The University of Stirling has launched a five-year, £2.5 million study of the social security system.
The research will look into the new conditions being attached to some benefits and services in the name of welfare reform, and measure their success in changing the way claimants behave.
The study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), will involve researchers from several universities, including Heriot-Watt.
Researchers will interview policymakers, managers and frontline staff who deliver welfare initiatives, as well as people claiming benefits.
Dr Sharon Wright, from the University of Stirling's School of Applied Social Science, said: "The study will explore whether the ties linked to certain benefits work and whether they are ethical.
"These types of conditions have increased over the past two decades in a bid to encourage positive behaviour by people on welfare. We'll be looking at how successful these conditions have been and whether there are lessons we can learn to improve the welfare system."
Researchers hope the five-year study will influence future welfare policy and practice.
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