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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

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Current Events

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

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

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

Science/Environment

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

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

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

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

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

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

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

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

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

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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

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

What's Next?

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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200 Easy Research Paper Topics for College Students in 2021

200 Easy Research Paper Topics for College Students in 2021

Writing research papers is a must-do step in any educational process at college. In many cases, professors allow students to be creative with choosing a topic to complete this type of academic assignment. This privilege usually sounds great at first glance. However, thousands of learners might feel overwhelmed with a wide choice of interesting research topics they can find online. 

The truth is that you can easily get lost in countless research paper topics available on different websites. Moreover, exploring and narrowing down the solutions for your essay might appear too challenging. The reason is that many research topics for college available online are outdated or contain too broad concepts for the research. To make your investigation process easier, we’ve collected a list of 200 new and innovative topics for composing an impressive research essay, presentation, or report. No worries if you have little writing experience or creativity - this guide will help you choose a fresh solution for your assignments in no time. 

How to Choose Research Study Ideas for College Students

If the professor gives you complete freedom to pick up a topic, we have good news for you. Now, you can select a field or niche according to your individual preferences and background knowledge! There is no need to compose a boring paper that will make you yawn during the entire writing process. However, make sure you follow some basic rules of choosing good research paper topics below.

Stick to Your Favorite Topic 

Are you fond of cars? Feel free to research the benefits and drawbacks of electric automobiles. Can’t imagine your life without sports? Explore the dope issue in professional sports. The key to developing a successful paper is to write about the topic that makes you feel excited. If you write about something you show zero interest in, the process will likely slow down and become more challenging. Therefore, always try to find something inspiring.

Choose Understandable Solutions 

Many students are interested in modern technologies or space exploration. However, writing on these topics requires having advanced knowledge in the corresponding areas. Still, few learners can boast of having a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, computer programming, or space technologies. That is why it is better to look for easier and more comprehensive topics to write about. As a result, you will reduce the amount of time for research and cope with the college task faster. 

Make Sure You Will Find Enough Information 

When choosing ideas for a research paper, you need to make sure there are at least several reliable sources you can use for researching. The fact is that if you pick a truly out-of-the-box solution, you might fail to find enough relevant information about it. The same rule works for outdated topics. In case you select a played-out idea, you will hardly find new and up-to-date sources to support your idea. Here is a little hint for you: if you are looking for the relevant information for a chosen idea but fail to find anything suitable, it is better to change your topic. 

Look for Clear and Understandable Concepts and Issues 

When searching for the best research paper topics, don’t forget to think about your audience. What does it mean? The fact is that it is necessary to pick up a solution that is completely understandable for both you and the readers. In other words, avoid sticking to extremely difficult or complex topics that might make your audience feel confused. In case you use some specific terms in your paper that might be unfamiliar to the common reader, it is better to explain them briefly. 

Try to Be Specific 

Picking up too broad topics for research papers is one of the most common mistakes of hundreds of students. To avoid this issue, it is better to stay away from too general solutions that can be described from dozens of sides. Otherwise, you might go down in tons of diverse data and arguments you can use for your paper. Being precise and choosing only the most powerful facts are among the features of any successful student.

Look For Something Unique 

Picking up topics for a research paper some of your classmates are also writing about is never the best choice. It is better to select an idea you will be able to describe from an unusual perspective. If you prefer to cover simple and comprehensive topics, it will be great to try an innovative approach to describing facts. However, don’t experiment with the paper’s structure and focus on providing exclusive and original arguments only. The best research academic papers are intriguing and inspiring. 

Be In Trend 

There is nothing new that trendy topics attract more attention from the audience. The reason is that they have a huge unexplored potential and amazing research opportunities. If you pick up an emerging topic, you will likely get higher grades for your academic assignment. 

Simple Research Topics: Education 

If you are still wondering which idea is the best one for composing your research paper, it might be good to write about education . The truth is that this topic is one of the easiest to write about. Moreover, you will effortlessly find countless relevant sources to support your ideas related to education. Feel free to grab one of these handy solutions you can put into practice when writing your academic paper.

  • Are Standardized Tests Good to Evaluate the Student’s Knowledge? 
  • How to Make Education More Accessible for Students With Disabilities?
  • Should Tuition Become Free at All Colleges in the United States?
  • How Can Schools and Colleges Support International Students?
  • Becoming a Student and a Successful Businessman: Is It Possible? 
  • The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Education Sector
  • The Benefits of Social Networking at College and University 
  • The Innovations in the Education System of the United States 
  • Is It Possible to Start Building a Career During Studies?
  • How Can Schools Stop Violence Among Students? 
  • Should American Learners Have a “Gap Year”?
  • The Analysis of the Finnish Education System 
  • Homeschooling vs. Learning in the Classroom
  • British vs. American Education Systems
  • The Teaching Technologies of the Future 
  • Should College Students Have a Part-Time Job?
  • Is There Any Discrimination at High Schools?
  • Should Schools Have Sexual Education Lessons?
  • Most Common Issues of Bilingual Education
  • Why Do Students Need to Learn Religion at School? 
  • How to Stop Cheating on Exams
  • Student Loans: Pros and Cons
  • The Pros and Cons of Same-Sex Classrooms
  • The Development of Women’s Right to Education
  • Montessori Method: Advantages and Drawbacks 
  • Effective Ways to Improve the Quality of Teaching
  • How Can the Issue of “Useless Classes” Be Solved?
  • Should Colleges Become Business-Driven?
  • How to Improve Modern Elementary Education?
  • Should School Children Wear Uniforms?
  • How to Stop Hazing at High Schools? 

Unique Research Topics on Health

To put it short, these solutions remain topical among young learners for years. If you would like to select a comprehensive and brilliant solution for your research paper, choosing topics related to health might help you finish your essay fast. What to research? Here is a list of ideas you can start writing about right now. 

  • The Impact of Drugs on the Human Body
  • How to Stop Consuming Too Much Junk Food?
  • How Much Fruit and Vegetables Should a Common Student Consume per Day?
  • The Correlation Between Mood and the Health of the Immune System 
  • Is It Possible to Stop the COVID-19 Spread in All Countries?
  • Why Do Many Girls Suffer From Anorexia During Their Studies?
  • The Mental Issues of the Most Well-Known Criminals 
  • The Impact of Classical Music on Overall Well-Being
  • Main Reasons for Facing Serious Allergies
  • The Importance of Regular Health Screenings 
  • Ways to Prevent Serious Mental Diseases
  • Kids’ Vaccination: Advantages and Risks
  • Birth Control Issues in Developed Countries
  • The Impact of Breastfeeding on the Kids’ Health
  • The Impact of Insomnia on the Quality of Life
  • Most Effective Ways to Control Obesity
  • Top Reasons to Consume More Fats Regularly
  • Artificial Vitamins: Should Everyone Consume Them?
  • The Role of Nutrition for Maintaining Brain Health 
  • How to Decrease Stress Levels of Teenagers
  • The Pros and Cons of Reconstructive Surgery
  • Acupuncture: The Hidden Health Benefits 
  • The Most Important Aspects of Neonatal Nutrition 
  • Impact of Emotional Stability on Human Health 
  • Uncommon Solutions to Improve Short-Term Memory
  • Should Elementary Schools Have Homework?
  • The Psychology of Gifted People
  • Top Issues of Cardiovascular Care
  • How to Keep Your Brain Healthy
  • The Impact of Sports on Human Health 
  • The Future of Natural Medicine 
  • New Strategies for Coma Recovery
  • Basic Rules of Sun Safety 
  • The Dangers of Low-Fat Diets
  • The Future of Antibiotics Therapies
  • Pros and Cons of Dietary Supplements 
  • Non-Medical Cancer Treatments 
  • Most Effective Ways to Make Your Brain Work Harder 
  • Religion and Health
  • Benefits of Swimming
  • Eating Disorders 

Easy Research Paper Topics: Environment 

If you would like to follow the path of Greta Thunberg, it might be good to start your way with composing papers related to environment protection and ecology. Explore the main issues in this field and come up with an impressive research paper in a matter of a couple of hours. 

  • The Main Dangers of Air Pollution
  • Greenhouse Effect: Myths vs. Reality
  • Ways to Stop Marine Pollution
  • Advantages and Drawbacks of Using Pesticides in Agriculture
  • GMO Products vs. Organic Food
  • The Importance of “Green Programs” in Developing Countries
  • The Problem of Radioactive Waste Disposal
  • Should Environmental Regulations Become Stricter?
  • Is the Problem of Global Warming Exaggerated?
  • The Problem of Water Deficit in Developing Countries
  •  Ways to Protect Endangered Wildlife 
  • How Can an Individual Help Save an Environment?
  • Why Should Children Learn About Global Warming?
  • The Advantages of Solar Technologies
  • The Main Dangers of Producing Too Much Plastic
  • How to Start Using Eco-Friendly Products?
  • The Changes in the Climate of Earth in the 21st Century
  • The Analysis of the Deforestation Levels in South America
  • How to Improve Access to Clean Water in All Countries Globally? 
  • Is It Possible to Manage Overpopulation?
  • The Prospects of Nuclear Energy

Interesting Topics to Research: Technology and Media 

Modern technologies are developing at a breakneck speed. The new solutions, apps, and approaches revolutionize different industries and elevate the quality of lives of millions of people. If you choose a nice solution about innovation and computing for your essay, you will definitely have a chance to attract the attention of the audience. Top research papers topics ideas are right here below! 

  • The Possible Ways to Develop Artificial Intelligence Systems
  • How Will Smartphones Change in the Near Future?
  • The Benefits of Cloud Solutions in Storing Data
  • Top Areas to Use Drone Technologies
  • Ecommerce Solutions vs. Local Retailers
  • Online Currencies and Their Impact on the Global Financial System
  • How to Avoid the Dangers of the Dark Web?
  • Will Self-Driving Cars Become Common in the Future?
  • Privacy Issues Online
  • The Future of Blogging
  • Online vs. Offline Communication
  • Will People Colonize Mars?
  • Nanomedicine: Myths and Realities
  • Online Payments and Paper Money 
  • Breaking the Sound Barrier 
  • Is Social Media a New Technology?
  • Technologies That Might Impact Human Behavior
  • Safest Ways to Store Information in the 21st Century 
  • How Do Modern Technologies Allow People to Work From Home?
  • The Impact of Modern Technologies on Globalization
  • The Perspectives of Online Gaming
  • The Impact of Advertisements on Kids and Teens
  • Newest Technologies Used in Surgery
  • Internet Addiction and the Ways to Prevent It 
  • Censorship Control

Top Solutions Related to Business and Economy 

Many students are looking for research papers topics for college-related to the economy, e-commerce, and business. If you are one of them, explore this ultimate list of the newest ideas related to these popular spheres.

  • Most Effective Ways to Improve the Economy of the Developed Countries
  • How to Start Your Business in E-Commerce
  • Modern Ways to Manage Inflation
  • How to Fight Poverty and Hunger 
  • The Role of Taxes in the Modern Economy
  • How Did Industrialization Change the World?
  • International Tourism During the Pandemic Times
  • Industries That Were Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis
  • The Correlation Between Culture and Economic Growth
  • How Can Immigration Impact the Country’s Economy?
  • The Global Pandemic and Employment Rates
  • Role of a Leader in Modern Business
  • Choosing the Best Work Environment 
  • The Impact of Corporate Culture on the Employment Rate
  • How to Set Up Effective Business Links?
  • The Most Common Issue of Taxation of Small Businesses
  • The Advantages of a Four-Day Workweek
  • How to Stop Discrimination at the Workplace?
  • Drawbacks of Using Unethical Business Practices
  • Social Media Ads to Promote Small Businesses 
  • How to Improve the Effectiveness of a Human Resource Department? 
  • Why Do Companies Attract International Investors?
  • Most Effective Types of Business Models
  • How to Become More Competitive in a Chosen Market?
  • Government Regulations and Business
  • Basic Reasons to Increase the Minimum Wage in the United States
  • Most Promising Business Ideas for the Near Future

Hot Topics for Research Paper: Family and Communication

Family is an essential part of our lives. How to set up healthy family relationships? What is the role of parents in raising children? Feel free to use any of these ideas for your research paper.  By the way, good research topics related to communication are also collected in this paragraph. 

  • Marital Rape and Its Impact on the Personality
  • Impact of Divorce on Kids and Teens
  • How to Stop Abusive Relationships?
  • How to Make Your Children Happier?
  • Effective Ways to Solve Conflicts in Families
  • How to Improve Communication Between Siblings?
  • Role of Grandparents in Raising Children 
  • Lack of Communication Between Family Members
  • Why Do Children Kill Abusive Parents?
  • The Impact of Parents’ Depression on Their Children
  • Happy Childhood and Leadership 
  • Advantages of Having a Big Family
  • Drugs and Alcoholism in Modern Families
  • Impact of Home Life on Child Development 
  • Do All Children Need to Respect Their Parents?
  • The Criticism of Freud’s Theories
  • Important Parental Rights
  • Gender Roles in the Family
  • Basic Family Values
  • Domestic Abuse 

Easy and Interesting Research Paper Topics

Many students face difficulties when choosing an idea for composing an academic paper. If you are not good at writing on education, health, business, or family relationships, it might be great to search for something more exciting. Here is a list of diverse topics you might find good-looking. 

  • The Role of International Health Organizations in Modern Society 
  • Corporate and Business Laws: Most Common Issues
  • Why Do Many People Watch TV Shows and Series?
  • Future of Chinese Economy
  • The Future of Video Streaming Services
  • Women’s Rights in the Modern World
  • How to Support Global Peacekeeping 
  • Gender Stereotypes in Advertising
  • Classical Hollywood Cinema 
  • Landmark Court Decisions
  • Possible Ways to Use 3d Printers
  • Portrayals of Superheroes in Movies
  • Cannabis Legalization: Pros and Cons
  • Should Companies Stop Animal Testing?
  • Criminalizing Protests
  • Socialism vs. Capitalism
  • How Has Feminism Changed Over the Years?
  • Origins of Racial Discrimination 
  • Should Modern People Read More?
  • Top Effective Promotion Solutions for Startups
  • Crowdfunding & Outsourcing
  • Policies That Are Related to Transgenders 
  • Role of Cultural Revolutions
  • How to Decrease Crime Rates in Big Cities?
  • What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Fracking?
  • Freedom of Religion: Basic Issues
  • Body Cameras for Police Officers: Pros and Cons
  • Should Penalties for Drunk Driving Become Stricter?
  • Abstinence Program: Do They Truly Work?
  • The Importance of Writing Research Papers at Colleges
  • Effective Techniques to Erase Bad Memories 
  • Ways to Solve the Immigration Crisis
  • Stereotypes in Modern Culture
  • Gun Safety and Control Policies

Top Tips to Writing a Winning Research Paper 

Picking up an excellent topic is only about 20% of the job you need to do to compose a flawless research paper. What’s next? Are there any prompts that might help you finish your assignment in no time? Sure! Our experts are ready to share some secrets on composing fantastic essays within the shortest terms. 

Double-Check the Professor’s Instructions 

The secret truth is that there are many types of research papers you might face during your studies. Consequently, these papers might have different requirements and writing rules you need to follow. How to find out how to compose your essay? The easiest way to discover all details is to read the instructions shared by the professor. Although it is a must step all students need to do before they start writing, many learners often forget about this easy rule. By the way, what information can you find in the college writing instructions? As a rule, you will find these types of data:

  • deadlines for completing assignments;
  • formatting styles;
  • the tone of voice you need to use;
  • assignment goals;
  • length specifications;
  • list of topics;
  • key features for your writing;
  • submission method;
  • most common mistakes you need to avoid. 

It is recommended to read the instructions at least a couple of times to make sure you understand all the requirements and specifications of your research paper. Avoid starting to write your essay before you’ve learned its basic rules. 

Be Realistic 

Many students are very confident about their research and writing skills. Therefore, thousands of learners still believe they can effortlessly develop a top-notch research paper in just a couple of hours. However, even professional writers can’t compose a superior 3000-word essay in just an hour. 

Therefore, it is vital to be realistic when setting up your individual deadlines and creating writing schedules to cope with your academic assignments. Even if you choose current research topics that are incredibly easy to write about, you will still need to do advanced research, choose trustworthy sources, and pick up the most impressive arguments for your paper. All these tasks might take you plenty of time. 

It is also not recommended to write research papers at the last moment. First, you might fail to meet the deadline. Second, you might easily come up with poor quality writing because of being unattentive. Third, you will hardly have enough time to proofread and edit your essay. Fourth, when in a hurry, you might copy and paste data from different sources into your paper. This will inevitably lead to extremely high plagiarism levels. All these issues might lead to receiving low grades for your academic assignment. 

Follow the Rules 

There are many writing rules you will need to follow. However, the basic one is to choose a traditional structure of an academic paper. In other words, your research paper will need to have an introduction, body paragraphs, and the conclusion. Avoid being creative when choosing the structure of your paper - it is the worst place for showing off your innovation. If you would like to stand out from the crowd of other learners, it is better to select an out-of-the-box topic for your assignment. 

Proofread and Edit Your Paper

 Many students are so tired of doing the research and writing that they often forget to proofread their papers. However, this is an important step in completing any type of academic assignment. If you proofread your essay, you can easily detect dozens of inconsistencies, mistakes, and typos. Moreover, you can also find some repetitive phrases, sentences, or facts in your paper. All these issues can drastically worsen your quality of writing. Even if you are sure your writing is 100% excellent, make sure to proofread it before passing it to the professor. 

Check Originality 

Plagiarism is a true nightmare of any diligent student. How to avoid this serious issue when composing your academic paper? First, make sure to share the results of your analysis uniquely and uncommonly. Second, use citations carefully. Third, check your essay for plagiarism online! You can find dozens of plagiarism detecting tools and utilities designed for students on many websites. Feel free to use a couple of solutions to make sure your essay is fresh and original. If you suddenly find out your paper has a high plagiarism level, make sure to make significant modifications and be more original. After that, double-check your essay once again. 

The Best Way to Get a Perfect Research Paper 

There are plenty of important research topics you can use in your academic writing. But what if you’ve chosen a great idea but fail to compose a unique and flawless paper? Is there any solution if you don’t have enough time to meet the professor's deadline? Sure!

Thousands of students fail to deliver college or university assignments on time. The reasons for this issue might significantly vary. Some learners are not skilled writers, while others might not have a deep understanding of the chosen field. Moreover, many students are trying to build careers or dedicate all their free time to sports. Anyway, failure to meet deadlines might worsen the student’s academic performance and other problems related to studies. The good news is that you can avoid facing all these issues!

Our professional writers are always ready to help you complete any type of research paper within the shortest terms. You don’t need to provide any reasons for asking for writing help - we understand the students’ pain and can provide you with pro assistance anytime. Just place an order on our website, choose the deadline, and forget about all your learning issues. You will get a perfectly written academic paper right when you need it. We have thousands of happy customers and impressive guarantees, so you can always trust our service. We value each customer and always deliver superior papers to each of our clients.

Ultimate List of 265 Research Topics for College Students

Ultimate List of 265 Research Topics for College Students

How often do you freeze up after receiving an assignment to write a research paper? We know how tough it can be, particularly in a flood of possible research topics for students. Choosing that one idea from plenty of research proposal topics for college students is the foremost step in any academic project.

Lack of inspiration? We made an ultimate list of research topics for college students. You will find art, biology, social science, education, and even more fun research topics for college students. Don’t scour the tons of outdated or dull topics anymore. A much better alternative would be to look at essay examples instead. 

What’s more, we prepared three main steps to start converting the chosen topic into a successful research paper. Besides, we will dispel any uncertainty in research importance. 

Is Research Important?

  • Art Research Topics
  • Biology Research Topics
  • Educational Topics
  • Environmental Topics

Gender Research Topics

  • Law Research Topics

Literature Research Topics

  • Music Research Topics
  • Psychology Topics
  • Religion Research Topics
  • Science Research Topics
  • Social Science Topics

Sports Research Paper Topics

How to start a research paper, top 10 research topics for college students:.

  • Human impact on biodiversity loss
  • Internet’s effect on freedom of speech
  • Is isolation a cause of child abuse?
  • Negative effect of pop culture trends on youth
  • Pros and cons of free education
  • Is AI a threat to humans?
  • The impact of modern technology on ecology
  • Can nuclear power be safe?
  • Economic impact of GMO food
  • Negative effect of climate change on economy

Before getting into the importance of research, let’s understand what kind of work it is.

Research is an analysis aimed at discovering of new facts or revising existing theories. It consists of several steps. The most common are:

  • Research methodology setting
  • Research problem statement
  • Data extraction and gathering
  • Assessment of the gathered data
  • Conclusions summarizing

What Are the Purposes of Research?

The intentions are countless, but here are the general ones:

✨ to accept or reject a hypothesis; ✨ to gather information on a phenomenon or subject; ✨ to initiate further research or to “dig deeper.”

Why Is It important?

Research makes our life easier. The underlying cause of new discoveries is to understand how things work. If we acquire that data, we’ll know how to get practical value out of it.

Think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. As we meet our deficiency needs, its level grows. At the same time, the demand for new knowledge increases. That is why discovering new is a never-ending process.

That is all clear. But you may ask: why do I need research skills in my day-to-day life?

After graduation, you will most likely still need research skills at work. No matter what the industry is. Either you decided to excel in science or form a hi-tech startup. If you want to achieve success, you should have strong research skills.

All in all, having research skills is one of the core elements of personal and social growth. It helps to generate additional findings or set new questions around existing knowledge.

Now let’s move on to the list of research topics.

Art Research Paper Topics

We’ll start from the study area, which is difficult to measure. We talk about art. For some, it may seem easier to study than exact sciences. But still, the number of questions about various genres, forms, and art styles is beyond imagination.

Why should we not overestimate the importance of studying art ?

Art is not just something for connoisseurs. It has always been and still is vital for the whole of society. What affected humanity’s development? Of course, the way people express their everyday life or feelings through art.

Besides, thanks to art, we can see things from different perspectives. It makes us open-minded and helps to develop critical thinking. And, most apparently, art fills our lives with beauty and elegance.

Art is so diverse that students may struggle to choose from a myriad of research areas. Here are some of the hottest art research paper topics for you:

  • The influence of the internet and social networks on art.
  • Researching of Greek mythological painting.
  • The comparison of modern art in the United States and Europe.
  • The representation of art in Lars von Trier’s films.
  • The influence of African-American cultural heritage on modern American art.
  • What are the features of contemporary art ?
  • Frida Khalo and her sources of inspiration.
  • The role of Kazimir Malevich in abstract art development.
  • Art in the early renaissance and today’s European society .
  • Art therapy techniques: what are they and are they effective?
  • The difference of women’s representation in ancient and modern art .
  • Comparative analysis of modern and classic cubism .
  • The history and main features of abstract expressionism .
  • The relationship between art and globalization .
  • The influence of art on the fashion industry in Japan.

Biology Research Topics for College Students

Let’s move on to biology. This science deals with vital processes of living organisms. We’ve gathered a list of topics from different biology fields. You’ll find essay ideas from the fields of botany and zoology to genetics.

Research in biology has one distinctive feature. It is the use of research lab equipment. If you don’t use it and base your research on other sources — make sure they are credible.

What are the attributes of a research paper in biology?

Molecular biology, cellular, and other categories of biology imply accurate measurements. There is no place for mistakes here. Otherwise, the relevance of research results would be insignificant. A researcher should be scrupulous in calculations and statements.

So, feel free to pick up any topics from the list below. Study them thoroughly!

  • The impact of global warming on marine life.
  • Extensive research of photosynthesis aspects and functions.
  • Thyroid hormones and their impact on the female body.

Thyroid hormones fact.

  • DNA structure, modifications, and genetic disorders .
  • Is it ethical to test cosmetics on animals ?
  • The ability of living organisms to adapt to changing environments.
  • The need for the protection of rare and endangered species .
  • The role of sustainability in biology.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of organic farming .
  • The role of neurobiology in artificial intelligence development.
  • The discovery and impact of Darwin’s theory .
  • The discovery, history, and importance of vaccination .
  • The role of microbes and microbiology in health .
  • Neurobiology and its association with emotional trauma .
  • Biology: mechanical signals regulating development .
  • Cultural variations in environment and biology: AIDS .
  • A review of the ecology and biology of the whale shark.
  • Performance and quality assessment of methods for detection of point mutations.
  • Optical imaging techniques in cell biology .
  • Computational methods in molecular biology .

Educational Research Topics for Students

What can be trickier than studying how to study? Education research papers evolve at a rapid pace as the world changes every day. That is why new techniques and approaches are in demand.

No other discipline will answer the milestone questions as well as education. And the most important is about human nature.

What can make a precious contribution to society? The definite answer is — driving innovations in studying .

Want to remain in history as an author of a revolutionary breakthrough? Explore educational research paper topics for college students:

  • Language distribution issues in bilingual schooling .
  • Critical thinking as the primary goal of the educational process.
  • Role-playing games as a learning tool .
  • Pay-for-performance scheme for teachers .
  • Moving from compliance to performance-based schools .
  • Bilingual learning: advantages and disadvantages.
  • Educational approaches in retrospective.
  • Aspects of multicultural educational practices .
  • The importance of inclusivity in teaching .
  • Popular modern educational techniques: a comparison.
  • Arithmetical problem-solving difficulties .
  • Learning methods for blind children.
  • The role of technology in lesson planning .
  • Role-playing as an educational practice.
  • The need for parents’ involvement in the educational process.
  • Tools to develop the best teaching strategy .
  • The efficiency of gamification .
  • Individual approach to students.
  • Popular educational mobile apps.
  • Peculiarities of teaching disabled children .
  • Same-gender and mixed-gender schools: a comparative analysis.
  • Understanding the causes of school violence and bullying.
  • The importance of sex education at schools.
  • The educational system in America : problems and prospects.
  • Cloud computing in educational institutions: an impact on the educational environment.
  • Ethical behavior in higher educational institutions.
  • Cooperation of educational institutions and businesses: successful cases.
  • Information technology as a means of educational process improvement.
  • Homeschooling and its influence on communication skills.
  • Comparative analysis of distance learning and face-to-face education efficiency.
  • Individualized versus group learning.
  • The necessity of higher education for all students.
  • Best practices of top higher education establishments.
  • Peculiarities of teacher’s education in America.
  • Preschool education versus tertiary education .
  • Teacher as a researcher. Cross-age peer tutoring .
  • Multicultural and monocultural education programs: a comparison.
  • Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of tablets and printed textbooks .
  • Should education be free?
  • Education unification: reasons to apply in high schools.

Environmental Research Topics

Our day-to-day comfort is an inherent cause of environmental problems. We may drive a car and have no idea how we harm nature.

Eco activism is a growing trend. Ecology issues acquired a more frequent and lucid coverage. Regardless, people tend to overlook the environment. They got the idea that we should protect our planet, but not all of them are ready to act.

That is why we need to be aware of more facts and measures. This can’t be obtained without decent environmental science research papers.

Do you want to be a part of it? Use our list of environmental research topics for college students:

  • Risks of climate change and global warming .
  • Aspects and perspectives of Kyoto protocol .
  • Green hydrogen in automotive industry : is it a great alternative?
  • The origin of the carbon tax .
  • Amazonian deforestation , its causes, and trends.
  • The greenhouse effect : process, components, and risks.
  • Types of pollution : air, water, and soil.
  • Alternative energy in Europe.
  • Water scarcity in the Middle East .

Water scarcity in the Middle East fact.

  • Wind energy as an alternative source .
  • Benefits of sustainable technology and living .
  • Vulnerability of hazardville to flooding disasters .
  • Environment protection authority and chemical waste .
  • Population control in China.
  • Geoengineering principles.
  • Acid rains : the cause and current measures.
  • Radioactive waste disposal.
  • The protection of wildlife .
  • E-mobility as an environmental protection measure.
  • Ecological conservation.

Gender roles and aspects are one of the central social questions nowadays. Studies in this field are as relevant and necessary as never before. It pushes our society forward, eliminating gender inequality and discrimination.

Do you want to contribute to gender knowledge but don’t know where to start? Here is the list of most relevant gender studies essay topics:

  • Public policy analysis on gender inequality in education in South Sudan.
  • The history of gender concept.
  • Gender imbalance in the developing countries.
  • Sex reassignment in treating gender dysphoria : a way to psychological well-being.
  • Employee issues: gender discrimination, sexual harassment , discrimination.
  • Gender roles in couples and sex stereotypes in society.
  • The diversity of gender and sexual orientation identities of transgender individuals.
  • MeToo movement as sexual harassment fight measure.
  • Feminism : the contraception movement in Canada.
  • Maternity and paternity leaves .
  • The correlation between gender and cognitive abilities .
  • Transgender people and healthcare barriers .
  • Race and gender in public relations .
  • Gender stereotyping in American media .
  • The health and well-being of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia.
  • Cancel culture in America.
  • Transgender healthcare issues.
  • Transgender person in professional sports.
  • Female genital mutilation.
  • Gender roles in media.

Law Research Paper Topics

We cannot imagine a civilized society without law. Even though the fundamental rights and obligations in different countries are mostly similar, there is still a great scope of differences to research.

We gathered the list of law research paper topics to explore:

  • Human rights violations in CIS countries.
  • A self-enforcing model of corporate law .
  • Corporate strategies and environmental regulations : organizing framework.
  • The benefits of decriminalization .
  • International criminal law and measures .
  • Discrimination in the workplace in legal practice.
  • Welfare legislation for families .
  • Intellectual property law: copyright law, trademark law, patent law.
  • Enforcement of civil rights law in private workplaces.
  • The establishment of foreign and international law in American courts. A procedural overview.
  • Family law : spousal support after a divorce in Canada.
  • Employment law and workplace relations in Saudi Arabia.
  • Applicable real estate laws and policies for sustainable development in South Africa.
  • Retrospective of the immigration crisis in Europe.
  • The need for a domestic violence law in Russian Federation.
  • Religious crimes and religious laws.
  • Terrorism in different countries’ law systems.
  • Grievance procedure in the European court of human rights.
  • Cybercrimes in legal practice.
  • Human trafficking and slavery in the modern world.

When it comes to literature, there is a vast ocean of ideas to research. The topics can be classified into a large number of categories. Those can be literature genres, awards, trends in literature, different social aspects of literature, etc.

To make finding the best fit easier, we conducted a list of the world literature research topics:

  • Golden Age writers and their impact on literature.
  • Feminist literature authors.
  • Y. Zamyatin’s “We” as the origin of dystopian literature.
  • Trends of modern literature .
  • Ancient Greece literature.
  • Is best seller always good literature?
  • Tricksters in literature.
  • Post-modernism in literature .
  • Sexual violence in the “Handmaid’s Tale” by Atwood .
  • Children literature.
  • The works of J. D. Salinger .
  • Social perception of modern literature .
  • Philosophy, literature, and religion in society: a comparative analysis of the impact on human life.
  • The portrayal of racism in the literature of the 21st century.
  • Censorship in literature.
  • Professional literature trends.
  • Central themes in American literature .
  • The impact of digitalization on literature.
  • The role of the main character in literature.
  • Literature: print versus digitalized?

Music Research Paper Topics

Research is something we can do not only in astronomy or molecular biology. We need it in the music too. Music shapes our life in a way we can’t even imagine. It’s a tremendous social and cultural phenomenon to explore.

