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?
There are many reasons why someone might want to study behavioral science. Some people are simply curious about human behavior and want to learn more about it. Others are pursuing academic degrees in related fields, such as psychology, sociology, or social work. Still others are looking to use behavioral science to develop their career and professional ambitions.
What are the Benefits of Learning Behavioral Science?
There are many benefits to learning about behavioral science. Some of the most notable benefits include:
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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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
This textbook provides a thorough overview of judgment and decision-making research from a psychological perspective. It contrasts normative models of rational choice with descriptive accounts of how people actually make decisions, covering key theories and findings in the field. It's a solid resource for deepening understanding and is often used in academic courses.
Jonah Berger provides a new approach to change, focusing on identifying and overcoming the obstacles that prevent people from being persuaded. is highly relevant for understanding the dynamics of influence and how to effectively drive change in various contexts.
Explores the often irrational ways people think about and handle money, drawing on behavioral economics principles. It's highly relevant for understanding the application of behavioral science in personal finance and economics. While not a textbook, it offers valuable insights for students and professionals alike.
Jonathan Haidt explores the origins of human morality and how it influences our political and religious views. provides valuable insights into the psychological foundations of our beliefs and the reasons behind societal divisions, offering a behavioral science perspective on complex social issues.
Drawing on her background as a professional poker player and her studies in cognitive psychology, Annie Duke explores how to make better decisions in uncertain situations. is relevant for understanding decision-making processes and how to incorporate probabilistic thinking, a key aspect of behavioral science applications in strategy and risk assessment.
Another excellent book from the Heath brothers, this one focuses on the process of decision-making and how to overcome common biases that lead to poor choices. It provides a four-step process for making better decisions, making it a practical guide rooted in behavioral science research.
Explores the evolutionary origins of human behavior, using a comparative approach to examine the behavior of humans and other animals. It valuable resource for students who are interested in understanding the biological basis of human behavior.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/bihdn2/behavioral
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