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113 Great Research Paper Topics

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

• Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
• Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
• How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
• How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
• How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
• How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

• What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
• How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
• How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
• What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
• How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
• How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
• How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
• What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
• What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
• What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
• Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
• Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
• Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
• Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
• Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
• Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
• Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
• What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
• How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
• What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
• Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
• Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
• Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
• How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
• Should graduate students be able to form unions?

• What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
• How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
• Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
• Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
• How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
• How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
• Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
• Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
• Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
• Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
• Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
• Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
• Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
• Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
• How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
• How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
• What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
• Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
• What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
• What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
• Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
• Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
• Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
• What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
• How does stress affect the body?
• Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
• What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
• Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
• How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
• What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
• Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
• What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
• What were the causes of the Civil War?
• How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
• Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
• What caused Hitler's rise to power?
• Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
• What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
• How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
• What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

• Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
• Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
• How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
• How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
• What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
• What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
• How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

• How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
• How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
• Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
• Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
• How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
• How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
• What are the pros and cons of fracking?
• What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
• What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
• How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
• Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
• Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
• What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
• What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
• How are black holes created?
• Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
• How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
• Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
• How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
• Has social media made people more or less connected?
• What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
• Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
• What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
• How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
• When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
• Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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55 Research Paper Topics to Jump-Start Your Paper

Coming up with research paper topics is the first step in writing most papers. While it may seem easy compared to the actual writing, choosing the right research paper topic is nonetheless one of the most important steps. Your topic determines the entire writing process: your core arguments, which sources you use, the structure of your outline, and ultimately how well the paper is received.

Unfortunately, how to select a research topic isn’t always obvious. So here, we explain how to come up with research paper topics that will work for you. We even share a list of research topics to help inspire you.

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What are research paper topics?

A research paper topic is the main focus of a piece of academic writing , encompassing the author’s main argument, thesis, or hypothesis that they plan to research and investigate.

Usually, the assignment stipulates what kind of research paper topics you can use, but even so you should choose topics that you feel passionately about and that have ample resources to fully develop your ideas.

How to come up with research paper topic examples

The ideal approach is to create a list of research topics that fulfill the criteria, and then choose the best one. Because research paper topics can be pretty broad, creating a list helps you narrow down ideas and consider fresh alternatives.

Of course, creating a list of research topics takes some effort. To save you time, here are some tried-and-true methods for how to come up with research paper topic examples:

• Personal interest: Which topics are you interested in or particularly curious about?
• Topics in class discussions: Was anything mentioned in class that you’d like to examine more deeply?
• Current events: Are there any topics in the news that fit the requirements for the assignment?
• Research gaps: For dissertations , are there any topics that haven’t been sufficiently researched before that you could contribute original data to?
• Advice from teacher, colleagues, or friends: Can you ask someone knowledgeable to help you brainstorm research paper topics?
• Search online: What kinds of relevant topics do people discuss online?

Once you have a short list of research topics, it’s time to move on to the next step: deciding how to select a research topic from the list.

How to select a research topic

As we explain in our guide on how to write a research paper , you should choose a topic with enough content to fill the length of your paper. On top of that, it’s best to pick a topic that you’re personally interested in, since you’re going to be spending long hours researching it and discussing it.

To keep your paper focused, choose a specific topic instead of a broad one . For example, instead of a general topic like “the eating habits of cats,” try to narrow it down a little, like “the eating habits of tigers.” With broad topics, you won’t be able to cover everything . Limit the scope of your topic so you can fully discuss it within the paper.

However, if you get too specific, you won’t have enough data, sources, or knowledge to write a substantial report. For example, if your topic was “the eating habits of my cat Charlie,” most likely you wouldn’t have enough information to fill more than a page or two.

So try to pick a topic that’s not only precise but manageable enough to describe completely within the limitations of the assignment.

Research paper topic vs. thesis vs. hypothesis

What’s the difference between a research paper topic, a thesis, and a hypothesis?

A research paper thesis is the main argument your paper tries to prove or explain. As such, the thesis is a core part of your entire research paper topic. A thesis is typically summed up in a thesis statement , a single sentence at the beginning of the paper to introduce your argument to the reader.

For example, if your topic was analyzing wind power in Mexico, your thesis might be:

Wind power effectively enabled Mexico to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement, thanks to natural winds in the south.

With this thesis, your paper would then discuss the availability of wind, what factors of the south make it ideal, and how Mexico went about enacting it with regard to the Paris Agreement.

Specific to scientific works, a research paper hypothesis is a statement that describes what the author hopes to prove or disprove with their paper. A hypothesis is similar to a thesis in that it sums up the research paper topic, but a hypothesis requires original data and often testing to prove whether it’s true, whereas a thesis can draw on other people’s research.

55 examples of research topics

• The evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Comparing the impacts of pollution on freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
• How the Human Genome Project changed the field of biology
• How modern-day urbanization affects wildlife and natural habitats
• The ethical considerations of CRISPR technology
• Leveraging sustainable business practices for marketing purposes
• How attitudes about financial risk management have changed over time
• Different leadership styles and their impact on organizational performance
• The challenges of cross-cultural business negotiations
• The practicality of big data analytics for small businesses

Communication

• How the internet changed in-person social interactions
• The most effective strategies for interpersonal conflict resolution
• The relationship between media literacy and voting habits
• The evolution of communication in family dynamics
• How advertising affects decision-making outside of sales

Computer science

• The application of blockchain technology outside of finance
• The future of quantum computing
• The greatest threats to cybersecurity at present
• The ramifications of humanizing AI
• An in-depth comparison between cloud computing and fog computing

Criminal justice

• Rehabilitation versus punishment in the juvenile justice system
• The merits of decriminalizing certain drugs
• Comparing the apprehension of white-collar and blue-collar criminals
• The evolution of profiling and behavioral analysis
• The effects of a private prison system on lawmaking
• Cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation
• Comparing the historic traditions of younger and older countries
• Effective strategies to preserve indigenous cultures
• The merits of multiculturalism in big cities
• The influence of public school systems on cultural understanding
• The relationship between socioeconomic factors and educational achievements
• The challenges of early childhood education compared to that of older students
• Effective strategies for promoting interest in STEM fields
• Predicting the future of education based on current trends
• Pros and cons of multilingual classrooms
• The evolution of mental health treatment over time
• Analyzing the most successful public health campaigns throughout history
• Misinformation and diet-related illnesses
• Comparing the health effects of natural drugs and synthetic drugs
• The future of telehealth and telemedicine
• Comparing feminist literature of the first, second, third, and fourth waves
• How colonization historically affected literature
• Comparing the genres of high fantasy and magic realism
• The decline of literary journals in the modern era
• The history of metafiction and self-referential literature
• Effective strategies for combating political corruption
• Leading causes of political extremism and terrorism
• Comparing the efficiency of different electoral systems around the world
• Comparing populism in North America and Europe
• The connection between specific governments and the happiness index of their people

Research paper topics FAQs

A research paper topic is the main focus of a piece of academic writing, encompassing the author’s main argument, thesis, or hypothesis, as well as the evidence to support it and the ultimate conclusion.

How do you come up with research paper topic examples?

You can brainstorm some research paper topics by asking people or searching online. Sometimes current events or topics discussed in the classroom can fit the type of topic you need. Try to think of topics you have a personal connection to, or perhaps topics that have not yet been sufficiently researched.

What’s the difference between a research paper topic, thesis, and hypothesis?

A research paper topic describes the general subject matter of the entire paper. A thesis is the specific argument that the author is trying to prove or explain. A hypothesis is particular to scientific papers; it is what the author attempts to prove or disprove through original testing.

My Speech Class

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717 Good Research Paper Topics

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Some examples of common research paper styles include:

• Argumentative Research Papers
• Persuasive Research Papers
• Education Research Papers
• Analytical Research Papers
• Informative Research Papers

Your research essay topic may also need to be related to the specific class you are taking. For example, an economics class may require a business research paper, while a class on human behavior may call for a psychology research paper.

The requirements for your paper will vary depending on whether you are in high school, college, or a postgraduate student. In high school, you may be able to choose an easy topic and cite five or six sources you found on Google or Yahoo!, but college term papers require more in-depth research from reliable sources, such as scholarly books and peer-reviewed journals.

Do you need some help with brainstorming for topics? Some common research paper topics include abortion, birth control, child abuse, gun control, history, climate change, social media, AI, global warming, health, science, and technology. 

But we have many more!

On this page, we have hundreds of good research paper topics across a wide range of subject fields. Each of these topics could be used “as is” to write your paper, or as a starting point to develop your own topic ideas.

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How to Choose Your Research Paper Topic

The first step to developing an interesting research paper is choosing a good topic. Finding a topic can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Finding the Right Research Paper Topic

If you are in a class that allows you to choose your own term paper topic, there are some important areas to consider before you begin your project:

Your Level of Interest: Research papers are time-consuming; you will be spending countless hours researching the topic and related topics, developing several primary and secondary sources, and putting everything together into a paper that is coherent and accomplishes your objectives. If you do not choose a topic you are passionate about, the process will be far more tedious, and the finished product may suffer as a result.

Your Level of Experience: Being interested in a topic is great, but it is even more helpful if you already know something about it. If you can find a topic that you already have some personal and/or professional experience with, it will vastly reduce the amount of research needed and make the whole process much easier.

Available Information on the Topic: Be sure to choose a topic that is not only interesting but also one that has numerous sources available from which to compile your research. A researchable topic with several potential sources gives you access to the level of information you need to become an authority on the subject.

Your Audience: An interesting topic to you may not necessarily be interesting to your professor or whoever is grading your research paper. Before you begin, consider the level of interest of the person(s) who will be reading it. If you are writing a persuasive or argumentative essay, also consider their point of view on the subject matter.

As you begin researching your topic, you may want to revise your thesis statement based on new information you have learned. This is perfectly fine, just have fun and pursue the truth, wherever it leads. If you find that you are not having fun during the research phase, you may want to reconsider the topic you have chosen.

The process of writing the research paper is going to be very time consuming so it’s important to select a topic that is going to sustain your interest for the duration of the project. It is good to select a topic that is relevant to your life since you are going to spend a long time researching and writing about it. Perhaps you are considering starting your own business or pursuing a career in politics. Look through the suggested research paper topics and find one in a category that you can relate to easily. Finding a topic that you have some personal interest in will help make the arduous task a lot easier, and the project will have better results because of your vested interest.

Our List of Research Topics and Issues

Affirmative action, health, pharmacy, medical treatments, interpersonal communication, marketing and advertising, barack obama, discrimination, bill clinton, hilary clinton, computer crimes and security, cosmetic surgery, controversial, criminal justice, donald trump, easy/simple, environment, family violence, foreign policy, gambling and lotteries, the lgbtq community, generational conflict, gun control, hate crimes, immigration, middle east, maternity/paternity leave, natural disasters, police work, population explosion, pornography, prisons and prisoners, prostitution, ronald reagan, student loan debt, teen issues, women, mothers, what, why, and how, relationships.

We compiled an exhaustive list of topics that would make excellent research papers. The topics are specifically organized to help you find one that will work for your project. Broad topics are headed, and then below them are narrowed topics, all to help you find an area to focus on. The way we have organized the topics for research papers can save you lots of time getting prepared to write your research paper.

We have topics that fit into categories that cover such areas as education, environmental sciences, communication and languages, current events, politics, business, criminal justice, art, psychology, economics to name just a few. Simply get started by choosing the category that interests you and peruse through the topics listed in that category and you’ll be well on your way to constructing an excellent research paper.

Be sure to check other topics ideas: persuasive speech topics , argumentative speech topics , policy speech topics . We also have some sample outlines and essay templates .

