The Behavioral Science Research Institute was formerly known as the “International Institute for Child Study” (IICS). The IICS was established on August 25, 1955, by the Ministry of Education, Thailand, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The institute had 3 essential objectives: (1) to conduct comparative child development research; (2) to empower Thai and international researchers with the skills, knowledge, and comprehension to conduct research on child studies; and (3) to publish research for educational and parenting enhancement at home and school.

The institute became a government agency under the Department of Teacher Training in January 1963. The institute was located in the vicinity of the College of Education and collaborated with it to develop a master’s degree program in psychology.

In 1974, the College of Education became the “Srinakharinwirot University”, and the institute was transferred to this university. The institute was renamed as the “Behavioral Science Research Institute” (BSRI) in 1975. The BSRI was deemed equivalent to a university faculty with significant responsibilities in research, teaching, and training.

After 1974, the institute’s research has focused on behavioral science research, which uses theoretical concepts from a variety of academic fields, such as psychology, sociology, and education to understand, explain, and predict the behavior of an individual. Additionally, the BSRI aimed to provide educational curricula in behavioral science that was integrated with research so that the results of such research could be used to develop individuals and society. The aims of teaching and research at BSRI were to convey academic knowledge and training in both the content and methods of behavioral science research.

The significant contributions of the institute’s research can be classified into the following categories:

1) Family research, with a focus on parenting and family relationships that impact child development and family stability.
2) Research pertaining to the workplace, including studies of intrinsic motivation, work ethics, leadership, and employee motivation.
3) Research findings regarding the transmission of Buddhist characteristics and their impact on ethical behavior.
4) The research findings on the formation of mental traits essential for morally responsible citizens.
5) The research outcomes on children’s learning in both educational institutions on issues related to cognitive development and societal outcomes.
6) The research findings on resolving and preventing societal problems such as substance abuse and environmental degradation, etc.

The institute started providing a Master of Science degree program in Applied Behavioral Science Research in 1984.

Subsequently, this curriculum was revised to become a doctoral-level continuation course in the same level field. This curriculum was approved by the Ministry of University Affairs on 28 October 1993 and was made available to students enrolled in continuing education courses in the academic year 1994.

In addition, the Master of Science, a special program in the same subject was offered since the academic year 1999. Afterward, the Doctor of Science curriculum, a type 1 (research-focused) course in applied behavioral science research, was developed which was authorized by the university council.

On March 13, 2002, the first group of students was admitted to the revised programs in Applied Behavioral Science Research for both the Master of Science and Doctor of Science curricula. The curricula were proposed to the Ministry of University Affairs (at the time) for approval as an annual enhancement for 2002.

The courses received accreditation on February 5, 2004.

The Behavioral Science Research Institute has updated its curriculum to meet the quality standards of the OHEC (2005). The OHEC approved the M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs in Applied Behavioral Science Research in 2009, and the revised course was implemented on January 12, 2010.