These are 20 potential topics for your research in the music industry :

  • The effect of music on a human brain .
  • The evolution of rap music .
  • TikTok as the most efficient promotional channel for new music.
  • The origin of music theory.
  • The music industry and information technology .
  • The influence of Kanye West performances on the music industry.
  • Music journalism : the most influential music media.
  • Feminism and sex in hip-hop music .
  • Opera and instrumental music .
  • The origin of music festivals .
  • Reggae music and its aspects .
  • Latin American women and trap music .
  • Streaming services prospects.
  • Music as the way of promoting new trends.
  • Features of punk music.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology is a multidisciplinary kind of field. That means there’s a wide range of potential research questions.

Do you need to write a psychology paper? Explore the list of possible topics:

  • Cross-cultural psychology : research and application.
  • The psychology of self-esteem .
  • Aspects of industrial and organizational psychology .
  • The psychology of learning and motivation : skill and strategy in memory use.
  • Description of remarkable experiments and their results in psychology.
  • The influence of meditation on people’s health .
  • Analyzing psychological disorders: disorders treatment and research .
  • Personality psychology and zen Buddhism .
  • Perception of psychology in society .
  • Organizational behavior. Emotion and personality .
  • Children’s emotional development .
  • Predictors of postpartum depression.

Postpartum depression statistics.

  • Symptoms, causes, and treatment of schizophrenia .
  • The social, political, and religious reasons of homophobia .
  • Eating disorders in males: current progress and challenges.
  • The side effects of antidepressants .
  • Cognitive psychology : best cognitive scientists’ practices.
  • Social anxiety as a constraint in learning.
  • Alzheimer’s disease : working strategies for disease modification.
  • The relation between the aging process and psychology.

Religion Research Paper Topics

Religious institutions, beliefs, and customs also get explored in papers quite often. That is rather a controversial sphere of education, so we gathered the most relevant religion paper topics below to help you.

  • The religious significance of the Bible .
  • The place of women in Islam .
  • The history of Christianity in Indonesia .
  • Assessing a crisis of faith and making a pastoral crisis intervention.
  • Forced religion: cause and effect on children.
  • The problem of creation mythology in the study of Indian religion.
  • Existence of God : a philosophical introduction.
  • Religion and mythology: concepts, differences.
  • The role of religion in attitudes toward LGBT individuals.
  • Issues and traditions in western religion .
  • Theology in the concepts of nature, time, and the future.
  • Religion and government interaction in the US.
  • The history of the Christian church in East Europe.
  • Religion freedom and its limitation .
  • Hinduism and Buddhism: similarities and differences .
  • Baptism in Christianity .
  • The impact of religion on terrorism .
  • The God of Israel and Christian theology .
  • Culture and religion: how they interact.
  • Religion and social morality.

Science Research Topics for College Students

What is a better way to uncover the mysteries of our universe than through science? As it comprises multiple types and directions, there is a vast number of questions to answer.

We suggest you the following science research paper topics:

  • Paris climate agreement perspectives.
  • Ethical aspects of cloning .
  • Political science in the US: past and present issues.
  • Genetic engineering and cloning controversy .
  • The development of life on Earth .
  • The current state of nuclear energetics in America.
  • Nuclear weapon -free zones: a history and assessment.
  • Solid earth dynamics and the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet.
  • Natural hazards : local, national, global.
  • Geophysical fluid dynamics: atmospheric dynamics, dynamo theory, and climate dynamics.
  • Data science as a key element of data-driven decision-making.
  • Robotics & mobility systems in agriculture: successful cases.
  • Legal models of space resources exploration and utilization.
  • The social context of recycling : factors influencing household recycling behavior.
  • Trends in consumer attitudes about agricultural biotechnology .
  • Theory of turbulence: a mathematical model that illustrates it.
  • Dual-mode infrared and radar hardware-in-the-loop test equipment.
  • Essentials of computational chemistry: theories and models.
  • Genetic algorithms in astronomy and astrophysics.
  • A fundamental relation between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.

Social Science Research Topics

Sociology is an umbrella term that covers dozens of branches. It studies family, social movements, mass media, class theory, race, ethnicity, levels of income. We could go on and on.

As you can see, the options for research are endless. Don’t waste your time trying to understand the peculiarities of each social or cultural branch. Use our list of social science research paper topics for college students.

  • Social movements of 21 st century.
  • Strauss–howe generational theory in marketing.
  • Social media as a “hotbed” of narcissism .
  • The nutritional status of vegans and vegetarians .
  • Gender identity and community among three transgender groups in the United States: MTFs, FTMs, and genderqueers.
  • Social causes of anorexia in young women.
  • The civil rights in South America.
  • #BlackLivesMatter movement and its influence on society.
  • Gay marriage in America : current debates.
  • Dependency of the children mortality level on the anti-vaccination movement development.
  • Judaism in the first centuries of the Christian era.
  • School choice and segregation by race, class, and achievement.
  • The correlation between race and wealth.
  • Freedom and social status of blacks in America .
  • The problem of abortion .
  • Causes and effects of drug addiction .
  • Horizontal and vertical gender segregation in employment .
  • Effects of domestic violence on children.
  • The poverty level in the US: a retrospective analysis.
  • Women leadership and community development.

We are approaching the end of our ultimate research paper topics list. To wrap it up, let’s take a look at sports research ideas.

It has been present in our lives for a long time and is still developing. That’s why we need to answer new questions and build new knowledge. Explore the list below:

  • How does globalization affect sports?
  • History of doping scandals in the Olympics .
  • Team sports as a socialization tool for children.
  • The origin and history of ice hockey.
  • Organizational aspects of Paralympic games.
  • Aspects of independent Olympians at the Olympic games .
  • The unique history of Pelé.
  • Risk factors for injuries in football.
  • Short interval versus long interval training.
  • Sport as a communication medium .
  • Nutritional support of young athletes .
  • Mental training during competition preparation.
  • Philosophical conflicts between the practices of sport and cybersport.
  • Running as a treatment for heart diseases .
  • Typical traumas of soccer players.

5 steps of Research Process.

After getting familiar with the list of topics, let’s discuss the essential steps before beginning research.

Narrow Your Topic

Let’s say you selected that one topic from the list. What’s next? It’s time to outline the boundaries of the research. It should not be too broad or narrow . Its scope must strictly correspond to the problem’s scope under exploration.

What is the difference between a narrow and a broad topic?

Let’s look at three research topic examples:

  • Eating Disorders. The topic is too general and comprehensive. If your research paper requires to be short, then there is no sense in choosing this topic. You better narrow it down.
  • Eating Disorders in Young Females. In this topic, we try to segment the subjected populations to specify the research question. It is still rather broad but more focused.
  • Anorexia in Young Females and Its Impact on Society. Here, we distinguish a particular type of eating disorder and leave a population segmentation. That is a perfect example of a narrowed topic. Now, it’s easier to ask specific questions, uncover insights and contribute to further research.

Focus on your narrowed topic and form a central research question. After that, research the existing data and find supporting facts. Don’t let your exploration be one-sided: explore different points of view. Compare and analyze counterpoints and draw conclusions.

After a profound studying, create a thesis statement to support your narrowed topic in a specific way.

To make things clear, use this step-by-step guide on finding and narrowing your topic.

Evaluate Sources

It takes a second to get access to billions of search results on any topic in Google. Most of the time, we jump through the first two or three links, and that’s it. If you seek quality, then it’s not the proper approach. You should acquire the skill of processing the sources.

What are the tips for source evaluation?

  • Forget about Wikipedia as a scientific source. Wikipedia is a free platform where any user can make edits. Extracting information from wiki without fact-checking isn’t a good academic practice. Great alternatives to Wikipedia are College e-libraries, scholarly databases, Google Scholar, etc.
  • Explore well-respected professional research journals. They contain up-to-date research data and conclusions which shape the most relevant views and understanding of what is going on in the modern world.
  • Visit libraries. We tend to overlook them in our digital era. But you can find super valuable sources for research there.
  • Avoid personal blogs, opinion articles, and self-published books . There can be heavy use of bias.

3 Main Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement

After you decide on a research topic and sources, it’s time to write a thesis statement.

  • Ask a question. Here are two options. In the first one, your professor can assign you a concrete question. If it’s not your case, then ask what interests you. What would you like to explore?
  • Give an initial answer. Try to answer the question before in-depth topic exploration. Work out some hypotheses.
  • Enrich the initial answer. Prove the initial hypothesis by detailing the research. Use the calculations and quantitative data to make your thesis credible.

To back up these tips, let’s look at a couple of example thesis statements from the StudyCorgi essay database:

You’ve just explored an ultimate list of research paper topic ideas and important steps to turn those topics into excellent research papers.

Did you find our topics compilation helpful? Save it for a future reference or share with friends!

  • What Is Research? — Hampshire College
  • Definition of Research — Western Sydney University
  • The Importance of Research to Students — Cleveland University Kansas City
  • Guidelines for Writing Art History Research Papers — UA Little Rock University
  • Areas of Research in Biology — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Environmental Science: Current Research — Herald Scholarly Open Access
  • Thesis Statements — University of North Carolina
  • Thesis Statement Tips — Purdue University
  • What Is Education Research — National Center for Education Research
  • Research in the Faculty of Music — University of Cambridge
  • Research: Religion and Society Specialism — University of Birmingham
  • Sociology Research Areas — Cornell University
  • Narrowing a Topic Idea — UCS Libraries
  • Developing a Research Question — The University of Arizona
  • Organizing Academic Research Paper — Sacred Heart University
  • How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper: Indeed
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Ever struggled to find the perfect topic for your research paper ? We get it – it can be a bit overwhelming. 

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

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

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

So read on! 

Arrow Down

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

What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 

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

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

Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level

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

High School Research Essay Topics

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

College Research Paper Topics 

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

Graduate Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology

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

Research Paper Topics for Computer Science 

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

Research Paper Topics in Machine Learning

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

Research Paper Topics in Chemistry

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

Information Technology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics Environmental Science

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

Research Paper Topics for Medical Students

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

Research Paper Topics in Zoology

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

Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences

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

History Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Education

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

Sociology Research Paper Topics 

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics On Media And Communication

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

Political Science Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for International Relations

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

Research Paper Topics On Culture

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

Research Paper Topics for Humanities

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

Research Paper Topics for English Literature

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

Research Paper Topics for English Linguistics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Arts

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

Research Paper Topics on Religion

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

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Ethics

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

Law Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics on Criminal Justice 

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

Research Paper Topics on Economics

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

Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing

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

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics 

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

US History Research Paper Topics

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

Persuasive Research Paper Topics 

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

Easy Research Paper Topics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Current Affairs 

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

Controversial Research Paper Topics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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

Nursing Research Paper Topics 

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

How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

To conclude,

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

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

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

Looking for a research paper writing service? Look no further! MyPerfectWords.com can help you out!

At our professional essay writing service , we have subject specialists and research writers with advanced knowledge and expertise. They will help you choose a topic and write an amazing research paper.

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Nova A.

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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200 Best Ideas for Research Paper Topics in 2023

The discussion you have started should be provoking and intriguing. If your statement is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

Writing a research paper may seem challenging, even though it is a substantial part of everyday student life. You are required to write at least one research paper in a semester for the majority of your subjects.

Do not underestimate research projects. They will demand a lot of time and effort from you. At the same time, do not let your research paper give you anxiety or hurt your overall studies.

To minimize worries and stress while working on the research paper, you must be confident in your topic. There are times when you are assigned the topic, but more frequently, you will have to create one yourself.

The discussion you start should be thought-provoking and intriguing. If your content is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

How to Select the Best Research Paper Topic?

When choosing your research paper topic, you need to make sure it is neither boring nor overdone. An interesting and innovative topic will intrigue your readers and motivate them to read the entire piece. But if you don’t know how to create a topic on your own, use the help of our editors.

Here are some things to consider when selecting an appropriate topic:

The Field Of  Your Interest

It’s no secret that you will not be able to write a good insightful research paper if you are not interested in the subject overall, or in the topic in general. On the other hand, if the topic is linked to the field of your interest, you can consider yourself lucky.

Passion and interest in a topic will make it easier to explore the theme and write about it. If you enjoy science, you should be able to talk non-stop about it. The same goes for writing about it.

A Topic Should Be Clear

You need to be sure to understand everything clearly when you choose an essay topic . Do not hesitate to ask questions if there are some unclear points. The more you understand, the simpler it is for you to write a successful research paper. You need to show the readers that you’re a master of the topic and not a confused newbie who does not know what you’re talking about.

Be Precise And Specific

You need to completely understand that you are not writing a descriptive essay. A research paper is an accurate and thorough work, which is based on facts. You cannot waterdown your text. Your statement should be supported with examples or references to other reputable research and academic work.

Be Innovative

How innovative can you be when discussing The French Revolution or Pearl Harbor? However, an innovative approach can give you the edge among other students. A topic should address the matter from a different and surprising perspective. With a deep investigation, you may even find the little known facts that can blow your readers’ minds. This approach will intrigue your readers and will make you research paper stand out..

Visit Edusson Samples   to brainstorm possible research paper topics and find relevant paper examples. It is 1000+ papers database. Besides samples, you can find excellent writing tools such as Plagiarism Checker, Title Page Maker and many more.

Ideas for Research Paper Topics

Without a good topic, writing a research paper can be a student’s worst nightmare. So, how do you come up with one? There are dozens of ways to brainstorm, such as discussing with classmates, reading topic prompts, sample papers, magazines, journals, blogs, or books.

Research Paper Topic by Category

Here are some examples of topics you may choose:

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

You have to present facts to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic. Your introduction and concluding paragraph must be equally strong. Take a look at the following argumentative research topics examples:

  • Are athletes good role models?
  • Is the minimum wage too high?
  • Homelessness: Who is to blame?
  • Do we need shorter working weeks?
  • What is the ideal age of consuming alcohol?

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

As a speaker or writer, it is your responsibility to persuade the reader about an issue. Persuasive writing, therefore, should move people and shake their emotions. If, for example, you want to convince people coffee is good for their bodies, then you must do it artistically, and convincingly.

Take a look at these examples of persuasive research topics:

  • Using animals to conduct research experiments is wrong.
  • Parents should monitor the websites their children visit.
  • Domestic gender violence is on the rise.
  • Children’s exposure to media: Do parental controls work?
  • There are many cybercrimes today, and they are going to increase.
  • America should adopt a policy of non-involvement in global conflicts.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

There are people who like to court controversy whenever they say or do something, more so in public. A good example here is an activist. Whether it is advocacy for gay rights or same-sex marriage, writing on issues like these can be painstakingly difficult. So, you need a strong topic right from the beginning. Controversial topics for a research paper like the following will most certainly get you moving in the right direction:

  • Gay partners and child adoption.
  • Surrogate mothers and societal worldview.
  • Violence in media content.
  • STEM subjects should be mandatory.
  • Sex education in middle school.
  • Should homework be abolished?
Are you having a hard time looking for a comprehensive research paper topic? Try to find the best one by using our topic generation tool.

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

Maybe you have picked a research topic from the above categories for your paper. However, a good college student knows you need a plan B. So here are some other great topics.

  • Is college education in line with the job market?
  • Should colleges be faith-based institutions?
  • Should universities have special accommodation facilities for the disabled?
  • How has the institution of marriage changed in the postmodern world?
  • Is there a difference between a man’s and a woman’s heart?
  • What are the possible health benefits of childbearing and parenting?
  • Exploring unfair child labor in the workplace.
  • The significance of ethics to business and how to control bad behavior.
  • How is cross-border BPO affecting the gross domestic product in your country?
  • Which companies will make it to the top 5 best in the next decade?
  • Terrorism and how it affects businesses.
  • Are universities becoming business-driven?
  • Causes of data rape and how to prevent it.
  • Should licensed gun holders be allowed to carry their weapons to school?
  • Ex-convicts and job searching. Is it difficult finding employment?
  •  Should colleges pay student-athletes and how should they do it?
  • What should be the basis of workplace promotion: seniority, degree, or performance evaluation?
  • The significance of search engine optimization on businesses today.
  • Should women be allowed into extreme sports?
  • Is feminism changing American society?

Research Paper Topics By Level of Education

Notably, topic difficulty or complexity varies with the level of education. A graduate student will write a high school essay with great ease, while the reverse will result in a lot of difficulties on the part of the student.

In this post, we also help you choose topics based on your academic level while keeping in mind that research paper writing lends credence to student performance.

The research paper topics can often be overwhelming, and to make the process easier and more reliable, many students look for APA format paper writing services . The services are beneficial and provide access to professional knowledge in writing a research paper and ensure that all guidelines are followed.

High School Research Paper Topics

If you are a student in high school, here is a list of topics that you may consider:

  • Should the government legalize the use of smartphones in high school classrooms?
  • Leadership training in high school.
  • Are secondary schools doing enough in harnessing the debating skills of students?
  • Explore Plato’s philosophy of mathematics.

College Research Paper Topics

Next, here are some college research paper topics to choose from. They include the following:

  • Explore the design and construction of thermal plants around the globe.
  • Analyze how the free software movement is positively transforming the world.
  • Analyze cognitive development in children.
  • How does the government assess the health care needs of communities?
  • Pre-election and the effects on voter conduct.
  • Discuss how to plan for college tuition.
  • How does menstruation affect young girls?
  • Substance abuse among college students and its effects on their performance and behavior.
  • What brings about societal stereotypes?
  • Factual evidence that AIDS originated from monkeys.

Research Paper Topics By Subject

Another way of choosing the best research paper topic is based on the subject, whether you are a college or high school student. Whether it is in biology, physics, science, literature, history, or psychology, this approach works at all levels of education. Research papers are quite challenging for the average student to write, so it’s no wonder why many students may want to look into options for high school essays for money . A great topic for your research paper should be something engaging that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading.

Research Paper Topics on Technology

  • Cybersecurity: Can we really be safe?
  • How can technology help in preventing terrorist attacks?
  • How close did we get to Artificial Intelligence?
  • What technological innovations promise to change the third decade of the 21st century?
  • How do regular people influence technological progress?
  • What technologies does NASA use to explore Mars?
  • How did Bill Gates and Steve Jobs change the world?
  • How did cloud technologies change data storing?
  • Can virtual reality substitute for an actual reality?
  • What is the future of the internet?

Research Paper Topics on Environment

  • How did climate change in the last 30 years?
  • Why some believe that global warming is a hoax?
  • What are the best ways to reduce global warming?
  • How does global warming alter wildlife?
  • Ocean pollution: Unseen tragedies.
  • Effective ways of reducing air pollution.
  • How can alternative types of energy help to preserve the Earth’s natural resources?
  • Endangered species – How can we preserve them?
  • Recycling. What did you do to make the world a better place?
  • Drinking water for all – How can we achieve it?

Research Paper Topics on Legal Issues

  • How do torrenting sites influence creativity and copyright?
  • Should marijuana be legalized at the national level?
  • How did the legalization of same-sex marriage influence the USA?
  • Are punishments for sex crimes fair?
  • Should there be a law preventing cyber-bullying?
  • Where is the line between artistic photos and pornography?
  • How does a new adoption law in Russia refuse orphans their chance for happiness?
  • Various laws on abortion around the world.
  • How do prostitution laws differ around the world?

Topics on Business

  • How can one turn a business idea into a successful startup?
  • How can creative marketing increase your sales?
  • Does taxation aim to kill small businesses?
  • Effective time-management for big and small teams.
  • Is multitasking a productive method of work?
  • Sexual harassment in the working environment.
  • How benefits can make your employees happy.
  • How do big corporations regularly break the law and get away with it?
  • What are the various minimum wages around the world? Should The Universal Declaration of Human Rights control them?
  • What were the most successful businesses in the first two decades of the 21st century?

Topics on World Politics

  • How did Angela Merkel change Europe?
  • Impeachment against Donald Trump: Will it happen?
  • The consequences of Brexit for European values.
  • Is Vladimir Putin sponsoring global terrorism?
  • How can world politicians unite against the threat that Russia poses?
  • Can North and South Korea unite again?
  • How can we eliminate dictatorial regimes in the 21st century?
  • Conflicts in Africa.
  • Do refugees pose any threat to the hosting country?
  • How can the world unite to fight racism?

Topics on Religion

  • Is Christianity at its dusk?
  • Can any religion justify crimes against humanity?
  • The most popular new age religions.
  • Sexual abuse in the church.
  • Should religious beliefs influence health matters?
  • How do various religions oppress women?
  • The political context of the global religions throughout time.
  • How does agnosticism balance between atheism and various religions?
  • Are we witnessing a new religion forming?
  • Myths of creation through global religions.

Topics on Health

  • The effects of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana on a human body.
  • Vaccination in the 21st century.
  • The most controversial issues of birth control.
  • Alzheimer’s: ways of prevention.
  • Euthanasia – An assisted suicide?
  • How can research help cure AIDS?
  • Are there effective ways to prevent cancer?
  • How do fats positively affect the human body and the mind?
  • Anorexia and obesity – Two sides to one story.
  • The importance of mental health.

Topics on Social Issues

  • How does social media influence interpersonal communication?
  • How can team sports affect social abilities?
  • LGBT tolerance around the world.
  • Global citizenship: Pros and cons.
  • How to deal with social anxiety.
  • How can one defend privacy issues on Facebook and other social media?
  • How to stop bullying in schools.
  • Discrimination of black women in modern-day America.
  • Ethnicities that created the USA.
  • Gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Topics on Education

  • How to achieve literacy for all.
  • Is it worth accumulating a huge debt to achieve higher education in the USA?
  • How can the government make a teacher’s profession become more appealing?
  • How can we modernize education to make it more appealing?
  • How do dress codes in schools discriminate against women?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?
  • Is the present educational system capable of creating geniuses?
  • The importance of multilingual education.
  • Guns in school. How to achieve a safe environment.
  • Do grades do justice to students’ knowledge?

Topics on Popular Culture

  • The best music projects of 2020.
  • How do reality shows influence teenagers?
  • Do celebrities form a specific cast in today’s world?
  • How much do people depend on heroes? Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes.
  • How do American and Japanese popular cultures intertwine with each other?
  • Sexism and ageism in modern Hollywood.
  • Do shows like American Idol, the Voice, and X-factor really aim to find and develop talents?
  • The female role in the world according to Beyonce’s Lemonade.
  • How did YouTube change popular culture?
  • The meaning of the Harry Potter Book Series in promoting reading.
Still lost? Download a Comprehensive Research Paper Guide completely FREE. It consists of 7 simple steps that can lead you to a perfect paper. We based it on analysis of 1000+ student’s papers, ordered by Edusson customers Get it now

Easy Research Paper Topics

Women’s issues.

  • Are birth control pills good or bad?
  • Are married women with children happier than single women who did not give birth to a child?
  • Are there health benefits to having children?
  • Breast cancer rates are increasing among women in the US. What factors contribute to these rates?
  • Do women with higher testosterone levels have an athletic advantage compared to women whose testosterone levels are not high?
  • Has the feminist movement been a help to women or not?
  • Has the modern-day feminist movement lost its track?
  • How are cultural expectations of women different in Muslim vs. Western nations?
  • How common is domestic abuse, or child abuse?
  • How do the female hormones protect women from heart disease?
  • How does the education of women change society?
  • How has feminism changed America? The world?
  • How has marriage changed?
  • How is heart health different for men and women?
  • How has society’s expectations for women to get married and have kids haven’t changed for centuries, even today?
  • How to help girls from unprivileged towns and neighborhoods get educated?
  • Should women participate in extreme sports?
  • What are the most important health risks for women to be aware of?
  • What is a maid? Is there an acceptable or unacceptable definition for this job?
  • What is female genital mutilation and how is it connected with AIDS in Africa?
  • What is the effect of birth control and pregnancy on the mental health of a woman?
  • What is the history of marriage?
  • Why do a vast majority of women refuse to report their husbands for domestic abuse? What can be done to help them?
  • Why do people marry?
  • Women in politics: why do a small percentage of them succeed?
  • Are athletes overpaid? Do footballers deserve multi-million contracts? How their salaries influence their performance?
  • Can anyone compete in a marathon? Should everyone try it at least once? Necessary measures to take in order to compete in this kind of race
  • Choose a sport and the best athlete that has ever played it. Justify why is that person the greatest of all times
  • Has Title 9 hurt men’s athletics? Should there be changes?
  • Have Olympic Games improved or worsened through history?
  • How money influences the football world today
  • How much does the crowd at sports events influence the game? Does the roar of the fans or their chants really cause the team to win or lose?
  • How successful has Title 9 been in changing access to sports for women?
  • Is there a sport that should be added to the Olympic Games?
  • Research the history of a sport of your choice. How has the game changed throughout history?
  • Should college athletes get paid? If so, how should that be done?
  • Should male and female athletes be paid equally?
  • Should players form unions to protect their rights?
  • The impact of the Olympic Games on the economy of the hosting nation?
  • What do people learn from playing competitive sports?
  • What does the public think about female athletes?
  • Why do all children need to play competitive sports in school? How would regular sports activity benefit their health and school performance?
  • Why do so many young people get injured while playing sports? Is it accidental and unavoidable or is there a way to prevent injuries? Choose between talking about sports in general or discussing some specific sport of your choice.

Criminal justice

  • African-American men are more likely to spend time in prison in the United States than any other group.  What is the underlying cause of this negative trend? What can be done to stop it?
  • After every terrorist attack, it turns out police received reports about the potential danger. Why do they always ignore these calls?
  • Are prison sentences for rapes effective? Do convicted rapists recommit their crimes later?
  • Criminal activities are widely prevalent in news shows, reality TV, television shows, and movies. Does the constant exposure to crime on TV promote these activities and give people ideas?
  • The death sentence has a long history, but did it help decrease crime rates across the US?
  • Do convicted criminals abandon their ways and turn into law-abiding citizens?
  • Do organizations like Prison Fellowship, which attempt to reform prisoners through faith, produce long-term results in changed lives?
  • Do some people have a genetic predisposition to commit a crime? If so, should government approve genetic testing on criminals?
  • Does non-dangerous “hazing” add to the rituals and community of an organization? Describe pros and cons of having new members participate in initiation traditions.
  • How can prisoners help rehabilitate prisoners?
  • How difficult is it to ex-convicts to find a job?
  • How does Trump’s victory at the presidential election affect the judicial system in the United States today?
  • How should the background of the criminal (psychosis, intelligence, family environment, genetic predispositions) affect the decision in a criminal case?
  • Is Mandatory Minimum sentencing a good idea? Does it aid crime prevention?
  • Many prisoners re-commit crimes because they find it difficult to cope with “real world” after spending years in prison. What can be done to help them adapt to the new reality after leaving prison?
  • The number of DUI arrests increases constantly. What can be done about this problem?
  • On-campus violence: causes and solutions
  • Online bullying is a common occurrence nowadays. Should cyber-bullies face criminal prosecution?
  • Out of fear of potential mistake, prisoners on a death row in many states are still waiting for their executions. Does the possibility of wrong death outweigh the need for justice? Is there justice for family members of victims?
  • Police brutality: causes and potential solutions
  • Rates of teens engaging in criminal activities keep increasing. How did media contribute to this negative trend?
  • Should all states have equal laws? Would it prevent some criminals from committing their unlawful deeds?
  • Should DUI laws be the same across all states?
  • Should girls and women who falsely accuse someone of raping them face criminal prosecution?
  • Should people convicted of a DUI be able to attend classes to prevent having their driver’s license revoked?
  • Should schools allow people with licenses to carry concealed weapons?
  • Should some crimes require a mandatory death sentence?
  • Should terrorist suspects be tried in American courts?
  • Some states have already legalized marijuana. How did cannabis use affect crime rates in these states? Did they go up or down?
  • Teen gangs and socioeconomic status of households: are they related?
  • The Innocence Project has released more than 300 convicted criminals based primarily on DNA evidence. Many states give no compensation to those released. Should the compensation be mandatory?
  • The use of art, music, or theater therapy is a common method of rehabilitating prisoners. How effective are these approaches?
  • What are the causes of acquaintance rape? How can it be prevented?
  • What does the general public think about death penalty?
  • What is the underlying cause (or more of them) behind re-committing crimes?
  • Why do some people become serial killers? Are there any signs in their behavior to look for?
  • Why is police brutal when arresting black suspects?
  • Are older children more successful?
  • Child labor is a sad reality in third-world countries. Do we contribute to child labor by purchasing products from companies who employ children in their factories?
  • Do small businesses have a chance to succeed in the competitive market today?
  • How do blogs help revolutionize businesses?
  • How did the NAFTA agreement affect business in the United States?
  • How does birth order affect people in a work environment?
  • How has terrorism affected businesses?
  • How important is branding for a business?
  • Importance of ethics in business: what are the consequences of unethical behavior?
  • Past, present, and future of search engine optimization (SEO)?
  • Should companies promote employees based on seniority, college degrees or evaluations of performance?
  • Should employees be allowed more flexible leave time for caring for children and elderly parents?
  • What is the best way to grow jobs and reduce the unemployment rate?
Psst. There’s also a more relaxed way  ?

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500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

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

  • Latin American History

History of Science

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

  • Health Sciences & Psychology

Download the essential essay checklist

What is a research paper?

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

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

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

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

student writing research paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

student writing research paper

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

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

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

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

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

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

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

This list could go on forever!

good research paper topics about the US Revolution

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

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

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

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

Access to research materials might look like:

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

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

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

student writing research paper

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

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

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

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

student writing research paper

Good research paper topics

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

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

Latin American History (post-1492)

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

Health Sciences and Psychology

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

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  • A Research Guide
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120 Interesting Research Paper Topics for College Students

Psychology college research paper topics:.

  • The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
  • The role of genetics in the development of psychological disorders.
  • The influence of social media on body image and self-esteem.
  • The effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction.
  • The relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive functioning.
  • The impact of parental divorce on children’s psychological well-being.
  • The role of gender stereotypes in career choices and success.
  • The effects of bullying on mental health and academic performance.
  • The psychology behind addiction and effective treatment approaches.
  • The influence of cultural factors on psychological disorders and treatment.
  • The role of attachment styles in romantic relationships.
  • The effects of music therapy on mental health and emotional well-being.
  • The psychology of decision-making and its implications in everyday life.
  • The impact of social support on mental health and resilience.
  • The relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction.

Sociology College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
  • Gender inequality in the workplace: Causes and consequences.
  • The role of religion in shaping social attitudes and behaviors.
  • The effects of poverty on educational attainment.
  • Racial profiling and its implications for social justice.
  • The influence of family structure on child development.
  • The rise of online dating and its impact on traditional courtship rituals.
  • The relationship between social class and health outcomes.
  • The effects of globalization on cultural identity.
  • The role of media in shaping public opinion and political behavior.
  • The impact of immigration on social cohesion and integration.
  • The sociology of crime: Exploring the root causes and prevention strategies.
  • The role of social movements in driving social change.
  • The effects of mass incarceration on communities and families.
  • The intersectionality of race, gender, and class in shaping social inequality.

