AIR's founder, John C. Flanagan, a pioneer in aviation psychology,[6] is known for developing the critical incident technique, an innovative method for screening and selecting personnel.

While working for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, Flanagan developed CIT as an aptitude test to identify potential combat pilots.

"[20] AIR conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance, both domestically and internationally, in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity.

Specific areas include early childhood; P-K-12 education, including teacher, school, and district leadership; juvenile justice; mental health and well-being; higher education and career readiness; adult learning and workforce issues; chronic and infectious diseases; patient and family engagement; trauma informed care; healthcare knowledge translation; refugee and migrant populations; and social and emotional learning.

[21] Work Flanagan and AIR are known for includes Project Talent, the largest and most comprehensive study of high school students ever conducted in the United States.