• What limits are responsible?
• What limits are realistic?
• How to protect abortion doctors, pregnant women, and the protection of abortion clinics vs. the right to protest
• Partial birth abortion
• Scientific evidence vs. definition of viability
• Stem cell research
• Unborn victims of violence
• Relative equality has been achieved vs. serious inequities continue
• Can racial balance in business, education, and the military be achieved without policies that promote Affirmative Action
• Reverse discrimination
• NOW, National Organization for Women
• No government support vs. fairness to parents who pay twice for education
• Separation of church and state vs. religion’s contribution to the public good
• Placement by age vs. placement by academic ability
• Mainstreaming students with disabilities vs. special classrooms for their special needs
• Required standardized tests for advancement vs. course requirements only
• National standardized tests vs. local control of education
• Discrimination in education
• Multicultural/bilingual education vs. traditional basics
• Teacher competency tests vs. degree requirements only
• Teacher’s needs/demands vs. teaching as a service profession
• Policing schools
• School’s responsibility vs. parental responsibility for school violence
• Drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide
• Zero tolerance toward violence vs. toughness with flexibility
• Permit corporal punishment
• Exams often do little more than measure a person’s ability to take exams. Should exams be outlawed in favor of another form of assessment?
• Should teens in the U.S. adopt the British custom of taking a “gap year” between high school and college?
• In some European schools, fewer than 10% of students get “As”. Is there grade inflation in the U.S.? Why so many “As” for Americans?
• Education and funding
• Grade inflation
• No Child Left Behind Act: Is it working?
• Home schooling
• Standardized tests
• Are children smarter (or more socialized) because of the Internet?
• Should the federal government be allowed to regulate information on the internet?
• How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
• How does a search engine work?
• What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
• What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana?
• How does tobacco use affect the human body?
• Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
• What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
• What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
• Should thin people have to pay Medicare and other health costs for the health problems of obese people? Should obese people have higher premiums?
• Low carbohydrate vs. low fat diets
• Benefits of weight training vs. aerobics
• How much weekly exercise is needed to achieve lasting health benefits
• Health websites give too much information
• Psychological disorders, such as cutting and self-harm, eating disorders, Autism, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, Asperger Syndrome
• Are we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity? When is it individual responsibility and when is it appropriate to place blame?
• Should companies allow employees to exercise on work time?
• Steroids, Antibiotics, Sprays; Are food manufacturers killing us?
• Alternative medicine
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Causes of eating disorders, society’s portrayal of women
• Eating disorders statistics
• Down’s syndrome
• Birth control
• Dietary supplements
• Exercise and fitness
• Heart disease
• In vitro fertilization
• Attention deficit disorder
• Investigate the history and authenticity of ADHD and ADD.
• Organic foods
• Prescription drugs
• Vegetarianism
• Learning disabilities
• Schizophrenia
• Coma recovery: techniques, successes, new strategies.
• What are the primary types of cancer, and in what ways are they related?
• Investigate the success ratio of holistic and non-medical cancer treatments.
• Is Alzheimer’s inevitable? Examine theories regarding its prevention.
• What forms of physical degeneracy are seen as linked to aging?
• Investigate the connections between emotional stability and physical well-being, and provide evidence as to how the two may be related.
• Investigate differences in rates of injury recovery and overcoming illness based on cultural parameters.
• Examine the modern history of viral epidemics, researching what is known about the emergence of deadly viruses.
• Examine how congenital heart disease may be treated, and how it differs from other forms of heart disease.
• Is occasional depression a natural state to an extent, and is society too eager to treat this as a disorder?
• Investigate Sociopathy, determine biological and psychological roots, typical patterns, and potentials of treatment.
• How are compulsive behaviors determined as such? Explore examples of anal retention and expulsion, OCD, etc., as offering accepted criteria.
• Research and analyze the nature of codependency as both a normal state of relations and as an unhealthy extreme.
• Investigate the history and practice of electroshock, analyzing how and why this extreme treatment came to be widely used.
• Hoarding: symptoms and treatments, causes, types of hoarding
• Limits on extraordinary, costly treatments vs. doing everything possible
• Nutritional/alternative therapy vs. mainstream medical treatment insurance coverage for alternative treatment?
• Government grants for alternative treatment research?
• Health superiority of alternative treatments?
• Assisted suicide vs. preservation of life
• Governmental insurance requirements
• Should there be a national database to track controlled substances (i.e., OXYCODONE) or should it be a state issue?
• Should parents avoid vaccinating their children?
• Decline of communication due to technology
• Online social networks and their influence
• Impact of texting and cell phones
• How do men and women communicate differently using body language, and why does it matter (in dating, the workplace, and social circles)?
• Limitations of the media
• Marketing to children
• Sexual innuendos in marketing
• Global marketing trends
• Should certain kinds of ads be banned in the interest of health/morality/annoyance – alcohol, cigarettes, prescription meds, etc…?
• Children’s programming and advertising
• Most controversial political ads
• Media response and public outcry to political ads
• Campaign funds and their relation to political advertising
• Domestic policy
• Separation of church and state
• Judge nominations and make up of supreme court
• Congressional opposition to presidential nominees/filibusters
• Affirmative action
• Erosion of civil liberties vs. protection against terrorism
• Patriot Act One and Two
• Most developed nations have universal health coverage. Why doesn’t the U.S., the wealthiest nation, have it?
• Tax cut as economic stimulation
• Needs of the states vs. needs of the individuals
• Budget deficits and deficit spending
• Rich vs. poor
• Protection of victims vs. freedom of speech/rights of the accused
• How to improve race relations
• Women still earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Explain why.
• Discrimination in the workplace: analyzing issues for today’s corporations.
• Gender discrimination
• Interracial marriage
• Should government impose restrictions on what kinds of foods can be served in school cafeterias?
• Pros and cons of school uniforms.
• Do children learn better in boys-only and girls-only schools?
• Charter schools
• Prayer in schools
• Rights of the individual vs. community safety (or campus safety)
• Funding for research
• U.S. obligation to third world countries
• Manufacturing of generic drugs vs. U.S. pharmaceutical companies
• How contagious diseases “jump” from animal hosts to human
• What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
• Right to privacy of a child with AIDS vs. safety of other children
• Limits for campus safety vs. personal freedom
• Implications on violence and crime
• Issues with binge drinking
• Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?
• Leniency because of condition vs. community safety
• Revoking drivers license vs. being able to attend classes and work
• Age discrimination of violators
• Animal rights vs. medical research
• Should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
• Humane treatment of animals vs. factory farms
• Animal welfare in slaughter houses
• Animal protection vs. business, employment interests
• School prestige vs. academic standards
• Should shoe companies be able to give away free shoes and equipment to high school athletes?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Doping in sports
• What are the effects on children whose parents push them in sports?
• Steroids: Should they be legalized?
• Title IX: Has it helped women’s sports? Has it harmed men’s sports?
• Social effects of team sports
• Needed in public school library/curriculum?
• Needed in entertainment industry?
• Needed on the Internet?
• Should parents censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?
• Parental filters on the Internet. Does censorship actually increase curiosity and use of pornography?
• How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
• How has United States censorship changed over the decades?
• Democratic kingmaker, influence on political succession
• Impact of global initiative
• Influence on fundraising
• Influence as Secretary of State
• Foreign policies
• Influence on women
• ACT or SAT score requirements
• Promotional techniques, such as 1st time scholarships
• 4 year vs. 2 year colleges
• College admission policies
• College tuition planning
• Distance education
• Diploma mills
• Online porn vs. freedom of speech
• Stalking, invasion of privacy vs. reasonable access
• Hacking crimes–workable solutions?
• What are the latest ways to steal identity and money?
• From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
• How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
• Cyber security
• Securing Internet commerce: is it possible in today’s arms’ race of hackers and evolving technology?
• Is downloading of media (music, videos, software) infringing on the rights of media producers and causing economic hardships on media creators?
• Should media producers prosecute students and individuals that they suspect of downloading copyrighted materials?
• Programs such as SPOTIFY and PANDORA
• Copyright Law
• Age limitations on surgery
• Addiction to surgery
• Demand for beauty by society
• The dangers of breast implants for teenagers
• The cost of cosmetic surgery
• Plastic surgery
• Weight loss surgery
• Are surgeons “scissor happy,” and are surgeries widely unnecessarily
• Negative texting, instant messaging, email
• Is cyber-bullying as bad as face-to-face?
• Kinds of punishment for cyber-bullying
• Media response
• Should the state or federal government put laws into place to prevent bullying?
• Is homosexuality a choice, or are people born gay?
• Evolution vs. Creationism.
• Should “under God” remain in the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
• Fossil fuels vs. alternative energy.
• Transgender bathroom policies.
• Capitalism vs. socialism.
• Should parents be allowed to spank their children?
• Should sanctuary cities lose their federal funding?
• The pros and cons of gun control.
• Should the U.S. continue drone strikes in foreign countries?
• Was the U.S. justified in going to war with Iraq?
• How to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• The pros and cons of animal testing.
• Do pro athletes have the right to sit during the national anthem?
• Incarceration rates in the U.S.
• Technology and the criminal justice system.
• Police brutality and minorities.
• Should the police wear body cameras?
• In what circumstances should the death penalty be allowed?
• Should we have stiffer penalties for drunk driving?
• Should those who text while driving be put in jail?
• White-collar crime and punishment.
• Criminalizing protests and activism.
• The rise of wrongful convictions.
• Mutual consent vs. exploitation
• Campuses with “no touch” policy
• Drugs associated to Date Rape
• Violence and Rape
• Government support vs. parental financing
• Benefits vs. harmful effects
• Trump’s unconventional presidential campaign.
• The psychology of Donald Trump.
• Who is behind Trump’s political rise?
• Donald Trump and evangelical voters.
• Donald Trump the businessman.
• Trump’s war on the press (aka “fake news”).
• The Trump Organization and conflicts of interest.
• The border wall and illegal immigration policy.
• Global warming and climate change policy.
• Trump-Russia collusion.
• The rapid rise of “The Resistance.”
• Trump’s legislative agenda; e.g., health care, tax policy, deregulation, etc.
• Trump’s “America First” trade and foreign policy.
• The case for (or against) the Trump presidency.
• Punishment vs. treatment
• Family reactions
• Social acceptance
• Community safety vs. legalization
• United States military involvement in Colombian drug trade?
• Drug legalization
• Abstinence Program: Do they work?
• Should the federal government legalize the use of marijuana?
• What is the true key to happiness?
• What is the cause of America’s obesity crisis?
• Why sleep is necessary.
• Are plastic bottles really bad for you?
• How to encourage people to recycle more.
• How 3D printers benefit everyone.
• How do GPS systems on smartphones work?
• How have oil spills impacted the environment?
• Verbal vs. nonverbal communication.
• The accuracy of lie detector tests.
• How Bill Gates and Steve Jobs changed the world.
• The pros and cons of hitchhiking.
• The PC vs. the Mac.
• What causes tornadoes?
• Pollution, air, and water
• Endangered species
• What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
• Rain forests
• Alternative energy
• Alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles
• Conservation
• Deforestation
• Greenhouse effect
• Marine pollution
• How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
• Sustainability of buildings
• Recycling programs
• Cost of “green” programs
• Wind turbines
• Landfill issues
• Renewable fuels
• Radioactive waste disposal
• Soil pollution
• Wildlife conservation: what efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife?
• Excessive burden on industries?
• Drilling for oil in Alaska’s ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)
• Gasoline consumption vs. SUV’s popularity
• Wildlife protection vs. rights of developers
• Clean air and water standards–weakened vs. strengthened
• What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
• Should the use of coal be subjected to stricter environmental regulations than other fuels?
• Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
• How much is too much noise? What, if anything, should we do to curb it?
• Protecting victims vs. rights of the accused
• Women who kill abusive husbands vs. punishment for murder
• Marital rape?
• How to protect children vs. respect for parental rights
• Children who kill abusive parents
• Child abuse–workable solutions?
• Child abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Organic farming vs. mainline use of chemical sprays
• How to best protect the environment; conservation
• Family vs. corporate farms
• Food production costs
• Interventionism?
• Third world debt and World Bank/International Monetary Fund
• Military support vs. economic development of third world countries
• Human rights violations
• European Union in competition with the U.S.
• Unilateralism
• Relevance of the United Nations
• Neocon role in foreign policy
• Christian right influence on foreign policy
• Pentagon vs. State Department
• Nation building as a policy
• Arms control
• Obama’s National Strategy for Counterterrorism
• Control of al Qaeda
• Drawdown of U.S. Armed Forces in the Middle East
• Cats vs. dogs: which makes the better pet?
• My pet can live forever: why I love animal clones.
• According to my social media profile, my life is perfect.
• Football vs. baseball: which sport is America’s favorite pastime?
• Starbucks vs. Caribou: whose coffee is better?
• What does your dog really think of you?
• Why millennials deserve lower pay.
• What makes people end up with so many mismatched socks?
• How to become a research paper master.
• How reading Tuesdays with Morrie can make you wiser.
• Easy way to earn revenues vs. social damage
• Individual freedom vs. social damage
• Do lotteries actually benefit education or is it a scam?
• Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
• Should there be a constitutional amendment that allows gays and lesbians to legally marry?
• Adoption rights?
• Need special rights for protection?
• College campus response
• Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
• Gay parenting
• Elderly to share in the tax burden vs. government support of elderly
• Future of social security
• Job discrimination
• Child rearing
• Employment issues
• Generational differences
• Community and police safety vs. unrestricted right to bear arms
• NRA (National Rifle Association)
• 2nd Amendment
• Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
• Community safety vs. freedom of Speech
• Punishment inequities
• Persecution of alternative lifestyles
• Church Arson: Hate crime?
• Prevention of hazing
• Greek organizations and rituals of hazing
• Statistics of death or injury due to Hazing
• High Schools and Hazing
• What happened during the Salem witch trials?
• How did trains and railroads change life in America?
• What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
• What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
• How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt? What did she accomplish during her reign?
• What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur?
• What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
• How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
• How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
• What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke?
• How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
• How did the Freedom Riders change society?
• What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors?
• How did Joan of Arc change history?
• What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
• How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
• What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
• Why did Marin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
• How did the Roman Empire fall?
• How did the black plague affect Europe?
• How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
• How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam?
• Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula?
• Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison?
• What was the role of African Americans during the Revolutionary War?
• What was Britain’s view of India during British rule?
• What were the factors in the China-Tibet conflict?
• Research and analyze the emergence of the Catholic Church as a political force following the collapse of the Roman Empire.
• Investigate Dr. Eileen Powers’ claim that the Roman Empire was lost primarily due to an inability to perceive itself as subject to the change inevitable to all governments, or her “force of nature” theory.
• Explore and discuss the actual cooperation occurring through the centuries of Barbarian conquest of Rome.
• Examine the differences and similarities between Western and Eastern concepts and practices of kingship.
• Investigate and explain the trajectory of ALEXANDER THE GREAT’s empire, with minimal emphasis on personal leadership.
• To what extent did commerce first link Eastern and Western cultures, and how did this influence early international relations?
• Research and analyze how Japan moved from a feudalistic to a modern state, and how geographic isolation played a role in the process.
• Analyze the process and effects of Romanization on the Celtic people of ancient England: benefits, conflicts, influences.
• Overview of British dominance of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland! How was this justified in each case, and what motivated the attempts over centuries of rebellion and failure?
• Investigate the known consequences of Guttenberg’s printing press within the first 30 years of its invention, and only in regard to the interaction between European nations.
• Identify and analyze the point at which the Reformation became fused with European politics and nationalist agendas.
• To what extent did Henry VIII promote the Reformation, despite his vigorous persecution of heretics in England?
• Trace and discuss the uses of papal power as a military and political device in the 14th and 15th centuries.
• Research the city/state of Florence from the 13th to the 16th centuries, discussing how and why it evolved as so fiercely republican.
• Compare and contrast the Russian Czarism of Peter, Elizabeth, and Catherine with the monarchies of England and France in the 18th and 19th centuries.
• Investigate the enormous significance of Catholic Orthodoxy as the dominant faith in Russia, and its meaning and influence in an empire populated by a minimal aristocracy and predominant serfdom.
• To what extent did Philip II’s religious convictions shape European policy and conflict in the 16th century?
• Trace the path leading to the convocation of the Estates in France in the late 18th century, leading to the Revolution. Assess political and social errors responsible.
• What eventually ended serfdom in Russia, and why were numerous attempts to end it by the Czars in power consistently unsuccessful?
• Research and report on how England was transformed in the 19th century by the industrial revolution and the advent of the railroad.
• Compare and contrast the consequences of the industrial revolutions in England and America in terms of urbanization.
• What were the circumstances leading to World War I, and how might the war have been averted?
• Assess the Cold War of the 20th century in an historical context: can any parallels be made between this conflict and other ongoing tensions between major powers in earlier centuries?
• Analyze Roosevelt’s decisions in implementing the New Deal, beginning with the closing of the banks. Suggest alternative strategies, or reinforce the rationale of the actions.
• What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire?
• What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing?
• Food programs
• Welfare reform
• Governmental supplementation
• Homeless: urban restrictions vs. needs of the destitute
• Workable solutions?
• Realistic limits vs. openness toward people in need
• English as official language vs. respect for diversity
• Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens?
• Access to public school and public programs for Illegal Aliens
• Policing borders–workable solutions?
• Employment and/or taxation for Illegal Aliens
• International trade
• Democratization
• “Shock and awe”
• U.S. occupation vs. liberation
• Iraqi run vs. U.S. puppet state
• Oil and Gas prices-Control of resources
• Effective self-government
• War on Terrorism
• Is America winning or losing the War? What is the measurement of success? Have the benefits outweighed the costs?
• Parental leave for both parents
• FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)
• Bonding time
• Preemptive strike policy
• Precision weapons
• Intelligence reliability
• Afghanistan – a success or stalemate
• Should the U.S. have mandatory military conscriptions? For whom?
• Governmental support
• Preparedness
• School emergency plans
• Community warning systems
• Damage costs
• U.S. presidential elections should be decided by the popular vote, rather than the Electoral College.
• The minimum wage should be increased to provide a “livable” wage for working families.
• There should be stiffer penalties for those who commit animal cruelty.
• School vouchers increase competition and create better quality schools.
• The corporate tax rate should be lowered to create more jobs.
• Social Security should be privatized.
• Human torture should be banned in all circumstances.
• Affirmative action is still needed to ensure racial and gender equality.
• The U.S. dollar should go back on the gold standard.
• Euthanasia and assisted suicide should be outlawed.
• Police brutality vs. dangers that police face
• Racially motivated brutality?
• Politician’s right to privacy vs. the public’s right to know
• Amount of money going into presidential campaigns
• Views on abortion, gay marriage, and other controversial topics
• Political debates throughout history
• Third-party candidates at presidential debates
• Rights of religious citizens vs. freedom from imposition (e.g. prayer in schools)
• Religious motivation for political involvement vs. cultural pluralism
• Christian Right’s influence on foreign policy
• How serious? Causes? Workable solutions?
• Funding abortion as a form of birth control in third world countries?
• What would happen globally if the demand for natural resources is greater than the supply?
• Limitation of social deterioration vs. freedom of speech
• Definition of Pornography
• Child Pornography
• Building prisons vs. alternative sentencing
• Adjusted sentencing for lesser crimes
• Community service
• Diversion Programs for inmates
• How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
• Prostitution laws in the US and abroad
• Benefits and drawbacks to legalizing prostitution
• Psychological effect on prostitutes and former prostitutes
• Sex slavery, buying and selling
• Should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?
• What limitations, if any, should be applied to the paparazzi?
• What medical information should be confidential? Who, if anybody, should have access to medical records?
• Does the public have a right to know about a public figure’s private life?
• Privacy rights
• Do harsher punishments mean fewer convictions?
• Date rape: consent vs. exploitation
• Drugs-Rohypnol, GHB, KETAMINE
• Legalization of Date Rape Drugs
• Recently, a 17-year-old boy was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl. Are statutory rape laws patronizing to girls and discriminatory to boys?
• Acquaintance rape
• Is there one true religion?
• Freedom of religion
• Offer distinct reasons why the Bible should be studied as literature, removed from religious significance.
• From Hollywood to the White House: the political rise of Ronald Reagan.
• The Great Communicator: how Reagan captured the hearts of Americans.
• 1981 assassination attempt: bullet wound leaves Reagan inches away from death.
• Reagan appoints the first female Supreme Court justice.
• The PATCO breakup and decline of the labor unions.
• Tax cuts and “Reaganomics.”
• The “Iran-Contra” scandal.
• Reagan, Gorbachev, and the end of the Cold War.
• The final act: Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and long goodbye.
• How has airport security intensified since September 11th, 2001?
• Identity theft
• Homeland Security: Are we safer since the creation of this department?
• Should the government use invasive pat-downs and body scans to ensure passenger safety or are there better methods?
• Is arming Pilots a good idea?
• What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
• Student loan scams
• How to avoid student loan debt
• Managing student loan debt
• Driverless cars and the future of transportation.
• Breaking the glass ceiling: the impact of the women’s rights movement.
• How seniors contribute to societal well-being.
• How disabled individuals are viewed by society.
• The modern-day civil rights movement.
• Has technology made us more detached from society?
• The role of religion in society.
• In today’s society, are we better off or worse off than previous generations?
• Popular music and its impact on the culture.
• Class and geographical segregation.
• The differences between life in the city, suburbs, and/or rural areas.
• Should parents be able to create designer babies?
• Should microchips be implanted inside humans for better tracking and security?
• Will smart watches eventually replace cell phones?
• The pros and cons of being a global citizen.
• Progressive vs. flat tax
• Excessive taxes vs. worthwhile programs
• Is text messaging contributing to teen illiteracy?
• How eating disorders impact teens.
• Tablets vs. textbooks.
• Do standardized tests improve teen education?
• Are violent video games contributing to juvenile delinquency?
• Is English literature relevant for today’s teens?
• Should the HPV vaccine be required for teen girls?
• Do teachers inflate grades so students can pass?
• Should advertisers be allowed to target teens?
• How to encourage teens to stop smoking.
• The causes and effects of teen alcohol and drug abuse.
• How to prevent teen pregnancy.
• Osama Bin Laden
• World Trade Center and Pentagon bombings
• September 11, 2001
• War on terrorism
• Afghanistan
• Bioterrorism
• Al Qaida: Has U.S. policy actually spread terrorism rather than contained it? Will it get better or worse? Why and how?
• Can terrorism ever be justified?
• What kind of person becomes a suicide bomber?
• What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden?
• Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
• How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
• Cell Phones: How have they changed us socially?
• Does the Information Age mean we are losing important historical information?
• Where did hip-hop music originate?
• A day in the life of a Buddhist monk.
• How does the brain store and retrieve memories?
• What life is like inside an ant colony.
• The case for and against the existence of UFOs.
• Can virtual reality adequately substitute for actual reality?
• Are dreams hidden messages or just hot air?
• Why do people collect the most ridiculous things?
• When is it time to get out of an abusive relationship?
• The art of pretending to care.
• Public attitudes toward veterans
• Health issues caused by service time
• Organizations for veterans
• Governmental support for veterans
• What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
• Iraq War Vets: Are they being cheated on medical benefits?
• Is there a glass ceiling?
• Obstacles to women running for political office?
• Should women be priests, pastors, ministers, and rabbis?
• What differences, if any, are there in children who are raised by stay-at-home moms and working moms? Does society today still discriminate against working mothers who wish to have flexible work schedules?
• Should stay-at-home moms get a salary from the government?
• Why do we sleep?
• How do GPS systems work?
• Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
• Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz?
• What was life like for a gladiator?
• Are there any effective means of repelling insects?
• How is bulletproof clothing made?
• How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
• What is life like inside of a beehive?
• Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
• What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
• What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk?
• How did gunpowder change warfare?
• How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
• What do historians know about ninjas?
• Are humans still evolving?
• What is the curse of the pharaohs?
• Why was Socrates executed?
• How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
• How are black holes formed?
• How do submarines work?
• Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
• How does a hybrid car save energy?
• What ingredients can be found in a hotdog?
• How does a shark hunt?
• How does the human brain store and retrieve memories?
• How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
• What causes tornados?
• How does night vision work?
• What causes desert mirages, and how do they affect wanderers?
• What are sinkholes, and how are they formed?
• What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs?
• Should we reform laws to make it harder to get a divorce?
• Divorce rates
• Family relationships
• Family values
• Race relations
• Marriage and Divorce
• A view of home life and its effect on child development
• How 4 generations in the workplace can work together.
• Building positive employee relationships
• Modern work environments
• Business leadership
• Workforce regulations
• Small business and taxation
• Corporate law
• Issues in modern Human Resources: Are today’s corporations patronizing employees or being more responsible for them?
• Cultural conflict in globalization: Strategies for successfully establishing a presence in a foreign culture
• Corporate abuse: How can executives so successfully manipulate corporations criminally?
• Identifying stakeholders in non-public companies: is the corporate responsibility the same as for public offerings?
• Devise a new model of leadership for business today, incorporating elements of existing leadership models and theories.
• Examine the actual impact of social media as a business promotion instrument.
• Devise a scenario in which traditionally unethical business practices may be justified.
• Should newspaper reporters be required to reveal their sources?
• Do the media (both print and broadcast) report fairly? Do they ever cross the line between reporting the news and creating the news?
• Does news coverage favor whites?
• What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
• How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy?
• Media conglomerates/ownership
• Minorities in mass media
• Portrayal of women
• Reality television
• Television violence
• Media portrayals
• Sensationalized media
• Examine the issues of responsibility in pharmaceutical companies’ promotion of drugs in the media.
• Forensic science technology
• What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers?
• What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier?
• What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
• What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy?
• Nuclear energy
• Clean energy resources
• Wind energy: Is wind energy really that inexpensive? Is it effective? Is it practical?
• What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power?
• Investigate Freud’s contributions to psychology as they exist today: what value remains?
• Are there gender foundations to psychology and behavior that are removed from cultural considerations? To what extent does gender actually dictate thought process?
• To what extent is sexual orientation dictated by culture, and is there an orientation not subject to social and cultural influences?
• Investigate the psychological process in group dynamics with regard to the emergence of leaders and the compliance of others.
• Compare and contrast Jung, Freud, and Adler: explore distinctions and commonalities.
• What is “normal,” and to what extent is psychology reliant on culture to define this?
• Research and assess the effectiveness of radical psychotherapies and unconventional treatments.
• Research the concept of human will as both a component of individual psychology and a process or element removed from it.
• To what extent is self-image influenced by culture in regard to eating disorders? Are external factors entirely to blame?
• How do centuries-old beliefs of madness and dementia relate to modern conceptions of mental illness?
• Is psychology itself inevitably a non-science in that virtually any theory may be substantiated, or is there a foundation of science to the subject to which all theorists must conform?
• Examine Euripides and gender psychology: what do the Trojan Women and Medea reveal?
• Using three characters, explore Chaucer’s insight into human behavior in The Canterbury Tales.
• Identify the true relationship between Dante and Virgil in The Divine Comedy, emphasizing Dante’s reliance on the poet.
• Research and discuss the English fascination for euphemism and ornate narratives in the 16th century, beginning with John Lyly.
• Examine any existing controversies regarding Shakespearean authorship, citing arguments on both sides.
• Analyze similarities and differences between Marlowe and Shakespeare in regard to Tamburlaine and Titus Andronicus.
• Defend or support Bloom’s assertion of Shakespeare as the “inventor of the human being.”
• To what degree are Shakespeare’s plays influenced by, or reflective, of the Elizabethan era? Identify specific cultural and national events linked to at least 3 plays.
• Analyze the unusual construction of A Winter’s Tale in regard to transition from comedy to drama. Is this valid? Does the transition benefit or harm the play?
• Support the belief that Shakespeare is representing himself as Prospero through evidence, or similarly refute the belief.
• Why was extreme violence so popular in English Reformation drama? Cite Marlowe, Kyd, Webster, and Shakespeare.
• Analyze the metaphysical in Donne’s poetry: is it spiritual, existential, or both?
• What is Shelley seeking to say in Frankenstein? Support your answer with passages from the novel.
• Compare and contrast Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina with Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, noting the characters of the heroines.
• It is argued that Dickens failed when he turned to serious, romantic narrative in his novels. Using Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Dombey and Son, defend or refute this claim.
• Assess Dickens’ stance as a moralist in Bleak House and Hard Times: to what extent does he seek reform, and to what does he comment on the human condition?
• Was the Harry Potter phenomenon warranted by quality of storytelling or more a matter of public receptivity at the time combined with media exposure?

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20 thoughts on “717 Good Research Paper Topics”

How has music evolved? How has music effected history? Music of the past vs music of the present. How has the music industry effected the music’s quality?

Do you think abortion is legal? Why they do abortion?

Why are people instinctively afraid of animals that are not mammals?

Should abortion be legalized? Should domestic abuse and child abuse victims be granted clemency for killing their abuser?

Jewish holocaust and its contribution to European History, specifically Germany

What is the most popular college in the United States?

The Black Knight: Space Waste or Alien Satellite? The Moon Landing: Real or Hollywood Hoax? Have We Become Too Politically Correct? Paranormal Research: Real? Fake? Should it be offered in college? Who really was Jack the Ripper? Can a zombie apocalypse truly occur? Who is the best or worst president of the USA? The Men in Black: real or hoax?

Why Marching Band is a sport.

Marching band is not a sport

how did aids start?

Topic : Alternative medicine Research question : Does the alternative medicine is safe and standardized Hypothesis : analyse the quality controle of alternative medicine formulations

Does our nostalgic music/childhood songs affect our present lifestyle, and in what ways?

reverse discriminations is still discrimination so there’s no such thing as that. like reverse racism isn’t a thing because that is still racism

Men on birth control and not women.

You forget the topic Islamophobia 😉

You should add a music section. Is Muzio Clementi overshadowed by Mozart? The Toccata and Fugue in D- really wasn’t written by Bach The use of the “Dies Irae” in cinema Why is modern music so repetitive and simple compared to classical music?

I want to do a research project on Education

I want to research but not get a perfect topic help me give me a best topic about current affairs

Topic: History. Are the Crusades oversimplified? where they justified? If so, how? Topic: Current affairs. Is the term “conspiracy theory” used to discredit any non-mainstream, controversial opinions. Topic: Gun control. Does limiting magazine capacity for firearms have any effect on gun crime? Are high-capacity magazines ever necessary for self-defense? Topic: Economics. Are minimum wage laws necessary to guarantee “decent”, or do the laws of supply and demand automatically ensure that?

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500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

Writing a research paper for a class and not sure how to start?

One of the most important steps to creating a great paper is finding a good topic! 

Here’s a hand-drafted list from a Princeton grad who has helped professors at Harvard and Yale edit their papers for publication and taught college writing at the University of Notre Dame and .

What’s more, we give you some foolproof formulas for creating your own paper topic to fit the requirements of your class.

Using these simple formulas, we’ve helped hundreds of students turn a B- paper topic into an A+ paper topic.

Keep reading for our list of 500 vetted research paper topics and our magic formulas for creating your own topic!

Of course, if you want help learning to write research papers tailored to your individual needs, check out our one-on-one writing coaching or academic writing workshop . Set up a free consultation to see how we can help you learn to write A+ papers!

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

African history, asian history, history of the pre-columbian americas.

• Latin American History

History of Science

Politics & public policy, education & education policy, political theory, science policy.

• Health Sciences & Psychology

What is a research paper?

In order to write a good research paper, it’s important to know what it is! 

In general, we can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

• Analytical: analyze the tools an author uses to make their point
• Research: delve deeply into a research topic and share your findings
• Persuasive : argue a specific and nuanced position backed by evidence

What’s the difference between an analytical paper and a research paper? For an analytical paper, it’s okay to just use one or two sources (a book, poem, work of art, piece of music, etc.) and examine them in detail. For a research paper, however, the expectation is that you do, well . . . research .