Education College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of technology on student learning outcomes
  • The effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities
  • The role of parental involvement in student academic achievement
  • The influence of standardized testing on curriculum and instruction
  • The benefits and challenges of online learning in higher education
  • The impact of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and engagement
  • The effectiveness of differentiated instruction in meeting the needs of diverse learners
  • The role of early childhood education in preparing children for academic success
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on educational opportunities and achievement gaps
  • The effectiveness of school counseling programs in promoting student well-being and academic success
  • The influence of cultural diversity on classroom dynamics and student learning
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking skills
  • The impact of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes
  • The effectiveness of school-based interventions in preventing bullying and promoting positive school climate
  • The influence of educational policies on teacher job satisfaction and retention rates

History College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of the Industrial Revolution on society and the economy.
  • The causes and consequences of World War I.
  • The role of women in the American Civil Rights Movement.
  • The origins and consequences of the Cold War.
  • The influence of ancient Greek philosophy on modern Western thought.
  • The rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
  • The impact of the French Revolution on European politics and society.
  • The causes and effects of the Great Depression.
  • The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II.
  • The significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in advancing racial equality in the United States.
  • The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures in Africa.
  • The role of religion in the Salem Witch Trials.
  • The causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution.
  • The influence of the Renaissance on art and culture in Europe.
  • The origins and consequences of the American Revolution.

Chemistry College Research Paper Topics:

  • The role of catalysts in chemical reactions
  • Applications of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems
  • Analyzing the impact of air pollution on human health
  • Investigating the chemistry behind renewable energy sources
  • Exploring the synthesis and properties of graphene
  • Understanding the mechanism of enzyme catalysis
  • Investigating the chemistry of drug interactions and metabolism
  • Analyzing the role of antioxidants in preventing oxidative stress
  • Exploring the chemistry of natural products and their potential medicinal uses
  • Investigating the chemistry of water purification techniques
  • Analyzing the impact of heavy metal contamination on the environment
  • Understanding the chemistry of food additives and their effects on health
  • Investigating the chemistry of polymers and their applications in various industries
  • Analyzing the chemistry behind the production and effects of pharmaceutical drugs
  • Exploring the chemistry of atmospheric reactions and their impact on climate change

Medical College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of telemedicine on healthcare delivery
  • The role of artificial intelligence in diagnosing and treating diseases
  • The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among medical students
  • The relationship between sleep deprivation and medical errors
  • The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine
  • The ethical implications of genetic testing and gene editing technologies
  • The impact of social media on mental health among medical professionals
  • The effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing infectious diseases
  • The role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases
  • The impact of climate change on public health
  • The use of virtual reality in medical education and training
  • The effectiveness of alternative therapies in managing chronic pain
  • The relationship between physician burnout and patient outcomes
  • The role of personalized medicine in improving treatment outcomes
  • The impact of medical marijuana on pain management and opioid use.

Environmental College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of climate change on biodiversity loss.
  • The role of renewable energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The effects of deforestation on local ecosystems.
  • The relationship between air pollution and human health.
  • The potential of sustainable agriculture in addressing food security.
  • The impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
  • The effectiveness of environmental policies in reducing pollution.
  • The role of urban planning in creating sustainable cities.
  • The consequences of water scarcity on agriculture and human populations.
  • The importance of environmental education in promoting sustainable practices.
  • The impact of industrial pollution on freshwater ecosystems.
  • The potential of green technologies in mitigating climate change.
  • The role of international agreements in addressing global environmental issues.
  • The effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs and marine organisms.
  • The relationship between socioeconomic factors and environmental justice.

Economic College Research Paper Topics:

  • The impact of globalization on income inequality.
  • The role of government intervention in promoting economic growth.
  • The effects of minimum wage policies on employment rates.
  • The relationship between education and economic development.
  • The economic consequences of climate change.
  • The impact of technological advancements on job displacement.
  • The role of entrepreneurship in economic development.
  • The effects of trade liberalization on developing economies.
  • The relationship between inflation and economic growth.
  • The impact of fiscal policy on economic stability.
  • The role of monetary policy in controlling inflation.
  • The effects of income taxation on economic behavior.
  • The relationship between foreign direct investment and economic growth.
  • The economic consequences of income inequality.
  • The role of financial markets in economic development.

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Top 240+ Research Paper Topics for College Students

240+ Research Paper Topics For College Students

Research is an analysis done with the goal of discovering new information or revising accepted hypotheses. There are various steps to it. The significant steps are: 

  • Research methodology setting.
  • Research problem statement.
  • Data extraction and gathering.
  • Assessment of the gathered data.
  • Summarizes with the conclusion.

Though there are various purposes behind writing research, some general ones are: to reject or accept a hypothesis, to gather a piece of information on a subject or on a phenomenon, and to carry on and initiate further and more profound research.

Our lives are made easier by research. Understanding how things work is the fundamental driver of new discoveries. If we obtain that information, we will be able to determine how to utilize it practically. The desire for fresh knowledge also grows at the same time. Because of this, learning new things is an ongoing process. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with some of the following advice before diving into a study topic. Take attention since they can prevent you from earning the honorable scores you deserve!

  • Don't wait until the last minute to finish the essay; give yourself adequate time!
  • Before attempting to respond to your essay question, read and comprehend it.
  • Initially, generate some thoughts and see where they lead you.
  • Before you delve into writing the essay's major body, put together a thorough knowledge.
  • Go through the readings on a list.
  • You can get assistance from librarians if you ask them for it (you'll need reliable reading material and sources for your research).
  • Investigate the argument from all angles, not just the obvious ones.
  • Keep a dictionary close at hand.
  • Create your own judgment. Don't write your entire essay reiterating what others have said.
  • Beware of questionable sources, and only use reliable books, journals, and reports that have undergone peer review.
  • Don't wait till the conclusion to reference anything. It will be simpler if you do it on the go!
  • Don't overlook final editing and proofreading.

Here we are going to suggest to you some subject-wise research topics for college students:

1. Psychology research topics for college students:

The scientific study of the mind and behavior is called psychology. The study of conscious and unconscious events, such as emotions and thoughts, is included in psychology. It is a field of study that bridges the natural and social sciences and has a huge scope. There are a variety of psychology research paper themes for college students that explore numerous psychological subfields. We could list subjects for days on this subject because there is so much to discuss! Check through this list to see if there are any psychological research subjects for college students that you might be interested in.

  • Do we require a certain method for translating dreams?
  • Will physical activity enhance your emotional health?
  • What is the best way to maintain mental acuity as you age?
  • What stages of mental wellness are present in infants?
  • Why is it important for youngsters to play with others?
  • How can parents ensure their daughters have strong emotional well-being?
  • How can women's fluctuating hormone levels affect their emotional health?
  • How do you go about getting your therapy training?
  • How can sleep deprivation affect our mental health?
  • How does REM sleep affect our mental health?
  • Male eating disorders: contemporary developments and difficulties.
  • Antidepressants' side effects.
  • Best practices used by cognitive scientists in cognitive psychology.
  • As a barrier to learning, social anxiety.
  • Working methods for disease modulation in Alzheimer's.
  • The connection between psychology and the aging process.
  • How do women's kinships affect their emotional well-being—better or worse?
  • How may child abuse be distinguished from problems with psychological well-being?
  • How do problems in relationships affect a young woman's mental health?
  • What symptoms point to a dietary problem?
  • How can you assist someone who is having nutritional issues?
  • What are the symptoms, causes, and cures for schizophrenia? 
  • Cross-cultural psychology: investigation and use.
  • A study of self-esteem psychology.
  • Aspects of organizational and industrial psychology.
  • The psychology of learning and motivation: memory technique and strategy.
  • Description of outstanding psychological experiments and their findings.
  • What causes women to become dejected?
  • What are the effects of psychological disorders on women?
  • How can infertility affect women's psychological health?
  • What effects do antidepressants have on women?
  • What effects does prolonged drug use have on women?
  • Why do women commit suicide at a higher rate than men?
  • How do pressure side effects differ between men and women?
  • Postnatal depression.
  • What is typical mental functioning?
  • Are there any side effects from using Prozac?
  • When someone is ready to stop using their antidepressant prescription, what advice might you provide them?
  • Why are dreams difficult to remember?
  • What do dream recurrences mean?

2. Sociology research topics for college students

Sociology is a social science that focuses on society, human social behavior, social interaction patterns, and aspects of daily life-related culture. Numerous subfields are included under the general heading of "sociology." It investigates the family, social movements, media, class theory, racial and cultural diversity, and economic levels. We could continue forever.

There are many sociology study subjects available for college students, which can be confusing for some people. By concentrating on the top performers, we have already done the hard work. View the recommended discussion topics listed below.

  • Is compulsion in unofficial communities only acceptable for children?
  • Rom-coms' effects on women.
  • The relationship between class and social gatherings.
  • How are interpersonally secure organizations?
  • Is it secure to share your personal information with other people through social networks? Who is passionate about your data?
  • Online versus offline relationships
  • Is blogging evolving into a new profession?
  • Is eating disorders a result of online life sharing? How can one handle it?
  • Examples of children from working-class families who have achieved social success.
  • 21st-century social movements.
  • Strauss-Howe generational marketing theory
  • Narcissism "hotbed" on social media.
  • The dietary status of vegetarians and vegans.
  • MTFs, FTMs, and genderqueers are three transgender groups in the United States that share a common gender identification.
  • Young women's anorexia has social causes.
  • South American civil rights.
  • The #BlackLivesMatter movement and its impact on society.
  • Do homosexuality and nationality have anything in common?
  • When should kids start asking inquiries about sexual orientation?
  • Should lessons on sexual orientation be taught in schools?
  • The historical context for women's rights in different countries.
  • How sex studies affect self-assurance.
  • The acceptance of LGBT people in different households.
  • How does a person's country of origin affect their career in legislative foundations?
  • What effects do informal communities have on formal communities?
  • The effects of a web-based lifestyle on people. Do they cause people to feel hopeless and obsessed with themselves?
  • Enslavement via interpersonal organizations: A research.
  • Current discussions over gay marriage in America.
  • Dependence on the growth of the anti-vaccination movement on the amount of child mortality.
  • In the early decades of the Christian era, Judaism existed.
  • School selection and achievement-based segregation.
  • The relationship between wealth and race.
  • Black Americans' freedom and social standing in America.
  • The issue with abortion.
  • Drug addiction's causes and effects.
  • Vertical and horizontal gender segregation in the workplace.
  • Offline relationships versus offline relationships.
  • Class discrimination at social gatherings.
  • Women's leadership leads to community development.
  • What is the influence of domestic violence on children?

3. History research topics for college students:

History is the research and recording of the past. Prehistory is the period of human history prior to the development of writing systems. The term "history" is used to refer to memory, discovery, collecting, organization, presentation, and interpretation of historical events. History can teach us so many valuable lessons. For college students, there are numerous history research paper subjects available. Not to worry, we only chose the best. Check to see if any of these appeal to you.

  • What functions did the Japanese shogun play?
  • Rome's young rulers.
  • What effects did the slave trade have on the European economy?
  • Describe the Byzantine empire's impact.
  • What was the system of the Silk Road?
  • What effects have the Jaffa riots had on society?
  • What did they contribute to nationalism and why was he China's most important composer?
  • how Jews have been treated over the past 100 years.
  • What has the Bosworth battle accomplished for the UK?
  • How well does morality serve a function in medieval England?
  • The top ten Korean War battles.
  • the consequences of the Jewish religion throughout the past century.
  • the variations in religious practises throughout the past century.
  • The top ten engagements in World War One.
  • African tribal cultures.
  • How has the feudal system functioned historically?
  • Which of Henry VIII's wives was the best?
  • Who had the most impact on music in Austria, and why?
  • This dude has been around for a long time.
  • Pharaohs of Egypt and their impact on history.
  • The history of Inuit cultures.
  • the historical impact of the Muslim faith.
  • Why were Ataturk's policies flawed? Did they offer assistance to Turks?
  • Who was the most well-known composer in Germany, and why?
  • The Gutenberg Bible was what?
  • How was the French Revolution impacted by the guillotine?
  • In the previous century, which cultures ruled the Nile Valley?
  • Describe the issues with religion.
  • The impact of Hinduism on history
  • the circumstances under which gladiators lived in ancient Rome.
  • How has Petra Nash benefited Italian Renaissance painters?
  • The top ten Second World War battles.
  • how the Sphinx was constructed in antiquity.
  • Whose societies have earned the least respect over the years?
  • Muslims have been handled in various ways during the past 100 years.
  • The idea of divine rights and 17th-century royalty.
  • How are cathedrals constructed?
  • Impact of the french revolution on the entire world.
  • American revolution and abandonment of slavery.
  • Beginning of the democratic world.

4. Environmental studies research topics for college students:

Human connection with the environment is methodically studied in the diverse academic discipline of environmental studies. In order to solve the complicated contemporary environmental concerns, environmental studies integrates concepts from the physical sciences, business/economics, humanities, and social sciences. The basic root of environmental issues is our daily comfort. Without realizing it, we may damage the environment when we drive a car.

The trend of eco-activism is expanding. Environmental issues are now covered more frequently and clearly. In any case, humans frequently ignore the environment. Not all of them are prepared to take action, but they all agreed that we should safeguard the environment. We must therefore be more informed in terms of facts and measurements. Without good environmental science study articles, this is impossible to achieve.

Do you wish to participate? Use the themes on our list for college students' environmental research:

  • What are the dangers of global warming and climate change?
  • Viewpoints on and aspects of the Kyoto Protocol.
  • Is green hydrogen a good option in the automotive industry?
  • where the carbon price first appeared.
  • Deforestation in the Amazon, its causes, and trends.
  • The greenhouse effect: its causes, effects, and dangers.
  • There are three different types of pollution: soil, water, and air.
  • Europe's use of alternative energy.
  • There is a Middle Eastern water shortage.
  • The growing danger posed by global climate change
  • City Ecology
  • The principles of renewable energy and methods for addressing the issue of sustainable energy
  • Antarctica's preservation
  • Human impacts of climate change
  • Associated industries with acid rain
  • Pesticides' Contribution to Soil Pollution
  • Humans' contribution to global warming
  • the root causes of forest fires
  • Strategies for controlling the greenhouse effect
  • Acidification of the sea
  • Effects of discarding plastic bags
  • The impact of rising temperatures on marine animals' thermal ecology
  • Climate change's effects on agriculture
  • The devastation of coral reefs
  • How the oil spill has affected the marine environment
  • Environmental effects of landfilling solid waste
  • global individuals and global issues
  • role of government agencies in promoting environmental health
  • Environmental pollution's effects on human health
  • The effects of toxic chemicals on the environment's health
  • Can cancer be caused by air pollution?
  • Environmental and genetic influences on human health
  • Urbanization's effects on environmental health
  • Urban flooding poses a health and environmental risk.
  • markers of environmental health
  • Environmental and Occupational Health
  • How does lush greenery enhance public health?
  • Discuss the effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) on environmental health and safety.
  • Air pollution's effects on the environment's health and safety
  • How do pathogenic bacteria impact the environment?
  • Discuss the effects of algal blooms on the environment.

5. Educational research topics for college students

The systematic gathering and examination of information about education are referred to as educational research. Numerous techniques and facets of education, such as student learning, teaching strategies, teacher preparation, and classroom dynamics, may be included in the research. 

  • The various cultural effects of various instructional techniques.
  • What are some of the effects on student education when school systems operate year-round?
  • Can teachers teach more effectively in a classroom with iPads and smart ports?
  • What is the reason for some American students falling behind their counterparts from Third World nations?
  • Effective effects of lengthy school days on academic performance.
  • Effects of technology on the organization and delivery of lessons.
  • How parent involvement in schooling has an impact.
  • Effects of fine arts education on attention span.
  • How has home education evolved over the past 100 years?
  • The various ways that technology has affected education and classrooms.
  • What could lead to a teacher's burnout?
  • What might make some schools incapable of educating their students?
  • What are some learning consequences on student involvement when iPads and laptops are available in the classroom?
  • What impact does physical education have on students' ability to focus in primary school?
  • Are single-sex schools a superior option or should we make all schools coed?
  • How do anti-bullying initiatives in schools operate?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of wearing a school uniform?
  • How have fillies been able to influence academic staff members?
  • What are some negative repercussions of operating public high school campuses?
  • How can standard testing be used to enhance our educational system?
  • Do those with a college degree earn significantly more money than those without one?
  • Should everyone have access to free education?
  • How can technology improve our teaching practises going forward?
  • Why do many believe that school is dull?
  • How can we modify teaching techniques for blind students using technology?
  • The impact of hiring metal detectors in schools.
  • A research project on social media and education.
  • What effects have standardized testing had on student grades in the twenty-first century?
  • How much can labeling a student as gifted improve their cooperation?
  • The impact of ADHD on school-aged children.
  • Why do students leave school?
  • Successful examples of collaboration between corporations and educational institutions.
  • Information technology is a tool for bettering the educational process.
  • The impact of homeschooling on communication abilities.
  • The efficiency of face-to-face education versus online learning compared.
  • Group learning vs individualized learning
  • All pupils must pursue higher education.
  • Best practises of prestigious institutions of higher learning.
  • Peculiarities of American teacher education.
  • Postsecondary education vs. preschool education.
  • As a researcher and teacher. age-diverse peer tutoring.
  • Programs for multicultural and monocultural education are contrasted.
  • Comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of printed textbooks vs tablets.
  • Is free education a good idea?
  • Unifying education: justifications for applying in high schools.

6. Business research topics for college students

The fundamentals of business, management, and economics are the focus of the study area known as business studies, or just business. It incorporates components from operations, accounting, finance, marketing, organizational studies, and human resource management. Everyone aspires to financial security and professional success. Check out these college students' business research subjects. Hopefully, your article will motivate you to achieve success one day.

  • The impact of copyright legislation on business.
  • The impact of franchise success on economic development.
  • Consumer behavior changes during the last 100 years.
  • Using charity as a corporate success tactic.
  • The advantages and downsides of outsourcing to other countries.
  • Increasing output using ecological principles.
  • The future of our company in terms of business rituals.
  • Commercial negotiation and diplomacy.
  • The surroundings and how they affect commerce.
  • Relationships between private equity firms and the government.
  • The 21st-century characteristic of brands.
  • Service in the military and how it affects business.
  • Consumption habits and their effects on business.
  • The various ways that firms use social media to sell their products.
  • Beginnings in the twenty-first century.
  • Young companies.
  • The economy's leader is the small enterprise.
  • Third World business transactions.
  • Business and taxes.
  • The morality of commerce and taxes.
  • The variations in corporate cultures between various nations.
  • How to promote to your target market.
  • Which option is best for business?
  • Business crisis management.
  • Taking risks in business.
  • Market failures and their causes.
  • The demise of business and free-market capitalism.
  • Monopolies' impact on the market.
  • Can business and personal ties coexist successfully?
  • Different sorts of business dynasties
  • Current consumer behavior trends
  • Innovative leadership
  • Corporate culture and company customs
  • Dialogue and diplomacy
  • Successful advertisement
  • American patterns in global trade
  • Success in business and geo-arbitrage
  • Benefits of boosting brand awareness
  • A growing market on social media.
  • A positive working atmosphere and a diverse workforce for the corporate world.

Conclusion:   we have provided you with more than 40 topics of every subject along with their definitions for better understanding. Keep enjoying this journey of research topics with Desklib.  

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Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

If you’re just starting out exploring education-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 topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

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 . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action 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, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

  • How to find a research topic (video)
  • List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
  • List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
  • Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
  • Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
  • Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
  • Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

  • The impact of school funding on student achievement
  • The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
  • The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
  • The impact of teacher training on student learning
  • The impact of classroom design on student learning
  • The impact of poverty on education
  • The use of student data to inform instruction
  • The role of parental involvement in education
  • The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
  • The use of technology in the classroom
  • The role of critical thinking in education
  • The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
  • The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
  • The use of gamification in education
  • The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
  • The impact of school leadership on student achievement
  • The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
  • The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
  • The implementation of blended and online learning
  • The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
  • The effects of standardized testing on student learning
  • The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
  • The effects of school culture on student achievement
  • The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
  • The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
  • The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
  • The use of project-based learning in the classroom
  • The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
  • The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
  • The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
  • The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
  • The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
  • The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
  • The use of positive reinforcement in education
  • The impact of school climate on student engagement
  • The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
  • The effects of school choice on student achievement
  • The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

  • Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
  • Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
  • Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
  • The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
  • The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
  • The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
  • Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
  • The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
  • The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
  • The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
  • The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
  • The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
  • Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
  • Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
  • Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
  • Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
  • The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
  • The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
  • Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
  • Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
  • The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
  • The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
  • The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
  • Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
  • The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
  • The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
  • The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
  • The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
  • Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
  • Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
  • The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
  • Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
  • The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
  • Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
  • The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
  • Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

  • Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
  • The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
  • The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
  • Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
  • Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
  • The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
  • The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
  • The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
  • Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
  • The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
  • Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
  • Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
  • The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
  • Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
  • The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
  • The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
  • Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
  • The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
  • Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
  • Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
  • The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
  • The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
  • The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
  • The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
  • The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
  • Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
  • The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
  • The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
  • The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
  • The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
  • The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
  • Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
  • Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
  • Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
  • The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
  • Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
  • Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
  • Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
  • The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

  • The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
  • The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
  • Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
  • The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
  • Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
  • Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
  • The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
  • The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
  • The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
  • Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
  • The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
  • The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
  • The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
  • The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
  • Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
  • Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
  • Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
  • Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
  • The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
  • Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
  • Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
  • The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
  • Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
  • The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
  • The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
  • The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
  • Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
  • Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
  • The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
  • The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
  • The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Research topic idea mega list

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

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

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

  • From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
  • Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
  • A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
  • A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
  • Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
  • Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
  • Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
  • Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
  • Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
  • The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
  • Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
  • Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
  • How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
  • The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order 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 within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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53 Comments

Watson Kabwe

This is an helpful tool 🙏

Musarrat Parveen

Special education

Akbar khan

Really appreciated by this . It is the best platform for research related items

Angel taña

Research title related to students

Ngirumuvugizi Jaccques

Good idea I’m going to teach my colleagues

Anangnerisia@gmail.com

You can find our list of nursing-related research topic ideas here: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-nursing/

FOSU DORIS

Write on action research topic, using guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

Samson ochuodho

Thanks a lot

Johaima

I learned a lot from this site, thank you so much!

Rhod Tuyan

Thank you for the information.. I would like to request a topic based on school major in social studies

Mercedes Bunsie

parental involvement and students academic performance

Abshir Mustafe Cali

Science education topics?

Karen Joy Andrade

How about School management and supervision pls.?

JOHANNES SERAME MONYATSI

Hi i am an Deputy Principal in a primary school. My wish is to srudy foe Master’s degree in Education.Please advice me on which topic can be relevant for me. Thanks.

NKWAIN Chia Charles

Every topic proposed above on primary education is a starting point for me. I appreciate immensely the team that has sat down to make a detail of these selected topics just for beginners like us. Be blessed.

Nkwain Chia Charles

Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation.

Kelvin Kells Grant

Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology.

Sulemana Alhassan

I’m a student pursuing Mphil in Basic education and I’m considering any recommended research proposal topic in my field of study

Kupoluyi Regina

Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you.

Project-based learning is a teaching/learning type,if well applied in a classroom setting will yield serious positive impact. What can a teacher do to implement this in a disadvantaged zone like “North West Region of Cameroon ( hinterland) where war has brought about prolonged and untold sufferings on the indegins?

Damaris Nzoka

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration PhD level

Sadaf

I am also looking for such type of title

Afriyie Saviour

I am a student of undergraduate, doing research on how to use guidance and counseling to address unwanted teenage pregnancy in school

wysax

the topics are very good regarding research & education .

William AU Mill

Can i request your suggestion topic for my Thesis about Teachers as an OFW. thanx you

ChRISTINE

Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education,PhD level

Would like to request for suggestions on a topic in Economics of education

George

Hi 👋 I request that you help me with a written research proposal about education the format

Sarah Moyambo

l would like to request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management)

request suggestions on a topic in managing teaching and learning, PhD level (educational leadership and management)

Ernest Gyabaah

I would to inquire on research topics on Educational psychology, Masters degree

Aron kirui

I am PhD student, I am searching my Research topic, It should be innovative,my area of interest is online education,use of technology in education

revathy a/p letchumanan

request suggestion on topic in masters in medical education .

D.Newlands PhD.

Look at British Library as they keep a copy of all PhDs in the UK Core.ac.uk to access Open University and 6 other university e-archives, pdf downloads mostly available, all free.

Monica

May I also ask for a topic based on mathematics education for college teaching, please?

Aman

Please I am a masters student of the department of Teacher Education, Faculty of Education Please I am in need of proposed project topics to help with my final year thesis

Ellyjoy

Am a PhD student in Educational Foundations would like a sociological topic. Thank

muhammad sani

please i need a proposed thesis project regardging computer science

also916

Greetings and Regards I am a doctoral student in the field of philosophy of education. I am looking for a new topic for my thesis. Because of my work in the elementary school, I am looking for a topic that is from the field of elementary education and is related to the philosophy of education.

shantel orox

Masters student in the field of curriculum, any ideas of a research topic on low achiever students

Rey

In the field of curriculum any ideas of a research topic on deconalization in contextualization of digital teaching and learning through in higher education

Omada Victoria Enyojo

Amazing guidelines

JAMES MALUKI MUTIA

I am a graduate with two masters. 1) Master of arts in religious studies and 2) Master in education in foundations of education. I intend to do a Ph.D. on my second master’s, however, I need to bring both masters together through my Ph.D. research. can I do something like, ” The contribution of Philosophy of education for a quality religion education in Kenya”? kindly, assist and be free to suggest a similar topic that will bring together the two masters. thanks in advance

betiel

Hi, I am an Early childhood trainer as well as a researcher, I need more support on this topic: The impact of early childhood education on later academic success.

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13 days ago

Five Pulitzer and Polk Awards Winners Admit to Using AI in Their Work

Research paper topics – unique & trending ideas for 2024.

Sybil Low

Embarking on the academic routine of writing a research paper can be daunting. However, with the right topic, it can become an interesting research journey. The vastness of potential research topics might be overwhelming, so here’s a list to help students across various fields.

We’ve pulled together some fresh and strong ideas to help turn a regular article into an engaging research paper. Learn what a research paper is and how to pick the right and exciting topics with our advice. To come up with a research topic, you can either make one from your own interests and ideas or get ideas from places like topic lists, study materials, teachers, daily events, news, or research papers in that area.

What are good research paper topics?

Good research paper topics are ones that:

  • Address pertinent and emerging issues in a particular field.
  • Combine interdisciplinary insights to provide fresh perspectives.
  • Tap into current trends and real-world challenges.
  • Build upon existing literature, offering a novel angle or deeper investigation.

How do I choose a good research paper topic?

Choosing a research paper topic involves:

  • Interest: Pick a subject you’re passionate about, as you’ll spend considerable time on it.
  • Relevance: Ensure the topic is significant in your field of study.
  • Scope: Make sure it’s neither too broad nor too narrow.
  • Availability of Sources: Research preliminary sources to ensure there’s enough material.
  • Originality: Aim for a fresh perspective or approach to avoid duplicating existing research.

How can I find trending research paper topics?

To identify trending research paper topics:

  • Academic Journals: Browse the latest issues for cutting-edge research.
  • Conferences: Check out the themes and presentations at recent academic conferences.
  • Online Platforms: Sites like Google Scholar or ResearchGate highlight popular articles.
  • News and Media: Stay updated with global events and emerging issues.
  • Networking: Engage with peers, professors, and industry professionals to get their take on pressing topics in your field.

College Research Paper Topics

College Research Paper Topics, when centered around college issues and students, delve into the intricacies of campus life, academic challenges, societal trends influencing student behavior, and other facets directly related to higher education. These topics often address the unique experiences and concerns faced by college students in their transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood. Subjects can range from mental health and well-being, the impact of technology on academic performance, campus politics, the evolving dynamics of student relationships, to debates about tuition fees and curriculum relevance. Such topics aim to highlight real-world college challenges while encouraging students to critically analyze, offer solutions, and understand the broader implications of their findings on the educational system and society at large.

  • The prejudice in choosing college internships and financial awards.
  • The challenges of reverse bias in hiring fresh college graduates.
  • Is there a need to delve deeper into multicultural education principles?
  • Substance and alcohol misuse among college students.
  • Does social media aid students in sourcing relevant information and enhancing their learning?
  • Mental health issues and the role of support circles in contemporary colleges.
  • Should students with ADHD and Autism have separate learning environments?
  • The craft behind university-level political campaigns.
  • Benefits and drawbacks of faith-based colleges.
  • Should collegiate athletes receive compensation and additional benefits?

Health Research Paper Topics

Health Research Paper Topics pertain to the broad and multifaceted field of health and medicine. These topics aim to explore various health issues, diseases, medical procedures, healthcare policies, prevention strategies, and the psychological, biological, and societal aspects of health.

When diving into Health Research Paper Topics, researchers may investigate the efficacy of particular treatments, understand the socio-economic determinants of health, or explore the psychological factors affecting certain health outcomes. These topics can cover a vast spectrum, from mental health disorders, breakthroughs in genetic engineering, health disparities in different populations, to the ethics of medical practices. The ultimate goal is to improve patient care, advocate for healthier living, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in the ever-evolving field of health and medicine. They offer a rich platform for students and professionals to critically analyze current health trends, challenges, and future implications for both individuals and communities at large.

  • The hurdles of hearing impairment and communication barriers in students with special needs.
  • Understanding the notion of international health protection.
  • Strategies to reduce indoor air contamination.
  • Dissemination of data on contagious diseases over the internet.
  • Should the public be granted broader access to information on climate-related concerns?
  • Balancing personal health details with privacy considerations.
  • The influence of fitness advertisements on workout routines.
  • Nutritional guidelines can sometimes carry biases.
  • The impact of social media on healthcare delivery.
  • Psychological dimensions in understanding allergies.

Research Paper Topics on Medicine

Research paper topics on medicine delve deep into the world of healthcare, diseases, medical advancements, treatments, medical ethics, and the myriad intricacies that form the foundation of medical science. When exploring these topics, researchers aim to understand, analyze, and potentially offer advancements or new perspectives on medical practices, treatments, and theories.

Medicine-based research paper topics cover a diverse range of areas including the exploration of various diseases, the efficacy and side-effects of drugs, understanding surgical procedures, and delving into medical practices of different cultures. They also often scrutinize the bioethical implications of new medical technologies and procedures, as well as the challenges of global health, epidemics, and the holistic approach to patient care. These topics provide invaluable insights into the complexities of medicine, driving innovation, and ensuring the health and well-being of populations. They are pivotal for students, medical professionals, and researchers to stay updated, make informed decisions, and contribute to the enhancement of medical science.

  • Should life-sustaining treatments be administered even when they appear ineffective?
  • The significance of placebo in medical treatments.
  • What are alternatives to animal testing?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of medicinal marijuana.
  • Is a vegetarian diet beneficial for a child’s well-being?
  • The health implications of obesity.
  • Childhood vaccinations: their benefits and potential risks.
  • Should consumers be the target of prescription drug advertisements?
  • Are physicians inadvertently leading their patients towards drug dependency?

Education Research Paper Topics

Education research paper topics delve into the multifaceted realm of learning, teaching methodologies, educational policies, and the psychological and sociological aspects that underpin the education system. Such topics aim to investigate and understand the various dimensions of education, the challenges faced, and the innovations and reforms shaping the sector.

When focusing on education research paper topics, scholars might explore the evolution of pedagogical techniques, the integration of technology in the classroom, the influence of socio-economic factors on education outcomes, or the challenges of special education. They could also analyze educational disparities, curriculum development, the role of extracurricular activities, or the impact of teacher-student dynamics. Additionally, these topics often dive deep into policy-making, discussing the implications of educational reforms, standardized testing, and the future of education in a digitized world. By examining these subjects, researchers, educators, and policy-makers can craft strategies that foster more inclusive, effective, and innovative educational environments. This realm offers a vast expanse for critical thought, aiding in the continual advancement of education systems worldwide.

