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121 Original Neuroscience Research Topics

Now, wouldn’t it be great if you had a list of awesome neuroscience research topics to choose from? Our PhD dissertation help would definitely make writing a thesis or dissertation a lot easier. Well, the good news is that we have a long list of neuroscience paper topics for you right here.

The list of topics is updated periodically, so you will surely be able to find a unique topic; something that nobody has though of yet. And yes, you can use any of our topics for free.

Writing a Neuroscience Dissertation

To write a good dissertation, you need more than just our interesting neuroscience topics. Your supervisor expects you to make some progress pretty quickly, so you really need all the help you can get. You can get all the assistance you need to get started quickly from our dissertation experts and you’ll also find the following guide useful:

Set up your project and conduct the necessary research and data analysis. Don’t forget to think about an interesting, captivating thesis statement. Start by writing the first chapter of the dissertation, the introduction. This will provide your readers with comprehensive background information about your study. Write the Literature Review chapter. This will take some time, especially if you are dealing with a popular subject. Write the Methodology chapter. This is basically an iteration and in-depth description of each and every method you have used to collect the data. Write the Results chapter. In this chapter, you will present your readers the results of your research. You don’t need to provide your own take on the data yet. Next comes the Discussion (or Analysis) chapter. This is where you are free to discuss your results and show your readers how they support your thesis. Finally, the Conclusion chapter wraps everything up. You can summarize your methods, results and analysis and make it clear that your paper has answered all the relevant research questions. Write the References section and the Appendices section. Edit and proofread your work thoroughly to make sure you don’t lose points over some minor mistakes – or have our expert proofreaders and editors do it for you.

This step-by-step guide applies to any thesis or dissertation. However, before you even get this far, you need a great topic to start with. Fortunately, we have 121 brand new topics for you right here on this page.

Interesting Neuroscience Topics

If you are looking for some of the most interesting neuroscience topics, you have definitely arrived at the right place. Our experts have put together the best list of ideas for you:

• Research the occurrence of cerebrovascular disease in the United States
• What causes a headache?
• An in-depth look at muscular dystrophy
• The causes of multiple sclerosis
• Talk about neuroregeneration
• Define cognitive neuroscience
• Everything about dementia
• Study brain development from birth to age 2
• What causes Parkinson’s disease?
• The function of peripheral nerves
• What are vestibular disorders?
• Pain and the science behind it
• An in-depth analysis of stem cells

Engaging Topics in Neuroscience

Are you looking for some engaging topics in neuroscience? If you want the best ideas, all you have to do is take a look at the following list and take your pick:

• Research the Down syndrome
• A closer look at ADHD
• What causes brain tumors?
• What causes epilepsy episodes?
• Research the occurrence of schizophrenia in the UK
• An in-depth look at brain stimulation
• Treating severe depression in young adults
• Improving memory in the adult population
• The importance of sleep for brain health
• Mapping the human brain

Comprehensive Neuroscience Topic for Every Student

The nice thing about our blog is that we have a comprehensive neuroscience topic for every student. Even better, all our topics are relatively simple, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time doing research:

• The future of brain implants
• The processes behind depression
• The role of dopamine
• How are emotions created?
• Love starts in your brain, not your heart
• ADHD behavior and brain activity
• Effects of illegal drugs on dopamine production
• How does dyslexia manifest itself?
• Early stages of Schizophrenia
• The link between gut bacteria and the brain
• Studying the brains of people with a high IQ

Neuroscience Research Questions

The best way to get ideas for your next paper is to take a look at some original neuroscience research questions. Here are some that should get you started right away:

• How do brain tumors cause damage?
• What causes substance addiction?
• What role does the brain play in autistic spectrum disorders?
• Does being a vegetarian influence your brain?
• What causes chronic migraines?
• Why is Pierre Paul Broca’s work important?
• Why is stress so dangerous for the brain?
• How do genes influence the onset of Alzheimer’s disease?
• What can cause a brain tumor?
• Does music affect the human brain?
• Can repeated head injuries damage the brain? (think about modern sports)
• What does being Bipolar I mean?

Easy Neuroscience Paper Topics

Our experts have created a list of easy neuroscience paper topics for you. You could start writing your thesis in no time if you choose one of these great ideas:

• What causes epilepsy?
• A closer look at Alzheimer’s disease
• What can cause a loss of feeling?
• The effects of dementia on the brain
• The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• What can cause memory loss?
• Mitigating headaches without medication
• The effects of a mild stroke
• Talk about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• What can cause a lack of coordination?

Neuroscience Research Topics for College Students

We have a list of awesome neuroscience research topics for college students and you can use any one of them for free. Take a look at our best ideas yet:

• Can the brain be linked to substance abuse?
• How does the brain recognize people?
• Latest development in brain surgery
• An in-depth look at neuroplasticity
• Innovative medication for treating brain disorders
• Treating Alzheimer’s in 2023
• How damaging is Cannabis for the brain?

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

If you want to talk about something in cognitive neuroscience, we have put together the best and most interesting cognitive neuroscience research topics:

• The role played by neurons in our body
• What is Magnetoencephalography?
• How difficult is it to map the entire brain?
• Define consciousness from a neurological POV
• How does our brain affect our perception?
• Discuss Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation procedures
• Latest advancements in Functional magnetic resonance imaging

Brain Research Topics

Brain research is a very interesting thing to talk about, especially since we are still struggling to understand how certain things work. Take a look at some amazing brain research topics:

• Study the brain development of an infant
• Brain tumor stages
• The effect of social media on the human brain
• Multiple sclerosis treatment options
• What can cause muscular dystrophy?
• Discuss 3 cerebrovascular diseases
• Interesting breakthroughs in cellular neuroscience
• Talk about our brain’s problem-solving abilities
• The effects of sugar on brain chemistry

Neurobiology Topics

We agree, researching a topic in neurobiology is not easy. However, with the right neurobiology topics, you could write an awesome thesis without spending years working on it:

• Research the role of the amygdala
• What are brain neurotransmitters?
• The causes of posttraumatic stress disorder
• How do we recognize a bipolar disorder?
• The importance of hormones
• Talk about experimental psychology

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

Do you want to write your dissertation on a behavioral neuroscience topic? Our experts have compiled a list of the most interesting behavioral neuroscience research topics for you:

• The processes behind sensation
• How does the brain control our movement?
• An in-depth look at motivated behavior
• Best way to diagnose a sleep disorder
• Improving success at academic activities
• How does your brain perceive the environment?

Cool Neuroscience Topics

We have some very cool neuroscience topics right here and the good news is that they’re all relatively easy. The list has been updated recently and new topics have been added:

• Effects of plant-based diets
• The life and work of Cornelia Bargmann
• Discuss a breakthrough in neurotech
• 3D brain function mapping
• Discuss the importance of brain implants
• The life and work of Róbert Bárány

Controversial Topics in Neuroscience

Just like any other field, neuroscience has its controversies. And what better way to start a dissertation than finding the most controversial topics in neuroscience:

• Discuss the Bayesian brain theory
• Ethics behind wearable brain gadgets
• Discuss postnatal neurogenesis
• Can our brain “deep learn”?
• Invasive brain imaging procedures
• How do we differentiate between good and bad?

Hot Topics in Neuroscience

Did you know that getting hot topics in neuroscience is not overly difficult? This section of our list of topics is updated periodically, so you can definitely find an original idea right here:

• Electrical brain stimulation methods
• Define the concept of Free Will
• Talk about hereditary brain disorders
• How is speech formed?
• Can our brain hibernate?
• What causes aggressive behavior?

Current Topics in Neuroscience

The best way to make your thesis interesting is to write about something that is of great interest. This means you need to choose one of our current topics in neuroscience:

• Cerebellar Neurons that can help you lose weight
• Effects of a meat-based diet
• Latest brain mapping technology
• CT scans in 2023
• Brain implants that can control a computer
• An in-depth look at super-agers

Complex Neurological Research Topics

Are you looking for some complex neurological research topics? If you want to give a difficult topic a try, don’t hesitate to choose one of these excellent ideas:

• An in-depth look at the Demyelinating disease
• The effects of a cerebrovascular stroke
• Bioterrorism in 2023
• Legal issues in neurology
• Dopamine’s link to aggressiveness
• Brain changes that lead to alcohol addiction

Can You Help Me With My Thesis?

So, can you help me with my thesis? Of course, we can help you with much more than some interesting neuroscience research paper topics. Our experienced professionals are ready to give you the best dissertation assistance on the Internet and make sure you get a top score on your paper. All our university educated ENL writers have extensive experience writing dissertations on any subject and topic you can imagine. These cheap dissertation writing services can deliver a final paper in no time, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us even if you are on a tight deadline.

Our PhD-holding writers and editors are ready to spring into action right now. We can help you with the research, as well as with thesis writing, editing and proofreading. Moreover, we can write a high quality research paper for any high school, college or university student. Your professor will love our work – guaranteed. Our company has 24/7 customer support, so you can order custom academic content online at any time of day or night. What are you waiting for? Give us a try and get a discount!

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150+ Astonishing Neuroscience Research Topics For Students In 2023

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and nervous system, exploring how they work together to control our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It’s a field that delves deep into the complexities of our inner workings.

Why Is Neuroscience Important? Understanding neuroscience is crucial because it unlocks the mysteries of human cognition, behavior, and health. It helps us comprehend mental disorders, develop therapies, and enhance well-being.

In this blog, we will guide you on how to select a captivating subject for your research paper, and we have an extensive list of 150+ astonishing topics suitable for students in 2023. Whether you are a neuroscientist or just curious about the brain, stay tuned with us to learn more about neuroscience research topics. 

What Is Neuroscience?

Table of Contents

Neuroscience is the study of the brain and the nervous system. It helps us understand how our brain works and how it controls things like thinking, feeling, and moving. Imagine your brain as the boss of your body, and neuroscience is like a detective trying to figure out how the boss gives orders and makes things happen.

Neuroscientists use tools like brain scans and experiments to learn about the brain. They also study diseases that affect the brain, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, to find ways to help people who have these conditions. So, neuroscience is all about discovering the secrets of our brain and helping us live healthier and happier lives by understanding how it works.

Why Is Neuroscience Important?

Neuroscience is important because it helps us understand how our brain and nervous system work, impacting our overall health and well-being. Here are 5 key reasons why neuroscience is crucial:

• Mental Health: It helps us comprehend mental disorders like depression and anxiety, leading to better treatments and support.
• Neurological Diseases: Neuroscience research aids in finding cures and treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy.
• Learning and Education: It guides educators in developing effective teaching methods by uncovering how the brain learns and remembers.
• Addiction and Behavior: Neuroscience helps us address addiction issues and understand human behavior better.
• Brain Development: It provides insights into child development, allowing us to support children’s growth and well-being.

How to Choose a Topic for Neuroscience Research Paper

Here are some steps on how to choose a topic for a neuroscience research paper:

1. Personal Interest

Select a topic that genuinely interests you. If you are curious about a specific aspect of the brain or nervous system, it will make your research more enjoyable and motivating. Think about what you find fascinating: memory, emotions, or brain disorders.

2. Relevance

Ensure your topic is relevant and meaningful. Consider how your research can contribute to our understanding of the brain or benefit society. For instance, studying a topic related to brain diseases can directly impact improving treatments and people’s lives.

3. Availability of Resources

Check if there are enough resources available for your chosen topic. This includes access to research papers, books, and equipment. It’s essential to have the necessary tools and information to conduct your research effectively.

4. Feasibility

Assess the feasibility of your research topic. Can you realistically conduct experiments or gather data on this subject? Consider the time, budget, and access to necessary facilities or subjects for your research.

5. Guidance and Mentorship

Seek guidance from professors or mentors in the field. They can help you refine your topic, provide valuable insights, and point you in the right direction. Having expert guidance can significantly enhance the quality of your neuroscience research paper.

Here are 150+ astonishing neuroscience research topics for students in 2023 : 

Simple Neuroscience Research Topics

1. The impact of sleep on memory consolidation.

2. The effects of stress on the brain.

3. How does exercise improve cognitive function?

4. The role of neurotransmitters in mood disorders.

5. The neurobiology of addiction.

6. Brain development in infants.

7. The effects of meditation on brain health.

8. Neural mechanisms of decision-making.

9. Neurological basis of learning disabilities.

10. The relationship between brain injuries and personality changes.

Interesting Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

11. The connection between gut microbiota and brain function.

12. Neural correlates of empathy and compassion.

13. Neuroplasticity and its applications in rehabilitation.

14. The impact of music on brain activity and emotions.

15. Brain-computer interfaces and their potential for communication.

16. The role of genetics in neurological disorders.

17. Neuroimaging techniques for studying brain disorders.

18. The neuroscience of creativity and innovation.

19. Cognitive decline in aging and potential interventions.

20. The neural basis of consciousness and self-awareness.

Unique Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

21. The influence of virtual reality on neural perception.

22. Neurobiology of love and romantic attachment.

23. Exploring the neural basis of synesthesia.

24. The role of mirror neurons in social cognition.

25. Neural mechanisms underlying laughter and humor.

26. Brain activity during lucid dreaming.

27. The neuroscience of fear and phobias.

28. Neuroethical considerations in brain enhancement technologies.

29. The impact of environmental toxins on brain health.

30. Neural mechanisms of religious experiences.

Captivating Neuroscience Research Ideas

31. Studying the effects of micro-dosing psychedelics on brain function.

32. Investigating the neural basis of consciousness in non-human animals.

33. The neurobiology of near-death experiences.

34. Exploring the role of neural oscillations in sensory perception.

35. Brain changes in astronauts during long-term space travel.

36. The influence of social media on brain connectivity.

37. Neurocognitive aspects of artificial intelligence.

38. Neural correlates of deja vu experiences.

39. The impact of chronic pain on brain structure and function.

40. Neurological consequences of extreme sports and high-risk activities.

Impressive Neuroscience Research Paper Ideas

41. Mapping the connectome: A comprehensive study of neural networks.

42. Brain-machine interfaces for neuroprosthetics and communication.

43. The potential for brain rejuvenation through stem cell therapies.

44. The neurobiology of Alzheimer’s disease and potential treatments.

45. Investigating the neural basis of consciousness disorders.

46. role of epigenetics in brain development and aging.

47. Advanced neuroimaging techniques for studying brain connectivity.

48. Neural mechanisms of memory reconsolidation and erasure.

49. Neurobiology of traumatic brain injuries and recovery.

50. The ethics of cognitive enhancement and neuroenhancement.

Top-trending Neuroscience Research Topics

51. What foods you eat affect the health and performance of your brain.

52. Neurobiology of long COVID and neurological symptoms.

53. The use of artificial intelligence in analyzing brain imaging data.

54. Brain mechanisms underlying social isolation during lockdowns.

55. The role of neuroinflammation in neurological disorders.

56. Developing neuroprotective strategies against neurodegenerative diseases.

57. Neural correlates of mindfulness-based interventions for stress reduction.

58. Brain changes associated with addiction to video games and social media.

59. The neuroscience of racial and gender disparities in healthcare.

60. Neuroethical implications of brain privacy in the digital age.

Neuroscience Thesis Topics

61. Examining the role of dopamine in reward-based learning.

62. Investigating the neural basis of post-traumatic stress disorder.

63. Neurobiological markers of autism spectrum disorder.

64. Brain plasticity and recovery after stroke.

65. The impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function.

66. Neural mechanisms of pain perception and chronic pain management.

67. The role of neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis.

68. Neuroimaging biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.

69. Brain-computer interfaces for locked-in syndrome patients.

70. The neural basis of consciousness and its philosophical implications.

• Mental Health Research Topics
• Quantitative Research Topics For STEM Students

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

71. Neural correlates of language processing and comprehension.

72. The role of attention in perceptual processing.

73. Memory consolidation during sleep and wakefulness.

74. Brain mechanisms of decision-making and risk-taking behavior.

75. The neurobiology of creativity and problem-solving.

76. Emotional regulation and its neural substrates.

77. Neural basis of cognitive aging and interventions to improve cognition.

78. Neurocognitive processes involved in learning and education.

79. The impact of mindfulness meditation on cognitive function.

80. Cognitive and neural processes in face recognition.

A Few More Cognitive Neuroscience Research Ideas

81. Neural mechanisms of time perception and its distortions.

82. Investigating the role of the prefrontal cortex in executive functions.

83. The effects of bilingualism on brain structure and cognitive flexibility.

84. Neural substrates of empathy and theory of mind.

85. The influence of culture on the neural processing of emotions.

86. Neural basis of decision-making in ethical dilemmas.

87. Cognitive neuroscience of addiction and relapse prevention.

88. The impact of video gaming on cognitive skills and brain function.

89. Neurocognitive aspects of dyslexia and reading interventions.

90. The role of neurofeedback in enhancing cognitive performance.

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

91. Neural mechanisms of addiction and substance abuse.

92. The role of hormones in shaping behavior and cognition.

93. Brain circuits involved in aggression and violence.

94. Social neuroscience: Understanding the neural basis of social interactions.

95. Investigating the effects of early-life stress on behavior and mental health.

96. Neurobiology of motivation and reward systems.

97. Neural correlates of decision-making in moral dilemmas.

98. Brain mechanisms underlying learning and memory in animals.

99. The impact of traumatic brain injury on behavior and personality.

100. The role of epigenetics in behavioral disorders.

Clinical Neuroscience Research Topics

101. Biomarkers for early diagnosis of neurological diseases.

102. Innovative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

103. Neuroimaging in psychiatric disorders: Insights and applications.

104. Advances in neurorehabilitation after brain injuries and strokes.

105. Understanding and treating childhood neurological disorders.

106. Precision medicine in neurology and psychiatry.

107. Brain stimulation techniques for mood disorders and chronic pain.

108. The impact of nutrition on brain health and cognitive function.

109. Psychopharmacology and the development of new psychiatric medications.

110. Ethical considerations in clinical trials for neurological interventions.

Neuropharmacology Research Topics

111. Mechanisms of action of common psychiatric medications.

112. Drug development for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.

113. The neurochemistry of addiction and potential pharmacotherapies.

114. Psychotropic drugs and their effects on neurotransmitter systems.

115. Neuropharmacology of pain management and opioid alternatives.

116. The use of psychedelics to help mental well-being.

117. Pharmacological interventions for neuroinflammatory disorders.

118. Neuropharmacology of sleep and wakefulness.

119. Drug interactions in neurological and psychiatric treatments.

120. Precision medicine approaches in neuropharmacology.

Computational Neuroscience Research Topics

121. Modeling neural networks and their dynamics.

122. Machine learning and artificial intelligence in brain research.

123. Computational models of visual perception and object recognition.

124. Simulating brain diseases and disorders for drug discovery.

125. Theoretical models of consciousness and self-awareness.

126. Neural network algorithms for brain-computer interfaces.

127. Computational approaches to studying neural plasticity.

128. Modeling brain disorders in silico for treatment development.

129. The role of computational neuroscience in understanding neurodevelopment.

130. Ethics and biases in machine learning applications to neuroscience.

Neuroscience and Psychology Research Topics

131. What brain structure has to do with behavioral traits.

132. Neurocognitive processes involved in decision regret.

133. The neural basis of cognitive dissonance.

134. Brain mechanisms underlying the placebo effect.

135. The impact of early-life stress on psychological development.

136. Neurobiology of addiction and its psychological consequences.

137. The role of neural oscillations in consciousness and perception.

138. Neural correlates of emotional intelligence.

139. Cognitive and neural factors in resilience to stress.

140. The psychology of neurofeedback therapy.

Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Topics

141. The neurobiology of depression and novel treatments.

142. Neuroimaging markers for predicting schizophrenia risk.

143. Neural mechanisms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

144. It has to do with mental health and the gut-brain connection.

145. Brain changes associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ).

146. Neural correlates of bipolar disorder and mood swings.

147. How traumatic events in childhood can affect mental health as an adult.

148. Neurobiological underpinnings of eating disorders.

149. Psychiatric genetics and the risk of mental illnesses.

150. Neurocognitive interventions for anxiety disorders.

151. How sleep affects how well kids do in school.

Understanding the importance of neuroscience and picking the right topic for your research paper is crucial in the field of Neuroscience Research Topics. Neuroscience is all about studying the brain and nerves, which helps us learn about brain-related issues and how people think and behave. 