The depth of research that you’re expected to do will depend on your age and the type of class you’re taking.

In elementary or middle school, a “research paper” might mean finding information from a few general books or encyclopedias in your school library. 

In high school, your teachers might expect you to start using information from academic articles and more specific books. You might use encyclopedias and general works as a starting point, but you’ll be expected to go beyond them and do more work to synthesize information from different perspectives or different types of sources. You may also be expected to do “primary research,” where you study the source material yourself, instead of synthesizing what other people have written about the source material.

In college, you’ll be required to use academic journals and scholarly books, and your professors will now expect that you be more critical of these secondary sources, noticing the methodology and perspectives of whatever articles and books you’re using. 

In more advanced college courses, you’ll be expected to do more exhaustive surveys of the existing literature on a topic. You’ll need to conduct primary research that makes an original contribution to the field—the kind that could be published in a journal article itself.

For a walkthrough of the 12 essential steps to writing a good paper, check out our step-by-step guide .

Working on a research paper? Grab our free checklist to make sure your essay has everything it needs to earn an A grade.

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

One of the most important features of a research paper topic is that it has a clear, narrow focus. 

For example, your teacher may assign you to write a research paper related to the US Revolutionary War. Does that mean that your topic should be “the US Revolutionary War”? 

Definitely not! There’s no way to craft a good paper with in-depth research with such a broad topic. (Unless you’re in elementary or middle school, in which case it’s okay to have a more general topic for your research paper.)

Instead, you need to find a more specific topic within this broader one. There are endless ways that you can make this narrower! Some ideas generated from this one broader topic might be:

• Causes of the US Revolutionary War
• Changes in military strategy during the Revolutionary War
• The experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War
• How the Revolutionary War was pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton
• The role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War
• The experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War
• How George Washington’s previous military career paved the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War
• The main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War
• Changes in clothing and fashion over the courses of the Revolutionary War
• How Valley Forge was a key moment in the Revolutionary War
• How women contributed to the Revolutionary War
• What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War
• Field medicine during the Revolutionary War
• How the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War
• How different opinions about the Revolutionary War were reflected in poetry written during that time
• Debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War
• The importance of supply chains during the Revolutionary War
• Reactions to the US Revolutionary war in Europe
• How the US Revolutionary war impacted political theory in England and France
• Similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution
• Famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War
• Different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture
• The appropriation of the “Boston Tea Party” by US politicians in the 2010s

This list could go on forever!

In fact, any of these topics could become even more specific. For example, check out the evolution of this topic:

• Economic causes of the Revolutionary war
• The way that tax policies helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How tax laws enacted 1763–1775 helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How the tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written 1767–1775
• How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written by members of the Sons of Liberty 1767–1775

As you advance in your educational career, you’ll need to make your topic more and more specific. Steps 1–3 of this topic might be okay in high school, but for a college research paper steps 4–7 would be more appropriate!

As you craft your research paper topic, you should also keep in mind the availability of research materials on your subject. There are millions of topics that would make interesting research papers, but for which you yourself might not be able to investigate with the primary and secondary sources to which you have access.

Access to research materials might look like:

• To the best of our knowledge, the sources exist somewhere
• The source isn’t behind a paywall (or you or your school can pay for it)
• Your school or local library has a copy of the source
• Your school or local library can order a copy of the source for you
• The source is in a language that you speak
• The source has been published already (there’s tons of amazing research that hasn’t been published yet, a frustrating problem!)
• You can access the archive, museum, or database where the primary source is held—this might mean online access or travel! To access a source in an archive or museum you’ll often need permission, which often requires a letter of support from your school.

If you’re not sure about access to source materials, talk to a librarian! They’re professionals for this question.

Finally, pick a research topic that interests you! Given that there are unlimited research topics in the world and many ways to adapt a broad topic, there should absolutely be a way to modify a research topic to fit your interests.

Want help learning to write an amazing research paper? Work one-on-one with an experienced Ivy-League tutor to improve your writing skills or sign up for our bestselling academic writing workshop .

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

• How did X change over a period of time (year, decade, century)?
• What is the impact (or consequences) of X?
• What led to X?
• What is the role of X in Y?
• How did X influence Y?
• How did X become Y?
• How was X different from Y?
• How is X an example of Y?
• How did X affect Y?
• What were some reactions to X?
• What are the most effective policies to produce X result?
• What are some risks of X?
• How is our current understanding of X incorrect? (advanced)
• What happens if we look at X through the lens of Y theory or perspective? (advanced)

A good research paper topic often starts with the question words—why, how, what, who, and where. Remember to make it as specific as possible!

Good research paper topics

These research paper topics have been vetted by a Princeton grad and academic book editor!

• How did European rivalries (British vs French) impact North American history?
• What was the role of British and French alliances with indigneous tribes during the Seven Years’ War?
• Reactions to the 1754 Albany Congress among North American intellectual figures
• How the Albany Plan served as a model for future attempts at union among the North American colonies
• How did different religious identities (Calvinist, Catholic, etc.) play a role in the aftermath of the Seven Years’ War?
• What were the consequences of the 1763 Treaty of Paris?
• How did the Seven Years’ War impact British debt and colonial economics?
• What were some causes of the US Revolutionary War?
• How did military strategy change during the Revolutionary War?
• What were the experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War?
• How was the Revolutionary War pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton?
• What was the role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War?
• What were the experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War?
• How did George Washington’s previous military career pave the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War?
• What were the main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War? How did that affect the options for military strategies?
• How did clothing and fashion change over the courses of the Revolutionary War?
• How was Valley Forge a key moment in the Revolutionary War?
• How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War?
• What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts (or any other specific location) during the Revolutionary War?
• What was field medicine like during the Revolutionary War? 
• How was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the Revolutionary War?
• How were different opinions about the Revolutionary War reflected in poetry written during that time?
• What were the debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War?
• What was the role of supply chains during the Revolutionary War?
• What were reactions to the US Revolutionary war like in Europe? What does that tell us about politics in England, France, the Netherlands, etc?
• How did the US Revolutionary war impact political theory in England and France?
• What are similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution?
• What are some famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War? What do differences between these paintings tell us about how the artists who created them saw the war?
• What are some different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture? What does that tell us?
• How was the story of the “Boston Tea Party” appropriated by US politicians in the 2010s, and why?
• What was the difference between the Federalists and the Jeffersonians?
• How did the 1797 XYZ Affair lead to the Quasi-War with France?
• How were loans from European countries and companies (France, Spain, Dutch bankers) key to the early US?
• What were reactions to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
• Why did the US remain neutral during the French Revolution?
• How did the Alien and Sedition acts contribute to the election of Thomas Jefferson as president?
• What was the US’s reaction to the Haitian revolution? Why did the US not recognize Haitian independence until 1862?
• What were the reactions to John Jay’s Treaty of 1794?
• How have the remarks made by George Washington in his Farewell Address inspired isolationist policies?
• How did interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine change over the decades since its creation? 
• How did the Roosevelt Corollary and Lodge Corollary change and expand the Monroe Doctrine?
• How did the presence of US companies like the United Fruit Company affect US military interventions in Latin America? 
• How was the Monroe Doctrine invoked in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962? 
• How was US culture shaped by the Cold War?
• How did ecology play a role in the rise of Ancient Egypt?
• How did water management technologies impact Ancient Egypt?
• How did bureaucracies function in Ancient Egypt?
• How did Egyptian art influence Ancient Greek art?
• Who could be a citizen in Athens in the 5th century BCE? What does this tell us about classical Athenian society?
• What was the impact of the Peloponnesian War?
• What was the impact of Alexander the Great’s attempt to create an empire?
• How does the way that Alexander the Great is represented in art demonstrate conceptions about the relationship between the human and the divine?
• Was there a conception of race in the ancient world? How were these ideas different from our own modern conceptions of race?
• What was the role of debt slavery in the Roman republic? How were these policies ended, and what is the significance of the end of debt slavery? What kinds of slavery remained?
• To what degree does the movie Gladiator accurately the Roman Empire in 176–192 CE?
• What was the role of slavery in managing the large latifundia ?
• How and why did the emperor Constantine I adopt Christianity?
• How did patterns of urbanism in the latter Roman empire change? What does this tell us about challenges being faced at that time?
• What do reactions to the Byzantine empress Theodora tell us about ideas of gender in 6th-century Byzantium?
• How did scientific advancements in Islamic Spain influence the rest of Europe?
• What was the relationship between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish populations in Islamic Spain? How does this compare to the experience of Muslim and Jewish populations in Christian Spain?
• How did medieval troubadour poetry represent a new idea of romantic relationships?
• What are similarities and differences between medieval troubadour poetry and lyric poetry in Ancient Greece? 
• What do letters between women and popes tell us about gender, power, and religion in medieval Europe?
• In what ways was Hildegard of Bingen groundbreaking for her time?
• Who produced beer in medieval England, and what does this tell us about society?
• How did the adoption of hops affect the production and distribution of beer?
• How did beer production allow some women a way to be financially independent?
• How was clothing used to mark religious and cultural identities in 15th- and 16th-century Spain?
• How did print culture change relationships and courting in Georgian England?
• How did churches function as social gathering spaces in Georgian England?
• To what degree is Netflix’s Bridgerton series historically accurate?
• How did ideas of love change in the 18th century? How did philosophy play a role in this?
• When were Valentine cards first commercially available? What does that show us about cultural ideas of love and courtship?
• What were the consequences of the desertification of the Sahara?
• How did trade links on the Red Sea influence Nubian culture?
• How did Carthage build power in Northern Africa around 600–500 BCE?
• What was the impact of the Mercenary War (241–238 BCE) in Carthage?
• How did the Roman province of Africa play a key role in financing the Roman Empire?
• What were the consequences of the Donatist division in the 300s in Northern Africa?
• What was the impact of the large-scale movement of Bedouins from the Arabian peninsula into the Maghreb?
• How was Mande society organized in the Mali Empire? 
• What was the role of the book trade in Timbuktu? What does this tell us about culture and learning in the Mali Empire?
• How did Aksum use trade to build wealth and power? 
• What do Nok terracotta sculptures tell us about Nok culture?
• How did the Luba Empire create a centralized political system? How did the idea of spiritual kins ( balopwe ) play a role in this system?
• How did tax collection work in the Lunda empire?
• What does it mean to say that the Ajuran Empire was a hydraulic empire? How did control over water resources allow the Ajuran Empire to build and consolidate power?
• What is the significance of diplomatic ties between the Somai Ajuran Empire and Ming dynasty China? 
• How did the tribute system in the Kingdom of Kongo help to stimulate interregional trade?
• What was the impact of the introduction of maize and cassava to the Kingdom of Kongo?
• How did women wield influence in the Kingdom of Benin?
• How did the Industrial Revolution in Europe help lead to the Scramble for Africa 1878–1898?
• What were the consequences of the Second Boer War?
• What happened in the Year of Africa (1960)?
• How did the Han dynasty consolidate power in frontier regions? 
• How and why did the Han dynasty nationalize the private salt and iron industries in 117 BCE?
• What are the earliest records of papermaking, and what is the significance of this invention?
• What was the role of Daoist religious societies in rebellions at the end of the Han dynasty (Yellow Turban Rebellion, Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion)?
• What do tomb paintings tell us about ancient Chinese society?
• What was the impact of the Sui dynasty’s standardization and re-unification of the coinage?
• What was the role of standardized testing in Sui dynasty and Tang dynasty China?
• Why is the Tang dynasty often regarded as a golden age of cosmopolitan culture in Chinese history?
• What was the role of slavery in imperial China? 
• How did the rise of jiedushi (regional military governments) undermine the civil-service system? What were the consequences of this?
• How did Tang dynasty China exert power over Japan and Korea?
• What was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system in imperial China and how did it work?
• What does the appearance of Inca, Maya, and Aztec goods in North America (Utah, Canada) and the appearance of goods from the Great Lakes region in Maya and Aztec ruins tell us about trade in the Pre-Columbian Americas?
• How did celebration of maize play a central role in Mesoamerican cultures?
• How did the Aztec empire use relationships with client city-states to establish power? How did the Aztec empire use taxation to exert power?
• How did the luxury good trade impact Aztec political power? 
• How did the building of roads play a key role in the Aztec empire?
• How and why has archaeology played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the pre-Columbian Americas?
• What are some common misconceptions about the Americas in the year 1491? Why do these misconceptions exist?

Latin American History (post-1492)

• How and why did the Spanish appropriate Aztec sites of significance (e.g. Mexico City at the site of Tenochtitlan)?
• What were reactions among Latin American intellectuals (e.g. Luis María Drago, Alejandro Álvarez and Baltasar Brum) to the Monroe Doctrine?
• How was the US’s involvement in the Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903 a pivotal turning point in the relationship between the US and Latin American countries?
• What were the effects of the US’s involvement in the Cuban War for Independence?
• How did the Roosevelt Corollary of 1904 benefit the US?
• How did Simon Bolivar’s time in Europe affect his ideas about Latin American independence?
• How did 19th century academic societies play a role in the advancement of scientific discoveries? Who was excluded from these societies?
• How was music connected to the sciences in medieval thinking?
• When was the concept of zero first used, and how was it instrumental for advancements in math?
• What role did Islamic Spain play in the spread of scientific advancements in medieval Europe?
• What role has translation between languages played in the development of sciences?
• Why were Galileo’s ideas about astronomy controversial at the time?
• What was the connection between art and advancements in human anatomy?
• Why were Darwin’s ideas about natural selection controversial at the time?
• To what degree does the film Master and Commander accurately depict the voyages of Charles Darwin?
• How did the discovery of quinine and other medical innovations help to facilitate the European colonization of Africa?
• How and why was the internet invented?
• Does Virgil’s Aeneid celebrate the new Roman Empire or subvert it?
• Why was the poet Ovid exiled from Rome?
• What are the pagan influences in Beowulf ? What are the Christian elements in Beowulf ? What does that tell us about late Anglo-Saxon England?
• How does Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales reflect gender roles in late medieval England?
• How does Dante’s Inferno draw on book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid ? 
• How are gender roles presented and subverted in Shakespeare’s plays?
• To what degree did Henry David Thoreau live out the ideals he described in Walden in his own life?
• How did the serialized publication of novels affect the way that they were written?
• Does Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities accurately portray the French Revolution?
• How did 18th-century novels propagate the idea of marrying for love?
• What did contemporary readers think about Jane Austen and her novels?
• To what degree do Jane Austen’s novels reflect economic realities for women in Regency England? What do they leave out?
• How did Lord Byron’s personal life affect his poetry?
• What do we know about the romantic life of Emily Dickinson?
• What were the religious movements that influenced the writer George Eliot, and how do those influences appear in her novels?
• In what ways were Walt Whitman’s writings new or different?
• How did British poets react to the horrors of Word War I?
• What do Tolkien’s letters reveal about the ways in which the two world wars influenced his writings?
• How did the friendship between CS Lewis and Tolkien affect their respective writings?
• What are the arguments for and against Catalonian independence from Spain?
• What are the arguments for and against Scottish independence from the United Kingdom?
• What are some risks of contact sports, especially for children?
• What are the most effective policies for combating childhood obesity?
• What are the most effective policies for reducing gun violence?
• Which countries have the longest life expectancy and why?
• What are some differences between the healthcare system in the US and in European countries? Which country has the most similar system to the US?
• What policies for parental leave exist in different countries? What are some effects of these policies?
• Has the drinking age in the US always been 21? What have been some different policies, and what were some consequences of them?
• What is the debate around museum artifacts like the Elgin Marbles in London or the Benin Bronzes in Berlin?
• How have politicians attempted to control population growth in different countries, either directly or indirectly? What have been some effects of these policies?
• Which countries have the most gender parity reflected in national governments? How have they accomplished this?
• How has public funding of K-12 education changed since the 1930s in the US? 
• How has public funding of higher education changed in the US?
• What is early childhood education like in different countries?
• What are some effects of free or reduced-cost meals in schools?
• How does access to menstrual products affect education outcomes for girls in different countries?
• What was the impact of Rousseau’s writings on education?
• How did Plato’s ideal forms of government reflect contemporary Athenian concerns about the unruly masses ( demos )?
• How did Aristotle justify slavery?
• How has wealth inequality increased in recent decades?
• How is inflation calculated, and what are the implications of this methodology?
• How have genetically-engineered crops changed the way that the planet feeds itself?
• How has animal testing changed since 2000?
• How is animal testing regulated differently in different countries?

Health Sciences and Psychology

• How do different societies reflect the natural circadian rhythms of the human body?
• How does secondhand smoke affect the human body?
• How does lack of sleep affect the body?
• How does stress affect the body?
• What are some ways to reduce stress?
• How have cancer treatments changed in the past 30 years?
• Why is it hard to find a “cure” for cancer?
• How has the Human Genome Project changed medical science?
• How were the Covid vaccines developed so quickly? What is the difference between the various Covid vaccines that have been developed?

Ready to start working on your research paper?

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Emily graduated  summa cum laude  from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Topics

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

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Ever struggled to find the perfect topic for your research paper ? We get it – it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Picking something interesting and valuable for your academic journey isn't always easy. But don't worry, we're here to help!

Here, we have listed more than 300 research paper ideas for a variety of subjects.

These topics can help you get creative and find the inspiration you need. 

So read on! 

• 1. What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 
• 2. Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level
• 3. Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology
• 4. Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences
• 5. Research Paper Topics for Humanities
• 6. Research Paper Topics on Economics
• 7. Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing
• 8. Best Research Paper Topics 2023
• 9. How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 

An interesting research topic is the one that has the following characteristics:

• Specific and Clear . The topic should cover a specific aspect or question within a broader subject area. A focused topic allows for in-depth exploration.
• Original and Unique - Great research topics are original. They explore a unique angle or perspective on a subject.
• Significant - Good topics have academic or real-world significance. They contribute to existing knowledge or address a problem with practical implications.
• Relevant - Topics that are timely and related to the current issues and debates in your field of study are better for research.

Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level

All students get research writing assignments, whether they are in high school, college, or higher. Here are some engaging ideas suitable for different academic levels.

High School Research Essay Topics

• Examine the impact of social media on teenagers' well-being.
• Assess the effects of climate change and its consequences.
• Analyze the dynamics of cyberbullying and online safety.
• Explore the influence of music on adolescents.
• Investigate the importance of financial literacy education.
• Assess gender inequality in high school sports programs.
• Examine the impact of technology on the education system.
• Analyze youth voting trends and political engagement.
• Investigate the role of video games in cognitive development.
• Assess teenage substance abuse and prevention programs.

College Research Paper Topics 

• IELTS vs. TOEFL - Discuss the similarities and differences.
• College admission policies and criteria in the United States.
• How to plan to pay college tuition?
• Elaborate on ACT vs. SAT.
• Benefits of Distance Learning.
• Impacts of China's one-child policy.
• Do college students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• Effect of the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?

Graduate Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations and Strategy
• Environmental Sustainability in Supply Chain Management: Strategies for Global Corporations
• The Ethical Implications of Gene Editing Technologies: CRISPR-Cas9 and Beyond
• Financial Derivatives and Risk Management: Advanced Strategies for Portfolio Optimization
• The Role of Big Data Analytics in Healthcare: Improving Patient Care and Outcomes
• Cybersecurity Threats and Mitigation in Critical Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Intersection of International Trade and Intellectual Property Rights: Trade Agreements and Dispute Resolution
• Exploring the Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Planning and Infrastructure
• Educational Leadership and School Reform in the 21st Century: Innovative Approaches and Challenges
• Theoretical Advances in Quantum Computing: Applications, Limitations, and Future Prospects

Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology

Looking for research paper ideas in your discipline? The list of topics below covers a variety of subjects and disciplines to help you out.