  • In what ways can standardized tests enhance the quality of education?
  • Do individuals with college degrees earn a higher income?
  • Should the cost of education be reduced?
  • How might emerging technologies reshape future teaching methodologies?
  • Developing specialized educational approaches for visually impaired students.
  • The interplay between social media and educational settings.
  • The rationale behind using metal detectors in schools.
  • The impact of modern instructional techniques on student outcomes.
  • The significance of technology in curriculum development.
  • How can educational institutions address and mitigate bullying effectively?

Environmental Research Paper Topics

Environmental research paper topics delve into the intricate relationship between humans and the environment, exploring the impact of human activities on the Earth, the effects of natural processes on human societies, and the solutions and strategies to address environmental challenges.

These topics cover a broad spectrum, from understanding the underlying causes and consequences of climate change, conservation efforts for endangered species, and sustainable agriculture practices to pollution control, renewable energy solutions, and water resource management. Environmental research also examines the socio-economic implications of environmental degradation and the policies and regulations aimed at mitigating them. Furthermore, topics may look into the ethical considerations of environmental decisions, the role of communities in conservation, or the implications of emerging technologies on the environment. By addressing these subjects, researchers, policymakers, and environmentalists can work collaboratively towards creating strategies that ensure a sustainable and harmonious coexistence of man with nature. Investigating these areas not only broadens our understanding of the world around us but also prompts critical thought on our roles and responsibilities in preserving the planet for future generations.

  • What are effective strategies to mitigate global warming?
  • How can we minimize paper consumption to preserve forests?
  • Are there viable solutions to manage overpopulation?
  • Should the film industry produce more content focusing on environmental concerns?
  • The consequences of human activities on forest ecosystems.
  • The subterranean repercussions of earthquakes.
  • How can we design buildings to withstand hurricane threats optimally?
  • Can we accurately forecast the consequences of hurricanes?
  • How safe is nuclear energy in relation to human health?
  • What are the potential risks associated with GMO foods?

Research Topics on Entertainment and Sport

Research topics in entertainment and sport cover a dynamic spectrum of areas that examine the cultural, economic, psychological, and sociological facets of these fields. They provide insights into both the historical development and contemporary issues surrounding our recreational pursuits.

Entertainment topics might delve into the evolution of film genres, the impact of streaming platforms on traditional media, the representation of marginalized communities in pop culture, or the sociological effects of binge-watching. It could also look into the music industry’s transformation in the digital age, the influence of celebrities on societal norms, or the ethical considerations of reality TV.

In sports, topics can range from the physiological effects of certain training regimens, the commercialization of sports, the societal impact of mega sporting events like the Olympics or the World Cup, to the dynamics of sports fandom. Researchers might also analyze the role of sports in fostering national identities, the challenges faced by female athletes, or the importance of sports psychology.

Furthermore, topics can cross over between entertainment and sports, such as the portrayal of athletes in movies, the cultural impact of sports documentaries, or the merging of esports with traditional sporting events. By diving into these areas, scholars, industry professionals, and sports enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding of the myriad ways in which entertainment and sports shape and reflect societal values, challenges, and aspirations.

  • Do social networks have a positive impact on society?
  • Can violent video games instigate aggressive behavior in children?
  • Should we prohibit the use of animals for entertainment purposes?
  • Do beauty pageants perpetuate unattainable beauty ideals?
  • Will online news platforms eventually eclipse traditional newspapers?
  • What impact do gaming consoles have on young individuals?
  • Should women be permitted to compete in the same leagues as men?
  • Which television shows should face censorship or bans?
  • How might TV programs promote misleading ethical values?
  • Does extensive use of social platforms like Facebook diminish a teenager’s self-confidence?

Research Paper Topics on Media and Communication

Research Paper Topics on Media and Communication delve into the ways information is conveyed, interpreted, and utilized in societies. This area of study is deeply intertwined with technological advancements, societal shifts, and cultural changes. It examines the role and impact of various media forms, from traditional newspapers and televisions to modern digital platforms, in shaping public opinion, influencing cultural norms, and fostering communication. Ethical concerns, representation in media, the evolution of digital communication, and the effects of social media on human behavior are some focal areas in this vast and ever-evolving field.

  • Should advertising targeted towards children on media platforms be prohibited?
  • The significance of mediation in media representation.
  • Should bloggers receive the same recognition as traditional journalists?
  • Ethical considerations in contemporary news coverage.
  • Upholding freedom of speech in digital platforms.
  • The ambiguity and constraints of copyright laws.
  • The pivotal role of psychology and communication skills in the realm of journalism.
  • How does gender play a role in face-to-face communication?
  • Current benchmarks of non-verbal interactions in today’s society.
  • The detrimental effects of Instagram on body perception and self-image.

Research Paper Topics on Politics

The field of politics encompasses the study of political systems, behavior, thought, and the overarching structures and theories that guide societies. Researchers in this area analyze the dynamics of power, governance, policies, and the implications of political decisions on citizens’ lives. Topics can span across domestic issues to international relations, ideologies, political movements, and the evolving nature of political entities. The intricate relationships between politics, economy, culture, and social structures offer a plethora of areas to delve into, be it the effectiveness of democratic systems, the rise of populism, geopolitical strategies, or the impact of political propaganda.

  • Is it advisable to reduce the legal drinking age?
  • Should individuals be permitted to carry concealed firearms?
  • The case for implementing stricter gun control regulations.
  • Strategies for the global community to deter Iran from nuclear weapon development.
  • How can we put an end to ethnically-motivated violence?
  • The current outlook for achieving peace between Israel and Palestine.
  • Envisioning a world devoid of conflicts and wars.
  • Strategies to prevent layoffs in businesses.
  • Should capital punishment remain a legal option?
  • Is the implementation of socialism feasible in modern societies?

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology research paper topics explore the complexities of human behavior, cognition, and emotions. Researchers in this field delve into various dimensions of the mind and its influence on individuals and society. They investigate areas like cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, biological psychology, positive psychology, health psychology, educational psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology to gain a deeper understanding of human nature and its applications in real-world scenarios.

  • Is autism a medical condition or a unique developmental variation?
  • How can we predict and influence behavioral tendencies?
  • Strategies to address aggressive behavior in children.
  • What are the best approaches to cope with a mental breakdown?
  • The influence of classical music on brain functions.
  • How does persistent insomnia impact our well-being?
  • The effects of nightmares on our daily emotions.
  • Is stress as detrimental as it’s perceived to be?
  • The connection between depression and the immune system’s functionality.
  • The phenomenon of intellectually gifted individuals: how does it manifest?

Science & Technology Research Paper Ideas

The field of science and technology research encompasses a wide array of subjects that explore scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and their societal impact. Researchers in this field delve into topics like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, space exploration, climate change, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and medical advancements. They aim to understand the latest developments, challenges, and ethical considerations in these dynamic areas, contributing to the advancement of human knowledge and technological progress.

  • How are light-based therapies being utilized to combat cancer and other ailments?
  • What recent discoveries support the theory that Mars once harbored water and possibly life?
  • Could advancements in nanomedicine pave the way for increased human longevity?
  • What trajectories are computing and artificial intelligence expected to take in the coming years?
  • The potential applications of cryogenics in future technological and medical breakthroughs.
  • Can renewable energy sources truly serve as viable replacements for fossil fuels?
  • Are human interactions with wild animals advantageous for their well-being?
  • What proofs support the notion that the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is an aftermath of the big bang?
  • How might autonomous vehicles reshape societal norms and daily routines?
  • Can cryptocurrency systems, like Bitcoin, offer robust solutions against identity theft?

Research Topics Ideas on Culture

Culture research topics delve into the intricate web of human customs, beliefs, traditions, and practices. Researchers in this field explore the rich tapestry of cultural expressions, including language, arts, rituals, and societal norms. They aim to comprehend the diversity of cultures, the forces that shape them, and how they evolve over time. These topics often involve examining cultural exchanges, cultural preservation efforts, the impact of globalization on cultural identities, and the role of culture in shaping individual and collective identities. Ultimately, culture research contributes to a deeper understanding of the human experience and the interplay of cultures in an increasingly interconnected world.

  • A fresh understanding of historical occurrences.
  • Tracing the beginnings of racial prejudice.
  • Unearthing the origins of antisemitic sentiments.
  • Evaluating the effect of advertising on contemporary art forms.
  • The defining cultural milestones of the 20th century and their lasting impact on today’s society.
  • An overview of major cultural revolutions in history.
  • How do prevailing pop culture movements shape the perspectives of the younger generation?
  • Is it appropriate for magazines to prominently feature pregnant celebrities on their covers?
  • What made Greek cultural contributions so pivotal in shaping the ancient Mediterranean world?
  • What factors drove the Victorian era to be a landmark phase of cultural evolution?

Research Paper Topics on Math

Math research paper topics delve into the realm of mathematical theories, concepts, and applications. Researchers in this field explore mathematical principles, their practical significance, and their impact on various disciplines. They investigate mathematical problem-solving, theorems, algorithms, and the evolution of mathematical thought throughout history. Math research topics often encompass areas such as pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, and computational mathematics. Researchers aim to uncover new mathematical insights, solve complex problems, and advance our understanding of the fundamental language of the universe, mathematics.

  • The pervasive impact of computational algorithms on various sectors.
  • Can one devise a surefire strategy for success in the game of Monopoly?
  • The historical and symbolic reasoning behind using ‘x’ as the symbol for the unknown in mathematics.
  • Tracing the transformative role of mathematics in shaping human civilization.
  • Unpacking the solution to the widely discussed McDonald’s mathematical conundrum.
  • How do mathematical prodigies grasp intricate concepts at a seemingly accelerated pace?
  • Is there merit in arguing against high school math competitions?
  • Delving into the intricate interplay between mathematical structures and musical compositions.
  • How often do we encounter and apply mathematical formulas in everyday situations?
  • What mathematical challenges have historically perplexed and confounded scholars?

Research Paper Topics on Business

The field of business research paper topics encompasses a wide range of subjects related to commerce, economics, and organizational studies. Researchers in this field examine various aspects of businesses, including their management, operations, marketing, finance, and strategies for growth. They delve into issues such as market analysis, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, corporate governance, and the impact of technology on business practices. Business research aims to understand the dynamics of the business world, the challenges faced by organizations, and the strategies employed to succeed in a competitive global market. It contributes valuable insights to both academia and the business community, driving innovation and informed decision-making in the corporate world.

  • Unpacking the mechanics of unscrupulous business methods.
  • Is it feasible to launch a business on a zero-budget?
  • A look into the controversial figures in the business world.
  • The dynamics of integrating entrepreneurship within family-owned enterprises.
  • Navigating moral dilemmas in daily professional scenarios.
  • What marketing approaches yield the best results for burgeoning businesses?
  • Weighing the pros and cons of introducing a business to new geographical markets.
  • Key principles for cultivating a thriving startup enterprise.
  • Evaluating the significance of global trade in promoting sustainable growth.
  • Assessing the implications of environmental shifts on cross-border business plans.

Research Paper Topics For Middle School

Research paper topics for middle school students encompass a diverse array of subjects tailored to the age and educational level of middle schoolers. These topics are designed to encourage critical thinking, research skills, and intellectual curiosity. They often cover subjects from various academic disciplines, including science, history, literature, and social studies. Research at this level aims to introduce students to the process of inquiry, data collection, and analysis while fostering a love for learning and exploration. Topics may include historical events, scientific experiments, literary analysis, social issues, and more, providing a foundation for future academic endeavors and helping students develop essential research and communication skills.

  • Does adopting a vegan lifestyle align with optimal health for everyone?
  • Is the greenhouse effect primarily man-made or a natural phenomenon?
  • Delving into the origins, impacts, and aftermath of seismic activities.
  • Establishing the threshold for video game consumption before addiction risks emerge.
  • An exploration of Princess Diana’s legacy and her lasting influence.
  • Understanding the intrinsic human drive for competition: its roots and significance.
  • Charting the evolution and transformation of poetic forms through the ages.
  • Techniques leveraged by ancient mariners to traverse and map the world.
  • Analyzing the portrayal and influence of gender norms in children’s literature and animations.
  • Who stands out as the most formidable military tactician in world history?

High School Research Paper Ideas

High school research paper ideas cover a wide range of topics designed to challenge and engage students at this educational level. These topics encourage critical thinking, research skills, and a deeper understanding of various subjects. They span across academic disciplines such as science, literature, history, social studies, and more. Research at the high school level aims to prepare students for more advanced academic work by introducing them to research methodologies, analytical thinking, and effective communication of findings. It allows students to explore their interests, develop arguments, and gain insights into the complex issues facing the world today, thus fostering academic growth and intellectual curiosity.

  • Strategies to tackle the challenge of drug dependency among high school students.
  • Comparing traditional face-to-face interactions with digital communication methods.
  • Analyzing how K-Pop culture influences perceptions of beauty and body standards.
  • The value of encouraging students to volunteer and engage in community service.
  • Adaptations in educational methodologies in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Reflecting on the historical and enduring implications of the Trail of Tears.
  • The significance of motivation in enhancing academic performance and commitment.
  • The enduring relevance of printed books and the evolving role of libraries.
  • Measures that can be implemented to bolster security within educational institutions.
  • Examining the impact of active parental participation on a child’s academic journey.

History Research Paper Topics

History research paper topics encompass the exploration and analysis of past events, societies, and cultures. Researchers in this field examine historical narratives, primary sources, and secondary accounts to gain a deeper understanding of the past. They investigate significant historical events, figures, movements, and eras to uncover the causes, consequences, and broader implications of historical developments. This field of research allows scholars to connect the dots between the past and the present, providing valuable insights into the evolution of human societies, cultures, and institutions over time. Ultimately, history research contributes to our collective knowledge of the human experience and helps us contextualize contemporary issues within a historical framework.

  • How did World War II reshape and redefine women’s rights and societal roles?
  • Which key events and factors served as catalysts for the onset of WWII?
  • Does liberalism offer the most balanced approach to governance and societal order?
  • What were the societal and political outcomes stemming from the women’s suffrage movements?
  • What were the consequences of Martin Luther’s challenges to the Catholic Church?
  • Which military tactics stand out as the most influential and transformative in history?
  • In what ways has traditional Asian art provided inspiration for modern artistic movements?
  • How have varying monetary systems influenced the economic and social progression of civilizations?
  • How do the cultural, artistic, and historical threads of Roman and Greek civilizations intertwine and correlate?
  • Exploring the architectural marvels and innovations of the Aztec Empire.

Art Research Paper Ideas

Art research paper ideas encompass the exploration of various forms of visual, performing, and literary arts. Researchers in this field analyze artistic movements, styles, techniques, and the cultural, historical, and social contexts that influence artistic creations. They delve into the works of renowned artists, the evolution of art throughout history, and the significance of artistic expression in human societies. Topics within art research may cover areas such as art history, art criticism, aesthetics, the impact of art on culture, or the intersection of art with other disciplines like science, politics, or technology. This field allows scholars to appreciate the depth and diversity of artistic expression, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of art in shaping human culture and creativity.

  • The importance and advantages of making digital museums accessible to all.
  • Distinguishing features and contributions of Flemish painters and their artistry.
  • Debating whether Japanese anime stands alone as a unique art category.
  • Evaluating the impact of Photoshop and digital tools on the evolution and interpretation of contemporary art.
  • Tracing the journey of photography as a medium and its varying forms of artistic expression.
  • Navigating the challenges faced by contemporary artists in the era of social distancing.
  • Understanding Middle Eastern cultural interpretations of color and light in art.
  • Examining the significance of Ancient Rome in pioneering and revolutionizing sculpture techniques.
  • The debate on whether artists should be granted permissions to showcase their creations in public greenspaces.
  • Advocating for the vital role of arts education in nurturing creativity and broadening horizons in middle school curriculums.

Literature Research Paper Topics

Literature research paper topics encompass the exploration and analysis of literary works, authors, genres, and literary movements. Researchers in this field critically examine and interpret written texts to understand their themes, symbolism, cultural significance, and historical context. They may delve into classical literature, contemporary novels, poetry, drama, or even non-fiction works that have a significant literary impact. Topics within literature research often revolve around the study of individual authors, comparative analyses of different works, examinations of literary movements (such as Romanticism or Modernism), and explorations of the cultural, social, or psychological dimensions of literature. This field allows scholars to delve into the rich world of storytelling and creative expression, uncovering the ways in which literature reflects, critiques, and shapes human experiences and societies.

  • The portrayal and evolution of the American Dream in literature throughout the decades.
  • Analyzing the “Harry Potter” series: A reflection of societal values and ideals of its era.
  • Uncovering novel perspectives in prose through independent research and analysis.
  • Delving into the prose that documented and advocated for the women’s suffrage movements.
  • Assessing the transformative impact of contemporary literature on modern society.
  • Exploring the purpose and power of metaphors and similes in literary expression.
  • Comparative analysis of allegorical elements in two distinct novels (specific novels would be needed for detailed evaluation).
  • Key indicators and elements that guide readers in identifying the genre of a given novel.
  • Positioning fanfiction: Is it an autonomous literary genre or a derivative of existing works?
  • The portrayal of romance and sensuality during the Renaissance period.
  • Utilizing fiction as a medium for influencing public opinion and propagating ideologies.

Law Research Paper Topics

Law research paper topics revolve around the examination and analysis of legal principles, regulations, and their implications. Researchers in this field delve into various aspects of the legal system, including constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, international law, and more. They investigate legal precedents, court decisions, statutes, and the broader legal framework that governs societies. Topics may cover issues such as legal ethics, human rights, environmental law, intellectual property, or the intersection of law with other fields like technology or economics. Law research aims to enhance our understanding of legal concepts, address complex legal challenges, and contribute to the development of effective legal policies and practices, fostering a just and orderly society.

  • Global perspectives and interpretations of Islamic law and its applications.
  • ECOLEX: Its significance and role in shaping environmental law.
  • The importance of the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) documents in understanding international trade dynamics.
  • Roles, responsibilities, and contributions of the European Patent Office in intellectual property protection.
  • Exploring the tenets and challenges of mass communication law in the digital age.
  • The influence of women in leadership roles across various nations and its societal implications.
  • A critical review of the tools and methodologies employed by the International Criminal Court in upholding justice.
  • A comprehensive study of criminal procedures across nations: A comparative approach.
  • Highlights and key insights from the Inter-American Human Rights Library.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the US Copyright Office in safeguarding the rights and interests of authors and writers.

Religion Research Paper Topics

Religion research paper topics revolve around the exploration and analysis of religious beliefs, practices, traditions, and their impact on individuals and societies. Researchers in this field examine various religions, their histories, doctrines, rituals, and the role of religion in shaping culture, ethics, and worldviews. Topics within religion research often encompass the study of specific religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Buddhism), comparative religion, religious extremism, religious freedom, the relationship between religion and science, or the impact of religion on social and political dynamics. This field allows scholars to gain insights into the diversity of religious thought and expression and their profound influence on human societies and spirituality.

  • Bisexuality in Biblical Texts: Interpretations and Representations.
  • Creationism: Understanding the Belief in the Direct Creation as described in Holy Texts.
  • Exploring the Intersection of Christianity and Economic Principles.
  • Modernism’s Impact on Traditional Religious Beliefs and Practices.
  • Navigating the Complex Relationship between Religion and Sexuality.
  • Pastoral and Religious Counseling: Its Role and Relevance in Modern Society.
  • Intelligent Design: Bridging the Gap between Science and Faith.
  • The Church’s Role in Social Advocacy and Community Outreach.
  • Teenage Perspectives on Religion: Faith in a Changing World.
  • Women’s Roles, Rights, and Representation in Various Religious Traditions.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Argumentative research paper topics focus on issues that require individuals to present, analyze, and defend their viewpoints effectively. Researchers in this field select topics that spark debate and controversy, encouraging critical thinking and persuasive communication. These topics cover a wide range of subjects, including social issues, ethics, politics, environmental concerns, technology, and more. The goal is to construct a compelling argument supported by evidence, logic, and reasoning while considering opposing viewpoints. Argumentative research papers aim to engage readers, challenge their perspectives, and foster informed discussions on complex and often divisive issues, helping individuals develop their analytical and persuasive skills.

  • The Pros and Cons of Providing Free Education to All.
  • Debating the Legitimacy of Blogging and Influencing as Professional Careers.
  • Military Service as a Rite of Passage: Does It Foster Maturity?
  • Balancing Internet Access during College Lectures: A Necessity or Distraction?
  • Evaluating the Ethical Implications of the Death Penalty.
  • The Influence of the Fashion Industry on Youth: Empowerment or Detriment?
  • Financial Rewards for Fair Play: Encouraging Ethics or Undermining the Spirit?
  • Debating Indoor Tobacco Restrictions: Health Concerns versus Personal Freedom.
  • The Role of Religious Differences in Sparking Global Conflicts.
  • Mobile Applications: Striking a Balance between Convenience and Privacy Concerns.

Research Paper Topics and Trends

Education: Delving into the world of education can lead you to explore the efficiency of standardized tests or the success rates of college graduates. You might also want to dive into how modern technologies are reshaping learning methods or the role of technology in education.

Health: The health domain offers intriguing areas like global health concerns, the dangers of household air pollution, the spread of infectious diseases, and the emerging climate change issues affecting personal health.

In the realm of medicine, students can explore controversial topics such as the ethical considerations of animal testing or the pros and cons of medical marijuana. How obesity affects health or the debates around life-sustaining therapy are also research-worthy.

The environment is a pressing concern for many. Research papers here could focus on efforts to reduce global warming, the consequences of overpopulation, or even the human impacts on forests.

For those interested in entertainment, the influence of social networks on youth, the debate on violent video games, and the ethical considerations of using animals for entertainment are all captivating subjects.

In the world of media & communication, topics like the ethical side of news reports, the role of bloggers as journalists, or the ever-important subject of freedom of speech online are ripe for exploration.

Politics offers a vast field of research areas. The international community’s role in preventing ethnic killings, strategies for peace in Israel, and the visions of a world without wars can be particularly compelling.

The intricate world of psychology provides topics like the mysteries of autism, the root causes of child violence, or the impact of music on the brain. Other subjects could include the effects of stress or the intricate patterns of depression.

For tech-savvy students, science & technology offers myriad options. The future of computing, the revolutionary concept of self-driving cars, or the potential of bitcoin can be exciting areas to delve into.

Culture, often intertwined with history, provides avenues to explore racial discrimination, the influence of Greek culture, or modern pop culture trends.

For numbers enthusiasts, math subjects can range from the influence of algorithms to high school math contests or the intriguing McDonald’s math problem.

From understanding dirty business tactics to the challenges of starting a business without money, the business field has a plethora of topics awaiting student researchers.

For younger students, middle school topics might include discussions on gender roles, the significance of poetry, or the adventures of ancient sailors. In contrast, high school topics could involve discussions on the physical vs. digital communications, body image concerns, or changes in the academic process.

From the impacts of World War II to the influences of Roman and Greek culture on modern society, history offers a broad spectrum of topics.

Art enthusiasts can venture into the world of digital museums or the challenges faced by modern artists.

Literary buffs can delve into literature topics like the American dream, the dawn of literature on modern society, or even the allegory of famous novels.

For budding lawyers, law topics could encompass the perception of Islamic law, the intricacies of environmental law, or even the complex tools of international criminal law courts.

Lastly, in religion, discussions can revolve around modernism, pastoral counseling, or teenagers’ perception of religion.

Whether you’re making an argumentative stance on free education, the invasion of privacy by mobile applications, or any other topic, the essence lies in the quality of research and the depth of understanding. Dive deep, explore, and may your research questions lead you to answers that not only benefit your academic pursuits but also enrich your knowledge.

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Research Paper Topics

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Choose your Topic Smart

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

Browse Research Paper Topics by Category:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use Technology

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

100% Effective Advice

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

Examine Different Ideas

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

Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Economics Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Education Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 History Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Psychology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Biology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Chemistry Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Physics Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Sociology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Technology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

What Makes a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

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

A topic is  manageable  if you can:

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

A topic is  important  if it:

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

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

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

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

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

Moving from a Research Paper Idea to a Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting a Specific Research Paper Topic to a Bigger Idea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Refine Your Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

Secrets to Keep in Mind when Writing a Research Paper

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

Custom Research Paper Writing Service

If you still have concerns regarding your research paper, we are here to answer your questions. It is no secret that studying is becoming more and more difficult at college. Every week you have an overload of tasks and assignments. You work hard, sleep little. As a result, you can be at the edge of a nervous breakdown trying to finish all the tasks on time. That is why we are here helping thousands of students to study smart.

24/7 you can contact us and order your paper. We never miss the deadline and always provide our clients with a top-notch quality. When you feel that you cannot handle it on your own, a bit of assistance will do no harm. All our writers are experts with years of experience. They are aware of all the subtleties of academic writing and they know all the recent college requirements. You can turn to us for help any time and we will get down to work immediately. From choosing the topic to writing the whole paper – this is what we have to offer. Getting top grades is much easier when the real professionals help you.

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research paper topics college student

Research Paper Topics: 50 Ideas to Get Started

Last Updated on May 26, 2023

You’ll most likely be writing a lot of research papers while in college, so it is important to master the skill of finding the right research paper topics. Unfortunately, not all the topics you are interested in may be that easy to write about. It becomes even more difficult if there is not enough research material on the topic you've chosen.

Research Paper Topics: Find a Broad Subject First, Then Narrow It Down

One thing that works when finding the right research paper topics is to think of several subjects that interest you. Try writing down these subjects on a sheet of paper. Choose the one that interests you the most, and then break down the general subject into smaller chunks of topics that are related to it.

Narrow down your topics to the most interesting ones. If it is a controversial topic, choose a particular perspective that you will develop in your research paper. Read different points of view related to your topic, as this expands your knowledge and makes writing your paper easier.

Mind mapping is always a good idea, too. To find out how much you actually know about a topic, make a mind map of it. Put the main concept in the middle of a sheet of paper, then start adding relevant terms around it. When you run out of terms on this topic, you'll see if they're sufficient for a paper. 

Another way to get yourself completely rid of all the trouble is to get a research paper writing service to help you. By delegating your assignment, you will free up some of your time and see how this type of paper is done by a professional. You can stay in touch with your paper writer every step of the way, ask them questions, and request drafts. This will allow you to stay on top of the process and see how a thesis statement becomes a full paper.

A helpful way to find a topic that would make writing a research paper easy is to use one you’ve already written about. Take one of the essays you’ve written for this particular subject and see if you can broaden this topic. How much more detail can you add? Has any new research been made on that topic? In academia, it’s quite normal to broaden and deepen your past research, so you might as well start now.

Make sure you have enough resources for your topic.

Do a quick online search on the topics on your list to see which one is widely researched. This means finding a topic that is discussed not just on websites or blogs, but more so in books, articles, and even encyclopedia references. Find a topic that is both interesting and has plenty of published material. Check magazine articles, because these are usually shorter and more updated than those found in books.

Check references online or at the library.

Once you have chosen your topic, check the internet for references and also try using your school's library database, which may also be available online. Don't hesitate to ask your librarian for assistance with an urgent research paper. Other resources beyond the library include research paper websites that provide professional research paper writing help .

Writing a research paper requires a lot of time, extreme concentration, and diligence. And not everyone can cope with this task. Therefore, some people turn to special services for writing student papers. However, we do not recommend ordering this work. It is better to order editing for the writing assignment. In any case, it is always better to analyze both writing and editing services.

It is difficult to identify scammers, so it is better to trust a professional like William Grabe. On his website, you will find a detailed analysis of the best essay writing services .

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

Business Research Paper Topics:

  • Cloud computing
  • Cybersecurity
  • Glass ceiling
  • The gender pay gap
  • Geo arbitrage
  • Gig economy
  • Online retail
  • Online whiteboards
  • Outsourcing
  • Machine learning and automation
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Customer Service
  • Operations Management
  • Business ethics and social responsibility
  • Human Resources Management
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Teleconferencing and video meetings
  • Voice over IP (VoIP)
  • White collar crime
  • Work from home

Crime, Law, and Social Justice Research Paper Topics:

  • Acquaintance rape
  • Animal rights
  • Assisted suicide
  • Campus violence
  • Capital punishment
  • Civil rights
  • Climate justice
  • Drinking age, legal
  • Drug legalization
  • Gun control and gun violence
  • Hate crimes
  • Hunger and food insecurity
  • Insanity defense
  • Mandatory minimum sentencing
  • Patriot Act
  • Police brutality
  • Prisons and prisoners
  • Racial equality
  • Refugee crisis
  • Self defense
  • Serial killers
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stand Your Ground Law
  • Three Strikes Law

Drugs and alcohol Research Paper Topics:

  • Addiction recovery
  • CBD (Cannabidiol) benefits
  • Doping in sports
  • Drug testing
  • Drug addition
  • Drunk driving
  • Hemp seed benefits
  • Marijuana and medical marijuana
  • Prescription drug abuse
  • Sober living
  • Substance abuse
  • Twelve Steps

Education Research Paper Topics:

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

Environmental Research Paper Topics:

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

Family Issues Research Paper Topics:

  • Battered woman syndrome
  • Child abuse
  • Divorce rates
  • Domestic abuse
  • Family relationships
  • Family values
  • Parental Leave Benefits and Their Impact on the Family
  • Children's Mental Health & Development Impacted by Parental Absence
  • The Cost of Child Care
  • What Future Education Systems Must Include to Support Familial Wellbeing and Successful Learning for All

Health Research Paper Topics:

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

Media and Communications Research Paper Topics:

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

Political Issues Research Paper Topics:

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics:

  • Criminal psychology
  • Physical attraction
  • Schizophrenia

Religion Research Paper Topics:

  • Christianity
  • Freedom of religion
  • The Religious Beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses
  • Religion as a Form of Therapy
  • A Comparison of Wicca and Catholicism in the Media
  • Religious Fundamentalism in the United States
  • Scientology
  • Teaching Islam in Public Schools
  • The Role of Religion on Sexuality

Social Issues Topics:

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

Technology Topics:

  • Changing Public Opinion & Politics in Social Media Era
  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
  • FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange
  • Innovation in AI and Machine Learning
  • Quantum Computing Revolutionizing Information Security
  • Smart Cities and Transportation Systems
  • The Future of Social Media

Terrorism Topics:

  • Bioterrorism
  • Homeland Security
  • September 11 attacks
  • Domestic terrorism
  • International terrorism
  • Religious terrorism
  • Irgun: Zionist terrorism
  • The Munich Olympics

Women and Gender Topics:

  • Birth control and pregnancy
  • Botox injections
  • Cultural expectations and practices
  • Discrimination
  • Eating disorders
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Gender Identity
  • Gender-neutral pronouns
  • Marriage and Divorce
  • Media portrayals
  • Menstruation
  • Modern women
  • Prostitution
  • LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender)
  • LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more)
  • Social media influencers
  • Sex and sexuality
  • Female athletes
  • Women stereotypes
  • Women executives
  • Transgender
  • Traditional wife
  • Violence and rape
  • Women's rights

Source: University of Illinois Online Library

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As a high school or college student, you are aware that you will spend a substantial amount of your time writing not one but many research papers. If you have already done it, you know how overwhelming and exhausting this process can be.  Nevertheless, before writing, an equally daunting and slightly more difficult part is selecting research paper topics. Although sometimes teachers will provide you with titles or prompts for your works, most times, you will have to come up with interesting research topics to write about. If you encounter difficulties choosing a title for your paper, know that you are not alone because almost all students find it hard. We are here to provide you with various research topic ideas that can make your selection process more manageable. Before delving into our list of titles, we will first explain what research topics are, their characteristics, and how to choose them. Are you swamped with assignments and deadlines? Let us take the pressure off with our ' write my paper ' service! Our team of experienced writers is ready to deliver top-quality, custom-written papers.