In addition, choosing a good topic is the first step, and we provide you 150+ interesting ones for students in 2023. Whether you’re curious about how the brain changes, addiction, or ways to look at the brain, there are many topics to explore. So, get started on your neuroscience research journey and uncover the secrets of the human mind!

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Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

If you’re just starting out exploring neuroscience-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of neuroscience-related research ideas , including examples from recent studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Neuroscience-Related Research Topics

• Investigating the neural mechanisms underlying memory consolidation during sleep.
• The role of neuroplasticity in recovery from traumatic brain injury.
• Analyzing the impact of chronic stress on hippocampal function.
• The neural correlates of anxiety disorders: A functional MRI study.
• Investigating the effects of meditation on brain structure and function in mindfulness practitioners.
• The role of the gut-brain axis in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Analyzing the neurobiological basis of addiction and its implications for treatment.
• The impact of prenatal exposure to environmental toxins on neurodevelopment.
• Investigating gender differences in brain aging and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• The neural mechanisms of pain perception and its modulation by psychological factors.
• Analyzing the effects of bilingualism on cognitive flexibility and brain aging.
• The role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating mood and emotional responses.
• Investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• The impact of virtual reality technology on cognitive rehabilitation in stroke patients.
• Analyzing the neural basis of social cognition deficits in autism spectrum disorders.
• The role of neuroinflammation in the progression of multiple sclerosis.
• Investigating the effects of dietary interventions on brain health and cognitive function.
• The neural substrates of decision-making under risk and uncertainty.
• Analyzing the impact of early life stress on brain development and mental health outcomes.
• The role of dopamine in motivation and reward processing in the human brain.
• Investigating neural circuitry changes in depression and response to antidepressants.
• The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance and neural function.
• Analyzing the brain mechanisms involved in empathy and moral reasoning.
• The role of the prefrontal cortex in executive function and impulse control.
• Investigating the neurophysiological basis of schizophrenia.

Neuroscience Research Ideas (Continued)

• The impact of chronic pain on brain structure and connectivity.
• Analyzing the effects of physical exercise on neurogenesis and cognitive aging.
• The neural mechanisms underlying hallucinations in psychiatric and neurological disorders.
• Investigating the impact of music therapy on brain recovery post-stroke.
• The role of astrocytes in neural communication and brain homeostasis.
• Analyzing the effect of hormone fluctuations on mood and cognition in women.
• The impact of neurofeedback training on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Investigating the neural basis of resilience to stress and trauma.
• The role of the cerebellum in non-motor cognitive and affective functions.
• Analyzing the contribution of genetics to individual differences in brain structure and function.
• The impact of air pollution on neurodevelopment and cognitive decline.
• Investigating the neural mechanisms of visual perception and visual illusions.
• The role of mirror neurons in empathy and social understanding.
• Analyzing the neural correlates of language development and language disorders.
• The impact of social isolation on neurocognitive health in the elderly.
• Investigating the brain mechanisms involved in chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The role of serotonin in mood regulation and its implications for antidepressant therapies.
• Analyzing the neural basis of impulsivity and its relation to risky behaviors.
• The impact of mobile technology usage on attention and brain function.
• Investigating the neural substrates of fear and anxiety-related disorders.
• The role of the olfactory system in memory and emotional processing.
• Analyzing the impact of gut microbiome alterations on central nervous system diseases.
• The neural mechanisms of placebo and nocebo effects.
• Investigating cortical reorganization following limb amputation and phantom limb pain.
• The role of epigenetics in neural development and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Recent Neuroscience Studies

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual studies in the neuroscience space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• The Neurodata Without Borders ecosystem for neurophysiological data science (Rübel et al., 2022)
• Genetic regulation of central synapse formation and organization in Drosophila melanogaster (Duhart & Mosca, 2022)
• Embracing brain and behaviour: Designing programs of complementary neurophysiological and behavioural studies (Kirwan et al., 2022).
• Neuroscience and Education (Georgieva, 2022)
• Why Wait? Neuroscience Is for Everyone! (Myslinski, 2022)
• Neuroscience Knowledge and Endorsement of Neuromyths among Educators: What Is the Scenario in Brazil? (Simoes et al., 2022)
• Design of Clinical Trials and Ethical Concerns in Neurosciences (Mehanna, 2022) Methodological Approaches and Considerations for Generating Evidence that Informs the Science of Learning (Anderson, 2022)
• Exploring the research on neuroscience as a basis to understand work-based outcomes and to formulate new insights into the effective management of human resources in the workplace: A review study (Menon & Bhagat, 2022)
• Neuroimaging Applications for Diagnosis and Therapy of Pathologies in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System (Middei, 2022)
• The Role of Human Communicative Competence in Post-Industrial Society (Ilishova et al., 2022)
• Gold nanostructures: synthesis, properties, and neurological applications (Zare et al., 2022)
• Interpretable Graph Neural Networks for Connectome-Based Brain Disorder Analysis (Cui et al., 2022)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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103 Neuroscience Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best neuroscience topic ideas & essay examples, 🥇 most interesting neuroscience topics to write about, ✅ good research topics about neuroscience, ❓ neuroscience research questions.

• Relation Between Neuroscience and Ethics The practice of Neurophysiology is a subsection of neuroscience that involves the study of body nerves, spinal cord, and brain diseases such as tumors, which are the initial sources of brain cancer.
• The Stroop Test and Its Impact on Neuroscience The results of the Stroop test vividly demonstrate the ability of the brain to quickly process the displayed information. The Stroop effect plays a vital role in psychology and neuroscience, helping identify the responses of […] We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Neuroscience of Real-Life Stressors Generally, the module article is enjoyable because it uncovers what I find enjoyable about the process, content, and outcomes of stress.
• Neuroscience of Decision-Making The mentioned problem is the subject of the TED talk The Neuroscience of Decision-Making by Kimberly Papillon. In the case of people with a bias toward racial belonging, these parts are activated in different ways […]
• Cognitive Neuroscience: Methods and Studies In conclusion, it is vital to highlight the essential role of cognitive neuroscience methods and discoveries in changing the understanding of human brain function.
• Neuroscience on Mental Health Issues Over the years, a significant source of concerns regarding neurogenesis touches on scientists’ inability to quantify the number of neurons generated by the adult’s brain in a day. However, investigations on neurogenesis in the hippocampus […]
• Neuroscience: Heritability of Autistic Traits It never demonstrates the magnitude to which genes are passed on from a parent to a child; instead, it illustrates the reason for differences between people. Therefore, identical twins are more likely to experience autism […]
• Neuroscience: Clinical Laboratory Science From the experiment on the rats, it seemed that the new neurons could be produced in a cognitive challenge, then fade away.
• Neuroscience: Schizophrenia and Neurotransmitters From the definition of neurotransmitters, it is clear that schizophrenia is caused by the irregular functioning of neurotransmitters. Physical abnormalities in the brain have been suspected to be causes of schizophrenia.
• Neuroscience and Criminal Justice The viewpoint of several neuroscientists is that expressive biology of behavior will be accessible in the future and is probably to integrate both neuroscientific and genetic understanding.
• Strategic Planning: Southern NeuroScience Center The planning team also prioritized the objectives of the institution. The team also identified the right individuals to execute the plan.
• Neuroscience: Trauma and Cerebrovascular It discusses the effects of these two to the cognitive abilities of the patient, and how the patient operates in the social, emotional and physical capacity, after suffering such misfortune.
• Reward in Neuroscience The most important center of the reward system is the mesolimbocortical dopamine system. The mesolimbic system projects from dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens.
• Electroencephalography in Behavioral Neuroscience The test is carried out with the attachment of special sensors on the head and connected to a computer. Moreover, the experiments were carried out in cycles and results obtained were compared and mean recorded.
• Social Psychology and Social Neuroscience Connection In their approach, the two have acknowledged the partaking of the characteristic differences “in cardiac sympathetic reactivity to peoples’ susceptibility to illness”, noting the crucial function of experience to interpersonal life, as part of the […]
• Neuroscience Role in Enhancing Mathematics Learning The right side of the brain controls the left part of the body while the left part of the brain controls the right part of the body.
• Evolution and the Cognitive Neuroscience of Awareness and Consciousness To better understand this neurological task there is a need to focus on the connection between brain and awareness. Further, it is reasonable to connect the relationship between awareness and memory with the concept of […]
• Neuroscience. Huntington’s Disease Epidemiology George Sumner Huntington was the first person to give a clear, concise, and accessible report on what was to become the standard description of the disease, and therefore the disease is named after him.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Neuroscience of Aging Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known, the pathogenesis involves various inflammatory processes. Not much is known about the contribution of astrocytes to the inflammatory process.
• Neuroscience for Kids Website Review In the proposed approach, the teacher plays the role of a moderator, which encourages the students to solve realistic problems, discover various principles, and construct their knowledge.
• Quantitative Research Design: Neuroscience Studies Thus, the choice to apply this methodology for a topic has to be founded on the necessity to show specific numbers and their correlation. The concentration of plasma oxytocin and cerebrospinal fluid in the first […]
• Neuroscience Psychology of Goals & Behavior Change Fifth, the author focuses on motivation and describes it as the desired intensity to attain a certain outcome. The will is also based on a person’s identity and self, which are manifested in his or […]
• Learning Techniques and Theories of Neuroscience Such frameworks have led to the development of various learning techniques to deliver the intended content and instructions to the targeted individuals.
• Differential Diagnoses in Nephrology and Neurology Impaired urination with frequent urges during movement, interruption of the urine stream or acute retention of the outflow, urinary incontinence due to a stone stuck in the narrow neck of the bladder.
• Cognitive Neuroscience: Unlearning Something Learnt According to Brown and White, in order to understand the ability of one to unlearn what has been learned, it is important to first understand the learning process as explained in Cognitive paradigms.
• “Neuroscience of Cognitive Development” Review by Muller The second section of the article talks about the role of cognitive processes in the development of the child. From the article, it is true that human beings suffer from a number of disorders, including […]
• Social Cognitive Neuroscience in Corporate HRM It is expected that the application of SCN will be compatible with the leadership strategies that are aimed at enhancing employees’ motivation and leading to a steep rise in the levels of corporate loyalty.
• Brain and Speech Production in Neuroscience The current literature review is dedicated to the mechanisms for speech production and their implications in the field of neuroscience. The authors note that the speech sound map performs three crucial functions: promoting the discrete […]
• Gestalt Theory: Cognitive Neurology For instance, it argues that perception is possible not through a simple response to the stimulus but involves the analysis of the received data in order to reach a conclusion.
• Neuroscience and Cognitive Approaches in Therapy Great tempos lead to an increase in the level of stress which, in turn, leads to the appearance of a great number of problems connected with the mental health of a person.
• Learning Methods Based on Neuroscience Being that both processes are affected by the changes in the environment and conditions of learning, teachers are informed of the need to create a conducive learning atmosphere to ensure high student learning and cognitive […]
• Neuroscience and Child Development – Psychology In this regard, the adoption of neuroscience findings in the development of new childhood theories and policies could lead to enhanced interventions for improved life outcomes.
• Exercise’s Role on Health – Neurology In this regard, it is important to note that, the body has three main sets of neurons, namely: the sensory, interneuron, and motor neurons.
• Consciousness-Cognitive Science vs. Neuroscience Damasio argues that neuroscience is a mother of consciousness and uses an example of neurologists and how they limit themselves to the basic definition of consciousness as a matter between the start and the end […]
• Neurology Studies: Sensory Perceptions According to Bernstein, the accuracy or inaccuracy of the sensory information is dependent on the functionality of the human senses. The accuracy of sensory information is trusted by people; for example, smelling smoke denotes the […]
• Cultural Differences in the Self: From Philosophy to Psychology to Neuroscience According to their hypothesis, the basic difference between the Western and the Chinese understanding and perception of self is that the latter consider self in the context of society, while the Western philosophers believe that […]
• How Educational Neuroscience Supports Classroom Differentiation The student tends to concentrate on the tragic events as opposed to the contents of a lesson. The importance of understanding differentiation is that the teacher is in a position to relate negative emotions to […]
• Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience There is an eminent application of scientific metaphors in describing the functioning of the human brain. There are outstanding metaphors and analogies, which are being used to explain the functioning of the human brain.
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• What Can Neuroscience Learn From Contemplative Practices?
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• What Does a Neuroscience Do?
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• How Difficult Is Neuroscience?
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• Which Is Better Psychology or Neuroscience?
• What Are the Principles of Neuroscience?
• How Many Types of Neuroscience Are There?
• What Is the Main Goal of Neuroscience?
• Why Is Neuroscience So Important?
• What Is the Most Helpful Technique Used in Neuroscience?
• Is Neuroscience Harder Than Psychology?
• Is Neuroscience and Brain Science the Same?
• Does Neuroscience Have a Future?
• What Are the Main Goals of Neuroscience?
• How Does Neuroscience Affect Behavior?
• What Are the Biggest Questions in Neuroscience?
• What Is Neuroscience Based On?
• Where Is Neuroscience Used?
• Why Is Neuroscience Important in Psychology?
• How Does Neuroscience Help Mental Health?
• How Does Neuroscience Define Happiness?
• What Technology Is Used in Neuroscience?
• How Important Is Neuroscience in Our Time?
• How Does Neuroscience Help People?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Neuroscience?
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150 Best Neuroscience Research Topics and Ideas for Students

Table of Contents

Are you looking for the best neuroscience research topics for your academic work? If yes, then this blog post is for you. Here, we have suggested 150 informative neuroscience research paper topics and ideas. In addition to that, we have also explained how to choose a good research topic and draft a brilliant neuroscience thesis. Continue reading to know more about neuroscience and also get innovative ideas for neuroscience research paper writing.

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is a discipline of science that focuses on the study of the structure and functions of the nervous system. On a high level, the subject deals with various behavioral, computational, cellular, evolutionary, functional, molecular, and medical aspects of the nervous system.

In general, neuroscience is a complex subject that works closely with other disciplines such as computer science, chemistry, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, psychology, philosophy, and medicine. So, when you are asked to write a neuroscience research paper, you must have vast subject knowledge of your research topic and should possess the necessary writing skills to persuade your readers with your academic paper. More than that, in order to write an outstanding research paper, you must have a good research topic.

As neuroscience is a wide subject, you will have plenty of research topics to choose from. But the real challenge lies in identifying a unique topic out of all neuroscience research topics.

How to Select a Good Neuroscience Research Topic

Identifying a perfect research topic is the first step in the research paper writing process. Naturally, it is tough to pick one unique topic among a wide range of topics. So, to make your research topic selection process easier, here we have shared a few tips that you should keep in mind while selecting a topic for your neuroscience research paper.

For generating neuroscience research topic ideas, you can check the internet or refer to articles, journals, research papers, books, and other credible academic sources. Also, you can come up with your own unique idea on any neuroscience research topic. While searching for the research topic ideas, you can use any source that you are comfortable with. But before finalizing your topic, make sure to check whether or not your selected topic satisfies the below-mentioned tips.

• The topic should be interesting for you.
• It should be informative for your readers.
• The topic selected should provide a good scope to conduct research.
• It should have many relevant references and evidence to support your points or argument.
• Never choose a broad research topic. The topic should be narrow to complete the research writing within the deadline.

Finally, also confirm whether or not your selected research topic will meet the academic paper writing guidelines shared by the instructor. If the topic you have selected matches the topic selection tips mentioned above, then you can proceed with writing your neuroscience research paper on that topic.

How to Write an Impressive Neuroscience Research Paper

Identifying a research topic is the primary step in writing a research paper. Once you have finalized a neuroscience research topic, then you can begin writing your neuroscience research paper by following these steps.

• Brainstorm your topic and gather important points and ideas for discussion.
• Perform deep research on the topic by exploring trustworthy academic resources.
• After conducting research, identify and draft a thesis statement or hypotheses relevant to your research topic.
• Sketch a clear and concise research paper outline by taking hints of the main points of discussion and their supporting examples or pieces of evidence.
• With the help of the outline, draft a well-structured neuroscience research paper as per the standard research paper format that includes components such as an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Do complete revisions of the first draft and make edits and corrections to come up with a flawless, high-quality research paper.

Remember, if you write a top-notch research paper, then your chance of getting an A+ grade will increase. So, when crafting a research paper, do thorough research and write it persuasively by following the neuroscience research paper writing tips suggested above.

List of the Best Neuroscience Research Topics

As said earlier, neuroscience is a complex and broad subject that includes various branches such as cognitive neuroscience, behavioral neuroscience, neurophysiology, developmental neuroscience, etc. For writing a brilliant neuroscience research paper, you can choose a topic from any branch of neuroscience.

Generally, it takes more time to search and find a research paper topic. So, to help you save time, here we have sorted and listed some interesting neuroscience research paper topics.

Explore the list and pick a unique Neuroscience topic that is appealing to you.

Simple Neuroscience Research Topics

• What is a degenerative brain disorder?
• The role of dopamine in the brain
• Our self-wiring brain.
• The role of sleep in the brain
• Discuss the functional organization of memory
• Discuss ways to eliminate learned fears
• The behavior of Alzheimer’s patients.
• Psychological problems with high IQ people
• Neurological problems caused by gut bacteria
• What triggers ADHD?
• Influence of Dopamine on Heavy Amounts of Marijuana
• What impact do dietary supplements have on aging? Do they reverse damage or do they have a placebo effect?
• When physical trauma occurs, how does the brain realign itself to heal the body?

Read more: Best Medical Research Topics To Analyze and Write About

Interesting Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

• How does emotion affect the way people process things like music and art in the mind?
• What role does the development of internal modes play in motor skill learning in young people?
• What is the link between traumatic head injuries that are known to cause damage to internal organs?
• What are the effects that negatively affect patients that are in treatment for depression?
• What causes addiction?
• How does neurodevelopment in early childhood relate to the presence of autism in young people?
• What impact do dietary supplements have on aging?
• The role of hormones in the nervous system
• The effects of Parkinson’s on the brain
• Neuroplasticity in teaching
• How have the concepts of neuroscience changed the views of teachers relating to pedagogy and students?
• Discuss the stages of brain development from birth to age 3
• What are the most effective strategies to treat severe depression in young adults?
• Discuss the link between the brain and gut bacteria
• The role played by the brain in autistic spectrum disorders
• Discuss the latest development in brain surgery
• Describe some of the innovative medications to treat brain and neurological disorders
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Definition, causes, symptoms, and effects
• Importance of Pierre Paul Broca’s work
• New Biomarker Test Can Detect Alzheimer’s Neurodegeneration in Blood: Explain

Captivating Neuroscience Research Ideas

• The study of neuropsychology
• Define sensory neuroscience
• Anxiety caused by gut bacteria
• How does breathing affect our memories?
• Main causes of schizophrenia
• The seat of human consciousness
• The science of smell
• The effect of sugar on our brain.
• Emotions and their effect on the human mind
• How does the brain perceive other people?
• Discuss the degenerative brain disorder including its causes and impact on the brain.
• How does music in the brain impact mental and intellectual activity?

