Featured Reports in the Behavioral Sciences

The reports featured on this page are representative of the wide variety of reports on education that the National Academies produces. Please see the following links for DBASSE’s most recent reports or a listing of all reports.

	Is the polygraph an effective screen for national security? The Polygraph and Lie Detection reviews the data about the use of the polygraph in criminal investigation, employment screening, and national security. The report concludes that the federal government should not rely on polygraph examinations for screening prospective or current employees to identify spies or other national-security risks, because the test results are too inaccurate for this purpose.
	What is currently known about the health and safety needs of older workers? Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers explores the research needed to encourage social policies that guarantee older workers a meaningful share of the nation’s work opportunities.
	What will it take to provide better early education and care for our children between the ages of two and five? Eager to Learn explores this crucial question, synthesizing the newest research findings on how young children learn and the impact of early learning and describing a clear path toward improving this important stage of life for all children.
	How can we reduce underage drinking? Reducing Underage Drinking reviews why alcohol use by young people is dangerous and pervasive. It explores the ways in which many different individuals and organizations contribute to the problem and how they can be enlisted in strategies to prevent it.
	Can the U.S. military realistically expect to recruit an adequate fighting force? Attitudes, Aptitudes, and Aspirations of American Youth looks at how a potential recruit would approach the decision to enlist, considering personal, family, and social values. The book will interest military and other policy makers and social scientists interested in youth trends.