What Are Research Paper Topics?

Research paper topics are titles for academic writings that describe an independent investigation of subjects or issues. They mainly focus on analyzing and presenting a critical view. In other words, these papers seek to draw on what other scholars have said and written about an issue and present the author’s unique perspective. Research topics can either be phrased as questions or hypotheses. Since you can conduct an investigation on any sector, selecting an interesting title can sometimes be stressful. However, if you choose topics for research papers, ensure they are well thought out and written because they can serve as a springboard for future studies.

Characteristics of Good Research Topics

Always select good research topics if you aim to achieve high grades in your essays. Refrain from being misled to think that this is a trivial task. It requires careful consideration and evaluation to come up with an exciting title. When it comes to the question “what is a good research topic,” the following are characteristics that you should look out for: 

  • Interesting You ought to choose a topic that is exciting to you and your readers.
  • Manageable Your title should neither be too broad or narrow to be sufficiently covered.
  • Has practical or theoretical significance The selected topic adds new understanding to the area of study.
  • Researchable It should also be easily investigated with an abundance of scholarly material.
  • Unique The title you pick needs to be different from others so as to stand out.
  • Precise It exactly answers all the research questions.

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?

The first step to developing an exciting paper is choosing a good research topic. As we have said above, selecting topics to research is not the easiest of tasks, especially if you do not know where to start. However, you should not be afraid because we have you covered. Below we will give you steps to consider when picking your research paper topic:

  • First, you should explore the area you are interested in, i.e., ideas that are exciting to you.
  • Second, make a research question by analyzing what your paper will focus on and what might intrigue your readers.
  • Third, brainstorm research topic ideas by evaluating appropriate titles and eliminating irrelevant ones.
  • Fourth, narrow down your topic to one that is meaningful to you and your readers.
  • Lastly, ensure that you adhere to all paper guidelines presented by your teacher.

List of Research Paper Topics

Now that you know what research topics are, their characteristics, and how to pick them, we can delve into the selection process. Do you need help brainstorming for research paper ideas? Look no further because we have created research topic lists to get you going. We know that a catalog of titles can trigger your creative juices, making it easy to begin writing your essay. Below are top 10 research topics for your paper: 

  • How has the internet impacted freedom of speech?
  • Negative impacts of pop culture trends on youths.
  • How is the American economy affected by climate change?
  • Can AI be classified as a threat to humans?
  • Practical ways that can be used to make nuclear power safe.
  • What are the economic impacts of GMO foods in America?
  • Free education: its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Efficient ways used in disposing of waste material.
  • How effective is music therapy in managing depression among senior citizens?
  • What causes obesity, and how can it be prevented?

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Interesting Topics to Research

Reading your essays should always be a fun experience. To achieve that, you will need to find interesting things to research. This article is the perfect place to start because the following are interesting research paper topics: 

  • Impacts of the Ottoman Empire and the Barbarian slave trade on medicine.
  • Rise and fall of ancient Greek cities.
  • In what ways does the sense of smell affect taste?
  • How does room color affect students’ learning outcomes?
  • Should autism be classified as a natural variation of the norm or a disease?
  • How depression negatively impacts immunity among senior citizens.
  • What causes violent tendencies among children, and how may they be prevented?
  • Drug and alcohol abuse: cause and effect on high school students.
  • Impacts of commercials and advertisements on purchasing habits.
  • How computer dependence impacts humans.
  • Advantages that nanotechnology has on modern science.
  • How to address adolescents’ psychological needs.
  • Effective social media strategies that companies can use to boost sales.
  • Critical roles played by women during World War I.
  • Effects of prolonged steroid usage on human bodies.

Easy Research Paper Topics

Easy research topics are simple to investigate and write. Sometimes complicated titles can be exhausting and challenging, especially when you are running out of time. If you are looking to make things straightforward, below are easy topics to research:  

  • Advantages and disadvantages of school uniforms.
  • Reasons why school athletes should be paid.
  • Steps that are employed to ensure children are protected from harmful internet content.
  • What causes obesity among teenagers in the United States?
  • Ways that people can be encouraged to recycle their waste.
  • Benefits of 3D printers to society.
  • Causes and negative impacts of tornadoes.
  • Similarities and differences between Mac and PC.
  • Dangers associated with hitchhiking.
  • Should lie detectors be considered 100% accurate?
  • Should education be less expensive?
  • How does a smartphone GPS work?
  • What are the disadvantages associated with using plastic bottles?
  • Benefits of getting enough sleep every day.
  • Impacts that Bill Gates made in the field of communication.

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Good Research Paper Topics

There is a broad scope of titles to choose from, which is why finding good topics for a research paper is challenging. To make your task easier, below we have narrowed down good topics to research: 

  • Reasons why students should be encouraged to be bilingual.
  • Negative impacts brought by oil spills on water bodies and marine animals.
  • Tobacco smoking: why should it be completely banned in America?
  • Reasons why countries should ban risky sports.
  • Importance of more people embracing reading culture.
  • Should historical films be based only on facts?
  • Is democracy losing its relevance in the modern world?
  • Impacts that China’s one-child policy has on the population.
  • Key reasons and impacts brought by the UK leaving the EU.
  • Impacts of Affordable Care Act on healthcare in America.
  • History and relationship between the US and North Korea .
  • Efficient methods that can be used to lower gun-related deaths in America.
  • Key events that led to the Roman Empire falling.
  • Positive impacts associated with ecotourism.
  • Do smartphones increase or decrease work productivity?

Best Research Paper Topics

Achieving the highest possible grade in your essay may require finding the best research topics. Sometimes this may not be easy because there are so many titles to choose from. However, do not be scared because below we have the best topics to research: 

  • How does Islam play a role in oppressing women?
  • Does college education fully prepare students for their careers?
  • Structural differences between a man's and a woman’s heart.
  • How gender roles have evolved in modern marriages.
  • Benefits associated with home health nursing service.
  • Causes and effects of cybercrimes.
  • How does terrorism affect business success?
  • Measures that can be employed to aid ex-convicts in getting employment.
  • Should schools allow licensed students to carry their guns?
  • Feminist movement and its impacts in America.
  • Reasons why women should be allowed to participate in extreme sports.
  • Effective ways parents can use to monitor their children’s online activities.
  • Who should be blamed for homelessness in America?
  • Should smartphone usage in classrooms be legalized?
  • Causes of societal stereotypes.

Funny Research Paper Topics

Using humor in your essay is an excellent way to get your readers hooked. For you to achieve that, you will need funny research topics. It may not be easy to find hilarious titles, but we have come up with some fun things to research:

  • Origin and development of Halloween celebration.
  • Crows vs. parrots: which one is smarter?
  • Ways in which a person can survive with minimum wage.
  • Why is it better for people to spend more time on their phones than to hang out with each other?
  • Negative impacts of the government lowering drinking age.
  • Reasons why handwriting has lost its importance in school.
  • Efficient ways that can be used in handling a drunk roommate.
  • Cats vs. dogs: which one makes the better pet?
  • Should parents pay their children to attend school?
  • Reasons why teachers should be compelled to wear school uniforms.
  • Why have humans been considered the most dangerous creatures on earth?
  • Origin and development of April fool’s day.
  • Reasons why people who want to keep fit eat the most.
  • Most effective ways to deal with trouble during family reunions.
  • Reasons why being ignorant can bring more happiness.

Couldn't find a fitting paper idea? Give our Research Paper Topic Generator a try.  

Cool Topics to Research

Sometimes you may need cool research topics to make your readers enjoy the experience. If this is what you are looking for, below are cool things to research: 

  • Measures that can be employed to prevent corporate abuse.
  • Causes and impacts of high rates of divorce cases in Britain.
  • Origin and development of skateboards.
  • Ways in which gunpowder changed warfare.
  • Reasons why Socrates was executed.
  • Factors that promote black hole formation.
  • Ways in which sharks hunt their prey.
  • Sinkholes: what are they, and how are they created?
  • Efficient ways used in creating positive employee relationships.
  • Should students in America take a one-year gap between high school and college?
  • Differences and similarities between Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare.
  • Nuclear energy and its impacts on economy.
  • Effective ways used by film and music industries in dealing with piracy.
  • Night vision: what is it, and how does it work?
  • Theories that explain how dinosaurs disappeared.

Popular Research Topics

Are you looking for titles that are attractive to the majority of readers? Then it would be best if you looked at a popular research topic. To get you going, you can select a popular topic for a research paper from below: 

  • How instant messaging has affected literacy.
  • Negative impacts of digital learning in schools.
  • Causes and preventive measures for identity theft.
  • Cyberbullying: what is it and how can it be prevented?
  • Factors employed in preventing cases of sexual harassment at the workplace.
  • Are white-collar jobs losing their significance in the modern world?
  • Negative impacts of social networks on people’s mental health.
  • Effective ways to bridge gender inequalities at work.
  • Homeschooling: its advantages and disadvantages.
  • Differences between climate change and global warming.
  • How to overcome corruption cases in governance.
  • Reasons why police should always use body cameras.
  • Has social media changed human behavior?
  • Negative impacts of political scandals in America.
  • How did the Syrian Crisis start?

Controversial Research Paper Topics

Sometimes research ideas need to be contentious to grab your readers’ attention. If this is what you are looking for, go through the following controversial topics for a research paper: 

  • Should nurses be held accountable for their patients’ behavior?
  • Reasons why students should be permitted to go to school with their smartphones.
  • Should the presidential term limit be extended?
  • Why most domestic violence cases are related to alcohol consumption.
  • Why reducing minimum wage in America will be good for the economy.
  • Is there gender inequality in the field of medicine?
  • Should children be allowed to take care of their younger siblings?
  • Religion should be a compulsory subject in American schools.
  • Reasons why children should not be allowed to join social media sites.
  • Why should luxury parties be forbidden among college students?
  • Pros and cons of teaching women martial arts.
  • Should hospitals be allowed to treat patients with gunshot wounds without involving the police?
  • What are the benefits of tobacco advertisement?
  • Ethical aspects associated with legalizing marijuana.
  • Reasons why school uniforms should be abolished.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Some essays are meant to be persuasive with the readers to convince them to agree with your thesis statement. Thus, presenting a conclusive argument in your work will require a critical evaluation of different sources to present concrete evidence. Are you wondering how you can get good argument topics to do a research paper on? Do not worry because the following are argumentative ideas for a research paper: 

  • Reasons why medical professionals should be allowed to market pharmaceuticals to patients.
  • Is the level of depression among kids rising?
  • What are the health consequences associated with fasting?
  • Effective measures that are taken to make car seats safe for children.
  • Reasons why social media platforms should be banned from collecting users’ data.
  • Should unpaid internships be made illegal?
  • Should governments regulate what their citizens eat?
  • Should gun ownership by private citizens be illegal?
  • US immigration policies : have they been effective?
  • Exam cheating: should students who are found engaging in the vice be punished?
  • Do academic performances suffer when students engage in sports?
  • Four-day work week: should companies embrace it?
  • Why athletes who use steroids should be banned from engaging in sports.
  • Reasons for the legalization of death penalty.
  • How effective are curfews placed upon teenagers?
  • Should it be illegal to smoke cigarettes in public?
  • Advantages of allowing kids to play violent video games.
  • Reasons why helmet usage in American football makes the sport dangerous.
  • Are workers more productive when working from home?
  • Reasons why climate change is the cause of increasing natural disasters.

>> Read more: Argumentative Essays Topics

Research Topic Ideas for Students

As students, you will have to write different research essays before graduating. Coming up with research ideas can take time and effort. However, instead of feeling scared, you should embrace this task because we will provide clues on how to make your selection.  But in case you have any more doubts, we have created several research topics for students from different levels, including middle school, high school, and college. Go through the following lists to make your choice:

Research Paper Topics for Middle School

Students can begin writing essays as early as middle school. If you are in this category and looking for research paper ideas for middle school, you are lucky because we have you covered. The following are topics to research for middle school: 

  • Impacts of online learning on students.
  • Why conducting drug tests on animals is ethically bad.
  • Effective ways that may enhance an individual's self-esteem.
  • Sex education and its importance.
  • How the internet has changed people’s lives.
  • Reasons why dinosaurs became extinct.
  • What is spam email, and what measures can be used to prevent it?
  • Tobacco usage and its negative impacts on a person’s body.
  • Differences between homework and class assignments.
  • Key reasons why the human body needs sleep.
  • Desert mirage: what is it, and how does it affect people?
  • Appropriate punishment for students who engage in bullying.
  • Effective ways used in recognizing harmful internet content.
  • Cryptocurrency : what is it, and why is it popular?
  • Efficient ways used in conserving energy at home.

High School Research Paper Topics

If you are seeking research paper ideas for high school, then you are in the right place. After careful deliberation, we have come up with the following research topics for high school students:

  • Black holes: their definition and origin.
  • Practical ways that can be employed in protecting species that are endangered.
  • Ways in which public school systems care for students’ mental health.
  • Reasons why there are many similarities between English and French words.
  • Gender roles and how they affect human development.
  • Photosynthesis enhancement and how it improves crop yield.
  • What are the roles of black holes?
  • Origin and resolutions of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Characteristics associated with effective leadership.
  • What is Obama Care, and how does it benefit Americans?
  • Russian Revolution: its social causes and impacts.
  • Ways in which stress affects the body.
  • Air pollution and its effects on people’s health.
  • Benefits that can be attributed to Plato’s mathematics philosophy.
  • Ways in which climate change can be reversed.

College Research Paper Topics

By the time you reach college, you will have written several essays. However, this does not mean that choosing research topics for college papers will be easy. If you have any problem, go through the following research topics for college students:  

  • Pros and cons of cave drawing as a method of communication.
  • Causes and impacts of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
  • Black Death: its devastating impacts in Europe.
  • Significant scientific achievements during the Age of Discovery.
  • How literary works were used as propaganda tools in Germany during World War II.
  • Martin Scorsese: his works and contributions to the film industry.
  • Challenges faced by the Black Lives Matter movement in fighting racism.
  • Effective measures that can be employed in stopping the Crisis in Syria.
  • Negative impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the global economy.
  • Space exploration and its effect on America’s economy.
  • Pros and cons associated with genetic engineering.
  • Steps taken in ensuring proper care for the elderly in Britain.
  • Measure taken in managing depression among adults in America.
  • Causes and impacts of drug and substance abuse among college students.
  • Impacts of online streaming platforms on the evolution of music.

Research Paper Ideas in Different Study Fields

Different study fields present an opportunity for you to select an unlimited number of things to research on. This means that you are spoilt for choice. However, as you have discovered in your studies, this is easier said than done.  Sometimes all you need is research project ideas to inspire your selection. The following section aims to present titles for students studying different courses, starting from humanities and social sciences topics and ending with more technical ideas. All you have to do is select one that is specific to your study area.

Research Paper Topics on History

History is an area of study that contains an infinite number of issues to investigate. In fact, students find it to be one of their favorite subjects to research on. If you need some inspiration on history topics for a research paper, look at the following list: 

  • Impacts of Sumerian culture and traditions on modern societies.
  • Efficient ways used by Julius Caesar to inspire loyalty among his soldiers.
  • Causes and impacts of the Salem Witch trials.
  • American Civil War and its consequences.
  • The Thirty Year War: its causes and impacts.
  • Steps taken to end apartheid in South Africa.
  • Economic consequences of the Cold War on Russia.
  • Tactics used by Napoleon to rise to power during the French Revolution.
  • Major causes and impacts of the Great Depression on Americans.
  • Roles played by women during World War II.

Literature Research Paper Topics

Just like history, literature is also a favorite area of investigation for students. There are many aspects of literary works on which you can base your questions for research papers. You have to decide what you want to focus on and start your investigation. To get you going, below we have provided literature research paper topic ideas:

  • Difference between antiheroes and villains in modern literature.
  • Courage and heroism as depicted in Harry Potter .
  • Character traits of Lady Macbeth in Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth .
  • How modernism is portrayed in Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn .
  • Major themes in early American literature.
  • Characterization of Satan in Milton’s Paradise Lost .
  • How did Shakespeare depict love in Romeo and Juliet ?
  • How did Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer describe medieval England?
  • Friendship values between Sancho Pansa and Don Quixote as depicted in Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote .
  • Impacts of Teresa of Avila’s work on modern literature.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Are you seeking psychology topics for research projects? Search no more because the following topics for a research paper will go a long way in inspiring your investigation: 

  • Causes of mental health issues among teenagers in America.
  • How an adult life is shaped by childhood traumas experienced.
  • Negative impacts of social media addictions on marriages.
  • Correlation between mental health and eating disorders.
  • How does color affect an individual’s mood?
  • Effective methods used to achieve conformity in a group.
  • How do personality traits affect the musical taste of an individual?
  • How a child's psychological development is affected after facing loss at a young age.
  • Efficient ways employed in enhancing the use of reinforcement in a learning environment.
  • How self-efficacy affects long-term memory.

Religion Research Paper Topics

Religion has been in existence since the dawn of humans. As a result, it provides you with various topics for research papers drawn from different societies. If you are looking for religious topics for a research project, go through the following to select one that interests you: 

  • Origin and development of Islam as a religion.
  • Roles that can be played by religion in protecting the environment.
  • Ritual similarities between Christianity and Islam.
  • Why is sacrificing considered essential in most religions?
  • Relationships that exist between morality and religion.
  • Importance of prayer and meditation in Buddhism.
  • Practices and beliefs related to Zoroastrianism.
  • Social and moral roots of religious extremism.
  • Hinduism: its origin, development, and impacts on modern Indian culture.
  • How religious leaders used fear to maintain control over congregations.

Political Research Paper Topics

Like religion, politics has also been part and parcel of human existence. There is an unlimited number of research paper topics ideas to choose from. Nonetheless, below we have narrowed down the most popular research topics to write about politics: 

  • Differences in foreign policies between America and UK.
  • History and structure of the Chinese Communist Party.
  • Controversial issues that have plagued Amnesty International.
  • Causes and effects of the Syrian Conflict.
  • Effective methods used by the government to enhance community development.
  • Efficient ways used in eliminating corruption in America.
  • Political power plays that led to the split of the Soviet Union .
  • Pros and cons of Reagan's political agenda.
  • Causes of constant rebellion in the Central African Republic.
  • Negotiation methods that can be used to stop Ukraine's invasion by Russia.

>> More ideas: Political Research Paper Topics

Research Paper Topics on Business

The world of business is constantly evolving. As a result, you can find many great topics for research papers on this matter. Below is a list of commerce topics to do research papers on:  

  • Efficient ways to increase jobs and reduce unemployment in America.
  • Negative impacts of business participating in unethical behavior.
  • Advantages that companies can get from branding their products.
  • Challenges businesses get from using remote employees.
  • Benefits of franchising in the long run.
  • Positive and negative impacts of startups on local economies.
  • Differences in international copyright laws between America and Britain.
  • Similarities and differences between offline and internet advertising.
  • Causes and impacts of consumer behavior change on a business marketing strategies.
  • Advantages of company rituals and corporate cultures.

>> Read more: Research Topics About Business

Research Paper Topics on Education

The transformation of the education sector has been rapid, especially in recent years. As a result, you can choose any topic for research papers to write on in this area. If you are seeking inspiration on such kind of project topics ideas, look at the list below: 

  • Similarities and differences between personalized approach and group studying.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of having single-gender classes.
  • Reasons why special education teachers deserve additional payment.
  • Why are boarding schools popular in England?
  • Dangers of students engaging in drug abuse while in school.
  • Practical ways that can be employed in preventing violence in school.
  • Benefits associated with after-class activities in America.
  • Reasons why schools should provide advanced mental help for college students.
  • Pros and cons of students going to community colleges.
  • Roles played by video games in enhancing learning.

>> Read more: Special Education Research Topics

Environmental Topics for Research Paper

Scholars and experts have recently become more concerned with protecting the environment. This means that writing such research papers topics ideas has become popular. Some of the topics to write research paper on environment include: 

  • Tectonic movements and their global effects on the ecosystems.
  • Causes and impacts of air pollution on health.
  • Ozone layer depletion and the dangers associated with it.
  • Green energy definition and effective ways to achieve it.
  • Role played by the government in enhancing recycling efforts in America.
  • Efficient ways that can be employed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Causes and prevention of ocean acidification.
  • Effective measures that can be taken to protect endangered species.
  • Consequences of farming on the environment.
  • Causes and impacts of desertification in Kuwait.

>> Read more: Topics About Environmental Science

Health Research Paper Topics

Although there has been rapid development in the health sector, there are still various areas that have remained unexploited. This presents an opportunity for well-being research paper topics to be written. If this is what you are aiming for, below we have topics for a research paper that you can pick from: 

  • Speech disorder and its effect on child development.
  • Reasons why people are still afraid to get COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Health impacts of legalizing marijuana in America.
  • Causes and impacts of post-traumatic disorders in Britain.
  • Adverse effects associated with blood transfusion.
  • Ways in which nurses can manage work-related stress.
  • Types of depressions and their management plans.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of dealing with autistic patients.
  • Relationship between endometriosis and genetics.
  • Negative impacts of high heels on a woman’s health.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Topics

Medical Research Paper Topics

Medicine is an area of study that is highly investigated. However, there are still several medical research essay topics that still need to be explored. If you wish to bridge this gap, you can start with the following research paper topic ideas:

  • Challenges facing humanitarian medical missions in developing countries.
  • Pros and cons of medical research on animals.
  • Advantages and disadvantages obtained by hospitals using electronic health record systems.
  • How is chemotherapy beneficial to hospitals?
  • Effective treatment paths for Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Drugs and vaccine development in treating Ebola.
  • Advantages of having a computational oncology department.
  • What are the differences between pandemics and epidemics?
  • Negative impacts of over-the-counter prescription drugs.
  • Key reasons for insulin resistance in the body.

>> Read more: Medical Research Topics

Sociology Research Paper Topics

Sociology deals with studying the development, structure, and functioning of society and the people in it. You can choose to write any topic for a term paper on issues affecting communities. Below are examples of sociology topics to research :

  • What are some effective methods that can be used to resolve conflicts in college?
  • Challenges associated with raising a child in an unconventional family.
  • What are the negative impacts of racial stereotypes on self-esteem and work productivity?
  • Dangers associated with religious cults.
  • Effective ways that can ensure gender equality in the workplace.
  • Impacts of social network addictions on high school students.
  • How are interpersonal skills affected by teamwork in the workplace?
  • Gender roles in the family.
  • Evolution of marriage over the last 50 years.
  • Causes and effects of bullying in school .

Social Media Topics for a Research Paper

Despite the enormous strides made by social media in changing how people interact with each other, its potential remains unlimited. There are still several research paper topics you can write on this issue. Choose one of the following topic ideas for research paper to start your journey: 

  • Growth of social media and its influence in American politics.
  • Efficient methods used by parents to protect their children from online dangers.
  • Relationship between social media and cybercrime.
  • Adverse effects of social media on investigative journalism.
  • Effective methods that people can use to earn through Facebook.
  • How effective are children's protection laws from the web’s harmful effects?
  • Reasons why people post pictures online.
  • Advantages and disadvantages brought by instant messaging and communication.
  • How have reality shows impacted privacy laws in America?
  • Effectiveness of using social media as a tool for political campaigns.

>> Read more: Research Topics About Social Media

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

If you are looking for great research paper topics, criminal and justice system is one of the areas you can look at. The following are examples of topics for research papers that you may find in this section: 

  • What are the benefits of private prisons?
  • Similarities and differences between war and civil crimes.
  • Effective ways that can be used to prevent crime in schools and universities.
  • What are the responsibilities of incarcerated parents to society?
  • Impacts of immigration on rising rates of crime in America.
  • Advantages accrued to cyber criminology correction methods.
  • Pros and cons of forensic research identification methods.
  • Cyberstalking legislation: their history and development.
  • Reasons for human rights violations in Afghanistan.
  • Efficient methods of drug trafficking tracking methods.

>> View more: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Science Research Paper Ideas

Science has always been a fascinating area for many students. You will love research project topics we have created for you. Be free to choose any of the following science topics ideas for a research paper:

  • How can molecular biology research help scientists understand cancer and other illnesses?
  • Positive and negative impacts of space exploration.
  • Best ways to capture and use carbon dioxide.
  • Challenges involved in developing environmentally friendly plastics.
  • Best ways to use bioluminescence GFP from jellyfish in medicine.
  • How does rain contribute to the rising amount of chemicals in seawater?
  • Biomacromolecules: their definition and importance.
  • How “killer” mosquitoes are used in fighting malaria.
  • Science behind the hibernation of animals.
  • Best ways to use microelectronics in treating people with chronic diseases .

Research Paper Topics on Technology

You will find yourself spoilt for choice if you are looking for topics to write a research paper on technology. There are many of them, but below we have selected for you the most popular research writing topics: 

  • Adverse effects of living in a technological world.
  • Disadvantages of genetically engineering children.
  • How societies can use video gaming to help solve their problems.
  • What are the advantages of genetically modified food in solving world hunger?
  • History and development of self-driving cars.
  • Best ways to incorporate technology in education.
  • Impacts of drone warfare on military strategies.
  • How internet usage is affecting young people’s attention span.
  • Pros and cons of using genetic sequencing to determine future health risks.
  • Pros and cons of virtual reality.

>> Read more: Technology Research Topics

Extra Research Paper Topic Ideas

From the above title examples, it is clear that you can never wholly exhaust investigative topics. However, if you did not find any research questions or ideas that piqued your interest, we still have some examples left for you to look at. There is a catalog of great research topics below if you would like to explore other areas, such as art, music, and sports. Please go through them and select one that excites you.

Research Project Ideas on Art

Art plays a vital role in enhancing the aesthetics of society. Many artistic pieces can inspire topics to research about. If this is your area of interest, the following research project ideas can instigate your writing: 

  • Differences in arts between Northern and Italian Renaissances.
  • How does impressionist art use elements of time and light?
  • Influence of modern European art on American artists.
  • How art has been used to spread propaganda messages in France.
  • Impacts of the expressionism art movement in Western Europe.
  • Incas Empire and its influence on modern art.
  • Role played by religion and culture in Aztec art.
  • Francisco de Goya : his biography and impacts on modern art.
  • Life and career of Ludwig van Beethoven.
  • Differences and similarities between baroque and rococo.

Music Research Paper Topics

People have been creating and listening to songs since the dawn of humanity. Music is one of the most popular research paper topics for scholars. When you are stuck and considering things to write a research paper on, look for various titles like the ones below: 

  • Does listening to music affects the brain?
  • History of rap music and the changes it has gone through over the years.
  • Music genres that appeared during the Renaissance period.
  • What impacts do socio-economic classes have on the choice and taste of music?
  • How has America influenced music?
  • How can music be incorporated into education to enhance concentration?
  • How can music be applied in learning a foreign language?
  • Pop music: its history and development.
  • Differences between modern and classical music.
  • How does music affect how people dress?

Sports Research Paper Topics

The availability of various sporting activities presents an opportunity for different topics for a research paper. As an enthusiast, you can never exhaust research paper topics that deal with different games. You can check out the following examples for inspiration:

  • How are basketball players’ performances affected by signing multi-million contracts?
  • Necessary measures taken by athletes in preparation for a marathon.
  • Reasons why Lionel Messi is regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time.
  • Positive and negative influences of crowds on games.
  • History of baseball and how it has changed over the years.
  • Ways of preventing severe injuries in rugby.
  • Benefits of competitive sports on children's health and school performances.
  • Gender inequalities in boxing.
  • Economic impacts of the Olympic Games on the host nation.
  • Advantages of player unions in protecting their rights.

Bottom Line on Research Paper Topics

You may think completing an essay is hard but wait until you select what to write a research paper on; then, you will discover this is the most challenging part. Having a title makes it easier for you to develop the paragraphs. By now, you are conversant with what research paper topics and ideas are, their characteristics, and how to select them. You have also gone through 350+ research topics that will be of inspiration for you to create your own. Having these examples gives you an advantage that others may not be afforded. Use them at your own convenience.  Your next step is composing your own study. Check our step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper to nail your project. Good luck with writing!

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10 creative research topics for students (2024)

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Research is a key part of student life, but deciding which topic to research can take time and effort. The right research topic typically aligns with your skills and interests, has current relevance, and can positively impact the world.

In this article, you’ll find some helpful examples to help you get started.

  • What is a research topic, and what is it for?

Research topics enable students to drill down into a specific aspect of a subject to broaden their knowledge and share learnings with others. They are typically used to make discoveries or develop fresh viewpoints.

A research topic defines the specific theme that research will be conducted around. It’s essential for providing a key focus for the work to be completed. Ultimately, it defines a core problem or knowledge gap that needs to be solved. 

A clear topic helps define what is being studied and how that information will be communicated to others.

  • Research topic vs. research question

A research topic is a broad theme of focus that requires further investigation. It’s the project’s overall subject—an aspect of which will be studied.

A research topic example could be “The effects of meditation on stress reduction.”

A research question is a specific inquiry that researchers want to investigate and answer to broaden their knowledge and make new discoveries. Research questions are much more specific, focussing on a very small aspect of the overall topic.

The right research question will specifically set out what is being researched so there is no ambiguity.

Here’s an example of a research question within the topic: “How does meditation impact stress, anxiety, and burnout in the workplace?”

  • What makes a good research paper topic?

Here are the characteristics that make some topics more favorable and useful than others:

Clarity: a helpful research topic should be clearly understood to ensure the integrity of the research. It should be clear to the student and mentor/professor what the topic is and how it will be explored.

Originality: answering questions that have already been researched and answered many times before could be a waste of resources. Answering original questions is key to getting the most out of research. This might involve researching topics that have already been covered from a different angle or exploring an entirely new topic.

Relevance: it’s helpful to ensure that a research topic is related to your expertise and your access to resources. This will ensure that the research topic is relevant to you.

Ethical : ethics should always be considered when conducting research. Your research shouldn’t cause physical or mental harm to any participants. You should also consider animal and environmental ethics.

  • How can I choose a good topic for my research paper?

With so many topics to choose from, selecting a topic for your research paper can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s a good idea to consider these three points to make the best choice:

1. Lean into personal interest

Being interested and experienced in a particular field will make the research more interesting, relevant, and straightforward to conduct.

Your interest will mean you’re committed and motivated to discover the answer to your research question. Being personally engaged also makes the process more enjoyable.

One caveat to keep in mind is the potential for bias. If you are invested in the research having a particular result, you must ensure it’s accurate, double-checked, and reviewed by an impartial party.

2. Choose a topic with enough information

Your research project might fail if you don’t have access to sufficient information and resources. There needs to be enough information to gain deep insights into the research at hand.

Consider the resources you have within your project limits. If your research has funding, carefully work out what that funding could be used for. If not, you may need to consider research that you’ll be able to complete with access to public records and other free resources.

Timings, finances, access to participants, and publicly accessible information will all need to be considered before choosing the final topic to research.

3. Consider the guidelines

You’ll need to adhere to the specific guidelines that your school, mentor, or professor have laid out. They may request that the topic be related to public interest, a currently challenging topic for the environment, or another parameter.

When considering those guidelines, make ethical considerations. Your school or university is unlikely to permit unethical research.

  • How to find research topics to write about

Even though there’s an endless range of topics to research, you might not know where to begin. Starting with background reading, mind mapping, and speaking with mentors can help mold general ideas into useful topics and questions.