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

• How are the levels of dopamine in our bodies affected by alcohol and marijuana use?
• The Role of the Synthetic Ligand Injection
• What mental risks do young adults face when they participate in sports with a high level of head contact?
• Stimulating the brain with transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Design a behavioral neuroscience study.
• Enhancing the brain through electrical stimulation
• Research QTL mapping processes
• Discuss optogenetic excitation
• Exercises that help with decision making
• Brain-imaging technologies
• Enhancing the Brain through Electrical Stimulation
• Discuss Optogenetic Excitation
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

• What are the negative cognitive effects associated with wearing a hearing aid over a long period of time?
• Describe how LSD affects language in short-term users versus long-term users.
• How is chronic pain affected by targeting treatment to specific nerve centers in the brain?
• What are the negative effects on human memory due to people’s reliance on internet searches?
• In what ways are levels of stress affected by the way memories are formed in stressful situations?
• What happens when you hallucinate?
• Explain the simple algorithms in brain function that enable intelligence in humans.
• Research implicit memory
• Explain the connection between postpartum depression and brain chemistry in first-time mothers.
• What are the connections between head injuries and physical injuries in professional athletes?
• Effects of opioids on the brain
• Analyze the prefrontal cortex
• Sign language from a neural point of view
• Neural networks and neurons
• Can we erase bad memories?
• Subcortical neurotransmitter systems of arousal.
• Role of the cerebellum in language computations.

Outstanding Neuroscience Research Ideas

• How do our brains process and discriminate types of speech in order to recognize family members?
• In what ways does the brain process concepts such as the passing of time?
• What effects does brain damage have on human organs and intestines?
• What are the most important strength cutoff measurements for people that have suffered injuries to the spinal cord?
• How do people who suffer from depression cope with physical ailments linked to this mental disease?
• What are the risks involved with electrical implants for patients that suffer from paralysis?
• Why are some people geniuses?
• Nerve stimulation is known to help restore consciousness in people in comas. How is this relationship explained?
• Discuss Fragile X syndrome
• Explain the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries.

Latest Neuroscience Research Topics

• The link between clean air and amygdala health
• Discovering a new type of brain cell
• The damage caused by drug addiction on the brain
• Does aging really cause memory loss?
• What makes a person insane?
• What causes Chronic Fatigue syndrome ?
• What are the advances that have been made regarding the most effective treatments to treat emotional pain?
• What is cognitive offloading?
• Latest breakthroughs in neuroscience
• The basic human personality types
• The effects of cannabis on the brain
• Discuss auditory perceptual learning
• Compare three neurotransmitter abnormalities
• Are emotions a biological thing?
• Virtual reality games and their effects on memory
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience

Innovative Neuroscience Topics for Research

• Discuss the neuropsychology of language
• How does the axon handle the action potential?
• Dealing with developmental disorders
• Research the path neural signals take in specific situations
• How effective are supplements for brain health?
• Analyze the timing and source of brain activity.
• The neuroscience behind motherhood.
• The effects of loneliness on the brain
• Learning capabilities of single cells
• The power of stem cells
• 3D Brain Function Mapping

Read more topic: Interesting Science Research Paper Topics To Deal With

Impressive Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

• How does eating fish affect brain development in fetuses?
• Is caffeine addiction counter-productive when it comes to workplace productivity?
• How does lucid dreaming help people quit unhealthy habits like smoking and overeating?
• What impact does gut bacteria in the human body have on emotional health?
• Can religious beliefs affect the parts of the brain that produce melatonin as a result of drug or medicinal use?
• The causes of COVID-19 seizures
• How does the hippocampus area of the brain impact imagination and future thinking?
• In what ways does the treatment of the left or right hemispheres of the brain help decrease the symptoms that are caused by schizophrenia?
• In what ways do emotions affect the way humans interact with connections on social media sites?
• Explain how an atheist might view the concepts and theories behind neurobiology.

Trending Neuroscience Research Topics

• Effect of Sugar on the Brain
• Discuss the pharmacotherapy of depression by searching for the new mechanisms and drug interactions disclosed in clinical research
• Describe Brain-Inspired Computing (from Neuroscience to neuromorphic electronics for new forms of Artificial Intelligence)
• Analysis of the  influence of the phase and/or power of ongoing brain activity on excitability and responsiveness to neurostimulation in human and animal models
• Describe the computational models and simulations to improve the mechanistic understanding of neurostimulation techniques
• Analyze the influence of fluctuations within the peripheral and central nervous system on the effect of neurostimulation
• Explore the closed-loop neuromodulation approaches in the alteration of cognitive processes
• Why is a subset of AD patients vulnerable to cerebral hemorrhage when other drugs, such as tPA, are combined with an anti-amyloid-β approach (Lecanemab)?
• Describe the current therapeutic approaches mitigating symptoms of AD without the risk of developing an adverse effect such as brain hemorrhage
• Is there should be a drug-specific different response if co-administered with the second drug, given monoclonal antibodies such as lecanemab, aducanubam, and/or donanemab are available, at least, in part?
• Describe the current status of monoclonal antibodies such as lecanemab, aducanubam, and/or donanemab, if co-used with another drug (s) (e.g., tPA)

Read here: Biology Research Topics for Academic Writing

Excellent Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

• Write about autism and its underlying causes.
• Explain the Impact of social media on memory and cognition.
• Discuss the cognitive neurology of creativity and vision.
• Examine the influence of bad memories on the human brain.
• Hypnotic suggestions and cognitive neuroscience.
• Discuss the motor bases of Misophonia.
• Write about the Neurobiology of stress and anxiety.
• Discuss the Heightened risk of neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Write about the digital expansion of the human brain.
• Discuss the clinical approach and treatment of movement disorder.

Final Words

All the topics recommended in this blog will help you write a high-quality neuroscience research paper deserving of high scores. You can also do mild modifications to the above topics and use them for writing a unique academic assignment.

In case, you are unsure how to write a research paper on neuroscience topics, without any doubt, avail of our high-quality assignment help service online. We have a team of professional academic writers who are experts in the field of neuroscience to write and deliver plagiarism-free research articles in accordance with your requirements. Especially, with the support of our scholarly writers, you can finish your work ahead of the deadline and rope in top grades. We also provide neurosurgery nursing assignment writing help services at an affordable rate.

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143 Neuroscience Research Topics To Boost Your Grades

A neuroscientist’s primary focus is understanding how the brain works, and you need neuroscience research topics to create an impeccable paper to show your research abilities. If you’re interested in how the brain works, you must have questions you can only answer through experiments. But you must’ve passed all examinations before you can be fully certified to carry out any experiment. Writing a research paper is long and exhaustive, and you can be unmotivated. It’s why we’ve compiled a list of neuroscience topics to write about. But before a deep dive, what is neuroscience?

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience studies the functionality of the brain and nervous system. It encompasses the brain’s development, health, degeneration, and how it affects the whole body.

This subject also focuses on consciousness, memory, learning traits, and the concept of perception. It integrates sections including medicine, chemistry, linguistics, biology, and psychology in understanding how the human body functions.

Neuroscience Research: How to Structure Your Paper

One thing expert writers get right 99% of the time is the structure of their paper. A professional understands that a great outline helps track flow while maintaining high-quality articulation. Here’s how to structure your paper:

• Your Title Page: This is the first page the examiner sees. It entails the title of your research, the questions (or thesis), and the total word count of the paper. You should also include your identification number (although this may be your name if you’re in high school).
• Table of Content Page: This section is essential mainly for college students whose work needs to be navigable. It includes every heading and subheading in the paper alongside the page number. This makes it easy for your professor to jump to any page they’d like to read without hassle.
• Introduction: Your introduction is where you discuss what your essay is about. It focuses on the research idea and thesis and sets the tone for what you’ll discuss in the paper. In most cases, your introduction gives a background understanding of the topic you’ve chosen to discuss with your readers.
• Body: is where you place your arguments, back them up with facts, and arrange them orderly. You should first write your point, explain your meaning in a few paragraphs, and be conscious of the logic. Your arguments should be based on existing research (or quantity research which you independently sourced for). Whatever your sources are, the body is where you share your ideas and back them with relevant facts.
• Conclusion: This describes the paper’s content in fewer words. It explains what the paper is about, why it’s important and suggests future research suggestions.
• Your Reference List: This section is where you mention the source of every fact you cited in the paper. Referencing them means you recognize them as authors of the papers and the books you cited. Check with your faculty for the reference style guide recommended for your paper for this section.

A good structure keeps you ahead of the students who don’t understand simple outlines. Now that you know your paper’s typical outline, start your research with any of these cool neuroscience topics.

Neuroscience Topics

You already understand that neuroscience is piqued by the human brain, emotions, and memory and how they influence our behaviors. You can create an essay or paper based on existing research with newer insights on any of the following topics:

• The concept of behavioral science
• What are the common triggers of ADHD?
• Explain sensory neuroscience and how it contributes to understanding humans
• Write an epistle about the contribution of two neuroscientists to the field.
• Emotions and their influence on music
• Explain the connection between emotions and the justice system
• Sentiments and the role it plays in human relationships.
• Why is Alzheimer’s disease only understood to be for adults?
• Which trauma is responsible for chronic fatigue?
• What’s the psychological consequence of witnessing a gun crime?
• Explain the role of car toys in motivating locomotion in kids
• Explain how sugar and brain chemistry connects
• Connections of the brain with gut bacteria
• How cognitive neuroscience helps in psychological evaluations
• Addiction and why it’s a threat
• Does believing something doesn’t exist mean the entity — like depression — doesn’t exist to the believer? Explore the psychology of disbelief
• Discuss what degenerative brain disorder mean
• How much of a threat is Parkinson’s disease?
• The latest development on kids with autism
• Why are autistic kids talented?

Interesting Neuroscience Topics

Neuroscience isn’t a boring field, especially if you’re curious about how the human brain and emotions work. You can explore some of these excellent neuroscience topics regardless of your academic level:

• Factors leading to schizophrenia
• The impact of breathing on human memory
• Examine the neurodevelopmental stages of a child
• How the memory is organized
• Neuroplasticity in teaching and its significance
• Eye movement: how does it help with remembrance?
• The concept of computational neuroscience: efforts of tech on scientific research
• Difference between translational and clinical science
• The process of brain degeneration
• The biological explanation of how people fall in love
• The psychological consequence of a high IQ
• What’s the psychological state where an adult of 40 has the brain of a child of 6?
• The typical behavior of Alzheimer’s patients
• How does dopamine help the brain?
• Hormones responsible for the nervous systems
• Examine the connection between neurodevelopmental in early childhood for autistic kids
• Have gut bacteria also caused anxiety?
• Explain the consequence of ageing supplements on the human body
• Depression: What worsens the health of patients in treatment?
• Does exercise help reduce the pressure of depression?

Neurobiology Research Topics

Neurobiology is like saying neuroscience in another way. However, the slight difference is in its focus on anatomy, pathology, physiology, and the nervous system and how it scrutinizes several disorders. Here are some neurobiology topics to consider for your following paper:

• Examine the developmental stage of autism
• Discuss the traits of bipolar disorder
• Examine the difference between obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder
• Trace the origin of psychiatric disorders
• Explain the properties of neurons and their significance
• How does Eric Kandel describe consciousness?
• How does perception influence reality?
• What’s the role of behavior in how people understand the world?
• Do history and childhood influence an individual’s sense of justice?
• Childhood or adulthood experiences: which shape humans the more.

Neuroscience Research Topics for High School Students

You can also write some of the finest essays at this stage of your academic journey. However, you need research-based topics to achieve this. Consider writing in any of these:

• How do you reduce fears?
• Why do people fear known and unknown entities?
• Explain the concept of a self-wired brain
• What’s the psychological response to the American footballer’s injury?
• Brain injury: what complicates it?
• Treatment for PTSD?
• How do scientists know if a brain is functional?
• How can kids and teenagers prevent depression?
• What leads to depression in cats?
• The role of the brain in speech
• What is responsible for postpartum depression?
• Can drug addiction be controlled? What can control it?
• What’s the challenge that physical trauma poses to mental healing?

Neuropsychology Research Topics

Neuropsychology understands human behavior, cognitive power, and emotions while studying the brain’s function. It examines the network between these concepts to understand human life. Here are some neurology research topics in this subsection of neuroscience:

• The process of rehabilitation for patients with traumatic injuries
• Explain Huntington’s disease and common patient challenge
• Evaluate how clinical science approach treatment for schizophrenia
• How does the neuropsychologist explain love?
• How does the neuropsychologist understand depression?
• Explain the process of language rehabilitation
• Emotional shock: what it means through a case study of a patient
• What is the written language disorder, and how does it manifest?
• Discuss the role of neuropsychology in understanding human communication
• Explain how neuropsychologists explain emotions and affections

Neuroscience Research Topics 2023

Writing a research paper is easier when there are relevant topics to build your points on. Here are some easy and interesting topics that may contribute to future discoveries in the field:

• The symptoms of Alzheimer’s development stage in adults
• Shared traits of high IQ people and his to discover them
• How can the world maximize high IQ people?
• The consequences of worrying about the brain
• Parkinson’s disease: account for the impact on the brain
• How cannabis damages the brain
• What’s hallucination and hibernation: differences in the two terms
• How is ADHD treated?
• Evaluate the factors leading to memory loss and ageing and the differences between them
• How autistic patients are treated

Chemical Neuroscience Research Topics

Chemical neuroscience studies the complex levels and functions of different brain regions. It extends to understanding how the various cell types function in connection with individual ones. Here are the topics to fascinating topics to explore in the field:

• Provide the detailed process of clinically approved drugs
• Explain how brain-eating amoeba affect or influence the brain
• Describe the influence of N, N-Dimethyltryptamine on rat behavior
• Which side of the brain is responsible for anxiety and depression, and how are they classified?
• Explain the role of zebrafish in the discovery of antiseizure compounds
• How is Parkinson’s disease discovered?
• Discuss the role of nanoparticles in spotting the accumulation of ferritin in Alzheimer’s disease
• Is the brain or the heart responsible for affection and emotions?
• What are the latest trends in brain learning?
• How can machines learn to improve the versatility of the human brain?

Neuroscience Topics for Research Paper

If you’re a college or post-graduate student, you need a quality-based, research-founded paper. This may be a bit challenging because you may feel that every relevant topic has been discussed. Here’s a chance to explore the following neuroscience research paper topics with new insights. But if this is too much for you, you can always buy research paper online.

• PTSD: how it affects the brain
• How can a tumor growing in the brain without being discovered?
• Can autism in kids be controlled?
• Discuss the ill-advised many have gotten on handling head injuries
• Explain how scientists understand the brain capacity of people based on age
• Discuss what nerve stimulation is and how it works
• How does brainstorming fertilize the human brain?
• Explain how the brain interprets different musical tones
• Research to understand the fundamental factors leading to an interest in loud rock music
• What hormone do raindrop playlists activate for people trying to focus?
• What factors motivate sexual performance during sex, and why are they significant?
• Chronic fatigue and the human brain: Connection to sleeplessness
• Memory exercise: how does it work, and what are the results?
• How did scientists manage bipolar disorder 100 years ago and today?
• How has technology contributed to neuroscience?
• Discuss the relationship between dyslexia and autism
• How do scenic views amuse the brain?
• Reflect on the science behind planting chips in humans
• Explain the science behind auto-sensory gadgets for lame people
• An overview of the formation of depression in the brain and how humans can improve mental health.

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

Cognitive neuroscience aims to understand how several biological signals to the brain influence cognition and reception. Here are some topics to explore:

• Why is perceived value considered real value in marketing?
• Hallucinations and brain deficit: discuss
• The difference in the experience of cognitive disorder in adults and kids
• Why do ADHD people not pay attention to details?
• Examine how the brain internalizes emotions with case studies
• Speech formation in children: discuss
• Learning: How do people with learning disabilities learn?
• Explain the wiring of the human brain
• Is the brain affected by excessive internet use?
• Consequences of opium on the brain.

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

Behavioral neuroscience encompasses how biology influences psychological responses in the brain. It’s about human behavior and the pattern from it. Write on any of these topics:

• Case study of Louis Litt: How seeking Harvey’s affection in the movie Suits affected his lifestyle
•  Explain what motivates the brain to request food
• Examine what drives sexual motivation in teenagers
• Discuss drug use and how it becomes an addiction
• How social encourage lousy behavior
• Andrew Tate: Is he a hero or a villain?
• What do you understand about the emotional part of the brain?
• What’s the relationship between dopamine and drug use?
• What’s the typical behavior of ADHD patients?
• What compels the illogical reaction of mental health patients during mental care?

Controversial Topics in Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a sensitive field which is why almost every subject is controversial. While scientists want to understand the human brain to improve its efficiency, there are questions about the ethics of its processes. Here are some topics you can consider writing on:

• Antidepressants: does it help or worsen patient health?
• Humans in lab research: what are the ethical issues?
• What’s the relationship between deep learning and the brain?
• COVID-19 isolation: a case study of the consequences on the brain
• Consequences of poor nutrition on the brain
• Dementia: Do exercises help?
• Perception: the role of physical objects for visually impaired people in creating memories
• Account for the activities of the most controversial scientists
• Discuss the concept of hereditary brain disorders
• Explain what neurodegenerative disease means.

Seek Help From Paper Writing Service

Now that you have 143 custom topics to explore, you only need to visit online and physical libraries for research materials. Remember that your essay needs thorough editing and proofreading to ensure it is high-quality and error-free. However, we understand how difficult writing a paper is, and it is expected that you may have more than once thought, “who could write my paper” and you might need some help. We offer expert paper writing help online to students from every academic level. We have expert writers with years of professional academic experience. They’re expert researchers, have an eye for grammar, and write fast, all for a low and affordable price. All you need to do is tell us what you want, and we’ll assign a writer whose experience matches your request. We’re available 24/7 online, and you don’t need to worry about excelling in class because it’s always what we achieve for students. Contact us with a “ do my research paper now ” request and we’ll get your papers done. 

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50 Best Neuroscience Topics for 2020

The study of neuroscience focuses on understanding and explaining how the nervous system works. There is a wide range of fields, from neuropsychology to neuroanatomy. Majoring in this subject often requires you to conduct a lot of neuroscience research on your path towards earning a B.S., Master’s, or Ph.D. The key to conducting a great study is to develop really good neuroscience research topics that push the envelope in the sense that the discipline explores new areas.

We know that it can be difficult to develop neuroscience paper topics on your own, especially when you likely have to deal with several other responsibilities. We posted nursing topics before, and now we have come up with this list of 50 original topics in neuroscience that cover a wide range of fields:

Cool Neuroscience Topics for College Students

The best way to impress your professor is to bring up a research study that other students will relate to:

• Reduced dopamine release is associated with people that use heavy amounts of marijuana.
• What impact do dietary supplements have on aging? Do they reverse damage or do they have a placebo effect?
• In what ways dos PTSD caused by the Gulf Wars affect chronic fatigue syndrome in people that were not in the military?
• What are the effects that negatively affect patients that are in treatment for depression?
• When physical trauma occurs, how does the brain realign itself to heal the body?

Current Topics in Neuroscience for All Levels

It’s always a great idea to stay current with the most popular issues that are being discussed today. Here is a list of what you may find interesting:

• Discuss how depression affects the entire organism and how it is not just a mental illness among adults.
• How does the manipulation of certain neurons in the brain help enhance good memories and eradicate bad ones?
• If nerve stimulation can help human consciousness then human physical therapy could be used to help patients.
• What are the advances that have been made regarding the most effective treatments to treat emotional pain?
• Does the targeting of specific nerve centers affect the treatment of chronic pain in elderly patients?

Interesting Neuroscience Topics to Impress

To study neuroscience you need to have a great topic for research. These 5 ideas are sure to grab your audience’s attention:

• Explain the ways the internet is negatively affecting human memory and how people can reverse effects by disconnecting.
• In what ways do emotions affect the way humans interact with connections on social media sites?
• What are the risks associated with having a high IQ level among young adults? Consider pressures and expectations young adults feel.
• What impact does gut bacteria in the human body have on emotional health?
• Explain how an atheist might view the concepts and theories behind neurobiology.