Research Paper Topics for Computer Science 

• Quantum Computing: Current State and Future Prospects
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Diagnosis and Treatment
• Blockchain Technology and Its Applications Beyond Cryptocurrency
• Cybersecurity in the Age of IoT: Challenges and Solutions
• The Ethical Implications of Machine Learning Algorithms
• Natural Language Processing for Sentiment Analysis in Social Media
• The Role of Computer Vision in Autonomous Vehicles
• Big Data Analytics for Business Intelligence and Decision-Making
• Human-Computer Interaction: Enhancing User Experience
• The Evolution of Cloud Computing: Trends and Innovations

Research Paper Topics in Machine Learning

• Explainable AI (XAI): Techniques and Challenges in Interpretable Machine Learning Models
• Federated Learning: Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning Across Decentralized Data Sources
• Transfer Learning in Deep Neural Networks: Methods, Applications, and Limitations
• Reinforcement Learning: Recent Advances and Real-World Applications
• Bias and Fairness in Machine Learning: Detection, Mitigation, and Ethical Considerations
• Multi-Modal Learning: Integrating Data from Multiple Sources for Improved Performance
• Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs): Innovations in Image Generation and Beyond
• Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Healthcare: Applications in Clinical Data Analysis and Diagnosis
• AutoML (Automated Machine Learning): Tools, Challenges, and Implications for Non-Experts
• Quantum Machine Learning: Harnessing Quantum Computing for Advanced Data Analysis

Research Paper Topics in Chemistry

• Green Chemistry: Sustainable Approaches to Chemical Synthesis
• Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Innovations and Challenges
• Chemical Analysis of Environmental Pollutants and Their Remediation
• Advancements in Organic Synthesis: New Methods and Strategies
• The Role of Catalysis in Industrial Chemical Processes
• Chemical Kinetics: Studying Reaction Rates and Mechanisms
• Analytical Chemistry Techniques for Food Safety and Quality Control
• Supramolecular Chemistry: Self-assembly and Molecular Recognition
• The Chemistry of Renewable Energy Sources
• Chemical Bonding in Complex Molecules: Insights from Quantum Chemistry

Information Technology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Information Technology
• Blockchain Technology: Security and Privacy Implications
• Data Governance and Compliance in the Digital Age
• Cloud Computing Adoption Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises
• Internet of Things (IoT) Security Challenges and Solutions
• E-Government: Advancements and Challenges in Digital Transformation
• The Role of Machine Learning in Healthcare Data Management
• Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence: Trends and Best Practices
• Digital Twins and their Applications in Industry 4.0
• Human-Centric IT: Designing Systems with User Well-being in Mind

Research Paper Topics Environmental Science

• Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Ecosystems
• Biodiversity Conservation and Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Food Security
• Air Pollution Control Strategies in Urban Environments
• The Effects of Deforestation on Watersheds and Biodiversity
• Waste Management and Recycling: Towards a Circular Economy
• Ocean Acidification and Coral Reef Conservation
• Environmental Impacts of Renewable Energy Technologies
• Eco-friendly Transportation Solutions: Promoting Sustainable Mobility
• Human Health and Environmental Pollution: Assessing Risks and Mitigation

Research Paper Topics for Medical Students

• The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Healthcare Access and Delivery
• Epidemiology and Management of Infectious Diseases: A Focus on Emerging Pathogens
• Precision Medicine and Personalized Healthcare: Advancements and Challenges
• Ethical Considerations in Medical Research: Informed Consent and Human Rights
• Mental Health in Medical Education: Strategies for Reducing Burnout and Promoting Well-being
• Global Health Disparities: Analyzing Causes and Strategies for Health Equity
• Advancements in Surgical Techniques and Robotics in Medicine
• The Opioid Epidemic: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Healthcare for Underserved Populations: Access, Barriers, and Innovations
• Medical Innovations in Diagnostic Imaging: Impact on Patient Care and Diagnosis

Research Paper Topics in Zoology

• The Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife Migration Patterns and Habitats
• Behavioral Ecology of Apex Predators: From Wolves to Tigers
• Zoonotic Diseases: Investigating the Transmission of Diseases Between Animals and Humans
• Marine Biology and Conservation: Coral Reefs, Ocean Acidification, and Marine Biodiversity
• The Role of Zoos in Conservation and Species Preservation
• Invasive Species: Ecological Impacts and Management Strategies
• Bird Migration and Navigation: Mechanisms and Conservation Implications
• Animal Communication and Language: Insights from Studies on Dolphins and Primates
• Endangered Species Recovery Programs: Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned
• Evolutionary Biology: The Coevolution of Predators and Prey

Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences

Are you a student of social sciences? The list of research paper topics below is for you!

History Research Paper Topics

• The Causes and Consequences of the American Civil War
• The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society and Labor
• The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire: Lessons from History
• Women's Suffrage Movements Around the World
• The Cold War: Origins, Conflicts, and Effects on Global Politics
• The Role of Religion in Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece
• The Renaissance Era: Art, Science, and Cultural Transformation
• The Development of Culture in Mughal India
• The Decolonization of Africa and Asia: Struggles for Independence
• The Civil Rights Movement in the United States: Progress and Challenges

Research Paper Topics for Education

• The Impact of Technology in the Classroom: Enhancing Learning or Distracting Students?
• Inclusive Education: Strategies for Supporting Students with Disabilities
• The Role of Parental Involvement in Student Academic Achievement
• Education and Socioeconomic Inequality: Bridging the Gap
• The Effectiveness of Online Learning: Pros and Cons
• Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Preschool Programs
• Teacher Burnout and Strategies for Teacher Well-being
• The Influence of Standardized Testing on Curriculum and Instruction
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
• Education Policy Reform: Challenges and Impacts on Student Success

Sociology Research Paper Topics 

• The Impact of Social Media on Social Interaction and Relationships
• Gender Inequality in the Workplace: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Racial Profiling and Policing: Examining Bias and Discrimination
• The Sociology of Deviance: Understanding Criminal Behavior
• Income Inequality and Its Effects on Society
• The Influence of Family Structure on Child Development
• Migration and the Social Integration of Immigrants
• Environmental Sociology: Exploring the Relationship Between Society and the Environment
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Norms and Values
• Health Disparities in Marginalized Communities: A Sociological Perspective

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Psychological Effects of Social Media Use on Adolescents
• Stress and Coping Mechanisms: Strategies for Resilience
• The Psychology of Decision-Making: Biases and Heuristics
• The Role of Attachment Theory in Parent-Child Relationships
• Mental Health Stigma: Barriers to Seeking and Receiving Treatment
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
• Psychological Factors in Addiction and Recovery
• Cognitive Development in Infants: Theories and Milestones
• The Psychology of Happiness and Well-being: Factors and Interventions

Research Paper Topics On Media And Communication

• The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse and Public Opinion
• Media Bias: Examining News Coverage and Its Impact on Perception
• The Evolution of Journalism in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Effects of Advertising on Consumer Behavior and Purchasing Decisions
• Media Literacy Education: Preparing Citizens for a Digital World
• The Role of Media in Shaping Gender Stereotypes and Representation
• Fake News and Misinformation: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Cultural Appropriation in Media: Analyzing Its Implications
• Media and Crisis Communication: Case Studies and Best Practices
• Media Effects on Body Image and Self-esteem: Exploring the Impact of Beauty Standards

Political Science Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Political Parties in Shaping Government Policies
• Electoral Systems and Their Impact on Representation and Governance
• The Rise of Populism: Causes and Consequences
• The Influence of Lobbying and Interest Groups on Policy-Making
• Comparative Analysis of Political Systems: Democracies vs. Authoritarian Regimes
• Foreign Policy Decision-Making: Case Studies and Models
• Political Polarization: Understanding the Divisions in Contemporary Politics
• Human Rights and International Relations: Challenges and Solutions
• Environmental Politics and Climate Change Agreements
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Discourse and Activism

Research Paper Topics for International Relations

• The Impact of Globalization on International Security
• International Human Rights Law: Challenges and Progress
• Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Case Studies in Successful Negotiations
• The Role of International Organizations in Promoting Peace and Cooperation
• Nuclear Proliferation: Examining the Threats and Non-Proliferation Efforts
• Cybersecurity in International Relations: Challenges and Strategies
• Global Economic Governance: The Role of International Financial Institutions
• The Refugee Crisis: International Responses and the Humanitarian Challenge
• Climate Change Diplomacy: Agreements, Obstacles, and Climate Justice
• The Geopolitics of Energy: Resource Competition and Security Issues

Research Paper Topics On Culture

• Cultural Appropriation: Understanding the Controversy and Implications
• Cultural Relativism vs. Universalism: Debates in Anthropology and Ethics
• Cultural Expressions in Art: Analyzing Cultural Identity Through Creative Works
• Globalization and Its Impact on Cultural Homogenization vs. Cultural Diversity
• Cultural Influences on Gender Roles and Identity
• The Role of Culture in Shaping Dietary Habits and Food Traditions
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: Challenges and Strategies
• Language and Culture: The Relationship Between Linguistic Diversity and Cultural Identity
• Cultural Rituals and Their Significance in Different Societies
• Intercultural Communication: Navigating Cultural Differences in a Globalized World

Research Paper Topics for Humanities

Here are some engaging ideas for research paper topics in humanities disciplines.

Research Paper Topics for English Literature

• Exploring the Themes of Love and Desire in Shakespeare's Sonnets
• Postcolonial Literature: Analyzing the Works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• The Role of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"
• Feminist Critique of Classic Literature: Reevaluating Jane Austen's Heroines
• The Gothic Tradition in Literature: A Comparative Study of Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley
• Dystopian Literature: Examining Social Commentary in George Orwell's "1984"
• The Evolution of Science Fiction: From H.G. Wells to Contemporary Authors
• The Modernist Movement in Poetry: T.S. Eliot and "The Waste Land"
• Literary Representations of War: Analysis of Ernest Hemingway's Works
• The Influence of Mythology in Literature: A Study of Greek and Roman Epics

Research Paper Topics for English Linguistics 

• The Evolution of English Language: A Historical Analysis
• Exploring Dialectical Variations: A Study of Regional English Accents
• Syntax in Shakespearean English: Unraveling Linguistic Patterns
• Code-Switching in Bilingual Literature: Impacts on Linguistic Identity
• The Influence of Technology on Modern English: A Linguistic Perspective
• Gendered Language in Literature: Analyzing Linguistic Representations
• Sociolinguistic Aspects of English in Global Communication
• Cognitive Linguistics: Understanding Language Processing and Comprehension
• The Role of Phonetics in English Language Teaching: Strategies and Challenges
• Linguistic Analysis of Online Discourse: Trends in Digital Communication

Research Paper Topics on Arts

• The Influence of Renaissance Art on Modern Visual Culture
• The Evolution of Street Art: From Vandalism to Urban Beautification
• Gender and Identity in Contemporary Performance Art
• The Role of Public Art in Shaping Urban Spaces and Communities
• Censorship in the Arts: Balancing Expression and Sensitivity
• The Intersection of Technology and Art: Digital Media and New Frontiers
• Art as a Form of Political Protest: Examining Contemporary Activist Art
• The Psychology of Art Appreciation: Understanding Aesthetic Experiences
• Art Conservation and Preservation: Challenges and Ethical Considerations
• Art Therapy: Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity

Research Paper Topics on Religion

• Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue: Promoting Understanding and Tolerance
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Moral Values and Ethics
• Religion and Politics: Examining the Influence of Faith on Governance
• Religious Rituals and Their Significance in Different Cultures
• Secularism and Its Impact on Religious Practice and Belief
• Religion and Science: Exploring the Compatibility and Conflict
• The Influence of Religion on Gender Roles and Equality
• Religious Fundamentalism and Its Implications for Society
• Religion and Environmental Ethics: Perspectives on Stewardship
• Religious Conversion and the Psychology Behind Faith Changes

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

• The Philosophy of Ethics: Exploring Different Ethical Theories
• The Problem of Free Will and Determinism: Philosophical Perspectives
• Existentialism in Literature: A Philosophical Analysis
• The Philosophy of Mind: Dualism vs. Materialism
• The Nature of Reality: Metaphysical Approaches and Debates
• Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Decision-Making: A Philosophical Examination
• Philosophy of Technology: Ethical Implications of Advancements
• Political Philosophy: Theories of Justice and Social Contracts
• Philosophy of Religion: The Existence of God and Theodicy
• Environmental Ethics: Philosophical Perspectives on Nature and Sustainability

Research Paper Topics for Ethics

• Ethical Dilemmas in Medical Decision-Making: Balancing Autonomy and Beneficence
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Accountability and Bias in AI Systems
• Corporate Ethics: Ethical Responsibility of Multinational Corporations
• Ethical Considerations in Environmental Conservation: Sustainability and Future Generations
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
• The Intersection of Ethics and Technology: Privacy, Surveillance, and Data Ethics
• Ethical Implications of End-of-Life Care and Euthanasia
• Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment of Animals in Research
• The Role of Ethics in Criminal Justice: Police Conduct and Criminal Punishment
• The Ethics of Whistleblowing: Balancing Loyalty and Accountability

Law Research Paper Topics

• The Evolution of Privacy Rights in the Digital Age: Legal and Ethical Considerations
• Criminal Justice Reform: Assessing the Impact of Changes in Sentencing and Policing
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Era: Copyright, Trademarks, and Patents
• The Role of International Law in Addressing Global Human Rights Violations
• Environmental Law and Sustainable Development: Balancing Conservation and Economic Interests
• Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity: Privacy, Data Protection, and Cybercrime
• The Legalization of Marijuana: Implications for Criminal Justice and Public Health
• Corporate Governance and Ethics: Analyzing Legal Frameworks for Accountability
• Family Law and Child Custody Disputes: Examining Best Interests and Parental Rights
• The Intersection of Law and Bioethics: Ethical Dilemmas in Medical and Scientific Research

Research Paper Topics on Criminal Justice 

• Racial Disparities in the Criminal Justice System: Causes and Consequences
• Police Use of Force: Policies, Accountability, and Community Relations
• Criminal Profiling and Its Effectiveness in Solving Crimes
• Mental Illness in the Criminal Justice System: Diversion Programs and Treatment
• The Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities and Rehabilitation Efforts
• Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations: Advances, Challenges, and Ethics
• Cybercrime and Digital Forensics: Investigative Techniques and Legal Implications
• Juvenile Justice: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment and the Recidivism Rate
• The Death Penalty: Ethical, Legal, and Policy Considerations
• Victim Rights and Restorative Justice Programs: Balancing the Scales of Justice

Research Paper Topics on Economics

• Income Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Solutions
• The Impact of Economic Globalization on Developing Countries
• Behavioral Economics: Exploring Psychological Factors in Decision-Making
• The Economics of Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
• Monetary Policy and Its Effects on Economic Stability
• Trade Wars and Tariffs: Economic Effects and Global Trade Relations
• Healthcare Economics: Examining Healthcare Costs, Access, and Reform
• The Economics of Education: Investment in Human Capital and Economic Growth
• Urban Economics: Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable City Development
• Labor Market Trends: Gig Economy, Automation, and Future of Work

Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing

• Influencer Marketing: Effectiveness, Ethics, and the Role of Social Media
• Consumer Behavior in the Digital Age: Online Shopping Trends and Decision-Making
• Brand Loyalty and Customer Retention Strategies in Competitive Markets
• Neuromarketing: Understanding the Psychology of Consumer Choices
• The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Brand Image and Customer Engagement
• E-commerce and Marketplaces: Strategies for Success in Online Retail
• Content Marketing: Creating and Measuring the Value of Branded Content
• Marketing to Generation Z: Preferences, Values, and Communication Channels
• The Role of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Marketing
• Crisis Marketing and Reputation Management: Strategies for Navigating Challenges

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

Here are some impressive and easy research paper topics to write an extraordinary paper.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics 

• Should the Minimum Wage be Raised?
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Harmful or Beneficial?
• Is Genetic Engineering Ethical? Examining the Pros and Cons of Genetic Modification
• The Death Penalty: Should it be Abolished or Retained?
• Gun Control: Balancing Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety
• Universal Healthcare: Is it a Right or a Privilege?
• The Role of Government in Regulating Big Tech Companies
• Climate Change: Is Human Activity the Primary Cause?
• Online Privacy: Balancing Security and Civil Liberties
• The Legalization of Recreational Marijuana: Weighing the Social and Economic Impacts

US History Research Paper Topics

• The American Revolution: Causes, Key Figures, and Impact on the Nation
• The Abolitionist Movement: Strategies, Leaders, and the Fight Against Slavery
• The Reconstruction Era: Challenges, Achievements, and Failures
• The Women's Suffrage Movement: Struggles and Triumphs in the Fight for Voting Rights
• The Civil Rights Movement: Leaders, Events, and the Struggle for Equality
• The Great Depression: Causes, Effects, and Government Responses
• The Vietnam War: Origins, Controversies, and Legacy
• The Space Race: The Cold War Competition for Supremacy Beyond Earth
• The Civil War: Battlefronts, Political Divisions, and the Emancipation Proclamation
• The American Westward Expansion: Manifest Destiny, Conflicts, and Impacts on Native Americans

Persuasive Research Paper Topics 

• The Importance of Comprehensive Sex Education in Schools
• Banning Single-Use Plastics: Protecting the Environment and Marine Life
• Promoting Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Sustainable Future
• Mandatory Vaccination: Protecting Public Health and Herd Immunity
• The Benefits of Telecommuting: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
• Promoting Healthy Eating Habits: The Case for Implementing Sugar Taxes
• The Need for Stricter Animal Welfare Laws: Preventing Animal Cruelty
• Accessible Education for All: The Case for Affordable College Tuition
• Promoting Voting Rights: Ensuring a Fair and Inclusive Democracy
• The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Support: Breaking the Stigma

Easy Research Paper Topics 

• The Benefits of Regular Exercise for Physical and Mental Health
• The History and Impact of Social Media on Society
• The Basics of Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
• The Life and Achievements of a Notable Inventor or Scientist
• The Importance of Recycling and Waste Reduction in Daily Life
• The Impact of Fast Food on Diet and Health
• Effect of Global Warming on The Frequency And Intensity Of Natural Disasters
• Should Marijuana be legalized in US? Costs, Economic And Social Benefits
• How Do Terrorist Attacks Influence Public Opinion And Political Behavior In Democratic Countries
• Crime Rates: Main Factors That Explain The Variation In Crime Rates Across Different Countries And Regions

Research Paper Topics on Current Affairs 

• The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Health Systems and Preparedness
• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
• The Future of Work: Remote Work Trends and Implications
• Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities
• Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding Causes and Addressing Concerns
• Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Defense
• Immigration Policies and Border Security: A Global Perspective
• The Role of Social Media in Political Movements and Disinformation
• Global Supply Chain Disruptions: Causes and Strategies for Resilience
• Racial and Social Justice Movements: Progress and Ongoing Challenges

Controversial Research Paper Topics 

• The Legalization of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia: Ethical and Legal Considerations
• Gun Control Laws: Balancing Second Amendment Rights and Public Safety
• The Death Penalty: Is it an Effective Deterrent or a Violation of Human Rights?
• Animal Testing: Ethical Issues and Alternatives for Scientific Research
• The Legalization of Recreational Drugs: Assessing Risks and Benefits
• Abortion: Examining the Ethical, Legal, and Medical Aspects
• Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Protecting Civil Liberties in a Digital Age
• Climate Change Denial: Analyzing the Science and Skepticism
• School Vouchers and School Choice: The Future of Public Education
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Safety, Labeling, and Environmental Concerns

Research Paper Topics on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

• Historical Roots of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Tracing the Beginnings
• Media Framing of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Impact on Public Perception
• The Role of International Diplomacy in Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
• Human Rights Violations in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Critical Analysis
• Refugees and Displacement: The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in the Conflict
• Religious Perspectives in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: A Comparative Study
• Water Scarcity and Resource Management in the Context of the Conflict
• Education and Propaganda: Examining the Impact of Curricula on Perpetuating Conflict Narratives
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Peacebuilding Efforts
• Media and Social Media's Influence on Shaping Public Opinion in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Nursing Research Paper Topics 

• The Impact of Nurse-to-Patient Ratios on Patient Outcomes
• Nursing Shortages: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
• Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing: Implementing Research into Clinical Care
• Nursing Ethics: Ethical Dilemmas and Decision-Making in Patient Care
• Palliative Care and End-of-Life Nursing: Improving Quality of Life for Patients
• Nursing Informatics: Advancements in Healthcare Technology and Data Management
• The Role of Cultural Competence in Nursing: Providing Culturally Sensitive Care
• Nursing Burnout and Staff Well-being: Strategies for Prevention and Support
• The Impact of Nurse Leadership on Patient Safety and Quality of Care
• Pediatric Nursing: Specialized Care for Children and Families

How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

Now that you have a plethora of ideas for your research paper, which one should you choose? Here are some steps you need to follow to choose a good research paper topic: 

• Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your own interests and passions. Research is much more enjoyable when you're exploring a topic you're genuinely curious about. Think about subjects, issues, or questions that intrigue you.
• Brainstorm and Mind Map: Write down potential topics or research questions and create a mind map to visualize how they connect to one another. This can help you see the relationships between different ideas and narrow down your options.
• Do Some Preliminary Research: Conduct initial research to see what resources are available on potential topics. This will help you gauge whether there is enough information and credible sources to support your research.
• Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your research paper. Tailor your topic to your target audience's interests and knowledge level. You should also comply with the instructor's requirements. Make sure your topic gets approved before you begin with the writing process.
• Discuss with Others: Talk to your peers, professors, or mentors about your potential topics. They may offer valuable insights, suggest relevant resources, or help you refine your ideas.

To conclude,

Selecting a good topic is the first and most important step in writing a research paper. Your decision should be guided by your interests, the assignment requirements, and the availability of credible resources. 

With this list of potential research paper topics and tips on how to choose a good topic, you are able to select a topic that is both engaging for you and relevant to your audience.

Remember that staying current and conducting preliminary research will help you make an informed choice. Seek feedback from peers and mentors, and don't shy away from challenging or controversial topics when appropriate. 

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61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

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Topics for Research Papers: Diverse Research Ideas Across Disciplines

Table of contents

• 1 Why Is the Choice of Subject in Research Papers So Important? 
• 2 How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?
• 3 Business Research Paper Topics
• 4 Media and Communications Research Paper Topics
• 5 Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 6 Argumentative Research Paper Topics
• 7 Controversial Topics for Research Paper
• 8 Easy Research Paper Topics
• 9 Research Topic in Natural Sciences
• 10 Sociology Research Paper Topics
• 11 Family Research Paper Topics
• 12 Discrimination Research Paper Topics
• 13 Law Research Paper Topics
• 14 Environmental Research Paper Topics
• 15 Education Research Paper Topics
• 16 Science and Technology Research Paper Topics
• 17 College Research Paper Topics
• 18 Health Research Paper Topics
• 19 Politics Research Paper Topics
• 20 History Research Paper Topics
• 21 Music Research Paper Topics
• 22.1 After Choosing the Research Topic
• 22.2 Closing Thoughts

When students approach the final stage of their academic journey, they immediately begin to think about the need to develop their research project to add to their college curriculum. To do this, students start searching for the best research paper topics. From then on, many insecurities and doubts will haunt the minds of these college education students who will have a big job ahead of them with the best research paper topic.

To help students during this challenging phase of their education, we can help them explore various interesting research paper topics, figure out which one aligns with their interests, and start working on it well ahead of the deadline.                    

Why Is the Choice of Subject in Research Papers So Important?  

