Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research in the Federal Context

摘要

The social, behavioral, and economic (SBE) sciences are focused on human activity at every level from an individuals brain, to behavior, to the actions of groups and organizations. The SBE sciences can provide policymakers with evidence and information that will help address many of todays most pressing challenges including: providing high quality education, providing all citizens with healthcare, fighting terrorism, preventing crime, and preparing for and responding to natural disasters. SBE scientists from a broad array of fields are performing interdisciplinary research that takes advantage of a new set of tools and holds the promise of providing insights and solution not otherwise available. The SBE sciences are supported by dozens of Federal agencies and examples of scientific progress policy applications are numerous. In education, SBE research findings have been translated into policy in the form of literacy assistance programs run by retired adults. With respect to health, SBE scientists have discovered how relatively small behavioral changes can have immense benefit in terms of lifespan and quality of life. In the area of cooperation and conflict, SBE research has made strides toward understanding the cultural bases of conflict and identifying peaceful means of resolution. Concerning societal resilience and response to threat, a major achievement has been to better understand how humans behave in the face of disasters and to use this information to develop better preparedness systems. In the area of creativity and innovation, SBE scientists are studying how science policy is formulated based on scientific findings. With respect to human roles in energy and environment, the SBE sciences are pursuing strategies to ensure the adoption of varied forms of energy, and working toward more effective means of reducing the adverse impacts of human activity on the environment.