Extensive reading: completing background reading of educational databases, journals, and scientific studies can help provide a good working knowledge of what is currently being researched and identify key gaps.

Social problems: current challenges on both a local and global scale can make excellent research questions. Whether it’s investigating climate change, human health, or the impact of pandemics, there’s likely to be large human interest if you research social problems and challenges. The research you conduct may even have a positive impact on the world around you.

Mind mapping: brainstorming different ideas inspired by your background reading and personal interests can lead to ideal research topics. Create a large mind map, whether in a notebook or on a whiteboard, to get all your ideas down on paper. You may be surprised at what unique ideas you come up with.

Speak to mentors: running topics over with your professor or mentor could prove very helpful. They may be able to help you refine your ideas, provide feedback on research questions, and offer useful suggestions to ensure the topic you pick is appropriate.

  • The top 10 research topics for students

Here are some of the top 10 research topics and research areas for students. Whether in high school, senior high school, or college, these topics are important and relevant for students today.

You might use these ideas as starting points for your own original research topics and research questions.

1. High school research paper topic ideas

Research topics in high school can promote critical thinking, personal growth, and problem-solving skills.

Some of the most relevant research topics for high schoolers revolve around social and political issues, as those are often core topics within the school curriculum. Also, students are often interested in how they can positively impact the world around them, so topics within social change and social issues are particularly relevant.

The impacts of bullying

Bullying and its impacts are an interesting and relevant topic for high school students. Students may want to consider ways to mitigate bullying or explore whether bullying can affect people long-term.

Some specific research questions within the bullying topic are:

What is the evidence that parental support can alleviate the impact of bullying in schools?

What are the effects of bullying and victimization on short-term mental health?

How can we predict adolescents’ bullying participation and understand the participant roles of bullying in different grades?

Social media in high schools

With social media use prolific in the modern world, students may be particularly interested to learn about how it impacts humans. Students may want to research the effects of different social media types, ways to reduce social media use, or how social media is impacting people around the world.

Some topics within social media could be:

Is there a correlation between social media use and academic performance?

What are the effects of social media use on mental health in people aged 12–18?

How does social media use affect self-esteem in students?

2. Psychology research paper topics

Psychology is a broadly studied topic with many possible avenues for exploration. Whether you’d like to understand how the human brain works, ways to boost mental health, or treatment options in psychology, there are endless options.

Here are some of the top 10 research topics for college students in psychology: 

Increasing happiness

Some specific research questions related to happiness include the following:

What are the factors driving the fear of leaning into happiness in American society?

How can practicing vulnerability reduce stress and boost happiness?

What impact does forest bathing have on overall mood scores?

Mitigating anxiety

With 37% of US adults more anxious in 2023 than in 2022, anxiety as a research topic is very relevant.

Below are some example research questions:

How does chronic anxiety impact people’s day-to-day lives?

What is the impact of meditation interventions on anxiety?

Is there data to support physical exercise interventions for anxiety disorders?

3. Science research paper topics

Scientific research covers many study fields. From biology and chemistry to physics and biochemistry, science helps researchers discover critical information about humans and our world.

Here are a few potential topics for exploration:

Reducing pandemic risk

Given the impact of COVID-19, mitigating the risk of a future pandemic is of significant human interest. A student may look at ways to improve pandemic responses, identify future pandemics, boost vaccine adoption, and reduce the spread of misinformation. 

Specific research questions include the following:

How can AI help predict future pandemics?

How does animal breeding contribute to zoonotic disease risk?

What are the key ways to identify and control a potential future pandemic before it becomes widespread?

Renewable energy

With climate change and the planet’s health a major concern for many scientists, investigations into more environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources are of great social interest.

Here are some research questions about renewable energy to consider:

What is the economic feasibility of widespread renewable energy use across the US?

How could wind, water, and solar energy reduce global emissions?

What are the core factors preventing the widespread use of renewable energy?

4. Good environmental research topics

Climate change impacts every person on the planet, so it can make an excellent research topic. Particularly for the younger generation, climate change is an interesting and often concerning discussion topic. Gen Z, for example, speaks much more actively about climate change both on and offline.

Climate change on a global scale

Some specific research questions within the climate change topic are:

What is the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest?

What impact could the use of solar power have in the US in relation to carbon emissions?

How do carbon dioxide emissions affect ocean acidity levels?

5. Argumentative research paper topics

Setting out a specific argument and exploring the topic can make for interesting research. Argumentative research topics are typically related to human interest, issues that impact us on a global scale, or challenges that particular social groups face.

Affirmative action

With rising interest in equality, researching affirmative action—designed to prevent the impacts of discrimination—is a relevant research topic for high school and college students.

Some specific questions relating to affirmative action could be:

Does affirmative action promote equality in the workplace?

What is the evidence that affirmative action is helpful in university admissions?

How has the affirmative action ban impacted the tech industry?

The ethical use of AI

AI use is expanding rapidly across the globe, so there’s growing interest in its impacts and the need for ethical usage.

Some research questions relating to AI include the following:

Could AI lead to more global conflict?

Can ethical legislation reduce the risk of AI and its implementation?

How many jobs could be impacted by AI in 2025?

6. Human rights paper topics

Human rights impact everyone on the planet, so it’s a topic that’s of continual interest.

Research in this area could cover human rights in the workplace, privacy rights, gender equality, and much more.

International human rights

International human rights is a complex yet critical area of global interest. Human rights help protect people’s freedom and safety around the world.

What are ways to reduce human rights violations in conflict zones?

What is the impact of organizations such as Amnesty International on international human rights?

In what ways can governments enforce human rights globally?

LGBTQI+ rights

With LGBTQI+ issues gaining a brighter spotlight in mainstream media, research into this area can be very beneficial, not just for those impacted by discrimination but for society as a whole.

Here are some potential research questions:

How can gender dysphoria impact transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents’ mental health and quality of life?

What are ways to boost mental health for those who experience discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity?

How could genderless bathrooms increase access and safety for LGBTQI+ people?

7. US history research paper topics

The US has a vast and interesting history, which forms part of the curriculum in many high schools and colleges. Different aspects of this history can make relevant fields of research, such as the following:

What factors that led to the abolishment of slavery in the US are relevant in politics today?

How did the Founding Fathers shape the US political system, and what can be learned?

Why did the Louisiana Purchase have such a significant impact on US history?

8. Law enforcement research topics

Maintaining law and order in society is highly complex. Exploring how law enforcement can benefit society as a whole can be a rewarding field of study.

Some possible law enforcement topics include the following:

How can data analysis and intelligence-led policing reduce crime?

What is the role of Crisis Intervention Training in policing?

How can data improve the enforcement of cybersecurity laws?

9. Business research paper topics

Business is a broad area of study with many possible directions for research papers. Business drives the economy, providing jobs and industry. It’s the cornerstone of society, so research in this area is always of social interest. 

Here are some possible business research topics to consider:

How can data analysis impact consumer purchasing decisions?

What are some of the key dilemmas in ethical business practices?

How can diversity and inclusion be boosted in the workforce?

10. Economics research paper topics

Whether you choose to focus on microeconomics, macroeconomics, or applied fields, economics research can take you in many directions.

Below are some general economics paper topics:

What are the widespread impacts of the gig economy?

How can investing in female-founded businesses impact economies in developing countries?

How does progressive taxation impact income inequality?

It all starts with the right research question  

Successful research starts with the right question, regardless of your chosen topic.

Taking time to pose a relevant and clear research question will help you discover new insights, learnings, and evidence.

Research is the very thing that drives human knowledge. Remember, your research might not just impact you but also the world and people around you.

How can I get research ideas?

To come up with research ideas, you might find it helpful to do some background reading, consider current social issues, lean into your skills and interests, and speak to a mentor or professor. Brainstorming and mind mapping can also help.

What is a good research question?

A good research question should be clear, relevant, original, and ethical. You should also have access to the necessary resources to perform the research thoroughly.

How do I create a title for my research topic?

The right title for a research topic is clear and relevant to your field of study. Ideally, it’s an original idea and refers to the specific question you’re posing.

What are some good qualitative research topics?

Qualitative research involves analyzing people’s attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors.

There are qualitative research topics across almost every field of study, including psychology, education, social sciences, human resources, technology, and healthcare.

What qualitative research topics can be good for STEM students?

For STEM (​​science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students, qualitative research topics could revolve around social impacts and perceptions of science and technology.

Here are some examples:

How the general population views climate change

The potential social impacts of AI

How to use Big Data ethically

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100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

What’s covered:, how to pick the right research topic, elements of a strong research paper.

  • Interesting Research Paper Topics

Composing a research paper can be a daunting task for first-time writers. In addition to making sure you’re using concise language and your thoughts are organized clearly, you need to find a topic that draws the reader in.

CollegeVine is here to help you brainstorm creative topics! Below are 100 interesting research paper topics that will help you engage with your project and keep you motivated until you’ve typed the final period. 

You can’t have a good research paper without a good research paper topic. “Good” is subjective and different students will find different topics interesting; however, what’s important is that you find a topic that makes you want to find out more and make a convincing argument. Maybe you’ll be so interested that you’ll want to take it further and submit your paper to a competition!

A research paper is similar to an academic essay but more lengthy and requires more research. This is bittersweet: although it is more work, you can create a more nuanced argument, and learn more about your topic area. Research papers are a demonstration of your research ability and your ability to formulate a convincing argument. How well you’re able to engage with the sources and make original contributions will determine the strength of your paper. 

Introduction

The introduction to a research paper serves two critical functions: it conveys the topic of the paper and illustrates how you will address it. A strong introduction will also pique the interest of the reader and make them excited to read more. Selecting a research paper topic that is meaningful, interesting, and fascinates you is an excellent first step toward creating an engaging paper that people will want to read.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is technically part of the introduction—generally the last sentence of it—but is so important that it merits a section of its own. The thesis statement is a declarative sentence that tells the reader what the paper is about. A strong thesis statement serves three purposes: present the topic of the paper, deliver a clear opinion on the topic, and summarize the points the paper will cover.

An example of a good thesis statement of diversity in the workforce is:

Diversity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for businesses, as it fosters innovation, enhances creativity, improves decision-making, and enables companies to better understand and connect with a diverse customer base.

The body is the largest section of a research paper. It’s here where you support your thesis, present your facts and research, and persuade the reader.

Each paragraph in the body of a research paper should have its own idea. The idea is presented, generally in the first sentence of the paragraph, by a topic sentence. The topic sentence acts similarly to the thesis statement, only on a smaller scale, and every sentence in the paragraph with it supports the idea it conveys.

An example of a topic sentence on how diversity in the workplace fosters innovation is:

Diversity in the workplace fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, which stimulates creativity, encourages new ideas, and leads to the development of innovative solutions to complex problems.

The body of an engaging research paper flows smoothly from one idea to the next. Create an outline before writing and order your ideas so that each idea logically leads to another.

The conclusion of a research paper should summarize your thesis and reinforce your argument. It’s common to restate the thesis in the conclusion of a research paper.

For example, a conclusion for a paper about diversity in the workforce is:

In conclusion, diversity in the workplace is vital to success in the modern business world. By embracing diversity, companies can tap into the full potential of their workforce, promote creativity and innovation, and better connect with a diverse customer base, ultimately leading to greater success and a more prosperous future for all.

Reference Page

The reference page is normally found at the end of a research paper. It provides proof that you did research using credible sources, properly credits the originators of information, and prevents plagiarism.

There are a number of different formats of reference pages, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Make sure to format your reference page in your teacher’s preferred style.

  • Analyze the benefits of diversity in education.
  • Are charter schools useful for the national education system?
  • How has modern technology changed teaching?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of standardized testing.
  • What are the benefits of a gap year between high school and college?
  • What funding allocations give the most benefit to students?
  • Does homeschooling set students up for success?
  • Should universities/high schools require students to be vaccinated?
  • What effect does rising college tuition have on high schoolers?
  • Do students perform better in same-sex schools?
  • Discuss and analyze the impacts of a famous musician on pop music.
  • How has pop music evolved over the past decade?
  • How has the portrayal of women in music changed in the media over the past decade?
  • How does a synthesizer work?
  • How has music evolved to feature different instruments/voices?
  • How has sound effect technology changed the music industry?
  • Analyze the benefits of music education in high schools.
  • Are rehabilitation centers more effective than prisons?
  • Are congestion taxes useful?
  • Does affirmative action help minorities?
  • Can a capitalist system effectively reduce inequality?
  • Is a three-branch government system effective?
  • What causes polarization in today’s politics?
  • Is the U.S. government racially unbiased?
  • Choose a historical invention and discuss its impact on society today.
  • Choose a famous historical leader who lost power—what led to their eventual downfall?
  • How has your country evolved over the past century?
  • What historical event has had the largest effect on the U.S.?
  • Has the government’s response to national disasters improved or declined throughout history?
  • Discuss the history of the American occupation of Iraq.
  • Explain the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • Is literature relevant in modern society?
  • Discuss how fiction can be used for propaganda.
  • How does literature teach and inform about society?
  • Explain the influence of children’s literature on adulthood.
  • How has literature addressed homosexuality?
  • Does the media portray minorities realistically?
  • Does the media reinforce stereotypes?
  • Why have podcasts become so popular?
  • Will streaming end traditional television?
  • What is a patriot?
  • What are the pros and cons of global citizenship?
  • What are the causes and effects of bullying?
  • Why has the divorce rate in the U.S. been declining in recent years?
  • Is it more important to follow social norms or religion?
  • What are the responsible limits on abortion, if any?
  • How does an MRI machine work?
  • Would the U.S. benefit from socialized healthcare?
  • Elderly populations
  • The education system
  • State tax bases
  • How do anti-vaxxers affect the health of the country?
  • Analyze the costs and benefits of diet culture.
  • Should companies allow employees to exercise on company time?
  • What is an adequate amount of exercise for an adult per week/per month/per day?
  • Discuss the effects of the obesity epidemic on American society.
  • Are students smarter since the advent of the internet?
  • What departures has the internet made from its original design?
  • Has digital downloading helped the music industry?
  • Discuss the benefits and costs of stricter internet censorship.
  • Analyze the effects of the internet on the paper news industry.
  • What would happen if the internet went out?
  • How will artificial intelligence (AI) change our lives?
  • What are the pros and cons of cryptocurrency?
  • How has social media affected the way people relate with each other?
  • Should social media have an age restriction?
  • Discuss the importance of source software.
  • What is more relevant in today’s world: mobile apps or websites?
  • How will fully autonomous vehicles change our lives?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?

Mental Health

  • What are the benefits of daily exercise?
  • How has social media affected people’s mental health?
  • What things contribute to poor mental and physical health?
  • Analyze how mental health is talked about in pop culture.
  • Discuss the pros and cons of more counselors in high schools.
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • How do emotional support animals help people?
  • What are black holes?
  • Discuss the biggest successes and failures of the EPA.
  • How has the Flint water crisis affected life in Michigan?
  • Can science help save endangered species?
  • Is the development of an anti-cancer vaccine possible?

Environment

  • What are the effects of deforestation on climate change?
  • Is climate change reversible?
  • How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect global warming and climate change?
  • Are carbon credits effective for offsetting emissions or just marketing?
  • Is nuclear power a safe alternative to fossil fuels?
  • Are hybrid vehicles helping to control pollution in the atmosphere?
  • How is plastic waste harming the environment?
  • Is entrepreneurism a trait people are born with or something they learn?
  • How much more should CEOs make than their average employee?
  • Can you start a business without money?
  • Should the U.S. raise the minimum wage?
  • Discuss how happy employees benefit businesses.
  • How important is branding for a business?
  • Discuss the ease, or difficulty, of landing a job today.
  • What is the economic impact of sporting events?
  • Are professional athletes overpaid?
  • Should male and female athletes receive equal pay?
  • What is a fair and equitable way for transgender athletes to compete in high school sports?
  • What are the benefits of playing team sports?
  • What is the most corrupt professional sport?

Where to Get More Research Paper Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original research topic ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

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589 Research Paper Topics for College Students [2024 Updated]

research paper topics college student

Imagine a student sitting in front of a laptop screen with a twinkle in their eyes and a smile on their face. Are they texting a loved one? No. They are writing a research paper on a topic they are interested in.

Want to turn your essay writing process into a pleasurable experience? We know how to help you!

Inspire by our comprehensive list of research paper topics on various themes and select the one that fits your interests the most. Also, find handy tips and valuable insight on writing a research project in this article.

❗ Why Is Research Important?

  • 👨‍🎓 Education
  • 🌎 Environment
  • 📚 Literature
  • 🍖 Nutrition
  • 🤯 Psychology
  • 👪 Social Science

✍️ How to Start a Research Paper

Research plays a vital role in modern society and opens a gate to the world of knowledge. The key objectives of the research are to collect evidence for supporting or rejecting hypotheses, expand knowledge, and contribute to the development of a specific field of study.

The significance of research for the progress of humanity cannot be underestimated. People use it daily to develop the world and bring the quality of life to the next level. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common research purposes.

Overall, research is an ultimate tool for human development. Therefore, knowing the basics of research is a must-have for any individual striving for success.

🎨 Art Research Paper Topics

The world of art is fascinating and breathtaking. Being full of controversies and uncovered secrets, the art theme offers a variety of essay ideas. Let’s dive deep into the atmosphere of creativity and inspiration together! Find a list of excellent art research paper topics below.

  • Literature as a reflection of current social problems.
  • The influence of politics on art.
  • The interconnections between art and religion.
  • Factors that provoked the development of art in Ancient Greece.
  • Victorian beauty standards and their reflection in paintings.
  • The secret of Mona Lisa.
  • Globalization as the main threat to cultural diversity.
  • The Godfather film: mise-en-scène and techniques.
  • The concept of sustainability in art.
  • The role of art in children’s cognitive development.
  • Irish culture in Cape Breton Island, Canada.
  • The impact of The Canterbury Tales on the development of Americal literature.
  • Globalization effects on countries’ cultures.
  • Freudian interpretation of the Black Square by Malevich.
  • Expressive art therapy techniques.
  • Giorgione and the High Renaissance in Venice.
  • How do race and gender influence music preferences?
  • Is digital photography an art form?
  • Women with hijab in Western countries.
  • Leonardo da Vinci’s influence on modern art.
  • How did Nazi ideology affect German visual arts?
  • The effects of the digital age on art.
  • Ancient Indian and Greek sculptures comparison.
  • Visual art as a cure.
  • African-Americans in cinematography: then and now.
  • The theme of racism in Shakespeare’s Othello .
  • American culture and other cultures’ perceptions.
  • Late Baroque architecture and its influence on modern architecture.
  • Harlem Renaissance and public racial acceptance .
  • The role of national dances in preserving the cultural identity of a nation.
  • The impact of technological advancement on the music industry .
  • Ancient Greek theater and its impact on the development of the theatre industry.
  • Louis Armstrong’s Interpretation of “Black and Blue” .
  • Street art as the most controversial form of modern art.
  • The role of hip-hop music in American culture .
  • Nudity in paintings: art or pornography?
  • Musical preferences: race and gender influences .
  • Extraordinarily of Pablo Picasso’s artworks.

🐒 Biology Research Topics for College Students

Composing a biology research paper is a challenging task since the discipline covers an enormous number of topics. However, if you select a good topic, your essay writing process will go smoothly.

To ease your life, we collected the best biology research topics for college students in one place. Check them out right now!

  • The effect of climate change on biodiversity.
  • The role of DNA in human organisms.
  • Patterns of bird migrations.
  • Methods of strengthening the human immune system.
  • Positive and negative sides of using pesticides in farming.
  • Genetic factors that have an impact on the embryo’s development.
  • How does neurobiology explain mental health diseases?
  • Biological perception of abortions.
  • The impact of the natural water cycle on climate change.
  • The metabolism functions of the plants.
  • Does genetics predispose homosexuality?
  • The causes of cellular metabolism in marine creatures.
  • Microarray data analysis: effectiveness and limitations.
  • Why are Charles Darvin’s theories still relevant today?
  • Normative biomechanics of sit-to-stand position.
  • The transportation of oxygen in blood cells.
  • Genetically modified foods and environmental concerns.
  • The theory of evolution.
  • Evolution forces, species, isolation and speciation .
  • Dominant genes vs. Recessive genes.
  • Moscow – the city of ants .
  • Application of neurobiology knowledge in organic farming.
  • Water, wind, solar, and nuclear power.
  • Is human cloning ethical?
  • Water hyacinth and nutrient concentrations experiment.
  • The impact of plant diseases on food production.
  • Unicellular, multicellular, and colonial organisms .
  • Growing 100% organic food.
  • Nitrogen assimilation and nitrate reductase in plants .
  • Are dolphinariums ethical?
  • Nucleic acids namely DNA and RNA .
  • How does a dog’s brain work?
  • The importance of stem cell researches in healthcare .
  • Did humans come from monkeys?
  • The effect of anti-ZIKV NS1 antibodies on the condition of ZIKV NS1 proteins .
  • The role of photosynthesis in nature.
  • Should zoos be banned?
  • Natural selection and sexual selection in evolution .
  • The dark side of fertilization.
  • Animal research experiments and alternatives .

👨‍🎓 Educational Research Topics for College Students

Are you into pedagogy and learning? The theme of education offers an unlimited number of research ideas. Get inspired by our education research topics.

  • Advantages and disadvantages of bilingual education.
  • Is the educational system at Montessori schools effective?
  • Why should PE lessons be obligatory?
  • Is combining studying and a job worth doing?
  • The influence of COVID-19 on education.
  • The benefits of acquiring education in a multicultural environment.
  • The impact of technological advancement on education.
  • How does homeschooling affect children’s communication skills?
  • Why do people attend college?
  • E-books vs. printed books.
  • Adult learners: needs characteristics and motivation.
  • The significance of developing critical thinking skills in primary school.
  • UAE female English teachers’ challenges.
  • How to deal with academic misconduct in college?
  • College tuition at Arizona public institutions.
  • School uniform: a discipline requirement or an individuality killer?
  • New education policies in the contemporary society.
  • Dual language programs vs. immersion programs.
  • The importance of college education in the modern world.
  • Parents’ role in their children’s literacy.
  • The amount of homework should be limited.
  • Bullying and self-esteem problems.
  • Acquiring mathematical skills in early childhood.
  • The phenomenon of indigo children: nature vs. nurture.
  • Pros and cons of distance learning.
  • The effects of behavior on grades and vice versa.
  • Discovering the concept of blended education.
  • Dealing with bullying in schools.
  • Methods of boosting students’ academic performance.
  • Single-gender classes: for or against?
  • Why should sex education be included in the curriculum?
  • Should higher education be free for everyone?
  • Collaborative learning in academic activities.
  • Educational opportunities for disabled students.
  • Parents’ role in children’s education.
  • Should higher education be cheaper?
  • Motivation for learning in adulthood.
  • Going to university vs. going to work after school.
  • The analysis of teaching and learning processes in Dubai schools.
  • Will technologies replace teachers?
  • Innovation of school curriculum.
  • Inclusive education practices.
  • Weak sides of standardized testing.
  • Should children with Down’s syndrome study in separate classes?
  • Finland vs. South Korea: comparison and contrast of educational systems.
  • Motivating children to attend school.
  • Homework-free teaching practices.
  • Teachers’ perspectives on inclusive education.
  • Same-gender classrooms: pros and cons.
  • Should classes start later?
  • Literacy in the classroom: clinical field experience.
  • Acquiring a career in education.
  • The importance of finding an individual approach for every student.
  • Fifty teaching strategies.
  • Ways of improving the American education system.
  • The benefits of studying abroad.
  • Strategies for overcoming reading difficulties.
  • Getting higher education at an older age: challenges and ways to overcome them.
  • The role of a teacher in forming children’s social behavior in primary school?
  • Literacy abilities and teacher instructions.
  • Should pre-school education be obligatory?
  • The significance of digital literacy for modern education standards?
  • Professional training experience: personal reflection.
  • Homeschooling: advantages and disadvantages.
  • Teaching children with ADHD.
  • Policies in special education in Saudi Arabia.
  • How do teachers ensure the confidentiality of students’ grades in schools?
  • Financial aid for talented students: the moral side of the issue.
  • Student assessment methods in early education.
  • Do art and sports schools provide high-quality education?
  • The effectiveness of online courses.
  • How to deal with information overload at college or university?
  • The correlation between class attendance and knowledge retention.

🌎 Environmental Research Topics for College Students

Global warming, air pollution, overpopulation, biodiversity loss, waste disposal, deforestation… Can you continue this list? Environmental concerns have remained at the center of attention for the last couple of decades. Thus, the topic offers a number of essay ideas.

Let’s preserve the Earth together! Look at our list of environmental research topics for college students and prepare to compose your paper.

  • The current status and potential of solar energy research.
  • Technologies and the environment: positive and negative sides.
  • Zoos should become illegal.
  • The effect of commercial fishing on ocean biodiversity.
  • Exploring greener alternatives to plastic.
  • Seven sins of greenwashing.
  • Illegalization of plastic bags.
  • Disaster characteristics and management stages.
  • How to interpret ecolabels?
  • Population impact on landscape and urban ecology.
  • Fast fashion and its impact on nature.
  • The ecological footprint calculation.
  • Key principles of responsible consumption.
  • Should the Arctic National Refuge be opened to oil drilling?
  • The role of the government in regulating air quality.
  • Municipal solid waste in the state of Kuwait.
  • How do free trade agreements affect ecology?
  • Oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico
  • Reduction of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere.
  • Pros and cons of animal testing.
  • The impact of coal-burning plants on the environment.
  • Plastic vs. paper bags: comparison and contrast essay.
  • Bicycle use as a way to reduce air pollution.
  • Global warming: causes and potential solutions.
  • Lakeshore development consequences.
  • Nuclear waste storage in the US and other countries.
  • The pros and cons of the cultivation of genetically modified crops.
  • The built environment: greenhouse gas emissions
  • Solid waste management in developing countries.
  • Governmental policies for reducing air pollution.
  • Are electric vehicles indeed better for the environment?
  • Alternative energy sources: water, wind, nuclear, and solar power.
  • How to deal with the loss of biodiversity in the Amazon forests?
  • The role of corporate social responsibility in maintaining sustainability.
  • The impact of GMOs, pesticides, and herbicides on human beings.
  • Hydroelectric power dams’ environmental impact.

⚧️ Gender Research Topics

Over the years, debates about gender roles and stereotypes have remained a controversial issue. The variety of opinions creates a set of common standards about the genders and their place in society.

Do you need to compose a paper on gender, but you are stuck with the topic? No worries! You are on the right page. Our experts have collected the best gender studies essay topics for you.

  • How do certain ads perpetuate gender stereotypes?
  • Tolerance towards the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Gender prejudices in sports.
  • Breaking gender stereotypes created by mass media.
  • Women, family, and gender in Islamic law: changes in the 21st century.
  • Same-sex marriage justification and human rights.
  • The illegalization of abortion is a violation of women’s rights.
  • Gender-based violence against females.
  • Glass ceiling and ways of overcoming it.
  • An intimate relationship between sex and marriage.
  • Idealized female portrayal in ads.
  • Discovering the aspects of pregnancy and motherhood.
  • Unrealistic beauty standards for women.
  • Gender equality is at the heart of development.
  • The concept of body positivity and its role in modern society.
  • Women’s liberation movement in the USA.
  • Gender stereotypes in Othello by William Shakespeare.
  • Influence of a father on a child’s life.
  • Gender dysphoria: signs and causes.
  • Gender roles in the context of religion.
  • Legalization of same-sex marriages: pros and cons.
  • Gender-based discrimination in the workplace.
  • Maternity leave vs. paternity leave.
  • Sexual harassment in the hospitality industry.
  • Gender inequality in schools and ways of overcoming it.
  • Women’s rights and changes over the 20th century.
  • The role of parents in determining a child’s sexual orientation.
  • Marxism and feminism: similarities and differences.
  • A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen: themes of gender inequality and feminism.
  • Women with hijab in western countries.

🩺 Health Research Topics for College Students

An apple a day keeps a doctor away! But is one apple enough to keep your organism strong and healthy? How to keep care of yourself? What improvements can be made in the healthcare sector?

Compose an outstanding paper on health. Choose an essay idea from our list of health research paper topics.

  • The influence of family relations on a teen’s awareness of venereal diseases.
  • National patient safety goals and quality indicators.
  • Family income and incidences of childhood obesity.
  • Health promotion and disease prevention in adult-gerontology patients.
  • Exercise and sleep deprivation in women.
  • Coding and billing issues in healthcare.
  • First contact between mothers and newborns.
  • Bed alarm use in hospitalized patients.
  • The effect of drugs on an organism’s operation.
  • Body mass index and age influence on blood pressure.
  • The correlation between sleep quality and general well-being.
  • Public health informatics and leadership.
  • Importance of health literacy in relation to patients.
  • Screen use regulations for the prevention of visual impairment.
  • Fall prevention for older people.
  • How to avoid antibiotic resistance in children?
  • Patient safety in clinical practice.
  • Diseases caused by having unprotected sex.
  • Leadership traits and styles in healthcare organizations .
  • Correlation between mental and physical health.
  • Healthcare quality improvement and patient safety .
  • Sedentary lifestyle and its negative consequences for health.
  • Youth health trends .
  • Teenage pregnancy outcomes.
  • Heart diseases and risk management approaches .
  • Brain damage: Parkinson’s disease .
  • Innovative technologies in the healthcare sector .
  • The effect of air pollution on public health.
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children?
  • Health education and promotion in the community.

⚖️ Law Research Paper Topics

Writing a law paper is challenging since it requires a lot of attention to detail. Students must choose a catchy and relevant topic that offers a practical solution to the problem.

To ensure the appropriateness of your essay theme, take a look at our comprehensive list of law research paper topics. Our experts collected ideas that will lead you to success!

  • International protection of human rights.
  • Self-control theory vs. social control theory.
  • Legal and moral sides of abortion.
  • The role of business law in launching an enterprise.
  • Is there a possibility of total freedom of speech?
  • Methods of sex trafficking prevention.
  • The role of international law in peacekeeping.
  • Crime prevention methods.
  • The importance of raising awareness about cybersecurity.
  • Should capital punishment be allowed?
  • How can government lower the rates of domestic violence?
  • Jails and houses of correction.
  • Child labor exploitation in underdeveloped countries.
  • Aspects of construction contracts.
  • Copyright law in modern media space.
  • Disparity and discrimination in American criminal justice.
  • The Hague International Court of Justice’s role in investigating war crimes.
  • When work is punishment.
  • Can terrorists be executed?
  • The Company Act 2006 in the United Kingdom.
  • Corruption in the criminal justice system.
  • Corruption and organized crime in Europe.
  • Juvenile arrest: should parents be responsible for their kids’ crimes?
  • Family and medical leave act and employee rights.
  • Should citizens have the right to change their names?
  • Dealing with the drug trade in the United States.
  • Ridiculous laws in the US: in Missouri, it’s illegal to drive with an uncaged bear.
  • Wrongful conviction in criminal justice.
  • Should civil unions (same-sex and hetero) have the same rights as married couples?
  • Guns allowance in the workplace in the USA.
  • Is it fair for celebrity divorces to divide property acquired during the marriage?
  • The influence of DNA evidence on criminal justice.
  • Similarities and differences between American and European criminal law systems.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of marijuana legalization.
  • Sexual harassment in the workplace.
  • The role of the criminal court systems in the US.

