Institute for Social and Behavioral Science

The Institute for Social and Behavioral Science (ISBS) is a research institute based in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1979, the ISBS is a small organization with a team of three employees. The Institute is part of the University of Central Florida (UCF) Department of Sociology. While the ISBS generates $2.5 million in annual revenue, its primary mission is not profit generation but rather the promotion of community-oriented research. The ISBS specializes in social and behavioral science research with a particular focus on public policy issues impacting the Orlando region. Its research activities are conducted through four distinct centers: the Survey Research Laboratory, the Center for Qualitative Methodologies, the Center for Outreach and Public Service, and the Center for Social Geography. These centers utilize a variety of research methodologies, including online and face-to-face surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews, GIS analysis, and mapping. The Institute's commitment to community engagement is highlighted by the Center for Outreach and Public Service. This center facilitates collaborations with social and human service agencies in the Orlando area, ensuring that the Institute's research findings are relevant and impactful for local communities. The ISBS prides itself on its capacity to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and community development in the region. For more information about the Institute for Social and Behavioral Science and its research initiatives, please visit their website at sciences.ucf.edu/sociology/isbs.