Behavioral Neuroscience Topics for Grad Students

This collection of behavioral neuroscience topics are ideal for students working on their master’s degree:

• According to a recent study in human behavior, four personality types are considered to be basic. Do you agree with this?
• In what ways do infectious diseases affect the way elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s maintain behavior?
• In what ways has the study of controversial behavioral neuroscience topics changed how the discipline has evolved in the last decade?
• Describe how the X syndrome impacts mental development in fetuses. How can mental retardation be identified in the early stages?
• Explain how neurons communicate with each other and affect mental health in adults. How can neurons be manipulated to improve mental health?

Simple Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

If you have neuroscience papers project you need to finish in a jiffy… these research ideas will help you get to the finish line:

• Explain how the bacteria that forms in your gut affects how the amount of fatigue a person feels throughout the day.
• Describe how LSD affects language in short-term users versus long-term users.
• What are the connections between head injuries and physical injuries in professional athletes?
• In what ways are levels of stress affected by the way memories are formed in stressful situations?
• Explain the simple algorithms in brain function that enable intelligence in humans.

Controversial Topics in Neuroscience

There is no better way of capturing your audience’s attention than writing on a topic that rattles the cage:

• What impact do high impact sports have on the human brain in teenagers and young adults (e.g. football and hockey)?
• How does neuroscience affect the development of humans suffering from physical ailments?
• Compare and contrast the parietal lobe and frontal lobe and how each affects the development of multi-lingual skills.
• What are the changes that need to be made to research of the brain that would help reinvigorate the study of neuroscience?
• How do alcohol, marijuana, and other forms of drug use affect the way dopamine is formed in the human body?

Hot Topics in Neuroscience

This is a collection of the hottest topics in the field that are being discussed today. Check to see if you are interested in anyone:

• How are professional sports athletes affected by playing in sports that incur head injuries more so than non-contact sports?
• In what ways does the treatment of the left or right hemispheres of the brain help decrease the symptoms that are caused by schizophrenia?
• How does lucid dreaming help people quit unhealthy habits like smoking and overeating? Can this form of therapy help with other medical issues?
• Why are some memories permanent while others are temporary? Is there any evidence to support that people can improve memory retention?
• Explain how short term memories function when visual perception is altered. Can this lead to more effective memory techniques in children?

More Interesting Topics in Neuroscience

The best way to capture a reader’s attention is to keep him or her interested in your study. Check out these ideas:

• Are common bacteria and viruses the causes of Alzheimer’s disease among the elderly and what can be done to prevent spread?
• What are the major causes of anxiety, fear, and nervousness in young adults? Are there any effective treatments that rewire the brain?
• How does the hippocampus area of the brain impact imagination and future thinking? What role does this have in people in leadership roles?
• Can religious beliefs affect the parts of the brain that produce melatonin as a result of drug or medicinal use?
• How does caffeine affect the way humans perform at work? Is caffeine addiction counter-productive when it comes to workplace productivity?

More Cognitive Neuroscience Topics

Here is an additional set of research ideas you may be interested in pursuing a short-term project:

• How does LSD affect cognitive function in the human brain? What are the long-term effects on the human brain?
• Recent evidence shows the negative effects that have been associated with extended use of a hearing aid. Do you agree with the findings?
• In which ways does extensive cannabis use affect self-control in the areas where this trait is formed in the brain?
• What mental risks do adults that play high-impact sports face? Are young adults at greater risk?
• Explain the connection between postpartum depression and brain chemistry in first-time mothers?

More Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

These neuroscience topics make for excellent research studies at both the college and graduate levels:

• How does eating fish affect brain development in fetuses? Does eating fish affect behavior in pregnant women?
• In what ways are the classic models of language formation and development outdated in today’s internet-driven world?
• Explore the connection between head injuries among young adults and the reaction of parents that feel sports are dangerous.
• How do patients suffering from depression deal with physical injuries and pains that are primarily linked to mental diseases?
• In what ways do people’s brains discriminate and process different types of speech to understand and recognize members of the family?

All of the neuroscience paper topics listed above can be used for free. You’re welcome to modify them in any way or use any of them as a jumping-off point to develop your neuroscience topics for your paper. Make sure to share them with your classmates and don’t hesitate to check back on this site for professional assignment help .

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Neuroscience Research Topics : 100+ Cool Ideas

Neuroscience is a comprehensive field of study that co-operates with other branches of science such as computers, engineering, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. It is a complex issue that aims to study different aspects of brain functioning and organic brain disorders.

When students are asked to draft their neuroscience research paper, half of them start feeling anxious about their topic. Since the research topic is the initial foundation of your entire research, you must come up with something unique and impressive. The secret of a substantial research paper relies on approaching a particular topic. A great topic is something that will push your limits and require you to delve deeper into undiscovered territories.

Neuroscience is a vast branch of science, but despite that, various students still struggle with brainstorming neuroscience topics for their research. It is why we have chosen to provide you with some expert guidance. To help you out, we have jotted down a few lists of more than 150+ neurology research topic ideas.

Table of Contents

What is Neuroscience?

Neuroscience is dedicated to understanding the composition and operations of the nervous system. This field of study broadly covers a vast aspect of behavioral computation and functional, molecular, cellular, evolutionary, practical, and medicinal aspects of the nervous system. It has been traditionally classified as a sub-division of biology.

It is an interdisciplinary science that operates with other disciplines, including engineering, medicine, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, and mathematics.

Different Branches of Neuroscience

When you talk about neuroscience, it covers distinct areas. Each area focuses on a specific field of study, system, and brain function.

The branches of neuroscience can be generally divided into these important divisions:

• Affective neuroscience : Here, researchers look at how neurons behave concerning human and animal emotions. Here neuroscientists cure individuals who have gone through some neurological damage. This field of study integrates neuroscience with the psychology of mood, personality, and emotions.
• Computational neuroscience – It studies how the brain operates; scientists analyze biological data using various techniques from mathematics, physics, and other computational fields. In this field, scientists use computers to stimulate and form brain functions to study how the brain operates, communicates, and behaves in different situations. The main objective of this field is to enhance the information processing capability of the brain and discover innovative techniques for a better understanding of this structure-function relationship.
• Behavioral neuroscience – It is the study of how the brain affects and controls human behavior. Behavioral neuroscience studies brain organs and processes underlying how human and animal brain reacts to different situations.
• Cognitive neuroscience:  It is about studying how the brain develops and controls thoughts and their underlying neural factors. During the research, scientists analyze how the brain operates while people carry out their regular activities. Scientists combine neuroscience with the cognitive science of both psychiatry and psychology.
• Developmental neuroscience: It   investigates the fundamental processes that underlie the cellular development of the nervous system. In simple language, developmental neuroscience studies the neural system’s initial formation, growth, and changes.
• Neuropsychology:  The central focus of neurology is to identify how the operates and how it’s activities are linked to different parts of the human body. It also studies the role of nervous system from the inter cellular level to the sub cellular level. It assists scientists in understanding how human cognition works and gives insight into nervous system diseases.
• Molecular neuroscience:  In molecular science, researches study the biological processes and the roles of genes, molecules and protein for effective functioning of the nervous system. Scientists study the brain’s neurochemistry, as well as its development and ability to process and integrate information.
• Neuroengineering:  Neuroengineering is the application of engineering techniques used to replace, enhance, or better understand the brain systems of animals and human beings. It is used to diagnose illness and evaluate brain health. Neuroengineering also studies the functioning of brain, and how different activities impact it.

Writing Research Papers on Neuroscience Topics

When drafting a research paper, you must adhere to the university guidelines. To provide you help with research paper  structure, we have compiled a series of steps for you: 

• Brainstorm your neuroscience topics : a vital research topic is crucial for drafting a successful paper. So , when brainstorming, do not rely on a single neuroscience topic. Instead, consider choosing a variety of ideas for your research. Additionally, always conduct preliminary research to ensure sufficient data is available for you to evaluate.
• Start looking for reliable sources:  The next step will be to conduct in-depth research, so it’s time to start holding yourself tight and researching your topic. Online sources are a great way to start, but you shouldn’t depend on only them unless, of course, it comes from a relevant source.
• Create a Hypothesis and an Outline:  Using the data from your research, write a thesis about your neurology science research topic . It will be your initial phase, and you will write an outline for your paper. Please take all the preliminary arguments and support them with relevant proof and instances.
• Write the First Draft of Your Paper : Don’t expect to draft an excellent research paper without outlining your ideas first. It’s okay if there are a few errors in the assignment’s initial attempt. Instead of worrying about the whole procedure or finding the perfect words or phrases, the important thing is to articulate your ideas confidently. Try to write every day without hitting any pauses.
• Editing:  Never submit a research paper without rewriting, editing , and proofreading it. Nobody is flawless, and when you proofread it, you will find various sections that can be written more smoothly.

150+ Creative Neuroscience Research Topics suggestions

Many students struggle to develop engaging neuroscience topics for their research projects. However, it is a necessary element of the entire procedure. Brainstorming tactics would assist you in narrowing a broad concept into some significant issues to focus on. It’s critical to spend at least an hour jotting down practical ideas and musing on the ones that will lead to a well-developed project.

Hot Neuroscience Research Topics For 2022

Do you wish to write about the most recent and hot neuroscience research topic? If so, these topics are ideal for any student who wants to push their limits with contemporary challenges in the area of neuroscience:

• Untangling Neurodevelopmental movement disorder: an update on childhood motor
• Neurobiology of social and individual choices
• The effects of drug abuse on the brain
• Children’s preoperative anxiety: factors and results
• What causes the susceptibility of schizophrenia and depressive illness?
• How does the brain interpret notions such as time passing?
• Alzheimer’s disease management: an overview
• A handbook on cognitive and behavioral neuroscience
• How do neurological and neuropsychiatric problems present themselves in abnormalities
• Does aging cause memory loss? A critical study
• The effects of gut bacteria on mental and behavioral health
• Studying the impact of cerebrovascular disease, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease on our brain
• Autism and its underlying causes
• Neurobiology of Opioid Addiction and New Therapeutic Approaches
• Studying the neurobiology of social and individual choices
• Drug addiction: the neurobiology of addiction gone wrong
• A viewpoint on empathy from social neuroscience
• Neuroscience in medicine: an overview
• Cellular and molecular neuroscience
• Discoveries in the mechanisms of melanoma Metastasis

Easy Neuroscience Research Topics

If you want to draft your research paper on an easy neuroscience topic, the following research topics can help you stand out from your classmates’ research projects:

• The role of formation of internal modes in young people’s motor skill learning
• Rewiring of the brain following physical trauma to internal organs
• Causes of ADHD: a research work
• Studying the methods of behavioral analysis in neuroscience
• Epidemiology, education, and prevalence of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Behavioral neuroscience: an overview
• Adaptive stimulus optimization for sensory systems neuroscience
• How is Alzheimer’s disease related to infectious disorders that affect the elderly?
• The study of neuropsychology
• Understanding the dynamic systems of neuroscience
• Exploring the brain with neuroscience
• Heightened risk of neuropsychiatric symptoms
• Cognitive neuroscience: a descriptive research
• Neurological problems caused by gut bacteria
• Discussing cellular neuroscience
• Developing artificial intelligence using neuroscience
• Neuroscience and education: implication of neuroscience in education and learning
• Studying mental and behavioral disorders
• The prevalence of traumatic brain injuries
• Oxidative stress is a significant cause of traumatic brain injury

Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

As we have discussed above, cognitive neuroscience studies how the brain forms and controls the ideas occurring in it. If you are thinking of conducting your cognitive neuroscience research, then these topics might help you.

• The digital expansion of the human brain
• Impact of social media on memory and cognition
• The cognitive neurology of vision and insight
• Intuition, danger, and the establishment of online trust
• Cognitive neuroscience of human interactions and behavior
• Studying the impact of a spiritual experience on the human brain
• Development of effective therapies for negativity and emotional pain
• The cognitive neurology of creativity and vision
• When the Brain Outperforms Behavior: Neuro-forecasting Crowdfunding Outcomes
• Untangling new approaches in hypnosis research: methods for developing mental and clinical neuroscience
• The fear of becoming insane
• What are the long-term cognitive consequences of wearing a hearing aid
• Opioids abuse and rewarding brain stimulation
• Influence of bad memories on the human brain
• Neural impacts of discrimination within the LQBTQ community
• Relationship between cognitive neurology and memory
• The science of how smell works
• Decoding the cognitive neuroscience of consciousness
• Current advances in cognitive neuroscience’s population theory
• Hypnotic suggestions and cognitive neuroscience

Read Also – 200+ Exciting Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Neuropsychology Research Paper Topics

Neuropsychology investigates the link between behavior, emotion, and cognition on one side and brain function on the other. Would you like to research some neuropsychology topics? If yes, then don’t forget to have a look at this section:

• Neuropsychology: a descriptive research work
• Discussing neuropsychology of language
• Treatment of ADHD as an adult
• A cross-sectional investigation of the neuropsychological effects of abstinence among elderly alcoholics
• Understanding the theory and practices of cross-cultural neuropsychology
• The neuropsychology of memory
• Examination, assortment, and insertion of neuropsychology
• A clinical introduction to cognitive neuropsychology holds
• Exploring the science of neuropsychology
• The contribution of neuropsychology to science
• Studying cognitive neuropsychology
• Neuropsychological assessment and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders
• A handbook on the neuropsychology of an adult and a child
• The past and future studies in neuropsychology
• Can a neuropsychologist assist a dementia patient? A qualitative investigations
• The psychology of love and hate among American hous
• The clinical approach and treatment of movement disorder
• Studying the clinical applications of neuropsychological assessment
• Somatosensation in social perception
• Resilience moderated by lack of insecurity in anorexic individuals

Cool Neuroscience Topics and Question Suggestions

If you’re looking for some cool neuroscience topics, you should also check out this section. We have compiled this section so that you will discover some fantastic research ideas for your paper:

• The infectious etiology of Alzheimer’s diseases
• The impact of cannabis on the human neuron system
• How are wrong connections abbreviated during development and plasticity?
• Cognitive offloading: an overview
• How does music influence human behavior and mood?
• A research analysis of the impact of age, temperament, and gender differences play on emotional processes
• New computational model of Alzheimer’s disease
• Factors of the brain that influence learning in children
• Impact of variations in age, temperament, and gender play on emotional processes
• Why does a traumatic event cause psychopathology in some people but not others?
• Why do we remember certain things while forgetting others?
• How do individuals retain information without being distracted?
• Changes in the brain that put someone at risk for Alzheimer’
• The motor bases of Misophonia
• Improvement in educational practices based on our understanding of the brain
• Identification and treatment of individuals with memory problems
• Stress or trauma: what causes them to influence memory and brain function
• The alteration of memory as we grow older, from childhood to old age

Read Also – 150+ Brilliant Child Development Topic Ideas

Neurobiology Research Topics

The study of understanding the nervous system and the brain’s functions is known as neurobiology. This field of science investigates the nervous system, brain, and associated structures such as the spinal cord. If you are interested in researching more about this field of science that this section might help you to form some exciting neurobiology research topics or use these topics as it is:

• The neurobiology of learning and remembering
• Neurobiology: how does neurobiology affect human behavior
• Circadian neurobiology: basic neurobiology and clinical applications
• The neurobiology of memory-based instincts
• Neurobiology vs. neuroscience
• The neurobiology of changes in human learning
• Neurobiology of semantic memory
• How an atheist sees neurobiology’s concepts and hypotheses
• Behavioral neurobiology of addiction: an overview
• Neurobiology of stress and anxiety
• Drug addiction: the neurobiology of behavior gone wrong
• Neurobiological mechanism of pain and stress
• The neurobiology of motivational deficiency in depression
• Circadian neurobiology and physiologic sleep and wakefulness control
• Neurobiology of particular behavior among humans and animals
• A network of connections between neurobiology and behavior
• The neurobiology of emotional perception
• Disorders and syndromes associated with neurobiology
• Key elements in the early brain development of human beings

Interesting and Exciting Neuroscience Topics

You will require a unique and exciting neuroscience research topic to grab your professor’s attention and thrill them with your research findings; we hope these mentioned research topics will help you:

• Delirium in elderly adults: causes and prevention
• Delirium and mental confusion
• A handbook on traumatic brain injury
• Aducanumab for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
• Functional cognitive disorder
• Discovering virtual reality between behavioral neuroscience and behavior analysis
• Oxytocin, Vasopressin, and the Motivating Factors that derive Social attributions.
• Clinical trials of stem cell therapies: progression and challenges
• Current developments and ethical considerations in neurotechnology
• Personalized brain networks among children and elderly individuals
• Multi-scale development patterns of growth among children
• A descriptive analysis of Parkinson’s disease
• Human cognitive mechanism: an overview
• Unlocking the mystery of the phenomenon of chemo brain
• HIV- associated neurocognitive disorders: complications and treatment
• The future of neurotechnology
• The new progression of killing deadly brain tumors by starving their energy source
• Why do brain nerve cells interpret information differently?
• Building and preparing the foundation of precision medicine
• The brain of a caveman vs. the brain of an explorer

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

There’s no better way of capturing your professor’s attention than drafting a research work on a behavioral neuroscience topic. This mentioned list of neuroscience topics will help you prepare excellent research papers:

• The biological sickness in Alzheimer’s disease
• mental consequences of having a high intelligence ratio as a teenager
• The role of gut bacteria on the mental health of human beings
• The mental health hazards of athletes: a narrative systematic review
• How has neuroscience altered the environment?
• The mental health hazards of athletes
• Clinical neuropsychiatry and behavioral neuroscience
• Behavioral neuroscience: a systematic review
• Psychological intervention in Alzheimer’s disease
• Discovering behavioral neuroscience of psychological pain

Controversial Neuroscience Research Topics

In each field of research, there are always certain sets of research topics that never get old. One of these lists of topics contains some crucial controversial topics. If you want to draft your paper on such topics, then have a look at the below-mentioned interesting neuroscience research topics:

• Head impacts in football: a biomechanical assessment
• The evolving opioid crisis: development,
• challenges, and new opportunities
• Neurologists’ role in combating the opioid epidemic
• The physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of marijuana
• Social determinants of disparities in health and stigma of epilepsy
• Conquering the incoming challenges in spinal muscular atrophy
• Pharmaceutical care: what is the future of pharma care?
• Exploring the brain network through evolutionary neuroscience studies
• The cognitive neuroscience of consciousness

So, you have finally made it to the last step of this article. We hope you have found this article helpful. In any case, our experienced academic writers are always available to assist you if you want some additional neuroscience topics. We will quickly develop a new, 100% original list of research topics exclusively for you. We can also help you with writing a paper . So, why waste time battling with that challenging research when our writers can do it for you?

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EDITORIAL article

Editorial: new insights into brain imaging methods for rehabilitation of brain diseases.

• Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Editorial on the Research Topic New insights into brain imaging methods for rehabilitation of brain diseases

This editorial on the Research Topic of Neurorehabilitation aims to concisely present the contributions of each study within the broader context of neurorehabilitation research, showcasing the collaborative effort to advance the field.

First of all the landscape of neurorehabilitation is enriched by the pioneering studies of Wang et al. , Zou et al. , Yang et al. , and their contemporaries, who collectively push the boundaries of our understanding and treatment capabilities for neurological conditions. These researchers harness a variety of innovative methods, from functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to machine learning algorithms, to explore cognitive impairment, motor function recovery, and beyond.

Wang et al.'s nomograms for predicting cognitive impairment post-TBI set a precedent for personalized patient care. Zou et al. and Yang et al. further this narrative by utilizing fNIRS to investigate cognitive impairment and the therapeutic potential of sensory tasks in stroke rehabilitation. The collaborative work of Chen, Zhang, et al. introduces a nuanced understanding of interhemispheric imbalance, advocating for individualized neuromodulation strategies.