📚 Literature Research Topics

When it comes to literature research, there is a never-ending list of essay ideas. The fascinating world of literature offers a variety of topics for research. Being too overwhelmed with the paper ideas, students often get confused. But we are here to help you! Find the best world literature research paper topics below.

  • Is William Shakespeare really the author of the works attributed to him?
  • British literature during the Victorian period.
  • The role of literature in shaping social norms.
  • The theme of feminism in modern pieces of literature.
  • The portrayal of female characters in Asian literature.
  • Wit, beauty, and truth as the main characteristics of Renaissance literature.
  • The concept of disgrace in literature .
  • Ernest Hemingway: was there any sense in writing 47 endings for A Farewell to Arms before choosing the final variant?
  • The themes of family and traditions in Everyday Use by A. Walker
  • Can the main idea of Romeo and Juliet be bad for youth?
  • The portrayal of WWII horrors in the book Night by Ellie Wiesel .
  • The mechanisms through which reading teaches empathy.
  • Women’s role in the tragic play Othello by William Shakespeare .
  • Antigone as an early feminist play.
  • “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor.
  • How is history reflected in literature?
  • The Book “Good Earth” by Pearl Buck.
  • Anorexia and Eve’s sin: the cultural myth in the biblical text.
  • Loss in Woolf’s, Greene’s, Casanova’s works.
  • Lessons that readers can learn from The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
  • Response essay in “The Automatic Millionaire” by David Bach.
  • The role of the fairytales in raising children.
  • Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” and Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”: compare & contrast.
  • The secret of Happy Potter’s popularity.
  • “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor: personal response.
  • The accuracy of historical novels.
  • Divine Interventions in Homer’s “The Iliad”.
  • Why is The Odyssey iconic?
  • Critique Against Orwell’s Style in “Animal Farm”.
  • Satire, sarcasm, and irony in literature: how to differentiate?
  • The American hero in Fitzgerald’s novels.
  • The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer as a reflection of social classes in Middle England.
  • Personal response to “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan.
  • What impact did American Revolution have on American literature?
  • Laurie’s relationships in “Disgrace” by J.M. Coetzee.
  • The main idea of The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde.
  • Neighbour Rosicky and journey examples in literature.
  • Distinctive features of the children’s literature.
  • 1984 by George Orwell: how could the author predict the future so accurately?
  • Why is The Adventures of Tom Sayer and Huckleberry Finn a must-read for everyone?
  • The influence of Greeks and Romans on Western literature.
  • The effect of digitalization on the consumption of literature.

🏥 Medical Research Topics for College Students

The importance of medical research cannot be underestimated. Thanks to the continuous work of scientists, we receive new drugs, methods of illness treatment, and ways of disease prevention.

Make your input to the development of the medical field. Compose a paper on one of the medical research topics for college students prepared by our highly qualified experts.

  • Is vaccination the most effective way to prevent infections?
  • Medical conspiracy theories.
  • The ethical aspects of genetic engineering.
  • Cancer prevention strategies.
  • The role of biomedical screening in diagnosing illnesses.
  • Evidence-based practice in nursing.
  • Screenings and gynecologic cancer prevention.
  • The Covid-19 vaccination: difficulties and challenges.
  • Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases: similarities and differences.
  • Regulations’ effects on educational nursing programs.
  • HIV infection: the role of genetic factor in HIV curve.
  • Information technologies for patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Prevention and management of type 1 diabetes in children.
  • Legal and ethical issues faced by oncology nurses.
  • Factors that help to reduce the risk of sudden death infant syndrome.
  • Theory, risk and quality management in nursing.
  • Specifics of cognitive development of children with Daun’s syndrome.
  • Theories applied in dentistry.
  • Brain modifications caused by a stroke.
  • Selling and purchasing human organs.
  • Central lateral thalamus damage and its effect on controlling consciousness.
  • Professional socialization in nursing.
  • Ethical considerations of genetic research.
  • Genotyping in cardiology and pharmacogenetics.
  • Virus prevention strategies during pandemics.
  • Minimizing the prevalence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  • Cancer and Angiogenesis relations.
  • The significance of genetic studies for the prevention of hereditary diseases.
  • Demand for public health goods and services.

🎼 Music Research Paper Topics

From ancient times, music has been present in all cultures and countries. It reflects the national spirit and reveals cultural identity. Therefore, the role of music in our lives cannot be underestimated.

Wondering what to write about? Take a look at our list of music research paper topics and inspire to create your outstanding essay!

  • Can listening to Mozart make someone smarter?
  • Alive Inside : a story of music and memory.
  • Can hard rock have a negative influence on listeners’ sleep patterns?
  • How does technology affect the music industry?
  • The role of soundtracks in viewers’ perception of thriller movies.
  • The evidence that there was music in the ancient Near East.
  • Female composers: Barbara Strozzi and Francesca Caccini.
  • The attitudes of churches towards music.
  • How can music preferences shape a person’s worldview?
  • The Beatles’ impact on the development of rock music.
  • The interconnections between music and theatre.
  • The influence of pop music on social values.
  • Is Eurovision indeed an apolitical song contest?
  • The importance of developing a unique music taste.
  • Can rap music provoke teenagers’ bad behavior?
  • Do melodies from the Renaissance period have hidden symbolism?
  • The role of music in the movie industry.
  • How can melodies create a mood?
  • Music classes should be compulsory in primary school.
  • Are there good and bad music genres?
  • The use of classical music in treating psychological disorders.
  • How does pop music set beauty standards?
  • The role of music in the advertising industry.
  • The impact of metal music on the mental wellbeing of a listener.
  • Sound therapy: pros and cons.
  • Censorship in the music industry.
  • Will technologies shape the music genres of the future?
  • Rap is for black-skinned people: a truth or a prejudice?
  • What would the world look like without music?
  • Paid music streaming services vs. pirate websites.

🍖 Nutrition Research Topics for College Students

An American neurologist Adelle Davis recommended, “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” Wondering what was the core of her message and how our eating habits influence our bodies?

A research paper on nutrition will help you discover the most exciting insights about food and health. And our list of nutrition research paper topics will inspire you to come up with a great essay idea!

  • Side-effects of vegetarianism.
  • Saturated vs. unsaturated fatty acids.
  • Nutrients that are essential for skin, hair, and nail health.
  • Breaking the most common myths about the food pyramid.
  • Is there a link between dairy product consumption and acne?
  • The effect of caffeine intake on the human organism.
  • Population community health: obesity.
  • Is it essential to count the calories of every food intake?
  • Ways of healthy weight loss.
  • Food allergy prevention in babies.
  • Can alcohol be a component of a healthy diet?
  • The link between diet and cognitive performance.
  • Childhood obesity issue and community assessment.
  • Sugar-free lifestyle: pros and cons.
  • Methods of eating disorders prevention.
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and its manifestations in indigenous Australian Inhabitants.
  • Is vegetarianism good for children?
  • Risks associated with the consumption of GMO crops.
  • Nutrition and exercise plan for overweight patients.
  • The moral side of meat and fish consumption.
  • Should fast-food restaurants be banned?
  • Nutrition, physical activity, and obesity: targeted communication.
  • The effects of phytochemicals on teenage girls’ self-perception.
  • Poor eating habits or adverce effect of high-calorie intake.
  • Can soy be used to replace meat fully?
  • Organic food in Coleman’s vs. Paarlberg’s views.
  • Is eating fast food better than skipping meals?
  • Childhood obesity as an urgent problem of epidemiology.
  • Is vegetarian eating related to health and longevity?
  • To what extent Is fast food responsible for obesity?
  • The rational basis for religious eating principles (for example, Muslims not eating pork).
  • Can eating disorders (such as anorexia and bulimia) be explained by the advent of television?
  • Dealing with the trans fats obsession.
  • Dangerous nutrition practices in different cultures.
  • Milk consumption by adults: pros and cons.
  • Obesity in childhood: causes, impacts, and prevention.

🤯 Psychology Research Paper Topics

How do we fall in love? What is attachment? How do neurons transmit signals to the central nervous system? How do our bodies cope with stress? Write a psychological essay to find the answers to these and more questions. Our experts gathered the most successful psychology research paper topics for you!

  • The barriers to breast self-examination in different age categories.
  • Stereotypes and their influence on perception.
  • Stress coping strategies in rural teen mothers.
  • Pathophysiological changes and abnormal findings.
  • Psychological explanation of homosexual relationships.
  • Depression and the risk of preeclampsia.
  • The influence of social media on the development of the inferiority complex.
  • Trauma and development: trauma experiences.
  • What is love from the psychological perspective?
  • The essence of Erik Erikson’s theory of personality.
  • Sigmund Freud’s explanation of human sexuality.
  • Mindfulness as one of the most common cognitive therapy practices.
  • Childhood trauma and its adverse effects on adulthood.
  • Work-life balance and workplace stress management.
  • The impact of confirmation bias on everyday life.
  • Reflective decision-making in psychology.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: symptoms and treatment.
  • Ethical issues in counseling work.
  • Maslov’s input in the development of psychology.
  • Social anxiety disorder in teenagers.
  • The role of emotional intelligence in children’s cognitive development.
  • Organizational psychology’s impact on performance.
  • The effects of single parenting on kids’ perception of family.
  • Metacognitive awareness and academic achievement.
  • Postpartum depression and ways of overcoming it.
  • Posttraumatic stress and dissociative identity disorders.
  • Psychology of child development.
  • Causes of PTSD in the workplace.
  • Cognitive behavioral and social engineering compared.
  • Psychological principles in scientific testing.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder: causes, symptoms, treatment.
  • Social cognition: how we think about the social world.
  • Childhood and adolescents psychology.
  • Antidepressants: pros and cons.
  • Psychological disorders among older adults caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Psychological practices for overcoming phobias.

📿 Religion Research Paper Topics

Religion has been an integral part of civilizations since ancient times. People’s perceptions and beliefs are continuously developing with the world’s progress, creating a space for research and investigations. So, dive deep into the spiritual world and compose an exemplary essay. Get some ideas from our religious studies paper topics.

  • Reasons for becoming an atheist.
  • How does Islam influence the politics in the West?
  • The impact of religious beliefs on democracy.
  • Religion and the LGBTQ+ community.
  • The Bible and the Quran: similarities and differences.
  • Religious views on wars and terrorism.
  • The mystery of reincarnation.
  • Does religion have any influence on economics?
  • The importance of tolerance towards different religions in a multicultural community.
  • The portrayal of God in the Bible.
  • Reflection of religion in literature.
  • Analysis of the work Theology in the Context of World Christianity by Tennent.
  • Abortion and child control through the lens of religion.
  • Christianity: history, branches, and future.
  • Corruption in churches in the modern world.
  • Buddhism vs. Hinduism: beliefs and practices.
  • The importance of marriage from a religious perspective.
  • Is Christianity rational?
  • American grace: how religion divides and unites the US.
  • Why is there more than one religion in the world?
  • Religion as a group phenomenon and its conflicts.
  • Views on post-death experience in different religions.
  • The comparison of women’s roles in Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.
  • How can the existence of Jesus be proved?
  • Human nature from a religious perspective.
  • Intersections of science and religion.
  • Descartes’ proofs of God’s presence.
  • Why does Christianity have so many branches?
  • Tourism-religion relationships .

🧬 Science Research Topics for College Students

Science is one of the fundamental driving forces of humankind. It offers an unlimited number of research ideas. Being too overwhelmed with the subjects of research, students often get confused and experience difficulties with the topic selection. But with our help, you don’t need to worry! Find our list of the best science research paper topics below and create your exemplary academic work!

  • Is it possible to live on Mars?
  • The future of cryptocurrency.
  • Animal testing for scientific purposes: pros and cons.
  • The effectiveness of vaccines.
  • How can the problem of space junk be solved?
  • Applying probability theory to real life.
  • The role of blockchain technology in cybersecurity.
  • Origins of mathematics in ancient civilizations.
  • Discovering new sources of alternative energy.
  • Research methods: explanation and evaluation.
  • The role of photosynthesis in improving crop yield.
  • The role of molecular biological research in discovering new medicaments.
  • Geoengineering and its perspectives in the modern world.
  • Concepts and environmental applications.
  • How to minimize the danger of nuclear energy.
  • The effect of global warming on the spreading of tropical diseases (e.g., malaria and dengue).
  • The power generation in the United States.
  • The role of political science in regulating wars.
  • The most effective ways of preventing global virus spreading.
  • Data visualization and analytics using Tableau.
  • How can scientists avoid the transmission of genetic abnormalities from parents to children?
  • Telepresence inlfuence on travel and human resources.
  • Will space tourism become popular in the future?
  • Cyberattacks and their peculiarities.
  • The role of chemical research in developing new cancer treatment methods.
  • Digitalization impact on the UAE national security.
  • Innovative technologies and their influence on biochemical experiments.
  • How do UV rays affect the human organism?
  • Information systems management during COVID-19.
  • The use of nanotechnology for medical purposes.
  • Effective recycling of toxic waste.
  • Internet of things and radio-frequency identification.
  • Applying high tech for enhancing agriculture.
  • Factors that cause skin cancer.
  • Cybercrime: costs and examples.
  • Positive and negative sides of genetic modification.
  • Will self-driving cars appear in the nearest future?
  • Do cell phone microwaves have an adverse effect on human health?
  • Is it possible to discover medicines for epilepsy treatment?
  • Artificial insemination: advantages and disadvantages.
  • The effect of psychoactive drugs on the central nervous system.

👪 Social Science Research Topics for College Students

Sociology has always been at the center of researchers’ attention. Starting from the pre-historical era, communities have been shaping their social standards that were continuously developing with the time flow. Thus, social science has numerous unsolved secrets you can investigate in your essay.

Experiencing some challenges with the topic selection? We are here to help you! Our list of social science research topics for college students contains a lot of insightful ideas.

  • The attitude towards LGBTQ+ communities around the world.
  • How not to get involved in a cyberbullying attack?
  • Should the government control birth rates?
  • The importance of peoples’ political literacy.
  • Corruption overcoming methods.
  • Does total freedom of speech exist?
  • Are poverty and drug addiction connected?
  • The importance of sex education for preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • Are nursing homes ethical?
  • Overcoming child abuse in the USA.
  • The influence of society on an individual’s personality formation.
  • The effect of electronic communication on social interactions.
  • Gay marriage: disputes and the ethical dilemma.
  • Methods of creating an ideal microclimate in the workplace.
  • The role of active listening skills in communication.
  • Social inequality in the modern world.
  • Discrimination against females in Canada.
  • Overcoming poverty in African states.
  • Black and white race relations history in America.
  • Socializing skills of children raised in single-parent families.
  • Contemporary social and sociological theory.
  • The influence of social media on users’ psychological well-being.
  • Feminism movement in Latin America.
  • The role of television in creating gender stereotypes.
  • China’s one-child policy’s outcomes for population growth.
  • Did COVID-19 lockdown develop problems with socialization?
  • Animal research experiments and alternatives.
  • Online vs. face-to-face communication: comparison and contrast.
  • Why do immigrants often become human trafficking victims?

🏀 Sports Research Paper Topics

Are you pursuing a sports-related degree? Then writing a sports essay should be a common task for you. And we know the secret of turning your paper writing process into an exciting task! Just choose one of the ideas from our list of sports research topics. Our expert selected the most interesting themes for you.

  • The problem of emotional burnout among athletes.
  • Why should PE lessons be compulsory at schools?
  • Are extreme sports worth doing?
  • The effect of mental health on athletic performance.
  • The effect of daily morning exercises on the human body.
  • Is dancing a sport?
  • The role of discipline for successful a sports career.
  • How to accept losses with dignity?
  • Should some performance-enhancing drugs (e.g., creatine) be allowed?
  • Exercising at home vs. exercising at the gym.
  • How did the increase in ticket prices affect professional sports?
  • Baseball invention: the roots of the game.
  • Do teams with potentially offensive names have to change them (for instance, the Washington Redskins or the Cleveland Indians)?
  • Socio-cultural factors that affected sport in Australian society.
  • Are crowd-pleasing activities bad for professional sporting events?
  • Analysis of training to failure.
  • Are celebrity athletes responsible for being role models to youths?
  • Performance enhancing drugs and ethics in sport.
  • Should professional tennis players use only personalized rackets?
  • Concussions in National Football League and its dangers.
  • The history of the Olympic Games.
  • The London 2012 Olympics: environmental analysis.
  • The importance of an emotional connection between an athlete and a coach.
  • College athlete compensation controversy.
  • Physical and psychological recovery after sports injuries.
  • Professional sports in childhood: pros and cons.
  • The history of Paralympic Games.
  • Should transgender athletes play for men or for women?
  • The effect of exercises on the physical wellbeing of people with heart diseases.
  • The effect of steroids on athletes’ heart health.

Now, as you have selected an ideal topic for your research paper , it’s time to start the writing process. At first sight, it might seem that it will take ages to compose a comprehensive essay. But wait. No worries! With proper workload organization, you will create outstanding academic work in the shortest time. Continue reading to learn the most useful writing tips!

Narrow Down Your Topic

Before writing your paper, make sure you selected a good topic. One of the most common problems among students is having a too broad or too narrow topic. Let’s dive into more details!

Your topic is too broad if:

  • There are too many sources available on your topic, and you find it difficult to connect them;
  • You feel like you are incapable of focusing on one idea because more sub-topics pull out throughout your research process;
  • It seems like you will be unable to cover the topic fully and fit into the required word count.

Your topic is too narrow if:

  • You cannot find enough scholarly sources;
  • You realize that the answer to your research question is too simple;
  • You feel like you will lack ideas, and the paper will not reach the required word count.

In case you realize that your topic does not correspond to the assignment’s requirements, try to work on it. If your topic is too broad, narrow it down by picking one of the sub-topics that comes to your mind. Make sure that you can concentrate on a specific research question that will bring you to concrete outcomes.

Is your topic too narrow? Use this strategy vice versa. Think of the additional ideas that come to your mind and try to incorporate them into one topic.

Evaluate Sources

The success of a research paper lies behind the proper usage of the sources. For college or university assignments, academic sources are preferred over the other ones. Let’s take a closer look at the trustworthy sources that you can use for your research paper.

Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the core of your research paper. It reflects its purpose and key idea. To come up with a perfect thesis statement, follow our advice:

  • Know your purpose . You should clearly understand the aim of your research project. Do you want to find a correlation between two variables? Discover something new? Motivate your audience for an action? The readers should grasp your goal from your thesis statement.
  • Be concise . Clarity is the key requirement for a thesis statement. So, try to be as clear and precise as possible.
  • Give direction . A strong thesis statement becomes a guideline for your readers and directs them throughout the entire research paper. From your thesis statement, the audience should understand what to expect from your work. In terms of paper structure, a thesis statement should appear at the end of your introduction, ideally as the last sentence.

If you have difficulties formulating a thesis statement, try our free tool . And let’s also take a look at some examples of thesis statements. In the following paper , the thesis statement clearly reflects the purpose of the research:

In the eye of an employer and through human resource department, this paper seeks to evaluate the quality of health care strategy to be provided for employees by health contractors.

The readers clearly understand that the author aims to evaluate the health care strategy.

In another academic work , the author divides their thesis into two sentences to avoid redundancy. Let’s take a closer look at it:

This paper will set out to discuss why sexual harassment is so prevalent in the hospitality industry. It will then highlight the negative consequences of harassment and suggest ways in which the human resources department of the company can prevent these incidents.

After reading this thesis, the readers clearly understand of the author’s aim and the expected outcomes of the research project.

Thank you for reading our article! We hope it was useful and full of valuable insights. Don’t forget to share our research paper topics with your friends. Sharing is caring! And good luck with your research paper.

🔗 References

  • What Is a Research Paper? – ThoughtCo
  • How to Write a Research Paper – Grammarly
  • Genre and the Research Paper // Purdue Writing Lab
  • Choosing a Research Topic – Grinnell College
  • HOW TO CHOOSE A RESEARCH TOPIC? – Gene Spafford
  • Guidelines for Choosing a Topic – CliffsNotes
  • Choosing a Topic | Hunter College Libraries – CUNY

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150 Research Paper Topics

150 Research Paper Topics

Whether you’re in high school or college, there will come a time when you’ll be required to write a research paper. For many students, writing a research paper can be a challenging task.

Writing the research paper might seem like it’s the hardest part of the entire paper, but for many students, it’s picking out what topic to write about.

If you’re having a difficult time figuring out what topic to write your research paper about, we’ve compiled a list of 150 topics for you to choose from!

How to Choose a Topic for a Research Paper

  • Pick a few areas or topics that you’re interested in and narrow it down to the topic that you like the best. You’ll be able to put together an insightful paper if you’re interested in the topic you chose.
  • Make sure you have enough references for your topic. Doing a quick search will help you see if your topic is discussed enough for you to do research.
  • Make sure your topic fits within your teacher’s guidelines. Your teacher may have set restrictions on certain topics or even requirements that they may want in your paper.

Health Topics

  • How can lifestyle habits influence overall health?
  • How does breastfeeding improve the infant’s health?
  • Reasons why the flu virus is different from year to year.
  • Different types of stem cells and their usage.
  • Sleep disorders’ impact on the overall health condition.
  • The healthiest diet does not exist.
  • Stop smoking to improve mental health.
  • Why are carbs bad for people who are insulin resistant?
  • Why is the skin on a face more sensitive to breakouts and touch than on any other part of the body?
  • Low carbohydrate vs. low-fat diets.

Science Topics

  • How has the earth’s climate changed in the past few decades?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Why is “dark matter” important?
  • Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
  • What are the main sources of marine pollution?
  • Endangered species – How can we preserve them?
  • What did you do to make the world a better place?
  • What have NASA’s biggest successes and failures been?

Psychology Topics

  • What Are Psychological Effects of Technology Addiction?
  • What Causes Eating Disorders?
  • How Do Certain People Become Leaders?
  • How Important Is Love for the Child’s Development?
  • How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Our Mental Health?
  • Insomnia and its Effects on Human Health.
  • Physical and Mental Violence on Children and Domestic Abuse.
  • How dangerous are eating disorders?
  • Post-traumatic stress syndrome.
  • What causes depression?

Ethics Topics

  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Importance of following ethics in psychological research.

Social Media Topics

  • Are social networks making us lonely and unsociable?
  • How to protect children online?
  • Is there such a thing as social media addiction?
  • Who are world-famous influencers on social media?
  • Does social media affect our relationships?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • How does social media influence interpersonal communication?
  • How can one defend privacy issues on Facebook and other social media?
  • Impacts of social media on youth.

Legal Issues Topics

  • Should marijuana be legalized at the national level?
  • Should there be a law preventing cyber-bullying?
  • What can be done to improve family law?
  • What countries have the worst legal systems?
  • What countries have the best legal systems?
  • What are the main flaws of the legal system in the USA?
  • Does police brutality contribute to the onset of hate crimes?
  • Why should the minimum legal drinking age be kept at eighteen years?
  • Does drug legalization contribute to the increased crime rate?
  • How do torrenting sites influence creativity and copyright?

Technology Topics

  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • What are some advances in technology related to medicine?
  • Can everything be solar powered?
  • How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  • How can technology help in preventing terrorist attacks?

Government Topics

  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Should the federal government be allowed to regulate information on the internet?
  • Should the United States of America reform its Immigration policies?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?

Education Topics

  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students’ health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • E-Learning at home VS traditional education.
  • The Effectiveness and Flaws of the No Child Left Behind Act.
  • General tests and their effectiveness in various institutions.
  • How to encourage students to study what they are passionate about?

Business Topics

  • How has business etiquette changed in the past few years?
  • Features that define a true business leader.
  • Things that make young startups fail during the first couple of years.
  • Does franchising make it easier to run a business?
  • Pros & cons of outsourcing services.

Sports Topics

  • Importance of physical exercise in school.
  • Is cheerleading a sport?
  • Do sports influence an individual’s emotional well-being?
  • Safest exercises for students with disabilities.
  • Collaboration on a sports field. What is the most effective communication strategy among sports team members?
  • Differences in the Italian Renaissance and Northern Renaissance.
  • Impacts famous artists had on the world.
  • The art of Ancient Egypt.
  • Censorship in art.
  • Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.

Entertainment Topics

  • Are violent video games really to blame for problems in children’s behavior?
  • Are beauty contests making beauty standards even more unachievable?
  • Are modern media gradually replacing newspapers?
  • Reasons why we cannot do without the mass media.
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of mass media to society.
  • How have shows like “Project Runway” influenced fashion? Have they motivated people to become more creative and personal in what they wear?
  • Are newspapers going extinct?
  • Do TV shows impose unreal moral standards?
  • Women competing against men: is it really fair?
  • How fake moral standards are imposed by television

Current Events Topics

  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US’s immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
  • Is there a better way to fight the war against drugs internationally?
  • Can Bitcoin really become the currency of the future in America?
  • Preventing police brutality: history and what citizens can do.
  • History of the electoral college system of voting.

History Topics

  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln’s assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler’s rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What Factors Caused the Stock Market Crash in 1929?
  • What Were the Social Consequences of the Vietnam War?
  • What Is the Role of Women in the Military?

Physics and Astronomy Topics

  • What Is Pluto if It’s not a Planet?
  • Can We Determine How Old the Universe Is?
  • What Are Dark Holes?
  • Could People Survive on Mars?
  • Is Space Exploration Really Necessary?
  • Can We Prevent a Large Comet from Striking the Earth?
  • What are the physics behind the creation of rainbows?
  • The importance of robots in industries.
  • The evolution of the self-driving car and its impact on the economy.
  • The role of physics in the healthcare industry.

Animals Topics

  • Do animals express love?
  • Is animal testing a kind of animal cruelty?
  • Should environments be protected if endangered species live there?
  • How have humans bred domestic animals to be different from their original wild counterparts?
  • What is the current genetic and fossil evidence that chickens, dogs, and other domestic animals were much different even a few hundred years ago?

Medical Topics

  • The use of medical marijuana: pros and cons
  • Is it safe for children to be vegetarians?
  • How the society views on vaccines change
  • Can pharmaceutical companies advertise prescription drugs directly to buyers?
  • The role of doctors in the growing nation’s drug addiction
  • How many treatments to Autism are there?
  • How is ageism impacting mental health and addictions?
  • What are the pros and cons of antipsychotics?
  • Should alternative medicine be legalized?
  • Is the relationship between the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry a good one?

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58 Good Research Paper Topics for High School Students

June 27, 2023

research paper topics college student

We’ve all been there: you’re sitting in English or Social Studies, and suddenly your teacher announces those dreaded words: “I’d like you all to pick a topic for your upcoming research paper.” Your stomach lurches as your mind races to think of good research paper topics. Should you write about octopuses or the New York Yankees? Should you write about the history of Barbie and her uber-pink Dreamhouse , or perhaps the evolution of Taylor Swift ’s music career?

We get it: these are hard choices! That’s why we here at College Transitions have compiled the ultimate list to assist you in selecting an excellent research topic.

But First…the All-Important Question: What Makes a Great Topic?

We’re glad you asked! When selecting a topic for your academic research paper, you want to select a compelling topic that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Just like when choosing a persuasive speech topic or argumentative essay topic , you want to be sure to select a topic that intrigues you personally. This is pivotal for multiple reasons. If you find your topic intriguing, you’ll likely spend more time delving into the subject and gathering information to strengthen your arguments. Additionally, if a topic sparks your curiosity, odds are that your enthusiasm will pique someone else’s interest, too!

The Key to a Good Research Paper: Research

Regardless of the topic you choose, ensure it’s researchable . This means that the subject has sufficient resources for research. Even the most intriguing topic won’t make for a good paper if there’s not much research material out there. Remember: your typical research paper is longer and more in-depth than a regular academic essay. While this means you have more time to explore the topic at hand, it also means that the research paper will rely on more information and analysis of the existing material out there. Before finalizing your topic, make sure to do a preliminary search to guarantee there’s plenty of information out there to help you construct a comprehensive argument, filled with multiple perspectives and facets.

Following Guidelines

Lastly, and most importantly, follow the guidelines your teacher has laid out. If you focus your paper on pop culture, it certainly won’t meet a historical research paper’s requirement! Before embarking on this thrilling intellectual journey, double-check what type of research paper your teacher wants you to write. To prevent future headaches, clarify any rules or conditions upfront.

Now that we’ve covered these key bullet points of what makes a great research paper topic, let’s delve into some examples of topics:

English Literature Research Topics

1) Discuss the profound cultural impact and enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s plays.

2) What roles does feminism play in canonical literary works such as Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre ?

3) Investigate the use of symbolism and its impacts on the narrative and theme in a chosen novel, such as J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye or Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn.

4) Analyze the use of dystopian elements and their social commentary embedded in the works of George Orwell.

Good Research Paper Topics (Continued)

5) Analyze the themes , symbolic representations, and societal critiques of the American Dream as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby .

6) Provide a comprehensive explication of a renowned Shakespearean sonnet or soliloquy, such as this one from Hamlet .

7) Choose a poem such as Robert Frost’s “ The Road Not Taken ” and critically analyze its layered meanings and imagery, as well as their impact on the reader.

Technology Research Topics 

  • For a more comprehensive list of technology-related research topics, we’ve compiled an entire list for you here !

8) Compare and contrast the various techniques of solar geoengineering. How have these practices progressed over time? In what direction might they continue to evolve?

9) Art has become readily producible and consumable in the era of technology and artificial intelligence. How does this surge in accessibility impact the worth of artwork? Additionally, should we value physical artworks more than those made by programs like OpenAI’s DALL-E?

10) Does the advancement of cellular agriculture potentially threaten the ideas of a “ circular bioeconomy ?” Should we strive to pursue a circular bioeconomy?

11) Some people say that video games are detrimental to mental health or encourage violence. Study and present findings on whether specific categories or genres of video games provide more cognitive enhancement than others.

12) Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual appointments and doctor’s visits have increased exponentially. Does the surge in screen time that comes with digital therapeutics negatively affect mental health?

13) Consider mob mentality  across social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram. In what instances and in what contexts is such mentality most prevalent?

Environmental Research Topics

  • For a more comprehensive list of environmental-related research topics, we’ve compiled the 50 best ones here !

14) Undertake a comprehensive study of the impacts of climate change on ocean currents and the changes in migration patterns of marine species.

15) Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of urban greenspaces . Discuss potential implementation strategies to ensure equitable access to these spaces, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged communities.

16) Look at the ethical implications surrounding human intervention in conservation efforts for endangered species.

17) Analyze the environmental impacts of the hospitality and travel industries in terms of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

18) How do agricultural land use practices impact biodiversity and the health of ecosystems? Look at the relationship between farming, habitat degradation, and species survival.

19) Conduct an in-depth analysis of the potential economic repercussions of climate change. Focus on the impacts of climate changes on global agricultural productivity and food security, as well as their associated dynamics in the global economy.

20) Conduct an in-depth exploration of the relationship between supply and demand dynamics and their influence on the market.

21) Analyze the impact of globalization on local economies. Examine both the direct and indirect effects of globalization and assess strategies for local economies to adapt and thrive within this system.

22) Write a research paper that investigates the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in the global economy. What potential do these currencies have to disrupt traditional financial systems? What are their implications for monetary policy?

23) Undertake a study of the impact of China’s economic ascendance on the global economy.

24) Explore the intricate effects of population growth and/or decline on economic systems, considering factors such as labor market dynamics, allocation of resources, and the potential for sustainable development.

Political Science Research Topics

25) Discuss the role of lobbyists in U.S. politics. Scrutinize their influence on policy-making, and discuss the broader implications for democratic representation.

