Research Initiatives

Select a research initiative below:

Program on Prosocial Behavior
The Program on Prosocial Behavior approaches the study of behavior from a different starting point. For decades a great deal of government funding has been dedicated to studying the causes of social problems like crime and delinquency. Much of this work has focused on why people commit deviant acts or the many factors that put people at-risk for the commission of illegal behavior.

Faith-Based Initiatives

Surveys of Religion
The Surveys of Religion is the most extensive and sensitive study of religion ever conducted, linking up with the pioneering surveys conducted by Rodney Stark and Charles Y. Glock in the 1960s. With the Baylor Religion Survey, we can dig deeper into American religious attitudes, behaviors and beliefs than previously possible. The field work was completed by the Gallup Organization.

International Studies

Economics of Religion
This initiative will provide insight into how and why religion matters in generating economic growth and development and in contributing to higher standards of living. It will explore these issues at a nexus of economics, finance, sociology, and history. By funding this project, the John Templeton Foundation has made possible several important and catalytic contributions to the new field of the economics of religion.

Affiliated Research Center
Our research centers and partners affiliated with the Institute for Studies of Religion.