In parallel, Lin et al. review the promising effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on dual-task performance, whereas Xiao et al. and Song et al. delve into the realms of music therapy and ultrasonic neuromodulation, revealing new therapeutic avenues. The studies by Yang et al. and Xia et al. emphasize the role of alternative therapies like acupuncture and the physiological insights from acoustic startle priming, broadening the scope of neurorehabilitation strategies.

Moreover, Liu L. et al.'s development of a rodent-specific TMS coil and Zhang et al.'s identification of biological markers for post-stroke depression exemplify the integration of technology and biology in research. Further contributions from Liu S. et al. , Chen, Huang, et al. , and Zhao et al. focus on the practical applications of these findings in clinical settings, from improving balance and gait in cerebral infarction patients to enhancing diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's disease.

The comprehensive analysis by Zhou et al. of oxidative stress in ischemic stroke underlines the importance of addressing biochemical pathways in recovery. Finally, Shen et al.'s study on the effects of focal muscle vibration therapy showcases the potential of physical interventions in activating brain regions for motor function improvement.

Collectively, these studies not only underscore the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in neurorehabilitation but also highlight the potential for significant advances in patient outcomes through the integration of innovative research and clinical practice.

Below I will further comment on the unique contributions made by different groups of contributing authors.

The study by Wang et al. investigates the prediction of cognitive impairment in patients in with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) through clinical and radiological parameters. They developed nomograms based on identified risk factors, such as age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, education level, hyperlipidemia, temporal lobe contusion, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, very early rehabilitation, and ICU admission, to predict cognitive impairment at 3 and 12 months post-injury. The nomograms demonstrated good discriminative ability, indicating their potential utility in clinical management and intervention planning for TBI patients.

The study by Zou et al. investigates the functional connectivity in post-stroke cognitive impairment patients using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). It compares resting-state functional connectivity among patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment, patients without cognitive impairment, and healthy controls. The findings reveal that patients with cognitive impairment exhibit significantly decreased interhemispheric and intra-right hemispheric functional connectivity, suggesting that fNIRS could be a valuable tool in identifying patients at risk of cognitive impairment following a stroke.

The study by Yang et al. focuses on the impact of a bilateral plantar contact task on dorsolateral prefrontal activation in cerebral infarction patients, under both open and closed eye conditions. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), the research found that performing the task with eyes open significantly influenced dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activation, especially on the paralyzed side. These findings suggest that cognitive-motor therapies, which activate cognitive control brain regions through sensory tasks, might be effective in rehabilitating motor functions in cerebral infarction patients.

The study by Chen, Huang, et al. explores the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess interhemispheric imbalance and its correlation with motor function recovery after stroke. The research demonstrates that combining TMS and fNIRS metrics provides insights into the role of hemispheric activity in recovery, suggesting potential for developing individualized neuromodulation strategies for stroke rehabilitation.

The study by Lin et al. systematically reviews the effects of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on dual-task performance across different populations, including healthy young adults, older adults, and individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke. The research assesses both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), focusing on their impact on balance, mobility, and cognitive function under single-task and dual-task conditions. The findings suggest promising effects of tDCS and rTMS in improving dual-task walking and balance performance across these diverse groups, although the heterogeneity of the studies and limited data prevent definitive conclusions.

In the groundbreaking study conducted by Xiao et al. , the team delves into the realm of music therapy, showcasing its profound impact on patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS). This ingenious and high-quality original research not only sheds light on the significant improvements in autonomic nervous system indicators and Glasgow Coma Scale scores but also leads to a pivotal change in clinical practice. By comparing the outcomes among patients receiving music therapy to those provided with familial auditory stimulation or standard care, Xiao et al. reveal the potential of music therapy as a superior rehabilitative intervention. The research convincingly argues for the integration of music therapy into the standard neurorehabilitation protocol, marking a transformative step forward in enhancing the quality of life and recovery prospects for MCS patients. This study stands as a testament to the power of innovative therapeutic approaches in revolutionizing patient care in neurorehabilitation.

The study by Song et al. explores the potential of ultrasonic neuromodulation mediated by mechanosensitive ion channels, highlighting its non-invasive, high-resolution, and targeted approach as an alternative to drug-based and invasive therapies. This perspective outlines the roles of various mechanosensitive ion channels like Piezo and TRP channels in neuronal excitability and biological effects induced by ultrasound, emphasizing the need for deeper understanding and further research in this promising field.

The study by Yang et al. focuses on the effects of acupuncture on brain function in patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Cognitive Impairment (CSVDCI). It utilized amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis in a randomized control trial setting to assess changes in brain activity. The findings suggest that acupuncture treatment significantly modulates the functional activity of certain brain regions in CSVDCI patients, pointing toward its potential utility in enhancing cognitive functions through specific neural mechanisms.

The study by Xia et al. examines the effect of acoustic startle priming (ASP) on the activation of the reticulospinal tract (RST) and its influence on motor response time. Through an innovative approach using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), they observed increased activation in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and changes in frontoparietal activity during ASP tasks. These findings suggest the involvement of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and frontoparietal network in regulating the StartleReact effect and RST facilitation, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying motor control and facilitation.

The study by Liu L. et al. introduces a novel rodent-specific transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil equipped with a custom shielding device to enhance focal stimulation. This development aims to improve the spatial focus of TMS in animal models, thereby facilitating more precise neuroscientific research. Their findings demonstrate that the shielding device significantly narrows the stimulated area without compromising the intensity of the core magnetic field, potentially enabling more targeted brain area stimulation in rodent studies of neurological disorders.

The study by Zhang et al. focuses on identifying biological features associated with post-stroke depression (PSD) through machine learning algorithms. By analyzing gene expression profiles and employing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), the research identifies key genes and metabolic pathways linked to PSD. The findings highlight the potential of specific genes, SDHD and FERMT3, as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PSD, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and treatment strategies in stroke patients.

The study by Liu S. et al. explores the correlation between balance function, plantar pressure distribution, and gait parameters in patients with cerebral infarction in the basal ganglia region. It focuses on analyzing how balance function influences plantar pressure and hemiplegic gait, utilizing the Berg Balance Scale among other measures. The findings indicate a significant relationship between balance function and various gait and pressure parameters, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving balance could enhance gait performance and safety in stroke rehabilitation.

The study by Chen, Huang et al. analyzed spontaneous brain activity in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in different frequency bands. They found that cSVD patients exhibited significantly lower ALFF, particularly in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and occipital cortex compared to healthy controls, suggesting these regions' involvement in cSVD-related cognitive decline. This research adds to the understanding of cSVD's impact on brain function and its association with cognitive impairment.

The study by Zhao et al. reviews advancements in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using 11C-PIB-PET/CT imaging and common neuropsychological tests. It highlights the critical role of early detection and diagnosis through PET/CT imaging in identifying amyloid deposits, which are significant in the pathology of AD and MCI. This approach, combined with neuropsychological assessments, can improve diagnostic accuracy, offering a pathway for early intervention and potentially slowing disease progression.

The study by Zhou et al. provides a comprehensive analysis of hub genes related to oxidative stress in ischemic stroke. Through integrating datasets and employing machine learning methods, they identify key genes and pathways associated with oxidative stress, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. This research underscores the critical role of oxidative stress in stroke pathophysiology and highlights the promise of antioxidant therapy in treatment strategies.

The study by Shen et al. uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to examine the effects of focal muscle vibration (FMV) therapy on cortical activity in hemiplegic stroke patients. Specifically, it investigates how FMV applied to the forearm flexor muscles influences cortical regions and correlates with clinical characteristics. The results indicate FMV can activate additional brain cortices, including the prefrontal and sensorimotor areas, potentially supporting its use in stroke rehabilitation to enhance motor function and neural plasticity.

Author contributions

BH: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Keywords: neurorehabilitation, music therapy, brain imaging interventions, TMS, EEG, fMRI

Citation: Hu B (2024) Editorial: New insights into brain imaging methods for rehabilitation of brain diseases. Front. Neurosci. 18:1397293. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1397293

Received: 07 March 2024; Accepted: 13 March 2024; Published: 20 March 2024.

Edited and reviewed by: Guo-Yuan Yang , Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China

Copyright © 2024 Hu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Bin Hu, hub@ucalgary.ca

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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The Neuroscience of Goals and Behavior Change

Elliot t. berkman.

Department of Psychology, Center for Translational Neuroscience, University of Oregon, and Berkman Consultants, LLC

The ways that people set, pursue, and eventually succeed or fail in accomplishing their goals are central issues for consulting psychology. Goals and behavior change have long been the subject of empirical investigation in psychology, and have been adopted with enthusiasm by the cognitive and social neurosciences in the last few decades. Though relatively new, neuroscientific discoveries have substantially furthered the scientific understanding of goals and behavior change. This article reviews the emerging brain science on goals and behavior change, with particular emphasis on its relevance to consulting psychology. I begin by articulating a framework that parses behavior change into two dimensions, one motivational (the will ) and the other cognitive (the way ). A notable feature of complex behaviors is that they typically require both. Accordingly, I review neuroscience studies on cognitive factors, such as executive function, and motivational factors, such as reward learning and self-relevance, that contribute to goal attainment. Each section concludes with a summary of the practical lessons learned from neuroscience that are relevant to consulting psychology.

Setting goals is easy; achieving them is hard. Why? This question has long stumped humanity and will certainly not be answered in this article. A full explanation of why it is hard to accomplish a goal or change old habits may never be possible. However, all hope is not lost. Research at the interface of neuroscience and psychology has made significant strides in uncovering the machinery behind goal pursuit. This knowledge, in turn, provides clues about the various ways that behavior change can go wrong and how to improve it. In this article, I present a brain-based framework for understanding how goal pursuit works and how to facilitate behavior change. Along the way, I highlight specific and practical lessons learned that are relevant to the science and practice of consulting psychology.

Goals and the Four Types of Behavior

What do I mean by goals? Colloquially, a goal is any desired outcome that wouldn’t otherwise happen without some kind of intervention. In other words, a goal is a detour from the path of least resistance. Formally, a goal is a desired future state (an end) coupled with a set of antecedent acts that promote the attainment of that end state (means; see Kruglanski, Shah, Fishbach, Friedman, Chun, & Sleeth-Keppler, 2002 for a summary). I present the informal definition first because it captures something that is missing from the formal one: a sense of what people actually mean by the word “goals” and how we use them. Technically, according to the formal definition, going out with friends to celebrate someone’s birthday is goal; it is an imagined end state and one must deploy various means to make it happen. But most people wouldn’t think of planning to go to a party later tonight as a goal. In practice, we set goals in cases where we need to do something that hasn’t happened yet and isn’t likely to happen on its own.

The difference between the two definitions of goals highlights an important aspect of goals and the way it is often overlooked. Goals are usually things we want but have difficulty achieving even when we know they are achievable. Otherwise, we wouldn’t need a goal in the first place. That sense of struggle is also captured in the term behavior change , which I use interchangeably with goal pursuit here. It’s not engaging in behavior, per se, but rather new behavior that is hard. To pursue what most people call a goal involves doing something different than what has been done before. For example, a primary incentive underlying achievement motivation (i.e., the need for achievement) is to demonstrate one’s capability to perform well on a new or challenging task ( McClelland, 1985 ).

To understand why new behavior is so hard, it’s useful to think about two dimensions that give rise to behaviors. The first dimension captures the skills, capacities, and knowledge required to engage in a behavior. This includes mapping out the steps to take and having the skill to execute an action, as well as related cognitive processes such as attentional focus, inhibitory control, and working memory capacity. Because it reflects the means used to achieve a goal, I refer to the first dimension as the way . The second dimension captures the desire for and importance of a behavior. This includes wanting to achieve a goal and prioritizing it over other goals, as well as related motivational processes such as volition, intention, and the nature and strength of the drive for achievement. Because it relates to the motivation to engage in a behavior, I refer to the second dimension as the will .

As shown in Figure 1 , these two dimensions give rise to four broad types of action. Complex-Routine behavior, in the top-left quadrant, requires some level of skill or knowledge but little motivation. Habitual behaviors reside in this quadrant: they can be quite complex yet are often triggered by external cues without motivation. For example, many drivers have piloted their car somewhere familiar, such as a child’s school, without thinking and despite an intention to go elsewhere. Indeed, a hallmark of habitual behavior is engaging in it even (or especially) in the absence of a conscious goal to do so ( Wood & Neal, 2007 ). Simple-Routine behavior, in the bottom-left quadrant, requires little skill and motivation. For example, walking, eating, and other behaviors related to primary rewards reside in this quadrant. These behaviors are so easy and effortless that we hardly think of them as goals at all. Because they are located in the same place on the horizontal axis and on different places on the vertical axis, the key difference between the first two types of behaviors is the level of skill they require. Simple-Novel behavior, in the bottom-right quadrant, requires high motivation but low skill to accomplish. Simple but new (and at times unpleasant) tasks such as changing a diaper belong in this quadrant. The most interesting kind of behavior is in the fourth quadrant: Complex-Novel behavior that requires high skill and high motivation. The goals that people care about most reside there.

Behavior can be divided into four broad categories defined by the level of motivation they demand (horizontal axis) and the level of skill or ability they require (vertical axis). Behavior change typically involves moving from left-to-right, from bottom-to-top, or both. Moving from left-to-right increases the motivational demand ( why ) of an action, whereas moving from bottom-to-top increases the skill level ( how ). It is useful to identify the vector of change required during goal pursuit and to target motivational (horizontal) and cognitive (vertical) processes as necessary.

Differences between adjacent quadrants within this space are instructive. The key distinction between a rote, unpleasant task (bottom-right) and a complex, hard one (top-right) is skill- and knowledge-oriented. Changing one diaper doesn’t take much ability, but building a machine to do the task for you would require decades of schooling. Both require high levels of motivation. The lesson is that moving up and down in this space is a matter of skill-building. In contrast, the distinction between a complex task that happens easily (top-left) and one that requires effort (top-right) is motivational. Driving to your child’s school is easy because you’ve done it so many times that it has become a matter of habit. In contrast, driving for the first time in a new country relies on the same skillset but feels much harder because it forces you to focus and apply the driving and navigation skills you already have. As you do it more it becomes easier, of course, but you can still do it on the first attempt as long as you try hard enough. Moving from left to right in this space, therefore, is a matter of effort more than one of skill or knowledge. Once a person possesses the capacity and knowledge to accomplish a difficult task, the missing piece is motivation.

Lessons learned for consulting psychology

In light of this framework, the first step to facilitating behavior change is to diagnose the source of the difficulty. Consultants and coaches can do foundational work with their clients early in the behavior change process to pinpoint the nature of the behavior change and identify how the new behavior is different from old patterns. The first step to helping a client with behavior change can involve answering these questions:

• Does the client already have the skills required for the new task?
• Is the barrier to change a lack of a way or a lack of a will?
• Is the person trying to move up, to the right, or both on the axes in Figure 1 ?

Once the most relevant dimension of change is identified, the second step is to drill down to learn more about the specific nature of the motivation or skills/capacities that will be the target. For example, consider the questions:

• If motivation, is the client lacking motivation to approach a desirable outcome or to avoid an undesirable one (e.g., Berkman & Lieberman, 2010 )?
• If motivation, is the client generally unmotivated, or highly motivated to a different goal besides than the behavior change goal?
• If skills, are they related to interpersonal abilities (e.g., empathy and perspective taking) or executive functioning (e.g., inhibition and attentional control)?
• If skills, is it possible that the client already possesses the skills but is stuck in a closed mindset and overly focused on one aspect of the behavior, such that a broadening of perspective might open new avenues for progress using other skills?

The relevant neuroscience will be quite different depending on the answer to these questions. In the following sections, I summarize the neuroscientific literatures on the will and the way with an emphasis on practical lessons for consulting psychology.

The neuroscience of the “way”: Executive function and cognitive control

Research on “the way” of goals and behavior change has mostly focused on constructs such as attention, working memory, inhibitory control, and planning – collectively known as executive function. A great deal of knowledge has been gained from neuroscientific studies about executive function, mostly about the neural systems and circuits that implement executive function (sometimes referred to as the task-positive network; Fox et al., 2005 ), and also about how disruptions to those circuits can cause alternately specific or broad impairment depending on the precise location and nature of the damage ( Alvarez & Emory, 2006 ; Stuss & Knight, 2012 ). Recent work has even begun to explore the bidirectional relationship between central and peripheral nervous system functioning in the context of goals, such as how activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during stress can influence executive function ( Roos et al., 2017 ). Together, imaging and lesion studies have illuminated many of the mechanistic elements and processes involved in complex goal pursuit ( Stuss, 2011 ). This information, in turn, contains some important lessons for consulting psychology about the capabilities and limits of executive function that are directly relevant to goals.

Despite substantial progress in knowledge of how executive function operate at the level of the brain, there is only sparse neuroscience research about how executive function might be improved. What little research there is suggests that executive function is more fixed than malleable by intervention, but there are some hints that targeted improvement might be possible. In this section, I review recent neuroscientific studies on executive function with respect to three questions that are pertinent to goals and behavior change: What is the nature of executive function? Is executive function a limited resource? And can executive function be improved with practice?

What is the nature of executive function?

Executive function refers to a suite of higher-level cognitive skills and capacities that generally promote successful human functioning. Attention, task switching, working memory, and inhibitory control are usually described as executive functions, though there is debate about the precise definition of the term ( Banich, 2009 ). Executive function involves some degree of updating information, shifting focus between targets or mental sets, and inhibiting irrelevant or distracting information ( Miyake, Friedman, Emerson, Witzki, Howerter, & Wager, 2000 ). Rather than enter that debate, I will describe broad features of executive function that are shared across most definitions. These features are useful for providing clarity and context for the subsequent questions regarding the limits and improvability of executive functions.

Executive function has three characteristic features: it is effortful , operates consciously , and engaged in service of novel goals as opposed to rote or overlearned ones (e.g., Miyake & Friedman, 2012). Effortful means that they feel hard and must be completed serially. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that one function of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC; Figure 2 ), among several others, is to efficiently allocate cognitive resources by tracking the amount of mental work a task will require ( Shenhav, Cohen, & Botvinick, 2016 ). For example, activity in the dACC scales with the upcoming demand for control and also the potential payoff of that control ( Kouneiher, Charron, & Koechlin, 2009 ). It appears that the brain has dedicated regions not only to executing control but also allocating that control to various tasks.

Regions implicated in the will and the way. Left: Lateral view featuring the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) and the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), premotor cortex (pMC) and motor cortex (MC), and the temporalparietal junction (TPJ) and supramarginal gyrus (SMG). Top Right: Medial view featuring the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and ventral striatum (vS), and the dorsomedial (dmPFC), medial (mPFC) and ventromedial (vmPFC) aspects of the prefrontal cortex. Bottom Right: Coronal view featuring the ventral (vS) and dorsolateral (dlS) aspects of the striatum.

Executive function is conscious, which means that it occurs within awareness and requires conscious attention. People know when they are engaging in executive function because it becomes the center of attention in a given moment. A classic example of executive function is mental math, such as multiplying 13 by 17. In contrast to things such as breathing or adding 1+1, you know when it happens because it occupies all of your attention, and it is generally voluntary. The steps involved in solving that problem recruit a host of executive functions surrounding attention: focusing attention on the appropriate column, swapping information in and out of attention, and restricting attention to the desired part of the operation to the exclusion of others. These short-term memory and attentional processes are supported by complex interactions among lateral prefrontal and parietal cortices including aspects of all three frontal gyri, the superior frontal sulcus and precentral gyrus, and the supramarginal gyrus and temporalparietal junction ( Figure 2 ; Nee, Brown, Askren, Berman, Demiralp, Krawitz, & Jonides, 2012 ). The role of these regions is not just to maintain information, but also to disengage attention from irrelevant or previously-relevant information as appropriate to the task ( Shipstead, Harrison, & Engle, 2016 ). The importance of redirecting attention underscores the limited-capacity nature of working memory and executive function more generally. Extensive cognitive processes and neural resources are dedicated to gating which information enjoys the focus of attention and which must be ignored. In this way, executive function generally, and attention specifically, play a key role in how open or closed we are to new ideas and perspectives during goal setting and goal striving.

