May 1, 2024
Updated July 11, 2025
16 minute read
Behavioral science is a broad field that encompasses the study of human behavior, including its cognitive, emotional, and social aspects. It draws upon a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience, to understand how individuals and groups think, feel, and act. Behavioral science has a wide range of applications, from understanding consumer behavior to improving healthcare to developing public policy.
Why Study Behavioral Science?
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Find a path to becoming a Behavioral Science. Learn more at:
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Reading list
We've selected 35 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Behavioral Science.
This foundational text provides a comprehensive overview of the two systems that drive the way we think: System 1 (fast, intuitive, and emotional) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, and logical). It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of behavioral science, particularly the heuristics and biases that influence judgment and decision-making. is often used as a core text in academic settings.
A classic in the field of social psychology and persuasion, this book outlines six universal principles of influence: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, liking, authority, and scarcity. Understanding these principles is fundamental to comprehending how others can impact behavior. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the dynamics of social interaction and persuasion. The latest edition includes updated research and examples.
Introduces the concept of 'nudge,' a subtle intervention that can influence people's choices without restricting their options. It's highly relevant for understanding how behavioral science can be applied to public policy and organizational design to encourage better decision-making. It's a valuable resource for both students and professionals interested in applied behavioral science.
Dan Ariely explores the irrationality of human behavior through a series of experiments and engaging anecdotes. is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of common behavioral biases and how they manifest in everyday life. It's accessible and provides a solid introduction to the quirks of human decision-making.
A more recent work from some of the leading figures in behavioral science, this book examines the concept of 'noise' – the unwanted variability in human judgment. It's crucial for those looking to understand contemporary topics and challenges in applying behavioral science, particularly in professional settings where consistent decision-making is critical.
Examines the science behind why certain ideas, products, and behaviors become popular and spread. It outlines key principles of contagiousness, providing practical insights for marketing, communication, and understanding social dynamics. It's highly relevant to understanding the spread of information and behaviors in various contexts.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of research methods in behavioral science, covering the major methods used to collect and analyze data on human behavior. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in learning how to conduct research in behavioral science.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of statistics for behavioral science, covering the major statistical methods used to analyze data on human behavior. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in learning how to use statistics to understand human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of behavioral neuroscience, covering the major brain structures and neurochemicals involved in human behavior. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in learning about the biological basis of human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of behavioral genetics, covering the major methods used to study the genetic basis of human behavior. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in learning about the role of genes in human behavior.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of behavioral economics, covering the major theories and research findings on how people make decisions in economic situations. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in learning about the psychological factors that influence economic behavior.
Written by a Nobel laureate in economics, this book provides a historical perspective on the development of behavioral economics. It explains how the field emerged by challenging traditional economic assumptions of rationality. is valuable for deepening understanding by providing context and illustrating the impact of behavioral science on economic thought.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of behavioral science, covering the history, methods, and major theories used to study human behavior. It is an excellent resource for students who are new to the field or who want to review the basics.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social psychology, covering the major theories and research findings on how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in understanding the social aspects of human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of cognitive psychology, covering the major theories and research findings on how people think, learn, and remember. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in understanding the cognitive aspects of human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of developmental psychology, covering the major theories and research findings on how children and adolescents develop. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in understanding the developmental aspects of human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of abnormal psychology, covering the major theories and research findings on mental disorders. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in understanding the abnormal aspects of human behavior.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of personality psychology, covering the major theories and research findings on how personality develops and functions. It is an excellent resource for students who are interested in understanding the personality aspects of human behavior.
Delves into the science behind habit formation and how habits influence individuals, organizations, and societies. It explains the habit loop (cue, routine, reward) and provides compelling examples of how understanding habits can lead to significant change. It's highly relevant to the course's focus on habits and provides practical insights.
This comprehensive book explores the biological underpinnings of human behavior, drawing on neuroscience, genetics, and primatology. It provides a deeper understanding of the factors that influence our actions, from immediate neural responses to evolutionary history. It's a challenging but rewarding read for those seeking a deeper, multidisciplinary perspective.
A widely used textbook in undergraduate social psychology courses, this book provides a broad overview of how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another. It covers fundamental concepts highly relevant to behavioral science, such as conformity, persuasion, group dynamics, and prejudice. It serves as an excellent resource for foundational knowledge.
Provides a practical framework, the Hook Model, for designing products and services that create user habits. It draws on behavioral science principles to explain how to engage users and keep them coming back. It's particularly relevant for those interested in the application of behavioral science in technology and product development.
Jonah Berger explores the subtle, often unconscious ways that social influence shapes our decisions and behaviors. is excellent for understanding the pervasive impact of our social environment, a key aspect of behavioral science. It's accessible and provides numerous real-world examples.
While seemingly focused on self-help, this book is deeply rooted in behavioral science principles related to habit formation, drawing on psychology and neuroscience. It offers practical strategies for understanding and changing behavior, making it highly relevant to the course topics on habits and productivity. It's particularly useful for applying behavioral science concepts in a personal or professional context.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/bihdn2/behavioral
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