The final project of a student who is in college is a research paper. However, the student needs to start working on it before the end of their program. It is known that the sooner you begin this process, the more time and tranquility you will find to develop it. Therefore, a research paper will review what experts on a given subject have published in the literature, making the student choose and defend a point of view concerning a thesis statement. Writing one successfully requires surveys and data to back your idea or topic and choose a good research paper topic.

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a research paper topic is a crucial step in the research process . It’s important to select a topic that interests you, aligns with your academic goals, and is feasible to research. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pick a good research paper topic :

• Pick a subject that you’re passionate about! If you’re passionate about your subject, the research process will be more relevant, and you will have more research topic ideas.
• Concentrate on a doable topic.
• You will only be able to focus if your topic is narrow enough.
• Examine the subject selection instructions provided in your assignment—request advice from your lecturer or TA.
• Always refer to important materials and notes about classes so that you are up to date on the topic.
• Brainstorm research topics with a friend. They will be able to help you write your emphasis and raise concerns that will not be present at the time of your presentation.
• Consider the following questions for your research topic ideas: who, what, when, where, and why:

WHY did you choose this particular topic? What piques your curiosity about it?

WHO are the sources of information, and who is impacted?

WHAT are the most important questions about this subject?

WHERE does your topic matter most: locally, nationally, or internationally?

WHEN did your topic become important? Is this a current issue or one from the past?

Business Research Paper Topics

A study of the business is current and significant. It allows data and information to be collected about commercial relationships worldwide. In this way, students can delve deeper into an important economics and professional development topic, finding solutions and discussing results. Sometimes, one can get research paper writing to assist in situations where it is inconvenient. Some examples of these business research paper topics include:

• The influence of employee benefits on representative efficiency.
• The difficulties of managing workgroup conflict.
• Start-ups: Examining the challenges that arise during the early stages of a business.
• How to work with open and closed systems in business.
• Workgroups’ ability to evolve to meet the needs of the future.
• Inter-authoritative networks and leadership strategies.
• Product and service improvements made in significant cooperation.
• How to manage an organization’s emergencies.
• The effect of full quality management practices on client retention and satisfaction.
• Effective time management as a tool for authoritative endurance.

Media and Communications Research Paper Topics

The research work developed in the area of the media manages to provide students with information about mass communication and its importance. With the advent of the internet and all its nuances, it is increasingly important to develop studies and research to understand the effects of media and communication in the social context. Some communication research topics can explore include:

• The influence of the media on real-life relationships.
• The role of the media in the expression of social issues.
• Consequences of mass media on society’s ethical well-being.
• The advantages of using the media to anticipate a crisis.
• How the media infringes on citizens’ rights.
• What role does the media play in spreading awareness?
• The significance of trustworthy ads.
• The impact of the media on a country’s political elite.
• Is the media good or harmful to the economy?
• What role does the media play in technological advancement?

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Many subjects can be approached within the theme of psychology. It is an area of science that allows us to carry out different studies with various themes and views. However, the student must be able to choose an important topic for the psychology and academic context. Your teacher’s attention is drawn to an engaging and novel topic. Here are some ideas for you:

• What impact do violent video games have on children’s brain development?
• Do violent cartoons impact our children’s behavior and mental health?
• What impact does divorce have on a child’s emotional blooming?
• An introverted child’s social anxiety and sadness.
• How does bullying affect high school or college students’ social interactions?
• When a person is in love, how does the brain work?
• Differences in the way a man’s and a woman’s brains work
• Is there a link between PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease?
• Sleep paralysis causes and effects
• What is the best way to deal with multiple personality disorders?

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

The student must choose an argumentative research paper topic because you will have to defend a thesis during the work. By opting for a good research paper topic of your interest, you will base yourself on various materials already published on the subject to develop your thoughts and arguments to defend your initial idea chosen as the main subject of your work.

• The role of government in addressing income inequality.
• The pros and cons of school uniform policies.
• Analyzing the effects of violent video games on behavior.
• The effectiveness of abstinence-only sex education programs.
• The impact of fast food advertising on childhood obesity.
• The role of government in regulating online privacy.
• The pros and cons of school voucher programs.
• Examining the impact of standardized testing on education.
• The ethics of capital punishment for juveniles.
• The ethics of human organ trafficking.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

• High times or high risks? The legalization of recreational marijuana use.
• Locked and loaded: The endless debate on gun control policies.
• To kill or not to kill: The ongoing debate on capital punishment.
• Drones in the crosshairs: Balancing security and privacy.
• The ethics of human cloning and genetic engineering.
• Vaccination controversies: Mandates, exemptions, and public health.
• Affirmative action under scrutiny: Equity in college admissions.
• The ethics of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
• Balancing surveillance and civil liberties.
• Nuclear power and weapons: Weighing the benefits and risks.
• Solitary confinement: Cruel punishment or necessary measure?
• Rise of the machines: Artificial intelligence, employment, and ethics.
• Animals in entertainment: Whose amusement at what cost?
• Privacy vs. security: Government surveillance and individual rights.
• Playing God: The ethics of human gene editing and designer babies.
• Statues and symbols: The controversy surrounding Confederate memorials.
• Fracking unveiled: The controversy surrounding hydraulic fracturing.

Easy Research Paper Topics

• The effects of fast food consumption on health.
• The benefits of reading for personal development.
• Strategies for stress reduction in everyday life.
• The role of family in child development.
• The history of famous inventions.
• Strategies for effective communication in relationships.
• The history and impact of social movements.
• The influence of advertising on consumer choices.
• Strategies for healthy eating on a budget.
• The importance of setting goals in life.

Research Topic in Natural Sciences

• The impact of ocean acidification on marine life
• Exploring the genetic diversity of soil microbes and their influence on crop health.
• Studying the impacts of emerging contaminants on freshwater ecosystems.
• Understanding the dynamics of emerging zoonotic diseases in wildlife populations.
• The use of CRISPR in gene editing.
• The use of drones in disaster response.
• The effects of light pollution on nocturnal insect communities in urban areas.
• Natural toxins in plants: mechanisms, benefits, and risks in agriculture.
• Climate change and its effects on algal blooms and water quality in 2023.
• The ecological significance of wetland restoration efforts in 2023.

Sociology Research Paper Topics

The sociology discipline is responsible for studying human behavior within society. These studies will address how people behave in social relationships and groups and how cultures and customs emerge. The possibilities for research are endless regarding sociology’s enormous reach and continually changing societal trends. Choose the best easy sociology research topics for yourself. Some topic ideas are:

• Is emotional intelligence as crucial as everyone claims?
• Is there a misconception that males are better professionals than women?
• Is homeschooling a hindrance to children’s socialization?
• Abuse marriages have both causes and effects.
• We spend too much time on our phones.
• The ethics of animal experimentation.
• Is recycling beneficial to the environment?
• In the United States, is there a stereotype about Mexicans?
• Racial preconceptions ruin people.
• The need for sex education.

Family Research Paper Topics

It’s not always easy to research family issues. This is mainly because some students may be coming from pleased families. Thus, many concepts might be difficult to comprehend. However, this field of study has the potential to significantly improve the psychological climate in many households throughout the world. Some topics one can research include:

• In the family, there has been sexual abuse. The escape plan and organizations that can assist.
• Resolving religious issues in families.
• Is it possible to rescue oneself from substance abuse in a family if others engage?
• Saving family connections while not inheriting the family business.
• Balancing between family support and allowing young adults to experience living on their own in the transition to adulthood.
• A relationship that is toxic and abusive. Breaking up with a toxic spouse has psychological ramifications.
• Children and adults go through phases of grieving after losing a family member. How can we cope as a group?
• What issues might parents confront when fostering a child?
• When does teen misbehavior become more than a normal desire for independence?
• A generational divide exists. The moral and cultural differences. Is this typical?

Discrimination Research Paper Topics

It is undeniable the massive impact that discrimination has in the society of the past and also of the present. Therefore, articles on discrimination and race relations must be the subject of academic research. Research papers on it can probe and proffer solutions through data found. Much research in this area can be developed, addressing relations of age, religion, race, sexual orientation, and any existing social conflict. Some topics to explore are:

• Colorism as a kind of discrimination.
• Discrimination Against Muslims in the Workplace.
• Discrimination Against Asian Americans in Colleges.
• Discrimination in the Workplace.
• Discrimination against people of color as a result of racial profiling.
• Discrimination Against Muslims in the Workplace is an issue that has to be addressed.
• Discrimination in the Workplace: How to Manage in an Inclusive Environment.
• Discrimination, social exclusion, and violence against LGBT people are issues that the LGBT community faces.
• Discrimination and Equality Struggle.
• Discrimination based on age in the workplace.

Law Research Paper Topics

Another fundamental form of research is legal research. It is a significant topic and one that allows us to have different approaches and points of view. Each country and each historical time will give us an even greater immersion in laws and legal conduct.

The law can be divided into 21 major areas. Just choose one of them to be the topic of your law research . Some areas of law are constitutional law, environmental law, and criminal law, among others. Some good topics include:

• What are the benefits of business rules for institutions and organizations?
• What is business law’s actual nature?
• What do we know about the classification of business rules and the legal regulation of non-consensual adoption in the United States?
• How does the law handle marriage and divorce for mentally ill people?
• The cultural influence of transgender marriage and its legal status in different countries.
• The environment and private property.
• Equal protection under the law and the principle of equality.
• The financial pyramid’s legal aspects.
• Environment-related crimes.
• Exchange Commission and Securities.

Environmental Research Paper Topics

To improve our relationship with nature and preserve it, it is necessary to carry out a lot of debate and research in this area. In this way, we will learn about the importance of ecology and the environment in the lives of all living beings. Developing work on this subject means containing the adverse effects of globalization, industrialization, and the use of nature. This way, we can save ecosystems, avoiding irreparable losses to our planet. Some environment research paper topics  are:

• Analysis and proposed remedies for lung cancer and radon.
• The negative impact of acid rain on aquatic life and natural resources.
• What can we do to protect wildlife from being killed by acid rain?
• What role did prehistoric creatures have in today’s ecosystems?
• The repercussion of air pollution and global warming on human health.
• Can recycling assist people worldwide in improving their health?
• What can be done to protect coral reefs from being destroyed?
• How much are garbage and pesticides to blame for our soil contamination?
• How big is the problem of ocean acidification?
• Permafrost melting and its impact on climate change.

Education Research Paper Topics

It is known that improving the educational system worldwide is imperative, better serving students and society. However, how can we do this? This type of research aims to make education more efficient and accessible for everyone. Some topics to consider are:

• Will one of the aims of modern education be the growth of emotional intelligence?
• Discrimination in education and its impact on students’ futures.
• Mentally ill persons need to be educated and socialized. There are some similarities and some variances.
• Education and censorship. Do we want to protect the pupils, or do we want to help them learn what they need to know?
• How do students in inclusive classrooms perform compared to students in non-inclusive classes?
• Is it still necessary to have grades in today’s education?
• Education and incentive: how to pique the interest of students.
• In what ways may modern education be compared to traditional schooling?
• Bullying and a negative psychological climate in the classroom. Its influence on educational quality.
• The importance of discipline in education and how it affects the learning process.

Science and Technology Research Paper Topics

We can see many positive technical advances in the world these days. However, some have negative consequences. Students must prioritize topics that influence many people’s lives and help develop technological research. At the same time, look at the advantages and preservation of technology in today’s world. Some technology topics include:

• What effect does alcohol intake have on athletes who are training?
• What influence does ADCC activity research have on HIV treatment?
• What function does CDfT-Cell Subsets play in HIV patient progression?
• What is the most significant technical breakthrough of the twentieth century?
• Is it possible for tech to ever replace human intelligence?
• What impact does tech play in genetic engineering’s advancement?
• Can microbial factories help solve the raw metals shortage?
• Is the paleo diet representative of ancient life? Is it the best diet for people?
• Is Europe’s objection to genetically modified crops motivated by science or economic considerations?
• Could molecular biology study into uncommon genetic abnormalities possibly lead to new insights into cancer and other diseases?

College Research Paper Topics

Developing research about the dilemmas faced daily by many students within the university environment is also extremely important. In this way, it becomes possible to analyze more objectively all social relations within the college, the influence of social media, the academic development of students, and especially the results that will be reaped in their profession in the future. The education system is an extensive topic with possibilities to develop easy research paper topics. In addition, it is an environment you are probably already familiar with, thus facilitating the data and information collection process. Some topics about it:

• The importance of higher education in a professional career for middle ages people.
• What are the main reasons that lead students to drop out of college?
• Why should people study foreign languages in college?
• The influence of the digital world on the university world.
• College and the financial hardship faced by many students.
• Doubts about choosing the right college.
• How to enter the job market after completing college.
• What are the main differences between public and private colleges?
• The effects of cyberbullying in the university context.
• What is the ideal human behaviour in the university environment?

Health Research Paper Topics

Academic work must be developed in Health subjects, seeking to understand better the dynamics of health in different world countries and how this influences people’s lives to have physical well-being. We have recently seen the impact of the Covid-19 virus pandemic on our planet. We have seen the collapse of many health systems in many countries’ human relationships. In addition, we also saw despair and suffering in many families with mental health problems. Therefore, we see how necessary it is to develop research projects that help consolidate better care for the population, promoting health and preventing the emergence of new diseases, especially in third-world countries. Some health research paper topics are:

• Support for family members who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.
• Adolescent violence as a public health problem.
• Assistance for people with disabilities living in rural areas.
• Adolescent mental health in public health.
• The evolution of the human body over the years.
• Health problems caused by the use of pesticides.
• How does social media addiction influence people’s health?
• Obesity as a public health problem.
• Health education in schools and through social media.
• How does water quality interfere with public health?

Politics Research Paper Topics

Another research paper topic is politics. Politics is a topic that directly or indirectly involves the lives of all world inhabitants. Through it, we seek our rights, have the strength to fight for our ideologies, and become citizens. Here are some politics research paper topics :

• Policies to face global warming.
• The presence of politics within the education system.
• The influences of the cultural industry in the constitution of public policies.
• Political relations during World War I and World War II.
• The importance of feminism in the political achievement of women’s right to vote.
• Best professional writers on political topics.
• Public policy related to an all-female working environment.
• The importance of public policies that make people aware of drug use.
• The emergence of extremist political ideologies in the 21st century.
• The importance of democracy in politics.

History Research Paper Topics

History is essential for humanity to understand the facts that occurred and their relationship with time. From history, we can develop several exciting research topics as it can investigate what men did, thought, felt, and set in all social dynamics thousands of years ago. Historical knowledge is capable of helping to understand human beings, their attitudes, and their evolution. Some history research paper topics are:

• The historical development of the electoral college.
• Major terrorist attacks throughout history.
• The historical and social importance of gender psychology.
• The changes that came with the end of the Soviet Union.
• The progression of the minimum wage over the years.
• The worldwide impacts of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
• The emergence of offshore bank accounts work and their social impact.
• The Mayan Civilization and Its Cultural Legacy.
• The history of dictatorships in South America and funding from the United States.
• The democratization of access to course material at History College.

Music Research Paper Topics

Music has been present in humanity since the most remote times. Through music, people can express themselves, have fun, relax, and express their opinions. As it is a vast topic, it is possible to do extensive research. Music also allows you to find funny research paper topics to develop. We selected a few good research paper topics here:

• The evolution of the music industry globally.
• The influence of music in the treatment of depression.
• The importance of still producing and listening to traditional music.
• The presence of music in film.
• The main legacies of classical music.
• Songs about self-esteem that encourage obese people.
• School development through music.
• The aid of artificial intelligence in the creation of new songs.
• The effects of music on brain development.
• Songs that address controversial topics and their importance.

Literature Research Paper Topics

Literature is everything that involves the art of the word. We consider literature an instrument capable of making us communicate and interact socially. With literature, we can transmit knowledge, emotions, and stories, and that’s why literature has many good research topics. Literature can provide us with the most interesting research topics. Here are some research paper ideas.

• Literature as a tool of corporate social responsibility.
• The first forms of literature found.
• The use of social media as a way to propagate literature.
• A sensitive approach to child abuse in the literature.
• Are people switching from literature to social media?
• The change of literature after the Industrial Revolution.
• Literature as a way to protect children online.
• The development of scientific literature for standardized tests in science.
• Literature review on computer science.
• The importance of developing a thesis statement in literature.

After Choosing the Research Topic

Well, after finding great research paper topics, you will decide which one you like the most and which you are more comfortable writing about. So, once you’ve decided which college research paper topics to cover in your thesis, it’s time to start writing. It is important, right at the beginning, to define your main research question to start researching websites, books, articles, etc. A tip is always to opt for a broader research question, so your first research will have a greater amount of material on your research topics, which will make it easier when choosing an approach and focusing on the main subject of your thesis. Before starting the process of submitting research papers, it is important that an advisor can read and review your text on the chosen research topics.

Closing Thoughts

When you have to choose your research paper topic, there are tons of ideas you can use to embark on your research journey. It is very important that you first carry out thorough research about a good research paper topic so that you can start writing your thesis statement. You can read materials online to know if the topic you want to write on is relevant and has enough data. I hope you can take advantage of all our tips to develop your research papers. The most important thing to consider is that you need to like the topic you choose for a good research paper because it’ll help make writing fun.

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Top-notch Research Paper Topics List

29 November, 2020

16 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

You know how they say: “Be strong; the beginnings to great things are always the hardest”? And though you might not consider writing a research paper and choosing a good research paper topic a really great thing, you see our point. If you are having troubles getting started with the composition in question, we have good news for you.

We have come up with a lengthy list of good research paper topics that will come in handy if you are running out of research paper ideas. Sounds like something you can use? Then don’t hesitate to make the most out of it!

And if you would rather order a whole piece from a professional, we can be of much help here too. Our research paper writing service can craft a piece for you at any time and on any topic. Just drop us a line!

But before we dive into various topics we have to offer, consider checking out our recommendations on how to find argumentative research paper topics all by yourself.

What is a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

There are several facets of a good research paper topic. To put it short, your theme should be:

When you pose a topic for your research, be sure that it is clear. A reader should be able to understand its purpose right away. If he doesn’t, you did not do a very good job formulating the subject line.

No kidding: you should do your best to be innovative even if you are writing a paper on something as old as time. It might not be simple, but we’re sure you can find a new perspective if you dedicate enough time to the search.

The paper must contain precise figures or facts. They are at the core of your research. Don’t confuse this type of composition with descriptive writing. They have nothing in common. So, focus on precise data: that’s exactly what your readers expect from you.

How to Choose Interesting Research Paper Topics

Before you take one of the topics we suggest, we recommend you to try to come up with a good topic yourself. It might be easier than you think. Here are several ways to spot an interesting idea:

Think of Something You Find Interesting.

There are always things we find astonishing but don’t have enough time to explore deeper. Maybe this is your chance to give it some time and conduct in-depth research. Of course, take into account the discipline and the academic level required. Thus, it’s pretty clear that you can’t talk about the Vietnam War for the Social Studies class paper (unless you’re looking into the differences of the military operations impact on the civilians and soldiers).

Choose a Topic With Sufficient Data for the Research.

The main point of writing this paper lies in finding information at various credible sources and refining it. Therefore, if you pick a subject that is somewhat new or wasn’t studied well in the past, you’ll have no information to work with. That is why the availability of credible information is vital to the success of the writing process.

Narrow the Subject Down.

The subject you find great interest in might be too broad. Not to sound too shallow, it’s better for you to pick just one perspective of the problem and study it carefully. This way you will be able to dive deep enough into the research instead of just hitting the high spots.

These are our recommendations on how to choose a theme on your own. Now let’s look into other tips we’d like to offer to you before you get down to writing.

Related post: How to write an Argumentative essay 

How to write an outline for a research paper

While you can find all the essential information in our guide on how to write a perfect research paper outline , here we’ll introduce you to the basics.

• Find an engaging topic. For it, read on to see what subject line we have to offer.
• Create a list of credible sources to take a look at. You can either ask you tutor for recommendations, surf the web, or go old school and visit a library for suggestions.
• Mark all the elements you will add to your outline.
• Briefly explain what each of these components will be about. But don’t bury the blueprint under too many details. Keep it short!
• Finally, find good examples to explore.

Now, that you understand how to craft a plan for your paper, have our tips to help you out along the way, your only job is to find good topic ideas to write about. And we can help you with that too!

Note that our company provides academic writing help. You can buy a research paper written from scratch by our  essay writer .

Now that you know your ways around crafting good research papers, we want to introduce you to our list of various ideas you can conduct a thorough research on. Use our ideas if coming up with your own is something you don’t want to deal with at the moment.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Are people with the IQ level above the average really unhappy?
• Eating disorders: Are they necessarily associated with the self-image issues?
• The impact of stress on the mental health of a person.
• The nature and causes of child violence.
• Insomnia as a valid excuse for breaking the rules or committing crimes.
• Race relations in the USA in the 20th century and today.
• The nature and causes of sexual orientation: Different perspectives on the issue.

Easy Research Paper Topics

• The glass ceiling: Myth or reality?
• Popular ventures started without money.
• The history of the social media boom around the globe.
• Top tech startups of the 21st century.
• Video games and their impact on the development of young people.
• Animal testing across the globe.
• Is global warming real?
• Has the Internet become a safer place with the cybersecurity principles implementation?
• The impact of the screen time on a child’s mental development.
• The US election system: The history and principles behind it.