In addition to feeling effortful and occupying conscious attention, a third characteristic property of executive function is that it specializes in novel tasks. It enables humans to do things that we’ve never done before. In fact, the basic role of the entire prefrontal cortex has been described broadly as coordinating behavior to achieve novel goals ( Miller & Cohen, 2001 ). The ability of our prefrontal cortex to plan and execute novel behaviors is one of the defining characteristics of humans and one that sets us apart from nearly all other animals. However, this ability is not unlimited. In light of the limited capacity of attention and working memory, the prefrontal cortex has a second function that is nearly as critical: to learn to automate novel behaviors to the point that they no longer take up precious space in consciousness. Research on this process of habit formation shows that as a particular behavior in a particular behavior is repeatedly rewarded, the systems that control it shift from the dorsomedial to the ventral and dorsolateral aspects of the striatum ( Figure 2 ; Yin, Mulcare, Kilario, Clouse, Holloway, Davis, et al., 2009 ). This shift is in part supported by the differential connectivity in these parts of the striatum, with the dorsomedial more strongly connected to the prefrontal and parietal cortices (involved in attention and working memory) and the other two parts of the striatum more strongly connected to the sensory and motor cortices ( Liljeholm & O’Doherty, 2012 ). That the process of routinizing behavior has a robust pathway embedded within some of the oldest structures in the brain speaks to the evolutionary importance of offloading effortful mental activities from the cortex as early and efficiently as possible. Thus, these regions are key for habit formation.

Is executive function a limited resource?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Many readers will be familiar with the concept of ego depletion, or the idea that the “active self” that implements executive functions draws upon a finite resource that exhausts over time with repeated use, not unlike a fuel tank ( Baumeister, Bratlavsky, Muraven, & Tice, 1998 ). Though there are literally hundreds of published studies showing the effect ( Hagger, Wood, Stiff, & Chatzisarants, 2010 ), it is likely that many of those studies are false positives or unreliable ( Hagger, Chatzisarantis, Alberts, Anggono, Batailler, Birt, et al., 2016 ). A large, highly powered, preregistered study recently failed to replicate the ego depletion effect ( Lurquin, Michaelson, Barker, Gustavson, von Bastian, Carruth, et al., 2016 ), and a meta-analysis uncovered evidence of publication bias in the ego depletion field such that studies finding the effect are much more likely to appear in print than those that do not ( Carter & McCullough, 2014 ).

On a deeper level, there is strong counter-evidence to the basic ego depletion effect, for example that taking a short break, watching a fun film clip, or even smoking a cigarette can reverse the effect (see Inzlicht & Berkman, 2015 for a summary). Active-self processes such as executive function are unlikely to draw upon a limited physiological resource if simple psychological manipulations can replenish it. Even more suggestive, there is strong physiological evidence that the neuronal processes involved in executive function demand no more energy than simpler functions or even than the brain at rest (see Kurzban, 2010 , for a review). There is simply no special physiological resource for executive function to deplete. The bottom line is that people get tired when they work hard – which is nothing new – but that, contrary to popular belief about ego depletion, that sense of fatigue is mostly psychological and can be short circuited by a short rest and a variety of positive experiences.

But what about the experience of depletion? Everyone has the intuition that some mental activities – certainly including executive function – feel hard and seem to drain our energy. The answer may be found by adjusting our understanding what exactly the limited resource is. The original formulation of ego depletion hypothesized a physiological resource, likely centered in the brain. That prediction is no longer tenable given the data. Newer models focus on the contributions of psychological and motivational factors to depletion instead beyond strictly physiological ones. For example, a shift in priorities from effortful, obligation-based, and prevention-focused “have-to” goals to enjoyable, desire-based, promotion-focused “want-to” goals could explain the decline in performance on tough cognitive tasks ( Inzlicht, Schmeichel, & Macrae, 2014 ); perhaps the “resource” is prioritization. Another possibility is that depletion results from an interaction between psychological processes, such as perceptions of upcoming task demands and available resources, and physiological factors including the peripheral nervous system, hormones, and afferent inputs ( Evans, Boggero, & Segerstrom, 2016 ).

A psychological model that fits particularly well with the characterization of executive function above focuses on its opportunity cost ( Kurzban, Duckworth, Kable, & Myers, 2013 ). Because we can only focus our executive function capacity on one task at a time, then any time we engage in one executive function task we are likely forgoing others. The cost of what we’re giving up is reflected in the sense of effort that comes along with executive function. The feeling of depletion, therefore, reflects the tipping point when the cost of putting off alternative tasks begins to outweigh the benefit of continuing on the current course of action ( Berkman, Kahn, & Livingston, 2016 ).

The evidence at this point indicates that executive function is limited in terms of bandwidth – how much can be done or stored or attended to in a given moment – but not in terms of duration in the ego depletion sense. That limit stems directly from the properties of the executive function system: the facts that only a small amount of information can be consciously accessible and operated upon in a given moment ( Unsworth, Fukuda, Awh, & Vogel, 2015 ), and that we actively track the processing costs of potential cognitive operations with respect to ongoing goals ( Westbrook & Braver, 2015 ). For precisely this reason, executive function was likened by the mathematician and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead to cavalry in an army, “Operations of thought are like cavalry charges in a battle – they are strictly limited in number, they require fresh horses, and must only be made at decisive moments.” (pp. 61; Whitehead, 1911 ).

Can executive function be improved with practice?

There is naturally great interest in the question of whether executive function can be improved, expanded, or strengthened with practice given its bandwidth limitations. Study of this kind of “brain training” is an active research area and a controversial one. Some researchers make claims about the ability to improve executive function with training ( Jaeggi, Buschkuehl, Jonides, & Shah, 2011 ), though these claims have been tempered by compelling counter-evidence ( Redick, Shipstead, Harrison, Hicks, Fried, Hambrick, et al., 2013 ). A fair characterization of the research to date is that people can certainly improve on a given executive function task with practice, but there is no evidence that practice generalizes to other, even closely related tasks, and task-specific improvements are unlikely to endure over time ( Berkman, 2016 ).

The core issue in executive function training is transfer , or whether the improvements on a training task generalize to other tasks. In some theories such as the Strength Model, on which the ego depletion hypothesis is based, executive function is a common resource that is shared across many discrete capacities (e.g., working memory and self-control), so expanding that common resource should improve a range of executive abilities ( Muraven, 2010 ). However, counter-evidence to ego depletion specifically and the Strength Model generally have raised the question about whether a common underlying resource even exists ( Inzlicht et al., 2014 ). A recent meta-analysis of studies attempting to train one form of executive function, self-control, revealed a negligible transfer effect ( Inzlicht & Berkman, 2015 ). Additionally, at least two highly-powered studies have failed to find generalizable training effects on executive function despite showing practice effects on the training task ( Miles, Sheeran, Baird, Macdonald, Webb, & Harris, in press ; Redick et al., 2013 ).

What is happening? Neuroscientific investigations provide some clues. A series of training studies on inhibitory control, an executive function involving the prevention of ongoing or prepotent behavior, found that performance on an inhibitory control task improves with practice and does not transfer to other tasks. Interestingly, to the degree that performance on the training task improved, activity in the lateral prefrontal regions and dACC that is associated with successful inhibitory control shifted earlier in time, peaking in anticipation of the need for control ( Beauchamp, Kahn, & Berkman, 2016 ; Berkman, Kahn, & Merchant, 2014 ). This effect can be characterized as a reactive-to-proactive shift in the neural activation involved in inhibitory control, and is akin to gently applying a car’s brakes when a light turns yellow instead of slamming on the brakes only upon a red light.

The observed shift in brain activity from later to earlier in time fits well with the general characteristics of executive function described earlier. Inhibitory control feels hard and occupies attention, so it is beneficial to the individual to automate the operation when possible. With enough practice and exposure, the habit learning system discovers regularities in the environment that allow the need for inhibitory control to be anticipated using contextual cues. Just as the frequent association of a yellow light with a red light teaches experienced drivers to automatically move their foot to the brake when seeing a yellow, so too do participants in inhibitory control training studies learn the specific task cues that anticipate the need for control. This cue-learning effect in training occurs automatically ( Lenartowicz, Verbruggen, Logan, & Poldrack, 2011 ), suggesting that performance improvements during inhibitory control training studies are a result of the transfer of at least some effortful behavior to the habit system. Habits increase efficiency during goal striving.

This habit learning process also explains the lack of transfer to new tasks. The advantages of executive function are mirrored in the limitations of the habit learning system. Specifically, while executive function evolved to deal with novel challenges, habit learning evolved for routine ones. Habits create efficiency by shrinking the range of responses in a situation down to one behavior. By function, they forestall new and creative behaviors in that situation. Habitual behaviors are triggered by specific contextual cues, which is why habits do not require vigilant and costly monitoring; that work is offloaded to more efficient stimulus-response mappings. The tradeoff is that habitual behaviors are necessarily tied to a particular context. If the cues that had been associated with a response change, then the habitual response will no longer emerge. For example, the ease of slowing on a yellow would be lost if the cue that preceded a red light suddenly became blue instead. In the case of executive function, training doesn’t transfer to new contexts (or tasks) because the cues are different. The brain treats the tests of transfer as novel tasks, which is exactly what executive function evolved to deal with in the first place.

Lessons learned from neuroscience about “the way”

The neuroscience literature on executive function offers some practical if not entirely hopeful advice about the “way” of behavior change. The first lesson is that executive function feels hard for a reason. It is a serial process, so the sense of effort that accompanies executive function is a signal that working on a difficult task necessarily means losing out on other opportunities. In other words, effort reflects an opportunity cost. In this view, effort also signals one’s internal priorities; the more important the alternatives are, the harder a focal task will feel. The inverse is also true: a given task will feel relatively easy when it is more important to a person than the alternative choices. Consultants and coaches can work with clients to reflect on their priorities and make them explicit, which can explain why some goals feel harder than others.

The mental processes related to the “way” operate sequentially, not in parallel. Executive functions can only be performed one at a time, so the most important ones should come first even if executive processing will not exhaust over time with use. Based on the portrait of executive function drawn here, the factors that influence the capacity for executive function most directly are other concurrent cognitive operations and the relative importance of the task compared to other possibilities. Together, this suggests that it is optimal to carve out dedicated, distraction-free time to work on important novel tasks and challenges ( Berkman & Rock, 2014 ). Our cognitive bandwidth is precious and operates most efficiently in (mental) solitude. Licensing clients to reserve work time specifically for new tasks can help.

Our executive function abilities evolved to help us deal with novel challenges. So, the precious resource of executive function should be brought to bear on any and all aspects of behavior change, such as goal setting, that benefit from openness to new ideas, broadened attention, and a wide survey of possibilities. In contrast, habit formation evolved to create efficiency by rigidly attaching one behavior to one cue. Habits can be formed to aid in other aspects of behavior change, such as goal striving, that benefit from a narrower focus and relatively consistent, fixed behaviors in a given situation.

Finally, there is not much evidence that executive function can be improved broadly by focused interventions (e.g., Lumosity; Redick et al., 2013 ; Shute, Ventura, & Ke, 2015 ), and some compelling counter-evidence. However, complex mental operations can become routinized by leveraging the habit learning system ( Foerde, Knowlton, & Poldrack, 2006 ). Habit learning is facilitated when the new behavior is consistently preceded by specific cues and then rewarded. This procedure can be particularly useful for behavior change if the new behavior will occur repeatedly in similar contexts. Research is underway to test whether a highly variable set of cues used in training can broaden the range of contexts to which training effects generalize. Nonetheless, some executive functions such as working memory may simply be fixed capacities for neuroarchitectural reasons ( Zhange & Luck, 2008 ). Rather than attempting to improve executive function generally, consultants and coaches should help their clients focus on improving specifically the skillsets relevant to the goal or new behavior. These will improve with practice and, with some proper motivation, become habitual in time.

The neuroscience of the “will”: Motivation, Reward, and Subjective Value

The question of what motivates behavior, in a general sense, runs at least back to the Greeks, with Plato’s famous analogy of the charioteer and his horses, through William James and Abraham Maslow, and continues to this day. In contrast, the question of what motivates behavior change has received considerably less attention. Psychologists have developed taxonomies of different “stages of change” to capture individual variability in readiness to engage in sustained behavior change (Transtheoretical Model; Prochaska, DiClemente, & Norcross, 1992 ), and of different types of behaviors within a person to capture relatively self-motivated, “intrinsic” versus more externally-motivated, “extrinsic” types of goals (Self-Determination Theory; Deci & Ryan, 2000 ). Much of this work is descriptive rather than prescriptive – it says what motivation is but does not indicate how to increase it. A person can be confidently described as in the precontemplation stage, but there is not much evidence-backed knowledge about moving him or her to the contemplation stage; likewise, some behaviors are clearly extrinsically motivated, though there is a lack of prescriptive advice about how one can transform them into intrinsically motivated ones.

As it did with studies on the “way,” neuroimaging research provides some clues about how to increase motivation to change a specific behavior. In this section, I review neuroscientific insights into the “way” of behavior change surrounding three questions that are relevant to consulting psychology. Which brain systems are involved in motivational processes? How do those systems interact with other networks in the brain? And what does neuroscience indicate about motivating behavior change?

How and where is motivation represented in the brain?

Motivation is conceptualized here as the strength of the desire to attain a particular outcome, irrespective of how pleasant or unpleasant the experience of actually attaining it is. This distinction between the motivational component of a reward – “wanting” – and the hedonic component of consuming it – “liking” – is maintained with remarkable evolutionary consistency in the brains of both humans and animals ( Berridge & Robinson, 2003 ). I focus here on the “wanting” side because of its direct bearing on behavior and behavior change. Wanting a reward is closely tied with activity of mesolimbic dopaminergic neurons, particularly within the ventral striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex ( Berridge, 2006 ; Figure 2 ), which is sometimes also called the orbitofrontal cortex ( Wallis, 2007 ). Of course, there are many other regions and interactions involved in reward learning, but I focus on these because they are the best characterized in terms of human functional neuroanatomy to date.

The dopaminergic reward system has been conserved evolutionarily because it plays a critical role in the reinforcement learning cycle. When a particular behavior in a given context it is rewarded, that behavior and context are paired and tagged with reward value for later repetition ( Rescorla & Wagner, 1972 ). Reinforcement learning is why behaviors that are rewarded are likely to be repeated in the future. (This is also why the dopamine system is implicated in addictive behavior.) The amount of cumulative, learned reward value of a behavior is its expected value, sometimes referred to as subjective value ( Rangel & Hare, 2010 ). In short, subjective value represents the amount of reward that an actor expects to receive for a given action, largely based on past learning. This learning cycle is one of the key impediments to behavior change: old behavior has been rewarded and new behavior has not. A protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for maintaining new behaviors after engaging in them initially because of its critical role in memory consolidation ( Bekinschtein et al., 2008 ). As described in the following sections, the key to launching this reward learning and consolidation cycle is finding ways to increase the subjective value of new behavior.

A notable feature of activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex is that it represents the subjective values of diverse types of actions, presumably to facilitate “apples to oranges” decisions between qualitatively different behaviors ( Levy & Glimcher, 2011 ). For example, activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex tracks the value of approach appetitive and avoiding aversive stimuli ( Tom, Fox, Trepel, & Poldrack, 2007 ), and also the subjective value of a range of stimulus types, including food, money, gains for the self and others, charitable decisions, and emotional and utilitarian benefits of moral actions ( Hare, Camerer, Knoepfle, O’Doherty, & Rangel, 2010 ; Hutcherson, Montaser-Kouhsari, Woodward, & Rangel, 2015 ; Lebreton, Jorge, Michel, Thirion, & Pessiglione, 2009 ; Zaki, Lopez, & Mitchell, 2014 ). These findings converge on the idea that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a central role in tracking the subjective value of different kinds of actions during choice, which strongly implicates that region in motivational processing during behavior change.

How do motivation regions interact with other brain systems?

One way to approach the deeper issue of where motivation originates is to examine the connectivity of its neural systems. In the same way that it is adaptive to humans and informative to scientists that sensory and motor regions in the brain are adjacent and highly interconnected, the regions involved in motivation are themselves intertwined with several other brain networks. Those interrelations contain insights about how motivation operates and how it might be increased in the service of behavior change.

As Self-Determination Theory suggests, autonomously choosing to engage in a behavior (relative to being forced) increases performance on that behavior because autonomy is an intrinsic motive. At the neural level, autonomy also prevents a reduction in reward system activity in the face of negative feedback, particularly in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex ( Murayama, Matsumoto, Izuma, Sugiura, Ryan, Deci, et al., 2013 ). Interestingly, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex has also been found to be active in studies of self-processing and particularly of self-affirmation , such as considering one’s core personal values ( Cascio, O’Donnell, Tinney, Lieberman, Taylor, Strecher, et al., 2016 ). Brain activation related to self-affirmation during health messaging has even been shown to predict the eventual degree of health behavior change that would follow ( Falk, O’Donnell, Cascio, Tinney, Kang, Lieberman, et al., 2015 ). Finally, a meta-analysis using the Neurosynth study database ( Yarkoni, Poldrack, Nichols, Van Essen, & Wager, 2011 ) found that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex was one of the largest regions of overlap between 812 studies on identity (“self” and “self-referential” terms in the database) and 324 subjective value and reward (“value” term in the database). The meta-analysis contained several regions along the medial cortical wall including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the posterior cingulate cortex, and the mid-cingulate. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex was the single largest cluster to be consistently associated with both identity and value.

The overlap between intrinsic goals, core values, and subjective value has several implications for consulting psychology. First, identity (e.g., self-concept) and subjective value are closely functionally connected to one another. This is not a surprise given the extensive evidence from social psychology and other fields that people have disproportionate positive regard for themselves (and behaviors related to the self) compared to others ( Greenwald, 1980 ; Pelham & Swann, 1989 ). We want, and perhaps need, to see our selves as good ( Rosenberg, 1979 ). Second, the value derived from identity and other self-related processes may have a special status compared to other sources of value (e.g., monetary) because of the high degree of overlap in the neural systems and conceptual representation of identity and value. It may even be that identity and value are inseparable, leading one researcher to hypothesize that the defining function of the self is to organize and prioritize the world by assigning it motivational significance ( Northoff & Hayes, 2011 ). By this definition, the self-concept is exactly the set of places, things, and actions in the world that hold value.

It is important to note that the valuation process subserved by the vmPFC reflects not only positive value, but negative value as well. For example, just as social affiliation holds positive value, the threat of social rejection can be highly negative in value. The experience of social rejection invokes similar brain networks as physical pain ( Lieberman & Eisenberger, 2015 ). Beyond its unpleasantness, this experience can enhance defensiveness and facilitate a stress response that detracts from other ongoing goals because it narrows attentional focus on the social threat ( Muscatell et al., 2016 ).

