Description
Conduct empirical research on human behavior and social systems, designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and developing and testing theories. Examine groups and institutions, track their development, and evaluate how group and organizational processes affect individuals to inform policy and practice.
- • Prepare peer-reviewed publications and technical reports with research findings.
- • Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data on social behavior.
- • Design and execute studies to develop and test hypotheses on societal issues (e.g., crime, inequality, aging, group dynamics).
- • Collect primary and secondary data using surveys, experiments, interviews, observation, and document review.
- • Develop, validate, and refine data-collection instruments and protocols.
- • Teach, mentor, or train students and junior researchers in methods and theory.
- • Lead and coordinate the work of data analysts, statisticians, and research assistants.
- • Advise administrators, policymakers, and practitioners on social issues and implications of findings.
- • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across fields such as economics, psychology, public health, and computer science.
- • Develop evidence-based models and intervention strategies informed by research.
- • Observe and assess group interactions to identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine needed changes.
- • Design and implement intervention and evaluation procedures (e.g., interviews, simulations, randomized trials, participant observation).
- • Present results at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.
- • Communicate complex findings to the public through briefs, media, and talks.
- • Secure funding by writing grant proposals and managing awarded projects.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