World History Research Paper Topics

• The life and traditions of the first Gladiators.
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Bits and pieces of the tragedy.
• The history of Singapore: From worst to first.
• North Korea: Dictatorship ideology and its complications.
• The establishment of the League of Nations.
• Racial discrimination origins.
• The history of the Gutenberg Bible.
• The most powerful opponent of Germany in the WWI.
• Egyptian pyramids: The history and meaning.
• The history of Christianity.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

• The history of modern Israel.
• Abortion: “My body – my rules” or the discrimination of the unborns’ rights?
• How Facebook shaped the way people communicate today.
• Beauty pageants: Celebration of the beauty or discrimination in disguise?
• Death penalty around the globe.
• Implications of gun control in the USA.
• Creationism against Evolution.
• Physical punishment as a core principle of children’s upbringing.
• The origins of the “invasion of privacy” notion across the world.
• The impact of social media addiction on young people.
• Genetic predisposition to committing a crime.

High School Research Paper Topics

• School uniform: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
• The effect of sexual acts displays on TV.
• The American Dream of Generation X and the Millennials.
• Biggest cults existing today in the world.
• Learning disabilities: Their nature, causes, and solutions.
• The history of Somalia.
• The portrayal of a woman in the social media today and 20 years ago.
• Freedom of expression.
• The poorest nations in the world.
• The effect of feminism on Europe.
• The impact of classical music on one’s brain.

Literature Research Paper Topics

• The relevance of the US Literature class choices to the modern youth.
• Examples of literature pieces that shaped whole cultures across the globe.
• Feminism in literature.
• The issue of the Holocaust in the world’s literature.
• The first translations of the Bible.
• Literature is known to be most effective in the struggle against illiteracy in different cultures.
• The brightest images of Death in literature.
• The history of slavery in Africa in world literature.
• Romanticism in Spanish literature.
• The moralism of the British literature of the 20th century.

College Research Paper Topics

• Success stories of college dropouts.
• The rarest phobias and fears people have.
• The history of e-learning around the globe.
• Can higher education grant a successful future career?
• Should grades be banned from the educational system?
• The use and harm of vaccination.
• The new emerging specializations and professions of the 21st century.
• The most effective teaching methods today.
• The History of the Ivy League.
• College re-organization for the better future of education.
• Private vs. Public colleges in the USA: Pros and cons.

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

• Antisemitism origins.
• Sex education pushes the youth to involve in sexual relations too early.
• The last days of newspapers in our media-controlled world.
• The danger of the GMO.
• Impact of Instagram on teenagers’ self-esteem.
• Pros and cons of studying at a single-sex school.
• Overpopulation management.
• Deforestation: Are we digging our own grave this way?
• People using cell phones while driving should be held criminally liable.
• Paying children for good grades: Different perspectives on the issue.

Sports Research Paper Topics

• The greatest athlete in the history of the world.
• The history of the Olympic Games.
• Why are cybersports considered sports?
• The history of marathons and their use today.
• Doping in sports.
• The use of playing competitive sports.
• The most dangerous sports from all over the world.
• Should sports be used as a therapy in prisons?
• Should student athletes be paid for playing sports?
• The effect of physical activities on the human’s brain.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

• Prisoners falsely accused and then released should receive financial compensation from the state.
• Sexual harassment problem in Europe and the USA.
• Should corporate abuse be considered a criminal injustice case?
• The death penalty in different countries.
• Hate crime history in the USA.
• Control over the brutal behavior of guardsmen at prisons.
• Should mental issues affect the court judgment?
• Sex slavery: Should people buying and selling sex slaves be sentenced to the death penalty?
• Should the criminals be allowed to vote?
• Two sides of the Mandatory Minimum sentencing.

Topics about Technology for the Research Paper

• Will artificial intelligence substitute humans at a workplace?
• Saving the Earth today with the aid of state-of-the-art technologies.
• Self-driving cars development history.
• The history of Virtual and Augmented realities.
• Positive use of nuclear energy and the future.
• How does the lie detector work? Is this a trustworthy technology?
• The history of aviation in the world.

Medical Research Paper Topics

• Why animal testing should be stopped.
• The history of the Placebo treatment.
• Euthanasia: What doctors from different countries think about it.
• The use of vegetarianism: The myth or reality?
• Mental breakdown: Causes and prevention.
• The notion of mood in medicine.
• Should marijuana be allowed for recreational purposes?
• Should vaccination be mandatory?
• The history of plague in Europe.
• The most dangerous virus of today.

Ethics Research Paper Topics

• Religion and morality: Are people with strong moral beliefs more moral than atheists?
• Should teachers be allowed to carry weapons to school?
• Prostitution across the globe.
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Paparazzi and the invasion of celebrities’ privacy.
• Parents should monitor their kids’ Internet use.
• Do laws generally patronize women and discriminate against men?
• Adoption by single parents vs. adoption by a two-parent family today.
• Countries that use child labor: Should we use their products?
• Should breastfeeding in public be banned?

Tips on Writing a Research Paper

• Write an outline. An outline will help you stay focused. Since this type of writing is quite lengthy, it is easy to lose track along the way. That is why crafting a detailed outline is in your best interest. It will serve as a roadmap or a blueprint of the whole project.
• Start bright. You only have one chance to make a positive first impression. That is why you simply cannot afford writing a dull introduction. There are certain rules on how to start a research paper, and you’d better stick to the rules as described in our guide. A bright opening paragraph will ensure the genuine interest of your audience in what you have to say about the topic and will keep them engaged as you write.
• Use immaculate grammar and spelling. Nothing kills a good paper like poor grammar or spelling. It distracts the reader from the main point and makes him stumble while reading. And if you’re worried that grammar and spelling checking will take up too much of your time, don’t worry: you can always use technologies like Grammarly to do the job for you in seconds.
• Compose a compelling thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central point of your research paper. You need to insert it in the introduction and make sure that this central idea is exactly one sentence long. Make it loud and clear. However, given the length of this vital part of a research paper, don’t bore readers with too many unnecessary details. This means that you should mention what issue you will look into and why but don’t explain in which ways you will achieve this. Here is a complete guide on what is a thesis statement that will walk you through the process step by step. Enjoy!
• Stay within the word count limits. This type of writing has a rather strict word count limit. And you need to stay within it. Tutors don’t have all the time in the world to read long pieces. If you can’t stay within word count limits, they’ll assume you didn’t spend enough time filtering the most vital information out of the research (even if you did). So, not to give them that false impression, don’t make it too short or too long. Make it just right. This is the case when the size matters!
• Ask for help. After spending long hours crafting this paper, you are likely to miss some important points. The thing is that you know exactly what you wanted to say, and mistakes seem to be left unnoticed. Not to let them slip into your text, ask your peers, friends, or family to take a look at your writing. Their fresh perspective might be of much help to you!

We hope our research paper topics ideas will help you pick a theme you are genuinely interested in. We promise: conducting research and diving into the search can be a lot of fun as long as you choose an engaging subject.

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Research Paper Topics

Choose your Topic Smart

What starts well, ends well, so you need to be really careful with research paper topics. The topic of a research paper defines the whole piece of writing. How often have you chosen the book by its title? First impression is often influential, so make sure your topic will attract the reader instantly. By choosing your topic smart, the half of your job is done. That is why we have singled out several secrets on how to pick the best topic for you. Also see the list of 1000 thesis topics .

Browse Research Paper Topics by Category:

• Anthropology
• Argumentative
• Communication
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental
• Political Science

What is the Key to a Perfect Topic for a Research Paper?

The key to a perfect topic includes three main secrets: interest, precision, and innovation.

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It is impossible to do something great if you have no interest in what you are doing. For this reason, make sure you choose the topic that drives you. If you are bored by what you investigate, do not expect that your paper will be exciting. Right now, spend some minutes or even hours thinking about what interests you. Jot down all your preferences in life, science, politics, social issues etc. It will help you get the idea what you can write about.

After realizing what drives you, narrow this general idea to a more specific one. A research paper is not about beating around the bush. You will need clear facts and data. You will have to provide evidence to your ideas. You will need to be precise, specific and convincing.

Finally, the idea of any research is that it should be surprising and distinctive. Think what makes your perspective and approach special. What is the novelty of your research?

Use Technology

If you are still stuck, use technology. Today we have an opportunity to make our lives easier with a bit of technology used. You can find paper topic generators online. This software will examine the category you want to investigate and the keywords from your research. Within several seconds, this program generates paper topics, so you can try it yourself. It can help you get started with your assignment.

100% Effective Advice

We will now give you advice that is 100% effective when picking the topic. Firstly, forget about what others may think about your topic. This is your topic and this is your perception of the world. Stay personal and let your personal style get you the top grades. Secondly, never decide on the topic before analyzing the background for your research. By this we mean, investigate the topic before you start the research proper. It happens quite often that students choose the topic and later they realize there is no data or information to use. That is why conduct some research beforehand. Thirdly, read other researchers’ papers on the topic you want to write about. It will help you get the idea of the investigation. Moreover, it will help you understand whether you truly want to write a paper on this topic. Finally, when you have picked the topic, started your research, make sure you dedicate your time and energy. If you want to get high results, you need to study every little details of your research.

Examine Different Ideas

People often come up with genius ideas after analyzing thousands of other people’s ideas. This is how our brain works. That is why you can analyze other people’s ideas for research paper topics and think up your own. If you have never written any paper of that kind, it will help you understand the gist of this assignment, the style and the requirements. By comparing different topics, you can motivate yourself and get inspired with these ideas. Luckily, you have come to the right place. Here is our list of top 100 research paper topics.

Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics:

Argumentative research papers examine some controversial issues. Your task is to provide your point of view, your argument, and support your idea with the evidence. This academic assignment requires appropriate structuring and formatting.

• Does a College Education Pay?
• Dual Career Families and Working Mothers
• Electronic Copyright and Piracy
• Drinking on Campus
• Education for Homeless Children
• Glass ceiling
• Honor System at Colleges
• Sex and Violence on TV
• Word Population and Hunger
• World Trade and Globalization

Top 10 Economics Research Paper Topics:

If you are studying economics, you can find various topics at our site. Check out topics of micro- and macroeconomics. See ideas for urgent economic problems, economic models and strategies. Get inspired and come up with your perfect topic.

• Beyond Make-or-Buy: Advances in Transaction Cost Economics
• Economic Aspects of Cultural Heritage
• Economics of Energy Markets
• Globalization and Inequality
• International Trade and Trade Restrictions
• Aggregate Expenditures Model and Equilibrium Output
• Taxes Versus Standards
• Predatory Pricing and Strategic Entry Barriers
• Marxian and Institutional Industrial Relations in the United States
• Twentieth-Century Economic Methodology

Top 10 Education Research Paper Topics:

Education has so many questions, and yet few answers. The list of education topic is endless. We have chosen the top 10 topics on the urgent issues in education. You can find ideas related to different approaches, methodology, classroom management, etc.

• Teachers Thinking About Their Practice
• Cognitive Approaches to Motivation in Education
• Responsive Classroom Management
• Ten Steps to Complex Learning
• Economics and School-to-Work
• Reading and Literacy in Adolescence
• Diversifying the Teaching Force
• Teacher-Student Relationships
• Preparing for College and Graduate School
• Role of Professional Learning

Top 10 History Research Paper Topics:

Choose your topic regarding cultural, economic, environmental, military, political or social history. See what other researchers investigated, compare their ideas and pick the topic that interests you.

• European Expansion
• Orientalism
• Current trends in Historiography
• Green Revolution
• Religion and War
• Women’s Emancipation Movements
• History of Civilization

Top 10 Psychology Research Paper Topics:

The list of psychology categories and topics is enormous. We have singled out the most popular topics on psychology in 2019. It is mostly topics on modern psychology. Choose the topic the appeals to you the most or ask our professionals to help you come up with some original idea.

• Imaging Techniques for the Localization of Brain Function
• Memory and Eyewitness Testimony
• Traditional Neuroscience Research Methods
• Meditation and the Relaxation Response
• Assessment of Mental Health in Older Adults
• Cross-Cultural Psychology and Research
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Prejudice and Stereotyping
• Nature Versus Nurture

Top 10 Biology Research Paper Topics:

Here you can find topics related to the science of all forms of life. Examine the topics from different fields in biology and choose the best one for you.

• Biological Warfare
• Clone and Cloning
• Genetic Disorders
• Genetic Engineering
• Kangaroos and Wallabies
• Mendelian Laws of Inheritance
• Molecular Biology
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Top 10 Chemistry Research Paper Topics:

The best way to understand chemistry is to write a paper on chemistry topic. Below you can see the topics from different fields of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, analytical and others.

• Acids and Bases
• Alkaline Earth Metals
• Dyes and Pigments
• Chemical Warfare
• Industrial Minerals
• Photochemistry
• Soaps and Detergents
• Transition Elements

Top 10 Physics Research Paper Topics:

Check out the topics on classical and modern physics. Find ideas for writing about interrelationships of physics to other sciences.

• Aerodynamics
• Atomic Theory
• Celestial Mechanics
• Fluid Dynamics
• Magnetic recording
• Microwave Communication
• Quantum mechanics
• Subatomic particles

Top 10 Sociology Research Paper Topics:

Find ideas related to different sociological theories, research and methodologies.

• Feminist Methodologies and Epistemology
• Quality-of-Life Research
• Sociology of Men and Masculinity
• Sociology of Leisure and Recreation
• Environmental Sociology
• Teaching and Learning in Sociology
• The History of Sociology: The North American Perspective
• The Sociology of Voluntary Associations
• Marriage and Divorce in the United States
• Urban Sociology in the 21 st Century

Top 10 Technology Research Paper Topics:

See topics related to the cutting-edge technology or dive into history of electronics, or even early advances in agriculture.

• Food Preservation: Freeze Drying, Irradiation, and Vacuum Packing
• Tissue Culturing
• Digital Telephony
• Computer-Aided Control Technology
• Minerals Prospecting
• Prefabricated Buildings
• Timber Engineering
• Quantum Electronic Devices
• Thermal Water Moderated Nuclear Reactors
• Long Range Radars and Early Warning Systems

What Makes a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

A good research paper topic is the one that is successful and manageable in your particular case. A successful research paper poses an interesting question you can actually answer. Just as important, it poses a question you can answer within the time available. The question should be one that interests you and deserves exploration. It might be an empirical question or a theoretical puzzle. In some fields, it might be a practical problem or policy issue. Whatever the question is, you need to mark off its boundaries clearly and intelligently so you can complete the research paper and not get lost in the woods. That means your topic should be manageable as well as interesting and important.

A topic is  manageable  if you can:

• Master the relevant literature
• Collect and analyze the necessary data
• Answer the key questions you have posed
• Do it all within the time available, with the skills you have

A topic is  important  if it:

• Touches directly on major theoretical issues and debates, or
• Addresses substantive topics of great interest in your field

Ideally, your topic can do both, engaging theoretical and substantive issues. In elementary education, for example, parents, teachers, scholars, and public officials all debate the effectiveness of charter schools, the impact of vouchers, and the value of different reading programs. A research paper on any of these would resonate within the university and well beyond it. Still, as you approach such topics, you need to limit the scope of your investigation so you can finish your research and writing on time. After all, to be a good research paper, it first has to be a completed one. A successful research paper poses an interesting question you can actually answer within the time available for the project. Some problems are simply too grand, too sweeping to master within the time limits. Some are too minor to interest you or anybody else.

The solution, however, is not to find a lukewarm bowl of porridge, a bland compromise. Nor is it to abandon your interest in larger, more profound issues such as the relationship between school organization and educational achievement or between immigration and poverty. Rather, the solution is to select a well-defined topic that is closely linked to some larger issue and then explore that link. Your research paper will succeed if you nail a well-defined topic. It will rise to excellence if you probe that topic deeply and show how it illuminates wider issues.The best theses deal with important issues, framed in manageable ways. The goal is to select a well-defined topic that is closely linked to some larger issue and can illuminate it.

You can begin your project with either a large issue or a narrowly defined topic, depending on your interests and the ideas you have generated. Whichever way you start, the goals are the same: to connect the two in meaningful ways and to explore your specific topic in depth.

Of course, the choice of a particular research paper topic depends on the course you’re taking. Our site can offer you the following research paper topics and example research papers:

Moving from a Research Paper Idea to a Research Paper Topic

Let’s begin as most students actually do, by going from a “big issue” to a more manageable research paper topic. Suppose you start with a big question such as, “Why has the United States fought so many wars since 1945?” That’s certainly a big, important question. Unfortunately, it’s too complex and sprawling to cover well in a research paper. Working with your professor or instructor, you could zero in on a related but feasible research topic, such as “Why did the Johnson administration choose to escalate the U.S. war in Vietnam?” By choosing this topic, your research paper can focus on a specific war and, within that, on a few crucial years in the mid-1960s.

You can draw on major works covering all aspects of the Vietnam War and the Johnson administration’s decision making. You have access to policy memos that were once stamped top secret. These primary documents have now been declassified, published by the State Department, and made available to research libraries. Many are readily available on the Web. You can also take advantage of top-quality secondary sources (that is, books and articles based on primary documents, interviews, and other research data).

Drawing on these primary and secondary sources, you can uncover and critique the reasons behind U.S. military escalation. As you answer this well-defined question about Vietnam, you can (and you should) return to the larger themes that interest you, namely, “What does the escalation in Southeast Asia tell us about the global projection of U.S. military power since 1945?” As one of America’s largest military engagements since World War II, the war in Vietnam should tell us a great deal about the more general question.

The goal here is to pick a good case to study, one that is compelling in its own right and speaks to the larger issue. It need not be a typical example, but it does need to illuminate the larger question. Some cases are better than others precisely because they illuminate larger issues. That’s why choosing the best cases makes such a difference in your research paper.

Since you are interested in why the United States has fought so often since 1945, you probably shouldn’t focus on U.S. invasions of Grenada, Haiti, or Panama in the past two decades. Why? Because the United States has launched numerous military actions against small, weak states in the Caribbean for more than a century. That is important in its own right, but it doesn’t say much about what has changed so dramatically since 1945. The real change since 1945 is the projection of U.S. power far beyond the Western Hemisphere, to Europe and Asia. You cannot explain this change—or any change, for that matter—by looking at something that remains constant.

In this case, to analyze the larger pattern of U.S. war fighting and the shift it represents, you need to pick examples of distant conflicts, such as Korea, Vietnam, Kosovo, Afghanistan, or Iraq. That’s the noteworthy change since 1945: U.S. military intervention outside the Western Hemisphere. The United States has fought frequently in such areas since World War II but rarely before then. Alternatively, you could use statistics covering many cases of U.S. intervention around the world, perhaps supplemented with some telling cases studies.

Students in the humanities want to explore their own big ideas, and they, too, need to focus their research. In English literature, their big issue might be “masculinity” or, to narrow the range a bit, “masculinity in Jewish American literature.” Important as these issues are, they are too vast for anyone to read all the major novels plus all the relevant criticism and then frame a comprehensive research paper.

If you don’t narrow these sprawling topics and focus your work, you can only skim the surface. Skimming the surface is not what you want to do in a research paper. You want to understand your subject in depth and convey that understanding to your readers.

That does not mean you have to abandon your interest in major themes. It means you have to restrict their scope in sensible ways. To do that, you need to think about which aspects of masculinity really interest you and then find works that deal with them.

You may realize your central concern is how masculinity is defined in response to strong women. That focus would still leave you considerable flexibility, depending on your academic background and what you love to read. That might be anything from a reconsideration of Macbeth to an analysis of early twentieth-century American novels, where men must cope with women in assertive new roles. Perhaps you are interested in another aspect of masculinity: the different ways it is defined within the same culture at the same moment. That would lead you to novelists who explore these differences in their characters, perhaps contrasting men who come from different backgrounds, work in different jobs, or simply differ emotionally. Again, you would have considerable flexibility in choosing specific writers.

Connecting a Specific Research Paper Topic to a Bigger Idea

Not all students begin their research paper concerned with big issues such as masculinity or American wars over the past half century. Some start with very specific topics in mind. One example might be the decision to create NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement encompassing Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Perhaps you are interested in NAFTA because you discussed it in a course, heard about it in a political campaign, or saw its effects firsthand on local workers, companies, and consumers. It intrigues you, and you would like to study it in a research paper. The challenge is to go from this clear-cut subject to a larger theme that will frame your paper.

Why do you even need to figure out a larger theme? Because NAFTA bears on several major topics, and you cannot explore all of them. Your challenge—and your opportunity—is to figure out which one captures your imagination.

One way to think about that is to finish this sentence: “For me, NAFTA is a case of ___________.” If you are mainly interested in negotiations between big and small countries, then your answer is, “For me, NAFTA is a case of a large country like the United States bargaining with a smaller neighbor.” Your answer would be different if you are mainly interested in decision making within the United States, Mexico, or Canada. In that case, you might say, “NAFTA seems to be a case where a strong U.S. president pushed a trade policy through Congress.” Perhaps you are more concerned with the role played by business lobbies. “For me, NAFTA is a case of undue corporate influence over foreign economic policy.” Or you could be interested in the role of trade unions, environmental groups, or public opinion.

The NAFTA decision is related to all these big issues and more. You cannot cover them all. There is not enough time, and even if there were, the resulting paper would be too diffuse, too scattershot. To make an impact, throw a rock, not a handful of pebbles.

Choosing one of these large issues will shape your research paper on NAFTA. If you are interested in U.S. decision making, for example, you might study the lobbying process or perhaps the differences between Democrats and Republicans. If you are interested in diplomacy, you would focus on negotiations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Either would make an interesting research paper, but they are different topics.

Although the subject matter and analysis are decidedly different in the humanities, many of the same considerations still apply to topic selection. In English or comparative literature, for example, you may be attracted to a very specific topic such as several poems by William Wordsworth. You are not trying, as a social scientist would, to test some generalizations that apply across time or space. Rather, you want to analyze these specific poems, uncover their multiple meanings, trace their allusions, and understand their form and beauty.

