The Institute for Social Research engages in the study of Israeli society and basic social problems. It was established in 1972 by members of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and its aim is to advance the research of the department's academic staff and graduate students.

The institute prepares working papers for both public and private institutions for the evaluation of projects or the planning of new ones. It develops and provides researchers with such services as methodological and statistical consulting, computer programming, the training of interviewers, and the documentation, editing and preparation of manuscripts for publication. It also administers the collection of research data for faculty and students.