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex and related dopaminergic motivational structures also interact with cognitive networks, including those related to executive function ( Botvinick & Braver, 2015 ). The ventromedial prefrontal cortex appears to be a point of convergence where the motivational value of various options in a choice are integrated, notably including both effortful actions that require cognitive control and also easier, more hedonic ones ( Bartra, McGuire, & Kable, 2013 ). For example, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is functionally connected with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex when higher-order goals such as health concerns or social factors are made salient ( Hare et al., 2010 ; Hutcherson, Plassman, Gross, & Rangel, 2012 ). There is also evidence that the value of potential actions are reflected in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex before any specific action plans is selected ( Wunderlich, Rangel, & O’Doherty, 2010 ), but that value signals provide input to downstream brain regions that are responsible for selecting and implementing behavior ( Hare, Schultz, Camerer, O’Doherty, & Rangel, 2011 ). Taken together, then, the emergent view from the neuroscience literature is that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex receives a variety of value signals relevant to decisions about behavior, and its activation reflects a dynamic value integration process that subsequently biases behavior toward higher-valued actions. A promising route to increasing motivation, then, is identifying the value inputs to a new behavior (i.e., the reasons why the behavior is or is not valued) and learning ways to modulate them. I address this possibility in the next section.

How can motivation be increased?

The neurally-informed model described above suggests that motivation is guided by an integration of the value of features of the behavioral options. Behavior change can be accomplished by amplifying the value of the new (goal-related) behavior, reducing the value of old (goal-counter or goal-unrelated) behaviors, or some combination of the two. A clear example of the effectiveness of the first approach is contingency management treatment for substance use disorders ( Bigelow & Silverman, 1999 ), in which the value of drug abstinence is increased with monetary incentives. A meta-analysis found this approach to have an effect size d = 0.42 on treatment for alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, which was larger than therapy (d = 0.25) and outpatient treatment (d = 0.37), and comparable to methadone treatment for opiate use ( Prendergast, Podus, Finney, Greenwell, & Roll, 2006 ). Similarly, “precommitting” to buy more healthy foods at the risk of losing financial incentives is more effective than having the incentives alone ( Schwartz, Mochon, Wyper, Maroba, Patel, & Ariely, 2014 ). Monetary incentives also increase persistence at exercise ( Cabanac, 1986 ), endurance on a cold-pressor task ( Baker & Kirsch, 1991 ), and performance on a difficult cognitive task ( Boksem, Meijman, & Lorist, 2006 ). Simple monetary payments are an effective way to motivate behavior change.

“Money walks,” as the saying goes, but its scarcity makes it a less than ideal option for many goal pursuit contexts. Above, I noted the deep connections between identity and motivation. Other researchers have, too, and are now beginning to deploy identity interventions to increase motivation. For example, one study leveraged the fact that most people consider willpower to be a desirable trait ( Magen & Gross, 2007 ). The participants in that study completed an executive function task twice, and in between were randomly assigned to reconstrue the task itself as a measure of their own willpower or not. Performance improved from the first to the second run only among participants whose perceptions of the task were changed from non-diagnostic to diagnostic of willpower. Similarly, noting that identity is somewhat susceptible to cognitive shifts such as framing, construal, or priming effects, other researchers used a simple “noun-verb” manipulation to increase motivation for behavior change, presumably through a subtle shift in the extent to which the new behavior is construed as identity-relevant. For example, phrasing questions about voting intentions in terms of identity (noun: “being a voter”) instead of an action (verb: “voting”) increased voting intentions and actual turnout in statewide elections ( Bryan, Walton, Rogers, & Dweck, 2011 ). In another study, participants were less likely to cheat by claiming money they were not entitled to if that behavior was described as a (negative) identity (noun: “being a cheater”) instead of an action (verb: “cheating”; Bryan, Adams, & Monin, 2013 ). Each of these results is consistent with the idea that identity can influence motivation, presumably by highlighting the subjective value of desired (e.g., “voter”, “willpower”) or undesired (e.g., “cheater”) identity. This path is a promising future direction for motivation interventions because it is low-cost, modest in scope, and easily scalable to a broad range of populations and types of desired identities.

Finally, merely highlighting certain attributes of a behavior can alter the value placed on that behavior. After all, our attentional bandwidth is fairly narrow, so not all relevant properties will be equally salient at all times. For example, people’s motivation to act on a choice option increases as attention is allocated to it ( Krajbich, Armel, & Rangel, 2010 ). In another study ( Hare et al., 2011 ), participants were presented with health-versus-taste decisions with or without reminders about health. As expected, health reminders increased the likelihood of healthy choices. Tellingly, the healthiness rating of the foods (assessed earlier, and separate from the tastiness) was strongly correlated with activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex at the moment of decision, which in turn predicted the food choice. In contrast, when unhealthy foods were selected, the earlier tastiness ratings were correlated with ventromedial prefrontal cortex activity during choice. The results of these studies are broadly consistent with psychological framing effects (e.g., gain vs. loss frame; Kahneman & Tversky, 1984 ), whereby altering the relative salience of the features of a decision can dramatically change it. Though they are most often applied to decision-making, the neuroscientific evidence presented here suggests that motivation may also be susceptible to framing effects.

In light of the present framework, I focused on ways to increase motivation that are grounded in valuation. But there are other ways to increase motivation from complementary lines of research that nonetheless may be connected to subjective value. For example, Higgins has argued that people experience “value from fit” when their regulatory style (promotion versus prevention focus) matches the particular means through which goals are pursued ( Higgins, Idson, Freitas, Spiegel, & Molden, 2003 ). A similar “matching” effect on motivation has been observed with achievement motivation and performance goals: people high in achievement motivation experience greater intrinsic motivation when provided with performance (vs. mastery) goals, whereas people low in achievement motivation experience greater intrinsic motivation with mastery (vs. performance) goals ( Elliot & Harackiewicz, 1994 ). A plausible cause of these kinds of “matching” effects, which can be tested in future research, is that there is subjective value in experiencing fit between one’s dispositional tendencies and the nature of the goal at hand.

Lessons learned from neuroscience about “the will”

Neuroscientific investigations of motivation have established the major brain systems for motivation and identified ways that those systems interact with other parts of the brain. This knowledge, in turn, contains clues about how motivation works and how to increase it on the psychological level. Two are particularly relevant to consulting psychology.

The first lesson surrounds the extent to which motivation is tied to the past. The neural mechanisms of reinforcement learning are some of the most basic and ancient parts of our brains. For good reason, we evolved to be highly sensitive to learn where we receive rewards and to work hard to recreate the situations that brought them about. Attempting to change behavior in a systematic way by engaging in new behaviors, which have never been reinforced, often means working against this powerful system. Thus, wise advice for clients that is grounded in the neuroscience of motivation and reinforcement learning is to start behavior change with modest goals and reward even the smallest steps toward them. New behaviors emerge slowly because they are usually working against the power of prior reinforcement. Consultants and coaches can help clients anticipate and understand the difficulty of behavior change by explaining the neuroscience of reinforcement learning. Being cognizant of the challenges of behavior change can prevent frustration on both sides.

The second lesson is to leverage the intrinsic connections between the motivation system and other parts of the brain, particularly self and identity. The elaborated web of memories, beliefs, values, objects, and relationships that comprise our sense of self is paralleled perhaps only by executive function in its distinctiveness to humans. And it may offer a pathway to behavior change and goal achievement that is just as potent. A behavior will hold greater subjective value to the degree that it is related to one’s core values and sense of self. Identity-linked goals are more likely to be successful than identity-irrelevant or identity-counter ones. Consultants and coaches can be particularly helpful to clients in this arena by helping them discover core aspects of their self-concepts and the ways those aspects are linked to the behavior change at hand. And remember that identity is not a fixed construct, but rather is susceptible to framing, reconstrual, and other kinds of subtle influences. To some extent, motivation can be gained by finding ways to think about goals that makes their connection to important parts of one’s identity salient. Sometimes it is easier for other people to make these connections than for us because they have more distance from them ( Berkman & Rock, 2014 ); coaches can be particularly helpful in this regard. Paying people works, too, but connecting goals to the self-concept in various ways may be a more sustainable and accessible approach to increasing motivation.

Pursing goals and changing behavior is hard. Neuroscience will never change that fact, but it can provide some brain-level explanations for the difficulty as well as some new insights about how to mitigate it. This article reviewed the neuroscientific literatures on the “way” of goal pursuit – the set of cognitive skills, capacities, and abilities collectively known as executive function – and the “will” – the motivational factors that propel behavior. Although parts of the “way” are limited by constraints that may be difficult to change, the “will” can be influenced by incentives both within the person and without. Though neuroscientific investigations into long-term behavior change are only just starting to emerge they have already begun to contribute to the body of practical scientific knowledge about goals. The science and practice of consulting psychology will benefit directly from this research in the coming years.

Functional neuroanatomy of key networks

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants AG048840, CA175241, and DA035763 from the National Institutes of Health to ETB, as well as support from the Bezos Family Foundation and the Center for the Developing Child at Harvard University.

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100 neuroscience topics for you to use.

If you are reading this, it means you need the best neuroscience topics you could possibly find. After all, the outcome of your research paper depends greatly on the topic you choose.

The more interesting the topic, the better the grade. In addition, we can assure you that your professor will most likely award you some bonus points if you manage to find unique, interesting neuroscience topics. Remember that you should do your best to choose neuroscience research topics that none of your classmates have thought about. This is why our list of ideas is your absolute best option.

Getting the Best Neuroscience Topics

Writing the best neuroscience research papers has never been easier. You should just visit this blog post whenever you need a good topic. Our experienced academic writers are updating the list of ideas periodically to help as many students as possible. There is a very high chance to find some unique topics here with every visit. And remember, all these topics are provided for free. Use them as they are or reword them as you see fit. If you study neuroscience, we are your best option for interesting topics.

Easy Topics in Neuroscience

We will start our list with some easy topics that you can write about without spending too much time on your paper. Check out these easy topics in neuroscience:

• What is behavioral neuroscience?
• Define sensory neuroscience
• What triggers ADHD?
• The study of neuropsychology
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Neurological problems caused by gut bacteria
• Discuss cellular neuroscience

Interesting Neuroscience Topics

If you are looking for some of the most interesting neuroscience topics, you will be thrilled to learn that we have plenty of them right here:

• Link between clean air and amygdala health
• Psychological problems with high IQ people
• Anxiety caused by gut bacteria
• Main causes of schizophrenia
• Alzheimer’s patients’ behavior
• The seat of human consciousness
• How breathing affects our memories

Neuroscience Topics for Research Paper

Writing a research paper doesn’t have to be too difficult. It’s all about the topic. To help you out, our ENL writers have put together a list of excellent neuroscience topics for research paper:

• Research learning and memory
• How does the brain perceive other people?
• Sugar’s effect on our brain
• Neurons can appear even in adulthood
• Discovering a new type of brain cell
• Emotions and their effect on the human mind

Behavioral Neuroscience Topics

Are you interested in researching the subject of behavioral neuroscience? It’s a great idea and it works great in 2023. Here are some interesting behavioral neuroscience topics:

• Enhancing the brain through electrical stimulation
• Discuss optogenetic excitation
• The role of the Synthetic Ligand Injection
• Stimulating the brain with transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Research QTL mapping processes
• Discuss gene engineering

Neuroscience Paper Topics for College Students

Of course, we have more than enough topics for college. Take a look at our neuroscience paper topics for college students and pick the one you like:

• Neuroscience and development
• The role of hormones for the nervous system
• The science of smell
• What causes addiction?
• Neuroplasticity in teaching
• The effects of Parkinson’s on the brain

Hot Topics in Neuroscience

Do you want to write about the latest, hottest topics in neuroscience? If so, you should definitely pick one of these hot topics in neuroscience:

• Why are some people geniuses?
• The damage caused by drug addiction on the brain
• What makes a person insane?
• Managing the effects of Alzheimer
• Discuss the Fragile X syndrome
• Does aging really cause memory loss?

Cool Neuroscience Topics

When you need some cool neuroscience topics, you should visit our blog. We are adding new topics on a weekly basis, so you will surely be able to find some excellent ideas:

• Depression is much more than a mental issue
• A virus may cause Alzheimer’s
• What causes the Chronic Fatigue syndrome?
• The effects of cannabis on the brain
• What is cognitive offloading?
• The basic human personality types

Controversial Topics in Neuroscience

Why wouldn’t you write about controversial topics? In fact, we will help you out. Take a look at these controversial topics in neuroscience and choose the one you like the most:

• Electro stimulation of the brain
• The effects of head impacts in football
• The benefits of marijuana for the brain
• Fish oil for baby brain development
• Curing degenerative diseases: possible?
• Supplements for brain health

Cognitive Neuroscience Topics

We have more than enough cognitive neuroscience topics for you to choose from, so why don’t you pick one right now? They’re all free to use.

• What happens when you hallucinate?
• Effects of opioids on the brain
• Research autism
• Can we erase bad memories?
• LSD’s effect on language
• Cognitive disorders explained

Difficult Topics for Neuroscience Papers

Do you want to test your limits? Or perhaps you want to impress your professor. You could simply pick one of these difficult topics for neuroscience papers and start writing:

• Compare three neurotransmitter abnormalities
• How does the axon handle the action potential?
• Research the path neural signals take in specific situations
• Are emotions a biological thing?
• Dealing with development disorders
• Discuss the neuropsychology of language

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

Behavioral neuroscience is a very interesting thing to research and write about. Check out these behavioral neuroscience research topics:

• Design a behavioral neuroscience study
• Most important behavioral neuroscience studies in 2023
• The importance of REM sleep
• Brain-imaging technologies
• How does behavior affect the nervous system?
• Exercises that help decision making

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

We have a lot of cognitive neuroscience research topics that you can choose from. Give it a try:

• Sign language from a neural point of view
• Research implicit memory
• Language and the cerebellum
• Working memory: humans vs. chimps
• Analyze the prefrontal cortex
• Neural networks and neurons

Interesting Topics in Neuroscience for High School

Of course, we also have easier topics for high school students. These are the most interesting topics in neuroscience for high school:

• The role of sleep for our brain
• What is a degenerative brain disorder?
• Our self-wiring brain
• Are brain implants coming in 2023?
• Discuss the functional organization of memory
• Discuss ways to eliminate learned fears
• The role of dopamine in the brain

Current Topics in Neuroscience

If you want to write about the latest developments in neuroscience, you should definitely pick one of these current topics in neuroscience:

• Curing Alzheimer’s disease
• Best Parkinson’s remedies in 2023
• How effective are supplements for brain health?
• Discuss auditory perceptual learning
• Analyse the timing and source of brain activity
• Loneliness effects on the brain

Best Neuroscience Research Ideas

Below, you will find a list of what we consider to be the absolute best neuroscience research ideas. Pick one now:

• Internet searches and the human memory
• Marijuana use and brain damage
• Electrical implants and associated risks
• An emotional study of the human brain
• Research the causes of depression
• How do humans recognize family members?

The Study of Neuroscience in 2023

Would you like to discuss the field of neuroscience in 2023? We have plenty of topics that should thrill your professor:

• Current topics in neuroscience
• Latest breakthroughs in neuroscience
• Learning capabilities of single cells
• The power of stem cells
• Motherhood: the neuroscience behind it
• The causes of COVID-19 seizures
• Virtual reality games and their effects on memory

Do You Need Some Help?

In case you need even more neuroscience topics, our seasoned academic writers are at your disposal. We will create a brand new, 100% original list of topics just for you in no time. In addition, we can help you with writing the paper. Why waste your time struggling with that difficult essay when our writers can get it done for you in mere hours? Rest assured that you will get a top grade on your paper because all our writers and PhD experts with extensive academic writing experience. Let’s get in touch!

Harvard researchers are deeply committed to understanding nervous system development and function, in both healthy and disease states. Basic scientists and clinician-researchers work together across departments, programs and centers to study the nervous system from diverse perspectives, as described in the overlapping subfields below.

Image Credits

Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Courtesy of Lauren Orefice (MGH/HMS) Tools and Technology: Courtesy of Barbara Robens, lab of Ann Poduri (BCH) Sensory and Motor Systems: Courtesy of Lauren Orefice (MGH/HMS) Mental Health and Illness: Courtesy of Olga Alekseenko, Lab of Susan Dymecki (HMS) Neurodegenerative Disease: Courtesy of Jeff Lichtman (Harvard) and Takao Hensch (Harvard/BCH) Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience: Courtesy of Isle Bastille, lab of Lisa Goodrich (HMS) Theory and Computation: Courtesy of Tianyang Ye, lab of Hongkun Park (Harvard) Development Neuroscience: Courtesy of Katherine Morillo, lab of Christopher A. Walsh (BCH)

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202 neuroscience topics to write about in depth.

August 25, 2021

Neuroscience as a medical discipline deals with the study of the human nervous system and how it impacts the general cognitive function, productivity, and behavior of the human brain. What neuroscience pays close attention to is how the various parts of the nervous system function and the various activities that go on within the brain with the reactions that are easily developed when something goes wrong within this part of the human body.

Neuroscience is another discipline of learning that requires the carrying out of extensive research in such a way that it allows for new learning, realizations and that will aid knowledge in the neuro field. There are so many aspects that could be touched across while writing a research paper on neuroscience. As a field of study, neuroscience on its own is covered with interesting neuroscience topics. Some of the topics in neuroscience look into behavioral neuroscience topics, neuroscience research paper topics, and some other cool neuroscience topics that will be subsequently highlighted.

Neuroscience Topics for Research Paper

As a student who is preparing to undertake your research paper writing in the neuro field, it’s important to note that there are myriads of topics that could serve as good research topics within this field. All that is required is that you have a basic understanding of the particular topic or area you end up specializing in as it will enable you to turn out a well-researched and properly done paper. Some of the topics to look into are.

• A case study of the developmental stage of Alzheimer’s in the brain
• Is Alzheimer’s hereditary? A case study of hereditary diseases
• The distinction between ADHD and Dyslexia and how individual patients react to them
• Understanding how the brain assimilates and records sound waves
• The neurological effect of excessive brain stress
• Health causes of brain tumor
• The importance of mindfulness and how it enhances the brain function
• How the brain enables the enhancement of language skills
• Study of the root causes of Alzheimer’s
• Effective ways to manage Alzheimer’s at an early stage
• Understanding the relationship between the brain and stress
• The role of the gene in influencing the growth of Alzheimer’s in one
• A case study of some of the mental abilities that open up while aging
• A study of how sounds and words are received in the brain
• Does Alzheimer’s disease start at a young age?
• The health challenges that often result in wrongly done brain surgery
• The importance of Head CT before brain surgery
• The role Head CT places in the medical field
• The importance of artificial intelligence in brain surgery
• The importance of healthy eating to the brain
• Impulsivity: understanding how it is formulated in the brain
• Amnesia and how memory loss operates
• A look into some of the medical ways to manage Amnesia
• How memory can be reintroduced to an Amnesiac patient
• Understanding emotions, attention, and memory and how they’re formulated by the brain
• A case study of the structural differences in the brain
• The root causes of Dementia in people

Interesting Topics in Neuroscience

For most students, the challenge usually lies in how to formulate an interesting neuroscience topic that not only will enable them to score better points in their grade but will be interesting enough to keep a reader engaged with the paper. But, finding these topics or knowing how to formulate them is an essential aspect of preparing a research paper. Here, is a compilation of some of the interesting topics in the field of neuroscience.