As part of the research paper, however, you may wish to say something bigger, something that goes beyond these particular poems. That might be about Wordsworth’s larger body of work. Are these poems representative or unusual? Do they break with his previous work or anticipate work yet to come? You may wish to comment on Wordsworth’s close ties to his fellow “Lake Poets,” Coleridge and Southey, underscoring some similarities in their work. Do they use language in shared ways? Do they use similar metaphors or explore similar themes? You may even wish to show how these particular poems are properly understood as part of the wider Romantic movement in literature and the arts. Any of these would connect the specific poems to larger themes.

How to Refine Your Research Paper Topic

One of your professor’s or instructor’s most valuable contributions to the success of your research paper is to help you refine your topic. She can help you select the best cases for detailed study or the best data and statistical techniques. S/he can help you find cases that shed light on larger questions, have good data available, and are discussed in a rich secondary literature. She may know valuable troves of documents to explore. That’s why it is so important to bring these issues up in early meetings. These discussions with your instructor are crucial in moving from a big but ill-defined idea to a smart, feasible topic.Some colleges supplement this advising process by offering special workshops and tutorial support for students. These are great resources, and you should take full advantage of them. They can improve your project in at least two ways.

First, tutors and workshop leaders are usually quite adept at helping you focus and shape your topic. That’s what they do best. Even if they are relatively new teachers, they have been writing research papers themselves for many years. They know how to do it well and how to avoid common mistakes. To craft their own papers, they have learned how to narrow their topics, gather data, interpret sources, and evaluate conjectures. They know how to use appropriate methods and how to mine the academic literature. In all these ways, they can assist you with their own hard-won experience. To avoid any confusion, just make sure your instructor knows what advice you are getting from workshop leaders and tutors. You want everyone to be pulling in the same direction.

Second, you will benefit enormously from batting around your research paper in workshops. The more you speak about your subject, the better you will understand it yourself. The better you understand it, the clearer your research and writing will be. You will learn about your project as you present your ideas; you will learn more as you listen to others discuss your work; and you will learn still more as you respond to their suggestions. Although you should do that in sessions with your instructor, you will also profit from doing it in workshops and tutorial sessions.

Secrets to Keep in Mind when Writing a Research Paper

As a bonus, we have prepared several secrets for you to make your paper perfect. Firstly, always write your paper from scratch. Do not copy the already existing materials, as it can lead to unsatisfactory mark or even expulsion. Secondly, start your research early; do not put off investigating the topic. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to meet the deadline. Thirdly, plan your work and create an outline for your task. A planned work will help you be systematic. Plus, it will help you avoid writer’s block, as you always have an outline to follow. Another secret is following all the requirements. A research paper is an academic assignment, so all these structural and formatting standards are important. Finally, make sure you proofread and edit your task. Check your paper for grammar and spelling mistakes, examine your choice of vocabulary. If it seems too much, you can always ask our professional editors and they will check the paper for you. A mistakes-free paper is essential to get high results.

Custom Research Paper Writing Service

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101 research paper topics.

• Why do we sleep ?
• How do GPS systems work?
• Who was the first person to reach the North Pole ?
• Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz ?
• What was life like for a gladiator ?
• What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
• What happened during the Salem witch trials ?
• Are there any effective means of repelling insects ?
• How did trains and railroads change life in America?
• What may have occurred during the Roswell  UFO incident of 1947?
• How is bulletproof clothing made?
• What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
• What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs ?
• How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
• How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
• What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
• How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
• How has airport security intensified since September 11 th , 2001?
• What is life like inside of a beehive ?
• Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
• What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
• How does tobacco use affect the human body?
• How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
• What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk ?
• What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur ?
• How did gunpowder change warfare?
• In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
• How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
• What do historians know about ninjas ?
• How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
• What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden ?
• What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
• What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife ?
• How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
• How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
• Are humans still evolving ?
• What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy ?
• How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
• What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
• What is the curse of the pharaohs?
• Why was Socrates executed?
• What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
• How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
• How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
• Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
• What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
• How are black holes formed?
• How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
• Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
• How do submarines work?
• Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
• How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
• What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke ?
• How does a hybrid car save energy?
• What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog ?
• How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
• What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
• How did the Freedom Riders change society?
• How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
• What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors ?
• What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
• What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
• What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
• How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy ?
• How did Joan of Arc change history?
• What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
• How does a shark hunt?
• What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
• Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
• Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
• How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
• What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
• How does the human brain store and retrieve memories ?
• What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
• How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
• What causes tornadoes ?
• Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
• How does a search engine work?
• What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers ?
• How did the Roman Empire fall?
• What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier ?
• How did the black plague affect Europe?
• What happened to Amelia Earhart ?
• What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power ?
• How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
• What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire ?
• From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
• How does night vision work?
• How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam ?
• What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana ?
• What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
• What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing ?
• What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
• Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
• Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula ?
• What are the risks of climate change and global warming ?
• What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
• Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison ?
• How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
• Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
• In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?

923 Comments

I like using this website when I assist kids with learning as a lot of these topics are quickly covered in the school systems. Thankyou

Mackenah Nicole Molina

Wow! I always have trouble deiciding what to do a research project on but this list has totally solved that. Now my only problem is choosing what idea on this list I should do first!

Most of these my teacher rejected because apparently ‘these aren’t grade level topics, and I doubt they interest you”

I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you will have a potentially valuable character-building experience in the short-term.

Edwin Augusto Galindo Cuba

THIS SITE IS AWESOME, THERE ARE LOTS OF TOPICS TO LEARN AND MASTER OUR SKILLS!

research kid

I need one about animals, please. I have been challenged to a animal research project, Due Friday. I have no clue what to research! somebody help, thanks for reading!

You can do one on bats

For international studies you can do Defense and Security.

This was very helpful.

Research on Ben Franklin? I think THAT will get a real charge out of everyone (hehehehegetit)

Mandy Maher

“Is it possible to colonize Mars?”

maddy burney

these are silly topics

thx for making this real.

more gaming questions!!!!!!

Is it still considered stealing if you don’t get caught?

Yes, yes it is still considered stealing.

I need topics on memes

Mary Nnamani

Please I need project topics on Language Literature

Marcella Vallarino

I would appreciate a list of survey questions for middle school grades 6-8

I need a research topics about public sector management

I NEED FIVE EXAMPLES EACH ON QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH (EDUCATION, HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMY AND ENGINEERING)

publish research that are interesting please……

hey can you do one on the burmiueda triangle

Anybody know video games effect kids,and,teens. There Fun!!

they’re

I need a topic about woman history if any of u can find 1 please that would be great!

You could research about the history of the astronauts, and of human past (WWI, WWII, etc.)

so about women? Manitoba Women Win the Right to Vote in Municipal Elections, The First Women, January 23, 1849: Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States, Rosa Parks Civil Rights Equal Pay. I have way more. so if you need more just ask.

communism is good

what are you a communist?!?!

Did FDR know about the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor on 07 DEC 1941.

do you know how babies are born

Christine Singu

kindly assist with a research topic in the field of accounting or auditing

need more about US army

Please can yiu give me a topic in education

I think one should be how can music/Video games can affect the life for people

or How Do Video Games Affect Teenagers?

zimbabwe leader

I think a good topic is supporting the confederate flag!

Need a research topic within the context of students union government and dues payments

do more weird ones plz

joyce alcantara

Hi pls po can you give me a topic relate for humanities pls thank u.

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Running out of topics to write about? Check the suggestions below that can help you choose the right research paper topics:

Business Research Paper Topics:

• Cybersecurity
• Glass ceiling
• Online retail
• Outsourcing
• White collar crime

Crime and Law Research Paper Topics:

• Acquaintance rape
• Animal rights
• Assisted suicide
• Campus violence
• Capital punishment
• Civil rights
• Drinking age, legal
• Drug legalization
• Gun control
• Hate crimes
• Insanity defense
• Mandatory Minimum sentencing
• Patriot Act
• Police brutality
• Prisons and prisoners
• Roe vs. Wade
• Serial killers
• Sexual harassment
• Three Strikes Law

Drugs and Drug Abuse Research Paper Topics:

• Doping in sports
• Drug testing
• Drunk driving

Education Research Paper Topics:

• Attention deficit disorder
• Charter schools
• College admission policies
• College athletes
• College tuition planning
• Distance education
• Diploma mills
• Education and funding
• Grade inflation
• Greek letter societies
• Home schooling
• Intelligence tests
• Learning disabilities
• Literacy in America
• No Child Left Behind
• Prayer in schools
• Sex education
• School vouchers
• Standardized tests

Environmental Research Paper Topics:

• Alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles
• Conservation
• Climate Change
• Deforestation
• Endangered species
• Geoengineering
• Global warming
• Greenhouse effect
• Marine pollution
• Nuclear energy
• Population control
• Radioactive waste disposal
• Soil pollution
• Wildlife conservation

Family issues Research Paper Topics:

• Battered woman syndrome
• Child abuse
• Divorce rates
• Domestic abuse
• Family relationships
• Family values

Health Research Paper Topics:

• Alternative medicine
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Artificial insemination
• Birth control
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Dietary supplements
• Exercise and fitness
• Heart disease
• Health Care Reform
• HIV infection
• In vitro fertilization
• Medicaid, Medicare reform
• Organic foods
• Prescription drugs
• Plastic surgery
• Stem cell research
• Teen pregnancy
• Vegetarianism
• Weight loss surgery

Media and Communications Research Paper Topics:

• Children’s programming and advertising
• Copyright Law
• Freedom of speech
• Materialism
• Media conglomerates, ownership
• Minorities in mass media
• Political correctness
• Portrayal of women
• Reality television
• Stereotypes
• Television violence

Political Issues Research Paper Topics:

• Affirmative Action
• Budget deficit
• Electoral College
• Election reform
• Illegal aliensIllegal aliens
• Immigration
• Impeachment
• International relations
• Operation Enduring Iraqi Freedom
• Partisan politics
• Social Security Reform
• Third parties

Psychology Research Paper Topics:

• Criminal psychology
• Physical attraction
• Schizophrenia

Religion Research Paper Topics:

• Freedom of religion

Social Issues Research Paper Topics:

• Airline safety, security
• Affirmative Action programs
• Child rearing
• Discrimination in education
• Employee rights
• Gambling, online gaming
• Gang identity
• Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
• Gay parenting
• Gender discrimination
• Genetic screening
• Homelessness
• Identity theft
• Interracial marriage
• Race relations
• Reverse discrimination
• Test biases
• Textbook biases

Terrorism Research Paper Topics:

• Bioterrorism
• Homeland Security
• September 11

Women and Gender Research Paper Topics:

• Birth control and Pregnancy
• Cultural expectations and practices
• Discrimination
• Eating disorders
• Female genital mutilation
• Marriage and Divorce
• Media portrayals
• Menstruation and Menopause
• Prostitution
• LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)
• Sex and Sexuality
• Substance abuse
• Violence and Rape

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Before You Start

• What do you already know about your subject? Keep a list of key words, names, and events.
• How long has your subject existed? Is it a relatively new concept with a lot published about it, or new and undiscovered?
• What discipline does your topic fall into? A discipline is an area of study or branch of learning (e.g., History, Biology). Each has its own best starting points.
• How are you viewing the topic? Think about what you are planning to emphasize: politics, history, or another aspect?
• What's the Timing? How long do you have to do this project? How long does it need to be?

Three Approaches for Developing a Topic

Approach #1: List Key Words of Interest Make lists of concepts and topics you find interesting, as well as lists of related words and synonyms. These can serve as your key search terms.

Approach #2: Draw It Out Sketch out the relationships between ideas.

Approach #3: Define it in Sentences Write an explanation of your topic, justifying it on multiple levels:

I am studying... conformity in Woolf’s Orlando in order to find out... how Orlando’s efforts to conform and fit in change over time in order to help my reader understand... the role maturity and self-awareness play in the character’s efforts to conform to societal norms.

Adapted from The Craft of Research (2003) by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. (We also own the latest edition, 8th edition, 2016 , in print.)

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How to Establish a Research Topic: Easy Writing Tips

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 112,889 times.

With a world of possibilities out there, choosing a research topic can be a daunting task. However, selecting a worthy subject is half the battle when it comes to producing valuable original research. If you take some time to attentively brainstorm possibilities and refine them down into a solid, focused research question, you’ll come away with a topic that’s manageable, worthwhile, and, most importantly, interesting to you.

Picking a Topic

• One way to ensure you have a topic that’s of interest to you to pick a subject to which you have a personal connection. For instance, if your sister has Crohn's Disease, you may be interested in investigating it. Or, if you went on an exchange program to Croatia, you might be keen to know more about its history or culture.
• Another way to trim down your possibilities is to see if there any patterns that emerge from the longer list. For example, if you wrote down “Gertrude Stein” and “Djuna Barnes,” you could focus on lesbian expat authors.

• You want to choose a topic that has some, but not too much information available on it. If there are some substantive related resources out there, you know you’re on the right track; if there are pages and pages of relevant search results, you can tell that plenty of people have already gone down that road or that the topic is likely too big to cover and you will need to narrow it further.

• For instance, if you are interested in the mapping of the human genome, read about the general history of the scientific advances that have allowed us to map DNA and see if there’s a particular subtopic that catches your eye. Instead of trying to cover the entire subject, limit your scope to focus on the discovery of a gene related to a specific trait or disease or on a particular application, like the regulation of gene therapy for unborn fetuses.

Kim Gillingham, MA

Use your interests to narrow your focus. Retired librarian, Kim Gillingham, adds: "You can start with a general topic such as Outer Space. Then ask yourself specific questions such as 'What am I interested in about Outer Space?' It could be the history of space exploration, the technology of space exploration, or 'Is Pluto a planet or not?' As always, librarians can be of immense help in narrowing down a topic through a technique called the Reference Interview — try asking your librarian about it!"

• When you meet with or email them, explain the research that you’ve already conducted to show them that you’ve done your homework. Then, ask something like, “I’m most interested in looking into coming of age rituals in contemporary indigenous cultures, and I was wondering if you think that’s a good topic to pursue and if you had any suggestions for specific case studies or other resources related to it.”
• Remember: they may be able to point you in a more specific direction based on your general interests, but don’t expect them to do the whole selection process for you.
• If you’re doing independent research to earn a degree (rather than to fulfill the requirements of a particular class), you should also ask them about the potential marketability of your subject since your topic will be setting the direction for your future career.

Developing Your Research Question

• After you conduct your preliminary research, think about the gaps that you noticed in the information available on the subject that you’ve been investigating. Devise a question that could address that missing information.
• One concrete way to do this is to explore the relationship between two ideas, concepts, phenomena, or events that came up in your research but whose relationship has not been fully investigated. For example, “how did political radicals influence popular representations of sexuality in the 1920s United States?”
• Another concrete way to formulate your question is to consider how an existing methodology or concept applies to a new, specific context or case study. For instance, you could think of how Sigmund Freud’s idea of the “appendage” applies to a specific virtual reality game.

• For example, if your question requires conducting a study that’s not feasible given your timeframe or the resources available to you, then you need to find a way to revise your question so that you can answer it.
• Sometimes if your topic is too new, there won’t be a substantial enough body of research available for you to do a comprehensive analysis of it. In that case, you may need to revise or broaden your question so that you can actually answer it. [5] X Research source

• If your question is not narrow enough, refine your focus further by limiting your topic according to a given historical era, theoretical approach, geographical region, demographic or culture, industry or field. For example, if you’re interested in refugees, you might limit your scope by honing in on a particular event (World War II) and/or time period (the 1940s), a specific location (England) and/or population (Jewish people from Austria). [6] X Research source

Making Sure that You’re on the Right Track

• You might have a brilliant research question, but, if it’s about genetic disorders and the grant you’re applying for only funds research on communicable diseases, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board.
• Also be sure to take the required length of the project into consideration. For instance, if your question is too narrow or specific, you might not be able to hit the 250-page requirement for a doctoral thesis.

• Start by listing the various research methods that you’ll use, such as a literature review, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Then, create a timeline for when you’ll be doing each kind of research, being sure to leave enough time for yourself to complete the writing.

• You can order topics chronologically (for instance, if you’re studying a historical event). Most often, you’ll order them according to the progression of your argument, with one idea building on the last.
• Your research may change the structure or content of your outline, but it’s still useful to have a well-developed starting point.

Community Q&A

• If you have no idea of where to begin, consider going through old notes and textbooks or speaking to classmates to get some inspiration. Or, browse through the most recently published journals in your field to see what the latest trends in research are. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Since research is a demanding process, the most important thing is that you choose a topic that will sustain your enthusiasm and curiosity. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ http://libguides.mit.edu/select-topic
• ↑ https://bowvalleycollege.libguides.com/research-help/topics
• ↑ https://libraries.indiana.edu/sites/default/files/Develop_a_Research_Question.pdf
• ↑ http://libguides.mit.edu/c.php?g=175961&p=1160160#s-lg-box-wrapper-4114979
• ↑ http://libguides.mit.edu/c.php?g=175961&p=1160160#791450
• ↑ https://files.bucknell.edu/Documents/ISR/topic.pdf
• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
• ↑ http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/outline

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• Spartanburg Community College Library
• SCC Research Guides
• Choosing a Research Topic
• What Makes a Good Research Topic?

Before diving into how to choose a research topic, it is important to think about what are some elements of a good research topic. Of course, this will depend specifically on your research project, but a good research topic will always:

• Relate to the assignment itself. Even when you have a choice for your research topic, you still want to make sure your chosen topic lines up with your class assignment sheet.
• A topic that is too broad will give you too many sources, and it will be hard to focus your research.
• A topic that is too narrow will not give you enough sources, if you can find any sources at all.
• Is debatable. This is important if you are researching a topic that you will have to argue a position for. Good topics have more than one side to the issue and cannot be resolved with a simple yes or no.
• Should be interesting to you! It's more fun to do research on a topic that you are interested in as opposed to one you are not interested in.

Remember, it is common and normal if your research topic changes as you start brainstorming and doing some background research on your topic.

Start with a General Idea

As an example, let's say you were writing a paper about issues relating to college students 

• << Previous: Choosing a Research Topic
• Next: 1. Concept Mapping >>
• 1. Concept Mapping
• 2. Background Research
• 3. Narrow Your Topic / Thesis Statements

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• Last Updated: Jul 19, 2024 1:21 PM
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• Knowledge Base
• Starting the research process

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Choose and Develop a Research Topic: Ideas and Examples

Discover strategies for choosing and developing a compelling research topic. Generate ideas, refine your topic, and conduct effective research.

Kate Windsor

Jun 26, 2024

Selecting the right research paper topic is a crucial step in the research process. A well-chosen topic can lay the foundation for a successful research project, while a poorly chosen one can lead to frustration and wasted effort. Choosing an interesting research topic can be challenging, especially for those new to the research field. 

This article aims to provide guidance and inspiration for researchers seeking to choose and develop a compelling research topic and/or topics to write. 

Understanding the Characteristics of a Good Research Topic

A good research topic should possess several key characteristics:

• Originality and novelty: The topic should contribute new knowledge or insights to the field, rather than simply rehashing existing research.
• **Feasibility and relevance: **The topic should be feasible to research within the given timeframe and resources, and relevant to the researcher's field of study.
• **Significance and impact: **The topic should have the potential to make a significant impact on the field and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

Strategies for Generating Research Topic Ideas

Generating research topic ideas or thinking of topics to write a research on can be a daunting task, but there are several strategies that can help:

Brainstorming Techniques

• Mind mapping: Create a visual representation of your ideas and how they connect to each other.
• Freewriting: Write down your thoughts and ideas without censoring yourself, and then review what you've written to identify potential topics.
• Questioning: Ask yourself questions about your field of study, such as "What are the current gaps in knowledge?" or "What are the most pressing issues facing the field?".

Exploring Personal Interests and Experiences

Your personal interests and experiences can be a rich source of inspiration for research topics. Consider what you are passionate about and how it intersects with your field of study for your research paper ideas. Choose a topic that interests you.

Keeping Up with Current Trends and Developments

• Reading academic journals and publications: Stay up-to-date with the latest research in your field by regularly reading academic journals and publications.
• Attending conferences and seminars: Attend conferences and seminars to learn about current trends and developments in your field, and to network with other researchers.

Seeking Inspiration from AI for Research

AI for research can be a valuable tool for generating research topic ideas. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns and trends that may not be immediately apparent to human researchers.

Easily pronounces technical words in any field

Narrowing Down and Refining Your Research Topic

Once you have generated some potential research topics, the next step is to narrow down and refine your topic:

• Identifying a broad area of interest: Start by identifying a broad area of interest within your field of study.
• Conducting preliminary research: Conduct preliminary research to gain a better understanding of the existing research in your area of interest.
• Formulating a specific research question: Formulate a specific research question that addresses a gap in the existing research or explores a new angle on a familiar topic. This research question will serve as the basis for your thesis or thesis statement.
• Considering the scope and feasibility of the topic: Consider the scope and feasibility of your topic, taking into account the timeframe and resources available to you.
• Ensuring the topic aligns with the requirements of your research paper or scientific paper: Make sure your topic aligns with the requirements of your research paper or scientific paper, such as word count, formatting, and citation style.

Developing Your Research Topic

Once you have narrowed down and refined your research topic, the next step is to develop it further:

Conducting a Literature Review

• Identifying key sources and references: Identify the key sources and references in your field of study that are relevant to your research topic.
• Synthesizing and analyzing existing research: Synthesize and analyze the existing research to identify gaps in knowledge and potential areas for further exploration.

Formulating Hypotheses or Research Objectives

Formulate hypotheses or research objectives based on your analysis of the existing research and your own insights and observations.

Defining Key Concepts and Variables

Define the key concepts and variables that are central to your research topic, and operationalize them in a way that is measurable and testable.

