Volume 18: No. 3, March 2004

Scientific Discoveries That Can
Change Lives in the 21st Century:
Behavioral and Social Scientists Like You Can Help
by Jessica Bryant, Special Projects Associate

The Decade of Behavior (2000-2010) is a multidisciplinary initiative designed to promote the behavioral and social sciences and encourage the examination of research in providing solutions to societal challenges. Each year a National Advisory Committee composed of distinguished scientists from the behavioral and social sciences discuss ideas for upcoming activities and programs that further the goals of the Decade of Behavior. We believe that the programs and activities chosen by the committee will be valuable and worthwhile to the scientific community, policy makers and the public.

Top 10 Initiative
The goal of the Decade of Behavior Top 10 Initiative is to publish an annual list of significant breakthroughs, discoveries, or applications in the behavioral and social sciences that are likely to have an impact on lives in the 21st century. We need the suggestions of behavioral and social scientists just like you to make this initiative a success! Please contribute your thoughts and ideas to this endeavor by visiting www.decadeofbehavior.org or by submitting your ideas directly to dob@apa.org. When you submit your ideas please be sure to include the discipline with which you are affiliated, your idea with any citations if possible, how the idea/research will change people’s lives and your email address in case we have any additional questions.

Exploring Behavior Week
Exploring Behavior Week is an ongoing Decade of Behavior activity and is designed to inform secondary school students about the importance of behavioral and social science research. More importantly, students are made aware of the fact that answers to questions are usually reached through scientific inquiry and research. As part of the program, department chairs are contacted and asked to nominate appropriate graduate students to visit local high school classes in order to present information on psychological science. The nominated graduate students are provided with a list of local teachers of psychology in secondary schools (TOPSS) and are given a manual that outlines a step-by-step presentation on questions that have been answered through psychological research.

Exploring Behavior Week is a fun program that simultaneously teaches students about research and encourages them to consider the behavioral and social sciences when considering career choices.

Capitol Hill Briefings
The Decade of Behavior provides financial support for briefings that highlight multidisciplinary research or that include speakers from a variety of the behavioral and social sciences. There are several briefings scheduled for March and detailed descriptions of each can be found on our website.

Lost in Translation: Public Health Implications of Sexual Health Research
March 5, 2004
2168 Rayburn House Office Building
10 am-12 pm

Social Work Research: Building Knowledge for a Strong and Healthy Nation
562 Dirkson Senate Office Building
March 11, 2004

Taking Control of Our Health-Applying Research on the Self-Management of Chronic Illness
March 12, 2004
2168 Rayburn House Office Building
10 am-12 pm