is normal. They also do this in order to identify abnormal behaviors. They may use their information for making predictions of individual and group behaviors under certain conditions or circumstances. By looking for patterns in human behavior, the research scientists can help with the development of treatments and therapies for dealing with unwanted, unexpected or unacceptable behaviors. They can also use their findings in order to update information and diagnostic criteria for behavioral disorders.
Conductor of Studies of Human Behavior
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, behavioral research scientists are also conductors of studies into human behavior. They may design, conduct and supervise the study. The study typically goes through an institutional review board before it is approved to begin. Once a study begins, the researcher may review the data as it is collected. Although not all types of human behavior can be examined in a laboratory or under natural conditions, there are some ways to study human behavior in a controlled environment. An example of this type of research is the Stanford University marshmallow experiment on delayed gratification in 1972.
Writer of Scientific Studies and Reports
Behavioral research scientists also write the results of their studies or research. They do this in peer-reviewed journals in order to contribute to the base of scientific knowledge about human behavior. In some cases, behavioral research scientists might write meta-reviews of the studies of other scientists. They may also write reports for publication. Some behavioral research scientists might write press releases for the media. Their writing may also include grant applications for securing funding and writing papers, commentaries or analyses of other research studies into human behavior and behavioral patterns.
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Anyone who enjoys learning more about human behavior, discovering new insights and applying the scientific method to their observations may want to consider becoming a behavioral research scientist. Some educational institutions offer this as a standalone major, while others include it within their psychology, social work, neurobiology or medicine departments. Understanding the answer to, “What is a behavioral research scientist?” could make it easier for a person to plan for their future.