Outlining the Research Methodology

Outline the research methodology you will use to investigate your research topic, including data collection methods, sampling strategies, and data analysis techniques.

Tips on How to Write Faster and Efficiently

Writing a research paper can be a time-consuming process, but there are several tips and strategies that can help you  write faster and more efficiently:

• Break your writing into manageable chunks and set achievable goals for each writing session.
• Use outlines and mind maps to organize your thoughts and ideas before you start writing.
• Minimize distractions by finding a quiet workspace and turning off notifications on your devices.
• Take regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Utilize writing tools and software, such as Grammarly or Scrivener , to streamline your writing process and improve the quality of your work.

Research Topic Ideas and Examples

Here are some examples of research topics in various fields of study:

Social Sciences

• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships
• The role of education in reducing income inequality

Natural Sciences

• Exploring the potential of renewable energy sources
• Investigating the effects of climate change on biodiversity
• Analyzing the influence of popular culture on literature
• Examining the evolution of language in the digital age

Business and Economics

• The impact of remote work on employee productivity and job satisfaction
• Investigating the role of corporate social responsibility in consumer decision-making

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Research Topic

When choosing a research topic, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

• Choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow : A topic that is too broad may lack focus and depth, while a topic that is too narrow may limit the potential impact and significance of the research.
• Failing to consider the relevance and significance of the topic: A topic that is not relevant or significant to the field may not be worth researching, even if it is personally interesting to the researcher.
• Neglecting to conduct sufficient preliminary research : Failing to conduct sufficient preliminary research can lead to a lack of understanding of the existing research in the field, and may result in a topic that has already been thoroughly explored by other researchers. This can lead to wasted time and effort, as well as a lack of originality in the research.
• Ignoring the importance of a well-crafted research paper title : A well-crafted  research paper title can help to attract readers and convey the significance of the research. Ignoring the importance of the title can lead to a lack of engagement with the research.  A strong title should be concise, informative, and engaging, accurately reflecting the content and purpose of the research.

Choosing and developing a research topic is a crucial step in the research process, and one that requires careful consideration and planning. By understanding the characteristics of a good research topic, employing strategies for generating ideas, narrowing down and refining your topic, and developing it further through a literature review and research methodology, you can set yourself up for success in your research endeavors.

While the process of topic selection can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to explore your passions and interests, and to contribute new knowledge and insights to your field of study. By investing time and effort in selecting a compelling and feasible research topic, you can lay the foundation for a good research paper and a successful and impactful research project. 

Thesis Development

Literature Review

Academic Writing

Research Methodology

Research Idea Generation

Research Topic Selection

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How To Choose A Research Topic

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic Evaluator

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024

Choosing the right research topic is likely the  most important decision you’ll make on your dissertation or thesis journey. To make the right choice, you need to take a systematic approach and evaluate each of your candidate ideas across a consistent set of criteria. In this tutorial, we’ll unpack five essential criteria that will help you evaluate your prospective research ideas and choose a winner.

Overview: The “Big 5” Key Criteria

• Topic originality or novelty
• Value and significance
• Access to data and equipment
• Time limitations and implications
• Ethical requirements and constraints

Criterion #1: Originality & Novelty

As we’ve discussed extensively on this blog, originality in a research topic is essential. In other words, you need a clear research gap . The uniqueness of your topic determines its contribution to the field and its potential to stand out in the academic community. So, for each of your prospective topics, ask yourself the following questions:

• What research gap and research problem am I filling?
• Does my topic offer new insights?
• Am I combining existing ideas in a unique way?
• Am I taking a unique methodological approach?

To objectively evaluate the originality of each of your topic candidates, rate them on these aspects. This process will not only help in choosing a topic that stands out, but also one that can capture the interest of your audience and possibly contribute significantly to the field of study – which brings us to our next criterion.

Criterion #2: Value & Significance

Next, you’ll need to assess the value and significance of each prospective topic. To do this, you’ll need to ask some hard questions.

• Why is it important to explore these research questions?
• Who stands to benefit from this study?
• How will they benefit, specifically?

By clearly understanding and outlining the significance of each potential topic, you’ll not only be justifying your final choice – you’ll essentially be laying the groundwork for a persuasive research proposal , which is equally important.

Criterion #3: Access to Data & Equipment

Naturally, access to relevant data and equipment is crucial for the success of your research project. So, for each of your prospective topic ideas, you’ll need to evaluate whether you have the necessary resources to collect data and conduct your study.

Here are some questions to ask for each potential topic:

• Will I be able to access the sample of interest (e.g., people, animals, etc.)?
• Do I have (or can I get) access to the required equipment, at the time that I need it?
• Are there costs associated with any of this? If so, what are they?

Keep in mind that getting access to certain types of data may also require special permissions and legalities, especially if your topic involves vulnerable groups (patients, youths, etc.). You may also need to adhere to specific data protection laws, depending on the country. So, be sure to evaluate these aspects thoroughly for each topic. Overlooking any of these can lead to significant complications down the line.

Criterion #4: Time Requirements & Implications

Naturally, having a realistic timeline for each potential research idea is crucial. So, consider the scope of each potential topic and estimate how long each phase of the research will take — from literature review to data collection and analysis, to writing and revisions. Underestimating the time needed for a research project is extremely common , so it’s important to include buffer time for unforeseen delays.

Remember, efficient time management is not just about the duration but also about the timing . For example, if your research involves fieldwork, there may specific times of the year when this is most doable (or not doable at all).  So, be sure to consider both time and timing for each of your prospective topics.

Criterion #5: Ethical Compliance

Failing to adhere to your university’s research ethics policy is a surefire way to get your proposal rejected . So, you’ll need to evaluate each topic for potential ethical issues, especially if your research involves human subjects, sensitive data, or has any potential environmental impact.

Remember that ethical compliance is not just a formality – it’s a responsibility to ensure the integrity and social responsibility of your research. Topics that pose significant ethical challenges are typically the first to be rejected, so you need to take this seriously. It’s also useful to keep in mind that some topics are more “ethically sensitive” than others , which usually means that they’ll require multiple levels of approval. Ideally, you want to avoid this additional admin, so mark down any prospective topics that fall into an ethical “grey zone”.

If you’re unsure about the details of your university’s ethics policy, ask for a copy or speak directly to your course coordinator. Don’t make any assumptions when it comes to research ethics!

Key Takeaways

In this post, we’ve explored how to choose a research topic using a systematic approach. To recap, the “Big 5” assessment criteria include:

• Topic originality and novelty
• Time requirements
• Ethical compliance

Be sure to grab a copy of our free research topic evaluator sheet here to fast-track your topic selection process. If you need hands-on help finding and refining a high-quality research topic for your dissertation or thesis, you can also check out our private coaching service .

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HIST 301: The Historians Craft (Dressler, Fall 2024)

• What IS a History Librarian?
• The Problem with Primary Sources
• How do we have so many Resources?
• Libraries Undergraduate Library Research Awards
• Finding Encyclopedias
• Finding Historiographic Essays
• Historical Statistics
• What is Peer Review?
• Worldcat: Accessing books we don't own
• Finding Books via Reviews
• How to order articles we don't own?
• Searching: And OR NOT
• Writing out your topic in Boolean (Important!)
• Using WorldCat to find Primary Sources
• Using the Catalog to find Primary Sources
• Using Indexes to find Primary Sources
• Searching Primary Source Databases
• Activity: Which words to use, and where to start?
• Writing out your topic in Boolean
• Stuck or need help? No problem!
• Using Microfilm

Steps when looking for peer reviewed sources

1) Write out your topic

2) Identify key words

3) Identify synonyms

4) write out the search using Boolean

5) After your first search, revise terms

• Look at legal records in British History Online and the Virginia Company Records
• Look at colonial newspapers for trail reports
• use the catalog to find primary sources by using keywords and limiting to pre 1776 publications
• use the subject sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" to see if there are compiled books of papers/letters by individuals who worked in labor houses.
• Look at legal records in British History Online and the Virginia Company Records for accounts of whaling
• look at state and federal govdocs to see if they discuss indigenous whaling rights
• I bet there are logs at Mystic Seaport -- look at their catalog online
• look at newspapers to see how indigenous whaling is described
• their writings are all scanned so you can keyword search through them quickly
• look at our slavery and antislavery database
• use secondary lit to identify pro slavery publications from the period
• look at newspaper discussions
• use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" as subjects in worldcat to find reprinted letters and records from this community
• use chronicling america and the LoC to find German American newspapers from PA
• Identify leading figure in the community using secondary lit and find their publications
• look at newspapers for discussion of fur trade
• look at federal legislation in proquest congressional about fur trade in this period
• use worldcat and the subjects sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" to find accounts about and by individuals in the fur trade
• look at historical statistic reports by the dept of state/interiror
• identify specific institutions, then search those as author in worldcat --- you can find their annual reports
• look at newspaper coverage of the institutions and illnesses
• use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" in worldcat to find first-hand accounts
• use secondary reports to identify specific individuals who can be used as case studies
• look at state records related to the establishment of these institutions (Ex the institution here in Williamsburg is extremely well documented)
• look at descriptions of women in sermons, which can be found in the main catalog.
• use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" in worldcat to find first hand accounts from women during this period.
• look at our database of women's letters
• look at newspaper coverage of religious women during this period
• look at writings by leading theologians at this period and see how they depict women.

Examples (Continued)

• look at our specialized databases of Native American historical documents
• use secondary lit to identify tribes that were engaged in the slave trade
• look at slave trade records, which we may be able to find in Worldcat if we narrow the search to a specific time period or region or tribes.
• Use chronicling american and LoC to identify Scot-American newspapers in this area
• Use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" in worldcat to find first hand accounts
• look at oral histories from the CCC, if. you are interested in the late 19th century.
• limit publication date to your period of interest and see what books in google book, hathi, and the catalog say about the scots in Appalachia
• Use chronicling american and LoC to identify Jewish-American newspapers from that period
• look at newspaper coverage of the Jewish communities
• look at our African American historic newspaper database
• Narrow to a specific city and time period
• look at newspaper coverage of industrialization
• in worldcat Use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" to find first hand accounts
• look at state and federal legislation addressing indusrialization
• use historical statistics in Historical Statistics, Census, and the University of Missouri Libraries, Prices and Wages by Decade database
• can be found in hathi, google book, worldcat, and the catalog
• look at newspaper coverage of the practice
• look at state and federal legislation that enacts theres practices (for your period, it'll be state level)
• look at political speeches
• discussion in congress (use heinonline and proquest congressional)
• use our American imprint database to see print matter and popular culture (Ex broadsides)
• newspaper coverage
• speeches in congress (via proquest congressional)
• old medical records and publciaitons
• wil need to narrow focus a bit 
• legislation
• records from the asylums themselves are an excellent resource. if you identify which you're interested in, we can usually get the annual reports.
• medical reports and broadsides (See broadsides and imprint database)
• federal reports
• media coverage
• legal records punishing people for their relationships
• laws at the state and federal level passed to outlaw these relationships
• newspaper reports
• shippingrecords
• contact me out of class, I have a compiled list from a related project you may find useful.
• See foreign relations of the United States series online, it has diplomatic dispatches
• see proquest congressional for federal actions/discussion
• see newspaper coverage
• "barbary pirates" should be a useful search phrase if limited to a small time period.
• Use sourcebook* or corr* or "personal narratives" in worldcat to possibly find first hand accounts
• look at newspaper and contemporary discussions of religion. The writers will probably use a phrase like "slave religion" or something like that
• if language, see how contemporaries describe it by limiting publication date in Hathi, googlebook, or the catalog and keyword searching "African language" or "slave language"
• Again, it will depend on how you narrow the focus.
• << Previous: Activity: Which words to use, and where to start?
• Next: Citation >>
• Last Updated: Sep 18, 2024 4:05 AM
• URL: https://guides.libraries.wm.edu/Hist301Fall2024

•   [email protected]

Writing and Presenting Guide

• Citing Your Sources

​What is a Citation Management Tool?

A Citation Management Tool is software that allows you to store and organize citation information (e.g. title, author, publication date, etc.). Most also allow users to create a reference list, bibliography, or work cited page from the citations stored in the management tool and some even assist with in-text citations, creating annotated bibliographies, organizing research, and more. Most tools offer assistance with citing sources in a variety of styles like APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

Please note that when working with citation management tools it's extremely important that the citation information stored in these tools is correct. For example, if a citation is exported to a citation management tool in all UPPER CASE LETTERS when that citation is output as a source on a reference list it will be listed in all UPPER CASE LETTERS. Typically, that type of detail is NOT corrected by the citation management tool, so users should always double check the citation information that they are entering into or exported to the citation management tool.

Benefits & Drawbacks

As with any tool, there are benefits and drawbacks to using citation management tools that you should consider:

• Allows users to store and organize citation information, bibliographies, etc.
• Allows for quick processing of bibliographies, in-text citations, etc.
• May contain errors--users still need to proofread and correct citation information, bibliographies, etc.
• May not include every citation style or up-to-date information

Examples of Citation Managers

RefWorks is an online research management, writing and collaboration tool that is designed to help researchers easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as generate citations and bibliographies. You can access RefWorks on the A-Z Database List .

With RefWorks you can:

• Gather references automatically from article databases and indexes while you research
• Insert formatted references into your paper in a variety of styles (MLA, APA, Turabian, etc.)
• Format your footnotes and bibliographies
• Create a personal research database online 
• Store and organize references that are accessible from any computer linked to the Internet
• Search a wide variety of article databases and import references
• Share references with others
• Download and use Write-N-Cite

When accessing RefWorks from https://refworks.proquest.com/ new users need to create a username and password (we suggest using the same username and password that is used for SNHU e-mail).  Please use your SNHU email to register.

An overview of features can be found on the RefWorks Help page . Questions about RefWorks can be directed to Instructional Support at  [email protected] .  Instructional Support also has instructions on how to use RefWorks located on their RefWorks webpage .

EndNote is a subscription-based citation management tool that SNHU does not currently provide institutional access to. Support videos are available via the Atomic Learning database. EndNote Basic is a free, limited version of EndNote.

Additional support for Endnote is available online via the Endnote Support website .

Mendeley is a free research and reference manager which generations citations and bibliographies. It also allows users to save citations for access from any computer linked to the Internet. Create a free Mendeley account or sign in to your Mendeley account if you already have one.

More information about Mendeley is available here or visit the Mendeley help guides and Mendeley video tutorials for more assistance using this product.

Zotero is a free research and reference organizer that helps you collect and organize your research and cite your sources. It also allows users to save citations and bibliographies for access from any computer linked to the Internet. Create a free Zotero account or  sign in to your Zotero account if you already have one.

More information about Zotero is available on the Zotero Website  or visit the  Zotero quick start guide  and  Zotero video tutorials  for more assistance using this product.

Microsoft Word Citation Tools

If need assistance using Microsoft Word Citation Tools, check out the videos below from Hoonuit . Atomic Learning is available to all currently enrolled SNHU students, faculty, and staff--please log in with you mySNHU credentials.

• Word 2016 - Table of Contents and References (PC)
• << Previous: Citing Business & Legal Sources
• Next: Tutoring, Tips, & Tools >>

NOTICE: ProQuest e-book platforms will be down for planned maintenance on Saturday, August 12, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm CST.

CST 110: Communicating Effectively (E. Carlson)

• Evaluating Sources
• Background Research
• Scholarly Sources
• In-Class Activities
• Research Help

The Research Process

Start with Background Information

Each part of the research process will require different types of sources. You first want to start with basic background information by looking at websites, books, popular sources (newspapers, magazines, etc.), or reference sources like an encyclopedia. 

It is very normal to start the research process by doing an internet search. Looking at a Wikipedia page on a topic can be a great place to start. While we should never use Wikipedia as a source, it is a great way to learn a basic information and find other sources. Be sure to evaluate each source you decide to use for credibility. As a reminder of how to do this, visit the evaluating sources page of this guide or ask a librarian. 

Narrowing your Topic

As you begin to learn more information about your topic, you can identify ways to narrow your topic to make it more management for your research purposes. You will find scholarly sources are a better fit for information once you have done your background research and narrowed. 

Search@UW (with profile selector)

Use this shortcut to find books, articles & more in Murphy Library's  Search@UW .

Library Databases

NYTimes and WallStreet Journal Access

Through our library you have full online access to the NYTimes online and Wallstreet Journal. Visit the guides below to learn how to setup your account. 

• New York Times at Murphy Library by Madan Mohan Last Updated Sep 9, 2024 1546 views this year
• Wall Street Journal at Murphy Library by Madan Mohan Last Updated Sep 9, 2024 738 views this year
• << Previous: Evaluating Sources
• Next: Scholarly Sources >>
• Last Updated: Sep 18, 2024 1:43 PM
• URL: https://libguides.uwlax.edu/CST110Carlson

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September 19, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

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Teen brains are wired to take risks, but that can be a good thing, says expert

by Sarah M. Tashjian, University of Melbourne

From movies to TV and parental anecdotes, teenagers are often characterized as risk-taking and impulsive with poor decision-making skills.

In most popular depictions, these qualities of teen behavior are considered problematic—both for the teens themselves and those around them.

But these stereotypes aren't the full story.

In fact, teen behaviors—like good risk-taking—can help achieve key goals during this developmental period.

Adolescent brain development

Advances in functional neuroimaging —which looks at the live human brain with magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify how it functions in different circumstances—provide an insight into the developing brain and decision-making during the teen years.

First, it is important to define the 'teenage' years.

The teen period (also known as adolescence) starts with puberty and ends when the brain's prefrontal cortex reaches maturity—and bear in mind, it does not fully mature until the age of 25 .

The prefrontal cortex is a highly specialized region of the brain, involved in higher-order cognitive functions like planning, decision-making, impulse control, emotion regulation and moderating social behavior.

Until the mid-20s, the ongoing development in the prefrontal cortex means that the adolescent years are characterized by neural pruning (getting rid of brain synapses that aren't frequently used) and making neural connections more specialized and efficient.

As teens age, the organization of their neural systems becomes increasingly stable, which results in a corresponding stability in their behavior.

What does this mean for teen behavior?

Because the prefrontal cortex helps us control our behavior and emotions, before its development is complete, teens are swayed by other neural systems that mature earlier—like the amygdala and striatum.

These structures reside deep in the middle of the brain and are responsible for emotion and sensory processing, as well as motivating us to seek out rewards .

The rewards teens seek vary, but are often social in nature; social acceptance in particular is a core motivator of adolescent decision-making.

A teen's seeming obsession with social acceptance is normal for this stage of development and allows them to figure out which behaviors are most likely to result in social status.

In fact, recent work argues social status is actually key to the survival of human and primates, allowing individuals to access resources that benefit both their immediate and future selves.

In line with this survival benefit, teens are more prone to reward-seeking—but only in some circumstances.

For example, seminal neuroscience studies show teens make more risky decisions when they are in the presence of their peers or their emotions are heightened .

Although risk and impulsivity are often associated with negative behaviors, reward-seeking is crucial to learning how to function in daily life.

Rewards help motivate us to engage with the world around us, learn new skills and tackle challenges.

Learning from risk-taking

Reward-seeking often encourages risk-taking.

Even though the adolescent brain is designed to engage in risky behavior, teens are not just driven toward risks that compromise their health and well-being (unsafe driving, drug experimentation, unprotected sex, to name a few).

The adolescent brain also motivates behaviors with positive goals , but these are considered risky because the outcomes are unknown and there's a potential for negative outcomes.

Some great examples include prosociality (like helping out a struggling classmate), advocacy (developing an interest in social causes), achievement (in academics, sports or employment) and social expansion (meeting new people).

Tolerance, and even a desire for, risk are necessary for developing a sense of identity, establishing autonomy from parents, honing skills and seizing new opportunities.

Parents can support healthy risk-taking

Parents can do a few things to redirect a teenager's urge for reward into more positive exploration.

The first step is to help your teen plan for different risky situations before they are around friends and those subcortical regions of the brain overpower their impulse control.

For example, talk about different scenarios and let your teen reason through the ways they might respond.

What happens if they show up to a party and there's alcohol there? How will they say no to peer pressure?

Strategizing before teens act will help them make better decisions, giving them autonomy with fewer negative consequences.

Parents can also let teens be a part of the rule-making process. They need to learn how to weigh rewards and costs when thinking about the future.

Encourage your teen to express their natural risk-taking desires.

Talk through consequences they want to avoid as well as other positive ways they can get that feeling of independence and reward—like taking up a new hobby or part-time job.

Sleep and impulsive behavior

It may seem unrelated, but a major contributor to healthy decision-making is sleep.

And sleep goes through a lot of changes during the adolescent years.

After puberty, there's a shift in circadian rhythms which leads to a preference for staying up later at night and sleeping in later in the morning.

This the result of changes in our production of melatonin , the hormone that regulates sleep, which tends to be released later in the evening for teens.

Teenagers also need for more sleep than they did in childhood. But, counterproductively, they often get less because of social, academic, and extracurricular pressures.

There are a lot of ways that poor sleep during adolescence can exacerbate brain development and behavior during this time.

A lack of sleep intensifies the activity of subcortical regions, like the amygdala and striatum, and impairs the prefrontal cortex 's ability to regulate impulses and emotions .

When it comes to impulse control in emotional contexts, teens who have had a poor night's sleep made the same decisions as their peers when they were doing a task that was long, boring or difficult.

But, these two groups made different decisions when the task was rewarding and emotionally arousing.

This suggests that sleep can contribute to impulsive decision-making in contexts where teen decisions are already compromised, for example, in the presence of peers.

There are several ways parents can help teens get a better night's sleep to help improve their decision-making .

Research shows that monitoring a teen's bedtime, getting a comfortable pillow and reducing screen time before bed can help parents improve sleep.

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