• Brainstorming and its health benefits to the human brain
• Understanding the role of the brain and its reception to emotions
• A case study of how different music tones are received in the brain
• A look into how PTSD is developed in the human brain
• The role of chronic fatigue and how it impacts the human brain
• Ways the brain struggles during traumatic experiences
• Does music affect the intellectual capacity of a student?
• A study of the brain capacity to function between children and teenagers
• The various causes of head injury and how they develop in the brain
• What is nerve stimulation and how is its function in the brain carried out?
• What are the root cause of autism in young children and ways they can be handled
• The importance of memory exercise for patients with a minor head injury
• Some medically advised ways to handle head injuries
• The difference and similarities of brain disorder and brain damage
• The causes of bipolar in adults
• Some of the ways through which Bipolar can be managed
• A distinction and similarities between Bipolar I and Bipolar II
• Mental health: ways to manage mental health better for sound brain function
• How the brain processes hurt
• How the human brain processes the reception of cool images
• The importance of scenic views towards enhancing the brain
• The medical reason behind the implantation of electricals into the human brain
• A study of other body parts injuries that could affect the brain
• A look into how depression is formed in the brain
• The distinction between autism and dyslexia

Behavioral Neuroscience Research Topics

Behavioral neuroscience deals primarily with the study of how biology impacts the psychological reactions in the human brain. In many cases, it is either referred to also as biopsychology or biological psychology, or psychobiology. It focuses on the study of human traits and how they manifest in human behavioral patterns. There are so many topics that fall within this category of neuroscience. Some of the topics are.

• A study of how Schizophrenia is developed in the human brain
• A study of how the human brain constructs the mind
• The benefits of brain rehabilitation programs
• The experiences of children with autism and how behavior impacts their health
• The role of the brain in the Motivation to eat
• How stress reduces the brain’s ability to function
• How stress can hamper sexual motivation in women
• A case study of some of the brain reactions that encourage social behaviors
• Dopamine and the role it plays within the human brain
• The importance of audiovisual to the brain
• The different roles audio and visual qualities play in enhancing the brain
• The emotional study of the human brain
• How does the brain process type of speech
• How the brain processes the ability to recognize a person
• Behavioral patterns that could reduce the risk of depression
• A study of how drug abuse can affect the smooth functioning of dopamine
• A look into how to better manage activities that require the head contact
• Ways to promote good brain functioning while engaging in activities
• Mental health challenges and ways to manage them
• The behavioral pattern of people living with ADHD
• Understanding the relationship between ADHD patients and their behaviors
• Ways behavior influences ADHD
• How much Dyslexia is impacted by behavior?
• Best ways to manage Dyslexic patients
• Effective ways to promote good mental health in adults and children

Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

There are still so many topics that could be formulated from neuroscience. As a field that deals primarily with psychology and the brain, it, therefore, means that so many aspects of it can be looked into while carrying out research writing. If you are studying neuroscience and in need of topics to support your research, below are some other neuroscience research paper topics to look into while preparing your research writing.

• How to point out the developmental stage of Alzheimer’s in old people
• Stages of Schizophrenia in people
• What are some of the medical and behavioral causes of schizophrenia
• A study on how Alzheimer’s patients behave
• How to identify High IQ in people
• A study of some of the prevalent psychological challenges faced by people with high IQ
• How worrying affects the function of the brain
• Gut bacteria and neurological problems
• Understanding learning and memory
• What is neuroplasticity?
• Does Parkinson’s have any effect on the brain?
• Addiction and how it affects the brain?
• Medical treatments for managing brain disorder
• A study of medical treatments for ADHD
• The correlation between aging and memory loss
• Is depression a mental issue or brain issue?
• Is Alzheimer’s hereditary or is it caused by a virus?
• Symptoms of the developmental stage of chronic fatigue
• Is Cannabis damaging to the brain?
• A study of Cognitive offloading in the brain
• A study of the developmental stage of autism
• How to manage autistic patients
• The importance of hibernation to the brain
• The difference between hibernation and hallucination
• Impact of brain disorder on language

Cognitive Neuroscience Research Topics

Cognitive neuroscience is a branch of neuroscience that studies the various biological processes that inform brain cognition and reception. If you are preparing to write your academic essay in this subfield of neuroscience, the first thing to always note is the topic you’ll be working with. Here are some cognitive neuroscience topics.

• How the human brain is wired
• How speech is formed in children
• What are the ways through which excessive internet consumption affects the human brain function
• The link between internet abuse and brain loss
• A study of chronic pain and how it affects the brain
• Does the abuse of drugs affect the brain?
• The use of marijuana by teenagers and its brain effects
• The effect of addiction on the brain
• Understanding how the human brain internalizes emotions
• Does hallucination cause any brain deficit?
• A study of cognitive disorder in adults
• Does cognitive disorder occur in young people?
• Effects of opium on the brain
• Understanding autism spectrum disorder in children
• How to identify autism in children at an early stage
• Medical procedures for managing autism at an early stage
• Social limitation of autistic children
• Why do People with ADHD have trouble paying attention
• Impulsivity as a major challenge for ADHD patients
• Effects of the medication in treating ADHD
• The treatment plan for ADHD
• ADHD and how it affects cognitive behavior in adults
• A study of ADHD as a cognitive disorder
• Autism is a cognitive disorder in children
• How Autistic and Dyslexic students manage learning disabilities

Controversial Topics in Neuroscience

Every aspect of the neuroscience field can be considered controversial due to the very sensitive issues that relate to the programming and functioning of the human psychology and brain that it deals predominantly on. In case you are preparing your research paper on neuroscience and would prefer to look into some of the controversial areas in the field, here is a list of some of them.

• How deep learning affects the brain
• A study of how too much straining of the brain causes mental disorder
• Lack of exercise as the root cause of Dementia
• Hereditary brain disorders
• How to care for hereditary neural issues
• How poor nutrition exacerbates the brain
• Causes of cognitive decline in adults
• How visually impaired people perceive physical items
• How sufficient sleep impacts the brain
• Root causes of depression in people and how it affects the brain
• What are neurogenerative diseases
• How can neurogenerative diseases be handled
• Ways to regulate the growth of Alzheimer’s
• Clinical trials for the cure of Alzheimer’s disease
• The role of CT scans and MRI machines in treating brain injuries
• Medically advised ways to outgrow ADHD
• How to boost the brain through regular brain exercise
• A study of the benefits of consistent study
• Can Alzheimer’s be treated with other drugs?
• Sleep deprivation and its effect on the brain
• Effects of isolation on the human brain
• How information is processed in the brain
• Down Syndrome and how it affects cognitive reception
• Dysfunctional psychological issues due to cerebral palsy
• A study of the impacts of antidepressant

Social Neuroscience Topics

Social neuroscience as a branch of neuroscience has some resemblance to behavioral neuroscience. The distinction is that social neuroscience deals primarily with how the brain performs social processes. In this area of the study, so many parts can be touched across because it involves a wide range of topics that can be examined within this field. Social neuroscience deals with social interactions, and every other form of social activities and behavior that impacts the brain. Here are some of the topics to look into when writing your research on social neuroscience.

• Narcissism as a flawed personality trait
• How the nervous system reacts to hormonal imbalance
• How does chronic fatigue affect the ability to socialize
• How do emotions affect our attitude to things?
• How well can visually impaired people learn to drive?
• Challenges of physically impaired people in performing activities
• How does the brain react due to physical trauma?
• Psychological trauma effects in victims?
• How does the brain process music?
• How can stress levels cause memory loss?
• How does the brain process conversations?
• What are the ways PTSD affects an individual
• The effects of trauma on accident victims
• How to handle trauma at an early stage
• Medically trusted treatment plans for PTSD
• The distinction between PTSD and depression
• How to identify depression in young adults
• Challenges in the brain when the dopamine isn’t functional
• How the brain realigns after trauma
• Where does the brain store memories?
• Can the brain store memories for a long period?
• Effective ways of treating temporary memory loss
• Effective care package for patients living with temporary memory loss
• How medication can damage aspects of the brain
• Some of the brain rehabilitation process
• A study of permanent, temporary memory and their causes.

Hot Topics in Neuroscience

While some topics are considered controversial, there are other topics still within this particular discipline that are considered hot topics because of the level of engagements they continue to bring. Some of the topics that fall well within this category include.

• Do professional athletes suffer brain injuries?
• The treatment plan for professional athletes with brain injuries
• What are the best treatment plans for Schizophrenia
• How the left hemisphere of the brain functions
• Can schizophrenia occur in children?
• What are the sufficient treatment plans for PTSD
• Psychological trauma and how to handle them in children
• Ways to prevent depression in young children
• A study of the developmental stage of brain
• How does the brain articulate speech?
• How the brain programs knowledge for visually impaired people
• The risks of developing severe brain injury
• A study of postpartum depression in nursing mothers
• The medical effects that could arise from antidepressants
• Drug abuse and the lack of self-control
• A study of healthy eating habits that promotes the brain
• A study of unhealthy foods that affects the brain
• The impact of loss on the human psyche
• Language formation process in adults
• The challenges adults face while learning new languages
• The importance of language learning in childhood
• How the brain processes and receives different types of speech
• Important ways on how to care for the brain
• The brain is the most important aspect in the human body.

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21 Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas for Middle and High School Students

By Jordan Ellington

Project Support Manager at Polygence

By Logan Pearce

PhD candidate in Social Psychology at Princeton University

11 minute read

Neuroscientists study the ins and outs of the wiring within our nervous systems. If you’ve ever been interested in what happens within the brain to cause memory loss from something like Alzheimer’s Disease, this could be a great career path for you to explore! However, if the clinical side of neuroscience doesn’t interest you, there are plenty of other brain and cell related avenues to check out.

Neuroscience has many different fields of study that you can dive into (e.g., cognitive, clinical). Since neuroscience research often requires expensive equipment to measure different parts of the brain and the body, the project ideas in this article will focus primarily on literature reviews, which you can do from anywhere.

A literature review is a synthesis of key work that has been conducted about a topic over several years. Doing the research to conduct a literature review will deepen your understanding of your chosen neuroscience topic. You can present your research in a written report, YouTube video, blog post, podcast, or any other medium you want! 

Learn more about the process of publishing vs. showcasing your research .

3 Cognitive Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. the rhythms of our brain.

In this project, you’ll deepen your understanding of general neuroscience. How does our brain communicate? What is neural oscillation and how do neurons communicate? What are synapses and how do they work? 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Stacey

2. The Effects of Exercise on Long Term Memory

Exercising is important, and it has many physical and psychological benefits. Investigate the academic literature to understand how exercise affects chemicals in the brain and body. Then, conduct an experiment to determine if it is helpful to exercise before studying for an exam. For example, you could randomly assign half your participants to run for 10 minutes before studying for a short test, and instruct the other half of your participants to sit still for 10 minutes before studying. Give the participants a test immediately after studying and then 3 days later. Which group does better? 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Ahmed

3. Individual differences in decision-making during uncertainty

We make so many decisions everyday, and almost every decision carries some degree of uncertainty. Past research has heavily focused on studying decision-making behavior by examining group averages (which assumes that all people generally adopt similar decision strategies). However, there has been a recent shift towards understanding individual differences, which better appreciates the fact that people may employ decision-making strategies that are fundamentally different from other people's strategies. This project aims at understanding people's unique decision-making strategies when people have uncertainty about which decision will result in the best outcome.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Evan

4 Clinical Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. abnormal psychology.

How has scientists’ understanding of a psychological disorder developed over time? Choose one psychological disorder (e.g., Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder) of interest, and research its causes and treatments. Since this is a neuroscience project, make sure to focus on the brain mechanisms at play, such as how people with certain disorders have unusual amounts of particular chemicals in their brain and how psychiatrists prescribe medicine to regulate these chemicals.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Isabella

2. Neurodegenerative Diseases

This project is similar to the previous one; however, in this project you will research a neurodegenerative disease rather than a psychological disorder. A neurodegenerative disease is one in which neurons in the brain lose function and eventually die. The most common neurodegenerative diseases are Alzeheimer’s and Parkinson’s. What is the history of treatments for the neurodegenerative disease you’ve chosen? What are the neurological underpinnings of this disease and which types of people are most likely to have the diseases? What are the current best practices in treatments?

 Idea by neuroscience research mentor Deborah  

3. Marijuana and neurological disorders: friend or foe?

The use of medical marijuana for treating a variety of neurological conditions, such as chronic pain, autism spectrum disorders, and even Alzheimer's disease is becoming increasingly popular. On the other hand, studies have suggested that chronic marijuana use, especially during adolescence, predisposes individuals to mental health disorders. In this project, you will explore academic literature on the use of marijuana as a treatment for neurological disorders. Next, you will research the adverse effects of marijuana use, especially during adolescence. You can create a podcast, powerpoint presentation, or YouTube video to be shared with high school students, counselors, or other organizations.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Alicia

4. Do nervous jitters actually help you perform better?

Research the academic literature to understand what happens in the brain and body when people feel anxious and the sympathetic versus parasympathetic nervous system. Next, conduct an experiment to see how anxiety affects performance on a reaction-time task. For example, you could induce an anxious state in the experimental participants by making them watch a 5-minute short jump scare video. Control participants would watch a non-scary video of the same length. Have all participants complete a reaction-time task and compare the two groups’ performance.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Grace

4 Molecular/Cellular Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. optogenetics .

One of the coolest and most widely used techniques in neuroscience research today is optogenetics, which gives us the ability to control the activity of brain cells with a flash of light! In this project, you will research: How light-sensitive proteins were discovered and the basic principles of how they work in genetically-modified neurons; How optogenetics is used in research experiments to answer different types of questions in neuroscience; Some of the most important scientific discoveries from optogenetics and how optogenetics has changed the way we think about the brain. 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Marley  

2. Ethical and Scientific Considerations of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (iPSC) Research

Take a deep dive into stem cell research to gain a thorough understanding of the techniques and considerations involved. An induced pluripotent stem cell is an immature cell that is generated from an adult (mature) cell and that has regained the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. Do research into the ethical and scientific underpinnings of stem cell research and its medicinal uses. Once done, you will use your findings to write a review paper

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Chris

3. Sleep Medication: A bottle of lies or a bottle of dreams

Doctors often prescribe medications for people who have issues going to or staying asleep. However, many of these medications have mixed efficacy, and it is unknown exactly what they do. In this project ,you can investigate a currently prescribed drug/substance for sleep, such as ambien or melatonin. Research how the drug affects the brain, how effective it is, how it should be taken for maximum effect, and other details. If interested, you could also investigate potential treatments (e.g., endocannabinoids) that could be ground-breaking or have better results than the current medications. To complement your literature review, you could also conduct a survey to determine if sleep medications are helping people sleep.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Sean

4. Human Gene Editing and its therapeutic applications

In this project, you will investigate the history of therapeutic human gene editing, what therapeutic gene technologies are available or are currently being developed, and which conditions these tools are being used to treat. You may choose to focus more broadly on the history and current status of human gene editing tools and therapy, or focus more closely on a specific gene/condition pair that has been or could be explored for gene therapy (e.g., sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis). 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Jen

3 Perception Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas 

1. the neuroscience of illusions .

Our perception of the world and everything around us is impacted greatly by our neural circuits. For example, our visual system includes neuronal receptive fields that respond to changes in light. This responsiveness can result in funny perceptual phenomena such as the Hermann grid illusion . In this project, you’ll spend time understanding and unpacking the brain’s wiring and how illusions are formed. You can then create your own illusion!

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Emma

2. The Neuroscience of I Spy

How does the brain find what we are looking for? We live in a very noisy and complex environment, where things are constantly distracting us and competing for our attention. How do we make sense of all of this? It’s remarkable that our brain is able to process all this information (by filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on relevant pieces) in a meaningful and productive way. These processes are similar to the game ‘I Spy’. In this project, you will learn about brain anatomy, vision, and visual and cognitive processing.

3. The Neuroscience of Sensory Reactivity 

How does atypical sensory reactivity change our behavior? Our senses are powerful, and they can change the way we perceive and navigate through the world. When senses are hyper- or hypo-sensitive, how does this affect people? Select a specific sensory pathway that you are interested in and examine how it is disrupted in a number of conditions, such as neurodevelopmental disorders.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Jacqueline

3 Affective Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. the effects of positive affirmation on the brain.

In this project, you will research how positive affirmations activate certain brain systems and how we can use positive affirmation practices to improve future outcomes. You can even conduct an experiment to test if these affirmations are effective! Randomly assign half of your participants to do a positive affirmation for a week. At the end of the week, give all of your participants a survey that asks about their mood.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Termara

2. Animal Models of Stress In Neuroscience

Research how neuroscientists induce stress in animal models to gain insight on poor mental health and psychiatric disorders in humans. Stress can cause changes in the neurons and cells in the brain. It can change the behaviors of the animals as well as their neuronal oscillations (firing). There are many models to induce stress, e.g., taking away a mouse's mother early, putting an aggressive, larger mouse with a smaller control mouse, etc.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Sydney 

3. Zebrafish as a Model Organism

Zebrafish have several advantages as a model organism for diseases and biological processes. In this project, you will familiarize yourself with this model organism and investigate how labs use these little guys to study a wide range of biological mechanisms. Choose a disease or process of interest and investigate the strengths and caveats of using this model organism for said disease/process. Ultimately, by doing this project you will inform yourself on the techniques labs use with zebrafish to answer important questions in biology.

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Dina

2 Behavioral Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. topics in behavioral neuroscience .

How do brains generate behavior? Every animal, from nematodes with only 302 neurons to humans with over a hundred billion neurons, can perform an impressive array of behaviors thanks to the functioning of the nervous system. In this project, you will read papers on a variety of topics in behavioral neuroscience - including learning and memory, motivated behaviors, circadian rhythms, movement, and others – to understand exactly how neuroscientists ask and answer questions about how brains generate behavior. 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Ethan

2. To Fight or Flight? That is the question.

Our brains are wired from birth to respond to threats found in our immediate environment. These threat-activated circuits are responsible for regulating what is commonly referred to as our "Fight or Flight System". However, not everyone responds the same way to the same exact threat and not all behavioral responses are appropriate for the given conditions (e.g., fleeing from a friendly chihuahua may not be adaptive). What accounts for these differences in behavior? One explanation for these observed distinct behaviors is differences in past experience. How does previous experience affect our threat response? 

In this project, you will read various peer-reviewed journals to gain an understanding of how researchers have looked at experience (i.e. stress) and its effect on brain activity in the presence of threats. You can explore this question by looking into: 1) Human research of patients with stress-induced psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD). 2) Mouse research literature to learn about laboratory techniques used to assess defensive behaviors in response to threats. 

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Salvador

2 Additional Neuroscience Research and Passion Project Ideas

1. making fun science illustrations.

One Polygence mentor has an online platform called Fuzzy Synapse , which simplifies complex scientific ideas and concepts in a fun and easy way with a pinch of humor. They use videos and illustrations to depict concepts about cells and biology. After looking at the examples on the website, try your hand at making a video or illustration!

Idea by neuroscience research mentor Vinita

2. Explore Your Own Idea

You are the best-equipped to identify your interests and what you’d like to explore. If you have a neuroscience research or passion project topic in mind, you should go for it!

As you can see, neuroscience covers a wide range of topics, from zebrafish to illusions to sleep. You can check out the Polygence project ideas database for even more neuroscience project topic ideas to explore. Of course, neuroscience and psychology are closely related, so you should also read this article about collecting data in psychology to learn more about experimental, survey-based, and observational research.

Research projects are great because they give you an edge on your college application . You may want to write a research paper after finishing your research.

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Do Your Own Research Through Polygence

Your passion can be your college admissions edge! Polygence provides high schoolers a personalized, flexible research experience proven to boost your admission odds. Get matched to a mentor now!"

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Computational neuroscience articles from across Nature Portfolio

Computational neuroscience is the field of study in which mathematical tools and theories are used to investigate brain function. It can also incorporate diverse approaches from electrical engineering, computer science and physics in order to understand how the nervous system processes information.

Building an automated three-dimensional flight agent for neural network reconstruction

RoboEM, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based flight agent, automatically steers through three-dimensional electron microscopy (3D-EM) images of brain tissue to follow neurites. RoboEM substantially improves state-of-the-art automated reconstructions, eliminating manual proofreading needs in complex connectomic analysis problems and paving the way for high-throughput, cost-effective, large-scale mapping of neuronal networks — connectomes.

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Alignment of brain embeddings and artificial contextual embeddings in natural language points to common geometric patterns

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