Current CSBD Project

Assessing Behavioral and Social Science Research on Aging

Connection to project scope, roster, and meetings (CPS system)

This study will have two major goals: to explore methodologies for assessing the progress and vitality of areas of behavioral and social science research on aging, and to identify the factors that contribute to the likelihood of discoveries in areas of aging research. The study panel will assess current and potential indicators of research progress, suggest approaches for the prospective evaluation of areas in aging research, and identify what further data may need to be collected. It will consider the role of informed judgment as well as of indicators in making allocation decisions for research. It will consider how indicators and evaluations could have been useful in the past to identify emerging areas that have proven fruitful. The panel will address the tension between measures made over a long term and the need by agencies for shorter-term measures. The panel will seek practicable approaches that can help research managers improve their judgments and research portfolios.

To identify the factors that contribute to the likelihood of discoveries in areas of aging research, the panel will consider the roles of new or adapted methods, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-fertilization, entry of high-caliber students into the field, and quality of doctoral programs. To discern those structures for research that lead to creative ideas, the panel will draw upon knowledge from philosophy of science, history of science, and sociology of knowledge. The panel’s report would inform the allocation of NIA funds for behavioral and social science research on aging, although it will not make specific budgetary recommendations. The report is expected to be relevant to other research areas and other research funding organizations as well.

This project is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging.