Insider’s View: Dealing with the flak against Behavioral Science

Embarking on a master’s program is marked by excitement and optimism, opening doors to new skills, knowledge, and ultimately a fulfilling career.

This excitement is often tempered by the uncertainty surrounding job prospects and re-entering a competitive market. But, what if your chosen field of study suddenly becomes the focal point of negative attention, undermining not only the work done so far but also its credibility for the future?

In August 2023, I found myself in such a situation, enrolled in a Behavioral Science master’s program at a renowned institution that had long been my aspiration. My initial euphoria was replaced by a wave of apprehension and doubt just a few weeks into the program.

The New Yorker had published a cover page spread alleging data fraud by some of the most revered experts in the field. This was not an isolated coverage. Heated discussions were ongoing about the perceived ineffectiveness and overpromise of behavioral science, compounded by the replication crisis that had plagued the discipline. Many research findings we considered the gold standard were now invalidated. Detractors dismissed nudges — widely considered the discipline’s poster child — as inconsequential and superficial.

For seasoned practitioners, experts, or academics, taking a step back is easier. They can take a nuanced and level-headed perspective. After all, replication crisis is a pervasive issue affecting many disciplines and is symptomatic of broader challenges in academic research.

It’s also critical to understand that a study’s failure to replicate doesn’t automatically render it invalid or fraudulent. Research constitutes only a segment of the larger knowledge landscape, with findings contingent on specific contexts and conditions. Even if replication falls short, underlying insights offer valuable lessons.

However, for a student just starting out or an aspiring practitioner entering the field, this is easier said than done. The potential impact on job prospects and the investment foregone — both in time and resources — towards a discipline seemingly under threat can lead to spiraling doubts.

So, once you have begun and are at the point of no return, what can you do to turn the situation around?

On one hand, it’s essential to focus inwardly and strategically emphasize strengths, skills, to position yourself effectively. Simultaneously, you also need to develop a balanced perspective on the challenges that confront the discipline.

Firstly, it is critical to not lose sight of the diverse skill set behavior science equips you with. Most students will get trained in statistical analysis, research methodologies, experimental design, intervention design, programming, data analysis and more. This versatile skill set is not confined to the boundaries of behavioral science; rather, it forms a robust foundation applicable across various job roles and industries. Therefore, the training received as a behavioral scientist does not get undermined by the specific challenges confronting the field. They remain relevant and valuable beyond it.

The multidisciplinary nature of the field reinforces and strengthens this versatility. As a student of behavioral science, I am actively engaging with knowledge drawn from diverse disciplines such as management, finance, neuroscience, health, psychology, and data science. This exposure enriches my understanding and widens the scope of my skills, providing a holistic perspective that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of any single discipline.

To prove your versatility, build a portfolio showing how you use behavioral insights in real situation. Consider a project, like improving employee productivity. Drawing upon statistical analysis, you analyze existing data to identify patterns contributing to inefficiencies. Research methodologies would then come into play to design surveys or experiments aimed at uncovering the underlying causes. Experimental design skills could be applied to implement and test interventions, while programming and data management expertise would facilitate handling large datasets. By creating a portfolio from your coursework, internships, or personal projects, you’ll demonstrate how flexible and capable you are as a behavioral scientist.

Closely related to the idea of demonstrating real impact is effective communication. This is one skill that will never go out of style and keep you in high demand as a behavior scientist. You can be the person bridging the gap between intricate research and practical understanding. Always highlight how your training makes you adept at translating complex ideas, research findings, and behavioral insights in a clear, concise, and compelling way.

When looking for opportunities, it is beneficial for students to not overly fixate on labels in their pursuit of impactful careers. While the title of ‘behavioral scientist’ might be the goal, it’s important to recognize that the field is dynamic, and terminology evolves. What matters most is the underlying work — understanding and influencing behavior. Embracing diverse job titles allows for a broader range of opportunities to apply behavioral insights and contribute meaningfully.

Now, what about the actual challenges in the field, how should you tackle that? Whether it emerges as a point of discussion in an interview or a networking chat, consider bringing it up. The best approach is to openly acknowledge the challenges facing the field. Avoid getting defensive. Use the opportunity to present the crisis as a driver for positive change within the discipline. Emphasize your commitment to maintaining rigor and reliability in your work. Moreover, highlight any relevant initiatives or coursework focused on fortifying research methodology and ethics.

As a proponent of the discipline, it’s equally important not to feel pressured into having the definitive solution — primarily because there isn’t one. Instead, recognize the intricacies of human behavior and the complex challenges faced by businesses, governments, and societies at large.

Behavioral science isn’t about adhering to a fixed set of universal rules; it’s a field that evolves with our growing understanding of human behavior. For aspiring behavior scientists, it’s crucial to internalize and reframe uncertainty as an invitation to learn, adapt, and refine approaches. The effectiveness of interventions in behavioral science provides fertile ground for innovation.

Ultimately, the breadth and depth of our expertise will help us navigate the intricacies of human behavior, something that will remain relevant for as long as humans exist.

So, amidst the uncertainties, seek solace in knowing that the future of behavioral science lies in your capable hands.

Students will emerge not merely as navigators but as pioneers, equipped to address challenges with ingenuity, resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to progress.