The School of Social Science, Policy & Evaluation conducts holistic and interdisciplinary research in the social sciences, politics, and economics. It is a place to address meaningful, real-world issues while improving the quality of human life.
Researchers in our Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences apply behavioral and social science research and evaluation methods to the understanding and amelioration of social problems, in addition to the formulation of public policy. In the Division of Politics & Economics, researchers examine politics, policy, economics, and international studies through the interdisciplinary lenses of fields such as neuroscience and psychology in order to better understand human decision making and help shape policy accordingly.
Research Centers and Affiliates
Center for Neuroeconomics Studies
The Center for Neuroeconomics Studies investigates the neurophysiology of economic decisions, drawing on economic theory, experimental economics, neuroscience, endocrinology, and psychology to develop a comprehensive understanding of human decisions.
Youth Development Evaluation Lab
The Youth Development Evaluation (YDEval) lab brings together evaluation and developmental science expertise with youth-serving professionals’ contextual and programmatic expertise. The lab seeks to strategically elevate the effectiveness of experiences offered to youth. Our ultimate goal is for youth to receive high-quality experiences that help them holistically develop, and ultimately thrive. This lab is directed by Professor Tiffany Berry, PhD.
Claremont Evaluation Center
The Claremont Evaluation Center (CEC) helps guide Claremont Graduate University’s residential master’s and doctoral programs in Evaluation and Applied Research and oversees a range of major applied research and evaluation initiatives.
The Evaluators’ Institute
The Evaluators’ Institute (TEI) is an internationally recognized and respected provider of high-quality instruction, which is delivered through a balanced curriculum that emphasizes practical relevance for practicing evaluators.
Computational Justice Lab
The Computational Justice Lab integrates computer and social sciences to examine issues relating to civil, criminal, and social justice. Lab members work in highly integrated environments, which include both graduate and undergraduate students, to address pressing issues and fill important data gaps relating to justice issues.
Institute for Democratic Renewal
The Institute for Democratic Renewal provides hands-on engagement with and scholarly reflection upon the core issues facing the institutions and processes of democracy in the United States and abroad. One of its initiatives is the Inequality and Policy Research Center (IPRC), which supports the use of scientific analysis to develop evidence-based policy and program solutions to problems related to political, health, socioeconomic, and group-specific inequality.
Behavioral Economic Science Translational Lab (BESTLab)
The BESTLab aims at integrating behavioral economic science research with education and practice. We take the point of view that the best way to educate the next generation of scholars, policy analysts, and world leaders is to involve them in hands-on problem solving challenges that can be tackled through a behavioral and transdisciplinary approach. The BESTLab is composed of experts in quantitative methods, experimental economics, behavioral economics, policy evaluation, health policy, corruption, and cognitive and computational psychology. We also collaborate with labs and centers at other US institutions and institutions around world.
Health Psychology and Prevention Science Institute
The Health Psychology and Prevention Science Institute (HPPSI) is dedicated to improving the health and well being of all people through the application of psychological theory and methods.
Institute for Research on Social Issues
Claremont Graduate University’s Institute for Research on Social Issues conducts research on civic participation, volunteerism, interpersonal relationships, physical and mental health, and the relationships between these constructs.
Depression Lab
The Depression Lab uses social psychological theories to promote the provision of help seeking for depression by persuading individuals with depression and loved ones of these individuals to get the necessary help.
Quality of Life Research Center
The Quality of Life Research Center studies the field of positive psychology—including human strengths such as creativity, engagement, intrinsic motivation, and responsibility—to understand those aspects of human experience that make life worth living.
Social Identity Lab
The Social Identity Lab is a center for basic and translational social psychological research on group processes, intergroup relations, social influence, and the self-concept.
LeAD Labs
LeAD Labs develops leaders, researchers, and practitioners through the creation and application of evidence-based leadership research to help society pursue its full potential.
Moral Development Lab
The Moral Development Lab seeks to help young people develop in optimal ways.
Maldonado Executive Leadership Institute
The Maldonado Executive Leadership Institute (MELI) is committed to discovery, discussion, and dissemination of insights into the future of executive leadership, in America and around the world.
Claremont Institute for Economic Policy Studies
The Claremont Institute for Economic Policy Studies is the research arm of the programs in International Money & Finance, International Economic & Development Policy, Global Commerce & Finance, and International Political Economy at Claremont Graduate University.
Tribal Administration Certificate Program
The Tribal Administration Certificate Program provides training and instruction for the employees of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
CGU-Accenture Talent Innovation Research Lab
People are at the core of everything we do. Our lab creates bespoke, scientific-based talent management and HR solutions and conducts research that is truly human-centric, emphasizing the employee experience and finding ways to promote flourishing at work.
Worker Wellbeing Lab
The Worker Wellbeing Lab is a feminist research lab that welcomes scholars interested in employee wellbeing, belonging and flourishing. The lab is directed by Dr. Gloria Gonzalez-Morales.
Conferences and Special Events
This longstanding series, held by the Claremont Evaluation Center, provides practical and theoretical training in evaluation and applied research through one-day workshops, taught by academics and practitioners from across the globe.
The Claremont Symposium on Applied Social Psychology brings together experts from around the globe to address a societally relevant topic in social psychology. Now in its 28th year, the series offers students opportunities to learn about cutting-edge research first-hand and to meet with leading figures in the field.
The social psychology program’s research colloquium series is called Social Socials, in which distinguished scholars from around the world present their cutting edge research in social psychology.
Org Talks are monthly discussions, presentations, and meetings designed to promote dialogue between students in the Division of Behavioral & Organizational Sciences and researchers and practitioners in the field. Org Talks cover topics in organizational behavior, industrial and organizational psychology, positive organizational psychology, and evaluation. Anyone with an interest is welcome; speakers include academics and practitioners, alumni, and visiting psychologists.
The purpose of Positive PsyDays (previously known as “Positive Fridays” or “TGIPF”) is to build community and share research knowledge from a positive psychological perspective among the master’s and doctoral graduate students in the Division of Behavioral and Organizational Sciences at Claremont Graduate University.
The Tuesday Lunch Talk Series is scheduled throughout each semester, with speakers invited to discuss cutting-edge topics. Occasionally, talks are given on subjects relevant to students, such as career management and research. CGU and Claremont Colleges faculty, students, staff, and alumni are encouraged to attend. A complimentary lunch is provided.
The Behavioral Economics & Institutions Seminars are scheduled throughout each semester, with speakers invited to discuss recent research and topics in economics.