26) What influence does the media have on political elections? Investigate how media coverage shapes public opinion and voter behavior.

27) Analyze the impact of immigration policy on the economy. Examine such policies’ immediate and long-term implications on the labor market and economy.

28) Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in shaping U.S. laws. Focus on the function the Supreme Court plays in establishing legal precedents.

Philosophy 

29) Write a research paper examining the concept of free will, its origins, evolution, and implications.

30) Consider the implications of determinism. Look at its impact on individual agency and moral responsibility within the broader framework of philosophical tradition.

31) Undertake an in-depth analysis of happiness in philosophy, considering its interpretations and their influence on real-world practices.

32) Investigate how various philosophies have perceived consciousness through time. Trace this depiction of consciousness through various philosophical movements.

33) Discuss Nietzsche’s concept of the Übermensch, examining its underpinnings and implications.

Psychology research Topics

34) What role does social media play in shaping an individual’s self-esteem?

35) Explore childhood trauma’s long-lasting impact on adult interpersonal relationships and attachment styles.

36) Analyze the critical role that distinct parenting styles play in molding a child’s personality.

37) Research and discuss the psychological effects and health implications of prolonged exposure to stress.

Art Research Topics

38) Discuss the role of the Renaissance period on modern art, doing a side-by-side analysis of works from both eras.

39) Conduct a thorough analysis of the impact of street art on urban culture, examining how it reshapes public spaces and societal narratives.

40) Investigate the influence of Pop Art on modern design. You might focus on Pop Art’s particular impact on interior design and digital media.

41) Explore the role feminist art plays in promoting gender equality. How do feminist artworks challenge traditional gender roles and/or contribute to societal discourse?

Computer Science Research Topics

42) Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly. Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.

43) Discuss whether the use of facial recognition technology violates individuals’ privacy, as well as the broader implications such technology has on societal well-being.

44) Analyze the use of surveillance technology by the government. Is it ethical for the government to use such technology to monitor its citizens?

45) Investigate the rapid development and long-term effects of various social media platforms.

46) Investigate the history of book bans in schools. Discuss the larger cultural and educational impacts such bans have on students and society.

47) Analyze various forms of schooling, from homeschooling to public and private schools. Consider the implications of each on a child’s education and social skills.

48) Write a research paper examining the use of affirmative action or other race-conscious policies on college campuses. Discuss the impact such policies have, as well as potential benefits and drawbacks.

49) Consider the impact of standardized testing on student performance.

Government and Law Research Topics

50) Consider the role that intellectual property and copyright laws play in innovation.

51) Investigate the impact of anti-trust laws on big corporations. What are the economic effects of these laws?

52) Study the role that law enforcement plays in community safety.

53) Consider the legalization of marijuana on crime rates. Discuss the impact this legalization has had on various communities, as well as its benefits and drawbacks.

History Research Topics

54) Analyze the influence of the Civil Rights movement on modern America. How did this movement shape racial, social, and political dynamics in America?

55) Investigate how the French Revolution reshaped political structures and ideologies across Europe.

56) Analyze the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall and how it marked a shift in the global balance of power.

57) Delve into the effects of the Cold War, as well as its impacts on global politics.

58) Examine the role that women played during World War II and what impact these roles had on challenging gender norms.

I’ve Got My Topic: What Now?

Once you’ve selected your topic, begin brainstorming ways to shape and craft your argument. Here’s one structure your research paper might take:

  • Introduction: The introduction presents your research topic to readers and provides a roadmap for the paper ahead.
  • Thesis Statement: Craft a compelling thesis statement summarizing your paper’s central arguments.
  • Body : The body of the paper is where your carefully conducted research comes into play. Each paragraph should follow the previous one, building a logical progression of thoughts.
  • Conclusion: In your conclusion, you reiterate the points you made in your paper and provide a closing paragraph to neatly tie up any last thoughts.
  • Reference Page: This is where you credit your sources.

Once you’ve followed this structure, you’re on your way to crafting an excellent research paper. Of course, don’t let pesky typos undermine your hours of hard work and writing. Make sure to always proofread your work before turning it in. And if you’re passionate about research and writing, don’t stop there. Check out these summer programs for writing and journalism so that you can continue to fuel your passion.

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Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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How to Write a Research Paper | A Beginner's Guide

A research paper is a piece of academic writing that provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research.

Research papers are similar to academic essays , but they are usually longer and more detailed assignments, designed to assess not only your writing skills but also your skills in scholarly research. Writing a research paper requires you to demonstrate a strong knowledge of your topic, engage with a variety of sources, and make an original contribution to the debate.

This step-by-step guide takes you through the entire writing process, from understanding your assignment to proofreading your final draft.

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Table of contents

Understand the assignment, choose a research paper topic, conduct preliminary research, develop a thesis statement, create a research paper outline, write a first draft of the research paper, write the introduction, write a compelling body of text, write the conclusion, the second draft, the revision process, research paper checklist, free lecture slides.

Completing a research paper successfully means accomplishing the specific tasks set out for you. Before you start, make sure you thoroughly understanding the assignment task sheet:

  • Read it carefully, looking for anything confusing you might need to clarify with your professor.
  • Identify the assignment goal, deadline, length specifications, formatting, and submission method.
  • Make a bulleted list of the key points, then go back and cross completed items off as you’re writing.

Carefully consider your timeframe and word limit: be realistic, and plan enough time to research, write, and edit.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

There are many ways to generate an idea for a research paper, from brainstorming with pen and paper to talking it through with a fellow student or professor.

You can try free writing, which involves taking a broad topic and writing continuously for two or three minutes to identify absolutely anything relevant that could be interesting.

You can also gain inspiration from other research. The discussion or recommendations sections of research papers often include ideas for other specific topics that require further examination.

Once you have a broad subject area, narrow it down to choose a topic that interests you, m eets the criteria of your assignment, and i s possible to research. Aim for ideas that are both original and specific:

  • A paper following the chronology of World War II would not be original or specific enough.
  • A paper on the experience of Danish citizens living close to the German border during World War II would be specific and could be original enough.

Note any discussions that seem important to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your paper around. Use a variety of sources , including journals, books, and reliable websites, to ensure you do not miss anything glaring.

Do not only verify the ideas you have in mind, but look for sources that contradict your point of view.

  • Is there anything people seem to overlook in the sources you research?
  • Are there any heated debates you can address?
  • Do you have a unique take on your topic?
  • Have there been some recent developments that build on the extant research?

In this stage, you might find it helpful to formulate some research questions to help guide you. To write research questions, try to finish the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why…”

A thesis statement is a statement of your central argument — it establishes the purpose and position of your paper. If you started with a research question, the thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and reasoning you’ll use to support that answer.

The thesis statement should be concise, contentious, and coherent. That means it should briefly summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires further evidence or analysis, and make a coherent point that relates to every part of the paper.

You will probably revise and refine the thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide throughout the writing process. Every paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.

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A research paper outline is essentially a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings so that you know roughly what the paper will look like before you start writing.

A structure outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth dedicating some time to create one.

Your first draft won’t be perfect — you can polish later on. Your priorities at this stage are as follows:

  • Maintaining forward momentum — write now, perfect later.
  • Paying attention to clear organization and logical ordering of paragraphs and sentences, which will help when you come to the second draft.
  • Expressing your ideas as clearly as possible, so you know what you were trying to say when you come back to the text.

You do not need to start by writing the introduction. Begin where it feels most natural for you — some prefer to finish the most difficult sections first, while others choose to start with the easiest part. If you created an outline, use it as a map while you work.

Do not delete large sections of text. If you begin to dislike something you have written or find it doesn’t quite fit, move it to a different document, but don’t lose it completely — you never know if it might come in useful later.

Paragraph structure

Paragraphs are the basic building blocks of research papers. Each one should focus on a single claim or idea that helps to establish the overall argument or purpose of the paper.

Example paragraph

George Orwell’s 1946 essay “Politics and the English Language” has had an enduring impact on thought about the relationship between politics and language. This impact is particularly obvious in light of the various critical review articles that have recently referenced the essay. For example, consider Mark Falcoff’s 2009 article in The National Review Online, “The Perversion of Language; or, Orwell Revisited,” in which he analyzes several common words (“activist,” “civil-rights leader,” “diversity,” and more). Falcoff’s close analysis of the ambiguity built into political language intentionally mirrors Orwell’s own point-by-point analysis of the political language of his day. Even 63 years after its publication, Orwell’s essay is emulated by contemporary thinkers.

Citing sources

It’s also important to keep track of citations at this stage to avoid accidental plagiarism . Each time you use a source, make sure to take note of where the information came from.

You can use our free citation generators to automatically create citations and save your reference list as you go.

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The research paper introduction should address three questions: What, why, and how? After finishing the introduction, the reader should know what the paper is about, why it is worth reading, and how you’ll build your arguments.

What? Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.

Why? This is the most important, but also the most difficult, part of the introduction. Try to provide brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your essay help define or answer?

How? To let the reader know what to expect from the rest of the paper, the introduction should include a “map” of what will be discussed, briefly presenting the key elements of the paper in chronological order.

The major struggle faced by most writers is how to organize the information presented in the paper, which is one reason an outline is so useful. However, remember that the outline is only a guide and, when writing, you can be flexible with the order in which the information and arguments are presented.

One way to stay on track is to use your thesis statement and topic sentences . Check:

  • topic sentences against the thesis statement;
  • topic sentences against each other, for similarities and logical ordering;
  • and each sentence against the topic sentence of that paragraph.

Be aware of paragraphs that seem to cover the same things. If two paragraphs discuss something similar, they must approach that topic in different ways. Aim to create smooth transitions between sentences, paragraphs, and sections.

The research paper conclusion is designed to help your reader out of the paper’s argument, giving them a sense of finality.

Trace the course of the paper, emphasizing how it all comes together to prove your thesis statement. Give the paper a sense of finality by making sure the reader understands how you’ve settled the issues raised in the introduction.

You might also discuss the more general consequences of the argument, outline what the paper offers to future students of the topic, and suggest any questions the paper’s argument raises but cannot or does not try to answer.

You should not :

  • Offer new arguments or essential information
  • Take up any more space than necessary
  • Begin with stock phrases that signal you are ending the paper (e.g. “In conclusion”)

There are four main considerations when it comes to the second draft.

  • Check how your vision of the paper lines up with the first draft and, more importantly, that your paper still answers the assignment.
  • Identify any assumptions that might require (more substantial) justification, keeping your reader’s perspective foremost in mind. Remove these points if you cannot substantiate them further.
  • Be open to rearranging your ideas. Check whether any sections feel out of place and whether your ideas could be better organized.
  • If you find that old ideas do not fit as well as you anticipated, you should cut them out or condense them. You might also find that new and well-suited ideas occurred to you during the writing of the first draft — now is the time to make them part of the paper.

The goal during the revision and proofreading process is to ensure you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is as well-articulated as possible. You can speed up the proofreading process by using the AI proofreader .

Global concerns

  • Confirm that your paper completes every task specified in your assignment sheet.
  • Check for logical organization and flow of paragraphs.
  • Check paragraphs against the introduction and thesis statement.

Fine-grained details

Check the content of each paragraph, making sure that:

  • each sentence helps support the topic sentence.
  • no unnecessary or irrelevant information is present.
  • all technical terms your audience might not know are identified.

Next, think about sentence structure , grammatical errors, and formatting . Check that you have correctly used transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas. Look for typos, cut unnecessary words, and check for consistency in aspects such as heading formatting and spellings .

Finally, you need to make sure your paper is correctly formatted according to the rules of the citation style you are using. For example, you might need to include an MLA heading  or create an APA title page .

Scribbr’s professional editors can help with the revision process with our award-winning proofreading services.

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Checklist: Research paper

I have followed all instructions in the assignment sheet.

My introduction presents my topic in an engaging way and provides necessary background information.

My introduction presents a clear, focused research problem and/or thesis statement .

My paper is logically organized using paragraphs and (if relevant) section headings .

Each paragraph is clearly focused on one central idea, expressed in a clear topic sentence .

Each paragraph is relevant to my research problem or thesis statement.

I have used appropriate transitions  to clarify the connections between sections, paragraphs, and sentences.

My conclusion provides a concise answer to the research question or emphasizes how the thesis has been supported.

My conclusion shows how my research has contributed to knowledge or understanding of my topic.

My conclusion does not present any new points or information essential to my argument.

I have provided an in-text citation every time I refer to ideas or information from a source.

I have included a reference list at the end of my paper, consistently formatted according to a specific citation style .

I have thoroughly revised my paper and addressed any feedback from my professor or supervisor.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (page numbers, headers, spacing, etc.).

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225 Social Work Research Topics For College Students – Ideas for College Students

Social work is an important job that helps improve people’s lives, families, and communities. Research is a key part of social work studies. It allows you to look deeply into social issues, understand different views, and contribute to the growing knowledge in this field. 

Picking the right research topic can be tough. That’s why we’ve made a list of 225 interesting social work research topics. These topics cover many areas, such as child welfare, mental health, addiction, community development, and social justice. 

This list is meant to give you ideas, make you think critically, and provide knowledge to help make a real difference in social work.

Importance of Choosing a Relevant Topic

Table of Contents

Picking a good research topic is super important for a few reasons. First, it makes sure your research fits with current issues and trends in social work. By choosing a topic that deals with challenges happening now or builds on existing knowledge, you can contribute to ongoing talks and help develop effective solutions and rules.

Also, a good topic increases the chances that your research findings will be helpful to social workers, policymakers, and communities. Social work directly impacts people’s lives, and by researching important matters, you can potentially create positive change and inform decision-making.

Furthermore, a well-chosen topic can keep you motivated and involved throughout the research process. When you are truly interested and passionate about the subject, you are more likely to approach the research with enthusiasm and hard work, leading to better results.

It is also important to consider if there are enough resources and data available for your chosen topic. Selecting a topic with plenty of existing writings, reliable data sources, and people to research can make the process smoother and increase the credibility of your findings.

Moreover, a good topic can open up opportunities to collaborate with organizations, agencies, or communities actively working in that area, providing opportunities to apply your research and further explore the subject matter.

Recommended Readings: “ Data Communication And Networking Micro Project Topics: Amazing Guide! “.

Top 225 Social Work Research Topics For College Students

Here is the list of the top 225 social work research topics for college students according to different categories; take a look.

Child Well-being

  • How foster care affects child growth
  • Adoption and its effect on families
  • Ways to prevent child abuse
  • Role of social workers in child protection services
  • Struggles faced by children in foster care
  • Importance of keeping families together
  • Impact of parental imprisonment on children
  • Strengths of kinship care arrangements
  • Role of social workers in addressing child poverty
  • Helping strategies for children with special needs

Mental Health

      11. How common is depression in teens, and how to treat it

  • If cognitive-behavioral therapy works for anxiety issues
  • How trauma impacts mental health
  • Social workers’ role in suicide prevention
  • Reducing stigma around mental illness
  • Culturally appropriate mental health services
  • Substance abuse treatment and recovery programs
  • Impact of social media on mental health
  • Addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ+ individuals
  • If group therapy is effective for mental health conditions

Elderly Care

      21. Challenges faced by caregivers of older adults

  • Impact of loneliness on the elderly
  • Addressing elder abuse and neglect
  • Role of social workers in long-term care facilities
  • Promoting independent living for older adults
  • End-of-life care and advance directives
  • Caring for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Retirement planning and financial security for seniors
  • Benefits of intergenerational programs
  • Strategies for aging in place

Disability Services

      31. Accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals

  • Job opportunities and challenges for the disabled
  • How assistive tech impacts daily living
  • Social workers’ role in special education settings
  • Advocating for disability rights and awareness
  • Housing and community living options for the disabled
  • Transition planning for youth with disabilities
  • Mental health needs of the disabled
  • Inclusive recreation and leisure activities
  • Disability and intersectionality (race, gender, economic status)

Substance Abuse

      41. If harm reduction approaches are effective

  • Addressing the opioid epidemic
  • Social workers’ role in addiction treatment centers
  • Relapse prevention strategies
  • How substance abuse impacts families
  • Culturally responsive substance abuse interventions
  • Role of peer support groups in recovery
  • Addressing co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues
  • Prevention strategies for teen substance abuse
  • Impact of harm reduction policies on public health

Community Development

      51. Strategies for community empowerment and engagement

  • Social workers’ role in urban renewal projects
  • Addressing food insecurity and food deserts
  • Community-based participatory research methods
  • Sustainable development and environmental justice
  • Promoting social cohesion and inclusion in diverse communities
  • Addressing gentrification and displacement
  • Social workers’ role in disaster relief and recovery
  • Impact of community-based organizations
  • Addressing homelessness and housing insecurity

Criminal Justice

      61. If restorative justice practices are effective

  • Social Workers’ role in the juvenile justice System
  • Prisoner re-entry and reducing repeat offenses
  • Impact of incarceration on families and communities
  • Addressing racial disparities in criminal justice
  • Victim support services and victim-centered approaches
  • Diversion programs and alternatives to incarceration
  • Needs of incarcerated individuals with mental health issues
  • Restorative justice practices in schools
  • Impact of criminal records on jobs and housing

Immigration and Refugees

      71. Integration challenges for immigrants and refugees

  • Social workers’ role in refugee resettlement programs
  • Addressing the needs of undocumented immigrants
  • Cultural competence when working with immigrants/refugees
  • Impact of immigration policies on families and communities
  • Addressing trauma and mental health needs of refugees
  • Language barriers and service access for immigrants
  • Immigrant and refugee youth: Challenges and opportunities
  • Promoting inclusion and combating discrimination
  • Social workers’ role in immigration detention centers

Health Care

      81. Addressing health disparities and social factors affecting health

  • Social workers’ role in hospitals
  • Patient advocacy and navigating healthcare systems
  • Chronic illness management and support services
  • Addressing the needs of underserved populations in healthcare
  • End-of-life care and palliative services
  • Mental health needs of healthcare professionals
  • Promoting health literacy and patient education
  • COVID-19 impact on vulnerable groups
  • Telehealth and its implications for social work

School Social Work

      91. Addressing bullying and school violence

  • Supporting students with special needs
  • Promoting a positive school environment
  • How poverty impacts student achievement
  • Trauma-informed practices in schools
  • Supporting LGBTQ+ students and inclusive environments
  • Addressing students’ mental health needs
  • Dropout prevention and intervention
  • Promoting social-emotional learning in schools
  • Collaboration between school social workers and other staff

Human Services

      101. Addressing homelessness and housing insecurity

  • Social workers’ role in domestic violence shelters
  • Poverty reduction and economic empowerment programs
  • Addressing the needs of veterans and families
  • Natural disaster impact on vulnerable groups
  • Promoting financial literacy and self-sufficiency
  • Addressing food insecurity and hunger
  • Social workers’ role in crisis intervention and emergencies
  • Addressing the needs of the developmentally disabled

Social Policy

      111.     Analyzing the impact of social welfare policies

  • Social workers’ role in policy advocacy and lobbying
  • Addressing income inequality and wealth gaps
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of social programs
  • Ethics in Social Policy Development
  • Comparing social welfare systems across countries
  • Climate change impact on vulnerable groups
  • Social workers’ role in sustainable development
  • Impact of austerity measures on social services
  • Addressing the digital divide and technology access

Human Rights

      121.     Addressing human trafficking and modern slavery

  • Social workers’ role in promoting human rights
  • Addressing the needs of refugees and displaced persons
  • Promoting the rights of indigenous communities
  • Addressing gender-based violence and discrimination
  • Promoting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals
  • Impact of armed conflicts on civilians
  • Promoting children’s rights and protection
  • Environmental degradation impact on human rights
  • Social workers promoting human rights education

Aging and Elderly Care

      131.     Addressing ageism and promoting positive aging

  • Social workers’ role in long-term care facilities
  • Promoting aging in place and community services
  • Addressing the needs of caregivers for the elderly
  • Financial security and retirement planning for seniors
  • Addressing loneliness among the elderly
  • Promoting intergenerational activities
  • Addressing dementia and Alzheimer’s impact
  • Promoting advance care planning and end-of-life care

Family and Marriage Counseling

      141.     Addressing domestic violence and partner violence

  • Social workers’ role in family/marriage counseling
  • Divorce impact on children and families
  • Promoting healthy family communication and conflict resolution
  • Addressing the needs of blended and non-traditional families
  • Promoting positive co-parenting strategies
  • Addiction impact on families
  • Promoting financial stability for families
  • Addressing the needs of military families
  • Promoting family resilience and coping

Diversity and Social Justice

      151.     Addressing racial/ethnic disparities in social services

  • Promoting cultural competence in social work
  • Addressing discrimination and promoting inclusion
  • Promoting social justice and human rights
  • Addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families
  • Promoting intersectional approaches to social work
  • Addressing systemic oppression and marginalization impact
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in social work education
  • Addressing the needs of the disabled
  • Anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work

Community Mental Health

      161.     Addressing trauma’s impact on communities

  • Social workers’ role in community mental health centers
  • Promoting mental health literacy and reducing stigma
  • Addressing the mental health needs of specific groups
  • Promoting community-based mental health services
  • Poverty and social factors impact mental health
  • Promoting peer support and self-help for mental health
  • Addressing youth and teen mental health needs
  • Promoting mental health in schools and education
  • COVID-19 impact on community mental health

Addictions and Substance Abuse

      171.     Addressing the opioid crisis and overdose prevention

  • Social workers’ role in addiction treatment and recovery
  • Promoting harm reduction for substance abuse
  • Substance abuse impact on families and communities
  • Culturally responsive addiction services
  • Co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues
  • Promoting peer support in addiction recovery
  • Unique needs of women and substance abuse
  • Substance abuse prevention and early intervention
  • Impact of cannabis legalization

Social Work with Children & Youth

      181.    Addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

  • Social workers’ role in child welfare and protection
  • Promoting positive youth development and resilience
  • Addressing the needs of youth in juvenile justice
  • Promoting educational success and closing achievement gaps
  • Addressing bullying and school violence impact
  • Promoting youth empowerment and leadership
  • Addressing the needs of LGBTQ+ youth
  • Promoting family engagement and support
  • Technology and social media impact on youth

Human Behavior & Social Environment

      191.     Poverty and socioeconomic status impact

  • Promoting resilience and coping strategies
  • Addressing trauma and adverse experiences impact
  • Promoting positive identity and self-esteem
  • Discrimination and oppression impact
  • Promoting social support and community connections
  • Environmental factors impact human behavior
  • Promoting positive aging and life transitions
  • Technology and social media impact
  • Promoting cultural competence and humility

Social Work Practice & Ethics

      201.     Addressing ethical dilemmas in practice

  • Promoting self-care and preventing burnout
  • Social media and technology impact on practice
  • Promoting evidence-based practice
  • Addressing interdisciplinary collaboration challenges
  • Promoting culturally responsive practice
  • Addressing vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue
  • Social justice and human rights in practice
  • COVID-19 impact on social work practice
  • Promoting professional development

International Social Work 

      211.     Addressing global poverty and inequality

  • Promoting sustainable development & environmental justice
  • Armed conflicts and humanitarian crises impact
  • Promoting human rights and global social justice
  • Promoting community development and empowerment
  • Globalization and migration impact
  • Cultural competence in international social work
  • Promoting international collaboration

Research & Evaluation

      221.     Promoting evidence-based practice

  • Developing assessment tools and measures
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions
  • Challenges in community-based participatory research
  • Promoting mixed methods in research

These topics cover a wide range of social work issues, allowing for in-depth exploration and analysis within specific niches.

Tips for Selecting a Research Topic

Picking a topic for research is an important first step. Your topic should be something you truly care about and want to explore deeply. Here are some tips for choosing an engaging and meaningful social work research topic:

Find Areas You Really Like

Make a list of the social issues or groups of people that you are most interested in. Think about personal experiences, volunteer work, internships, or classes that made you curious and want to learn more. Having a real interest will keep you motivated throughout the whole research process.

Look at Current Information

Look through recent journals, books, and reliable websites related to your interests. Note any gaps in knowledge or questions that come up from the existing information. These gaps can point you toward relevant research topics.

Consider Real-World Impact

Choose a topic that has the potential to inform policies, practices, or ways to help that can create positive social change. Research that can be applied in real-world situations is especially valuable in social work.

Make Sure Data Exists

Ensure there is enough data available to support an in-depth study of your chosen topic. This may include access to case studies, survey data, records, or people to participate in your research.

Narrow Your Focus

While social issues are often very broad and complex, a focused research topic is easier to manage and allows for deeper exploration. Narrow your topic to a specific population, geographic area, or part of the larger issue.

Get Input from Others

Talk to professors, professionals in the field, or experienced researchers for their insights and suggestions on potential topics. Their expertise can help you refine your ideas and identify promising areas for research.

Think About Ethics

As a social worker, it’s important to consider the ethical impacts of your research, such as protecting participants’ rights and well-being, addressing potential biases, and being sensitive to cultural differences.

Be Flexible

While it’s important to have a clear research focus, be open to adjusting your topic as you learn more from reading materials or encounter new perspectives during the research process.

Choosing a well-defined and meaningful research topic is the base for producing valuable social work research that can add to knowledge and drive positive change.

Social work covers a wide range of issues and groups of people, making it a rich and diverse area for research. The 225 topics listed here are just a small part of the many important areas ready for exploration. 

From child well-being and mental health to criminal justice and human rights, each topic offers a chance to examine complex societal challenges deeply and contribute to developing impactful solutions. 

As students start their research journeys, they have the potential to uncover new insights, challenge existing ways of thinking, and ultimately improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. 

With genuine interest, hard work, and a commitment to ethical and rigorous research, social work students can make meaningful contributions that drive positive change in our constantly changing world.

How do I know if a research topic is relevant to social work?

A relevant research topic in social work addresses current societal issues, aligns with the goals of social work practice, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

What are some examples of social work research topics related to social justice?

Examples include investigating disparities in access to healthcare, analyzing the impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities, and evaluating policies aimed at promoting social equity.

How can I narrow down a broad research topic in social work?

You can narrow down a broad research topic by focusing on a specific population, geographic location, or aspect of the issue. Conducting a literature review can also help identify gaps and areas for further exploration.

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  • Developing a Research Question

by acburton | Mar 22, 2024 | Resources for Students , Writing Resources

Selecting your research question and creating a clear goal and structure for your writing can be challenging – whether you are doing it for the first time or if you’ve done it many times before. It can be especially difficult when your research question starts to look and feel a little different somewhere between your first and final draft. Don’t panic! It’s normal for your research question to change a little (or even quite a bit) as you move through and engage with the writing process. Anticipating this can remind you to stay on track while you work and that it’ll be okay even if the literature takes you in a different direction.

What Makes an Effective Research Question?

The most effective research question will usually be a critical thinking question and should use “how” or “why” to ensure it can move beyond a yes/no or one-word type of answer. Consider how your research question can aim to reveal something new, fill in a gap, even if small, and contribute to the field in a meaningful way; How might the proposed project move knowledge forward about a particular place or process? This should be specific and achievable!

The CEWC’s Grad Writing Consultant Tariq says, “I definitely concentrated on those aspects of what I saw in the field where I believed there was an opportunity to move the discipline forward.”

General Tips

Do your research.

Utilize the librarians at your university and take the time to research your topic first. Try looking at very general sources to get an idea of what could be interesting to you before you move to more academic articles that support your rough idea of the topic. It is important that research is grounded in what you see or experience regarding the topic you have chosen and what is already known in the literature. Spend time researching articles, books, etc. that supports your thesis. Once you have a number of sources that you know support what you want to write about, formulate a research question that serves as the interrogative form of your thesis statement.

Grad Writing Consultant Deni advises, “Delineate your intervention in the literature (i.e., be strategic about the literature you discuss and clear about your contributions to it).”

Start Broadly…. then Narrow Your Topic Down to Something Manageable

When brainstorming your research question, let your mind veer toward connections or associations that you might have already considered or that seem to make sense and consider if new research terms, language or concepts come to mind that may be interesting or exciting for you as a researcher. Sometimes testing out a research question while doing some preliminary researching is also useful to see if the language you are using or the direction you are heading toward is fruitful when trying to search strategically in academic databases. Be prepared to focus on a specific area of a broad topic.

Writing Consultant Jessie recommends outlining: “I think some rough outlining with a research question in mind can be helpful for me. I’ll have a research question and maybe a working thesis that I feel may be my claim to the research question based on some preliminary materials, brainstorming, etc.” — Jessie, CEWC Writing Consultant

Try an Exercise

In the earliest phase of brainstorming, try an exercise suggested by CEWC Writing Specialist, Percival! While it is normally used in classroom or workshop settings, this exercise can easily be modified for someone working alone. The flow of the activity, if done within a group setting, is 1) someone starts with an idea, 2) three other people share their idea, and 3) the starting person picks two of these new ideas they like best and combines their original idea with those. The activity then begins again with the idea that was not chosen. The solo version of this exercise substitutes a ‘word bank,’ created using words, topics, or ideas similar to your broad, overarching theme. Pick two words or phrases from your word bank, combine it with your original idea or topic, and ‘start again’ with two different words. This serves as a replacement for different people’s suggestions. Ideas for your ‘word bank’ can range from vague prompts about mapping or webbing (e.g., where your topic falls within the discipline and others like it), to more specific concepts that come from tracing the history of an idea (its past, present, future) or mapping the idea’s related ideas, influences, etc. Care for a physics analogy? There is a particle (your topic) that you can describe, a wave that the particle traces, and a field that the particle is mapped on.

Get Feedback and Affirm Your Confidence!

Creating a few different versions of your research question (they may be the same topic/issue/theme or differ slightly) can be useful during this process. Sharing these with trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, (or tutors!) and having conversations about your questions and ideas with other people can help you decide which version you may feel most confident or interested in. Ask colleagues and mentors to share their research questions with you to get a lot of examples. Once you have done the work of developing an effective research question, do not forget to affirm your confidence! Based on your working thesis, think about how you might organize your chapters or paragraphs and what resources you have for supporting this structure and organization. This can help boost your confidence that the research question you have created is effective and fruitful.

Be Open to Change

Remember, your research question may change from your first to final draft. For questions along the way, make an appointment with the Writing Center. We are here to help you develop an effective and engaging research question and build the foundation for a solid research paper!

Example 1: In my field developing a research question involves navigating the relationship between 1) what one sees/experiences at their field site and 2) what is already known in the literature. During my preliminary research, I found that the financial value of land was often a matter of precisely these cultural factors. So, my research question ended up being: How do the social and material qualities of land entangle with processes of financialization in the city of Lahore. Regarding point #1, this question was absolutely informed by what I saw in the field. But regarding point #2, the question was also heavily shaped by the literature. – Tariq

Example 2: A research question should not be a yes/no question like “Is pollution bad?”; but an open-ended question where the answer has to be supported with reasons and explanation. The question also has to be narrowed down to a specific topic—using the same example as before—”Is pollution bad?” can be revised to “How does pollution affect people?” I would encourage students to be more specific then; e.g., what area of pollution do you want to talk about: water, air, plastic, climate change… what type of people or demographic can we focus on? …how does this affect marginalized communities, minorities, or specific areas in California? After researching and deciding on a focus, your question might sound something like: How does government policy affect water pollution and how does it affect the marginalized communities in the state of California? -Janella

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Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

student in library on laptop

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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    The Writing Center 193 Science Library Irvine, CA 92697-5695 (949)-824-8949 [email protected]

  25. Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

    One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays. A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements.