Developmental Sciences (DS)

Overview

<p><span>DS supports basic research that increases our understanding of cognitive, linguistic, social, cultural, and biological processes related to human development across the lifespan. Research supported by this program will add to our knowledge of the underlying developmental processes that support social, cognitive, and behavioral functioning, thereby illuminating ways for individuals to live productive lives as members of society. </span></p> <p><span>DS supports research that addresses developmental processes within the domains of cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development across the lifespan by working with any appropriate populations for the topics of interest including infants, children, adolescents, adults, and non-human animals. The program also supports research investigating factors that affect developmental change including family, peers, school, community, culture, media, physical, genetic, and epigenetic influences.</span></p> <p><span> A particular focus within this program description is the Science of Broadening Participation. The Science of Broadening Participation (SBP) uses the theories, methods, and analytic techniques of the social, behavioral, economic, and learning sciences to better understand the factors that enhance as well as the barriers that hinder our ability to expand participation in education, the workforce and society generally, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and other sectors. The results of these efforts can help to increase the access and involvement of underrepresented groups in education, the workforce and society and to strengthen our national STEM capabilities and competitive advantage. The SBP research provides scientific evidence that educators, employers, and policy makers need to make informed decisions, design effective interventions and create programs that successfully engage diverse groups. </span></p> <p><span>SBP research proposals may focus on factors such as the following:</span></p> <ul> <li><span>Institutional, organizational and group factors (e.g., studies of organizational, structural, cultural or climate factors that impact participation in education, the workforce and society) </span></li> <li><span>Affective, behavioral, cultural and social factors (e.g., studies of psychological or behavioral factors that affect participation and achievement rates within STEM and other areas)</span></li> <li><span>Economic and policy-related factors (e.g., studies of economic factors that impact participation in education and the workforce and the association between broader participation and social innovation).</span></li> </ul>