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Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Finding engaging educational psychology dissertation ideas can be really time-consuming particularly if you haven’t been through this process previously. -. Every student is not particularly adept at creating a unique dissertation topic .  Educational psychology is one of the most challenging subject areas, and finding the right topic for writing a dissertation can be challenging.

Here is a list of the best educational psychology dissertation topics for you to choose from. These top educational psychology dissertation topic ideas will help you complete your dissertation on a unique and intriguing topic that would help you advance your academic career.

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List of Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

• A comparison of the effects of college and school counselling on students’ mental health in the UK.
• University of Bedfordshire analysis of cultural differences in how people view learning.
• Study the relationship between studying time and academic performance in college students compared to university students.
• A thorough investigation of social and emotional learning in UK primary education.
• A case study compared the performance of school-age kids and teenagers in the UK according to their ethnicity, race, and religion.
• An analysis of how technology is used in classrooms and how that affects students’ learning in the UK.
• The relationship between toddlers’ social abilities and a norm-referenced theory of mind measure.
• A mixed-methods study of the UK’s university students’ subjective well-being and classroom support.
• Examine the coping mechanisms and treatment hurdles of a middle school teenager with a severe anxiety problem in the United Kingdom.
• An analysis of how teaching children arithmetic concepts early on can improve their performance in higher-level courses.
• The association between self-motivation and academic achievement at the university level in the United Kingdom.
• The investigation of the links between parental traits and the detrimental effects of classroom peer pressure on children in playgroups in the United Kingdom.
• Nonverbal communication and neurolinguistics programming in the educational process.
• The pros and cons of learning a language through immersion and communication.
• The contribution of smartphones and computers to children’s motor skill development.
• There is a connection between academic performance and the quantity of time spent studying.
• The impact of parents’ language abilities on their deaf children’s development.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of encouraging support and acknowledgement in special education?
• What function does technology play in a classroom, and how does that impact students’ learning?
• It may affect secondary-level student achievement when parents are strict, and there is little school discipline.
• The distinction between bullying and peer aggression in practice trends may change or develop.
• Self-motivation and academic accomplishment levels are related.
• Memorization and concept building in education are two different things.
• You can research every aspect of schooling, including disparities in pupils and motivation for studying.
• Collaborative Learning with a Geometry Video Game: The Importance of Game Design and Elaboration for Learning and Motivation.

It takes a lot of time and effort to develop a dissertation topic in educational psychology. The more thoroughly you research your ideas, the easier it will be to succeed. The topic you choose must also be engaging. Your educational psychology dissertation topic should address all development difficulties, such as self-concept, self-regulation, environmental factors, motivation, knowledge, and cognitive development.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to find educational psychology dissertation topics.

To find educational psychology dissertation topics:

• Review current research and theories.
• Identify educational challenges.
• Explore learning methods and technologies.
• Consider socio-cultural factors.
• Investigate student motivation and behavior.
• Select a topic aligning with your passion and research goals.

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

• Specific Branches of Psychology
• Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy
• Human Cognition
• Human Development
• Critique of Publications
• Famous Experiments
• Historical Figures
• Specific Careers
• Case Studies
• Literature Reviews
• Your Own Study/Experiment

Are you searching for a great topic for your psychology paper ? Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.

Finding a solid topic is one of the most important steps when writing any type of paper. It can be particularly important when you are writing a psychology research paper or essay. Psychology is such a broad topic, so you want to find a topic that allows you to adequately cover the subject without becoming overwhelmed with information.

I can always tell when a student really cares about the topic they chose; it comes through in the writing. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, so you’ll be more motivated to do thorough research.

In some cases, such as in a general psychology class, you might have the option to select any topic from within psychology's broad reach. Other instances, such as in an  abnormal psychology  course, might require you to write your paper on a specific subject such as a psychological disorder.

As you begin your search for a topic for your psychology paper, it is first important to consider the guidelines established by your instructor.

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

The key to selecting a good topic for your psychology paper is to select something that is narrow enough to allow you to really focus on the subject, but not so narrow that it is difficult to find sources or information to write about.

One approach is to narrow your focus down to a subject within a specific branch of psychology. For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write a paper on some sort of social psychology topic. Next, you might narrow your focus down to how persuasion can be used to influence behavior .

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

• Prejudice and discrimination (i.e., homophobia, sexism, racism)
• Social cognition
• Person perception
• Social control and cults
• Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing
• Attraction, romance, and love
• Nonverbal communication
• Prosocial behavior

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

Exploring a psychological disorder or a specific treatment modality can also be a good topic for a psychology paper. Some potential abnormal psychology topics include specific psychological disorders or particular treatment modalities, including:

• Eating disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Profile a  type of therapy  (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, psychoanalytic therapy)

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include:

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

In this area, you might opt to focus on issues pertinent to  early childhood  such as language development, social learning, or childhood attachment or you might instead opt to concentrate on issues that affect older adults such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Some other topics you might consider include:

• Language acquisition
• Media violence and children
• Learning disabilities
• Gender roles
• Child abuse
• Prenatal development
• Parenting styles
• Aspects of the aging process

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

One option is to consider writing a critique paper of a published psychology book or academic journal article. For example, you might write a critical analysis of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams or you might evaluate a more recent book such as Philip Zimbardo's  The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil .

Professional and academic journals are also great places to find materials for a critique paper. Browse through the collection at your university library to find titles devoted to the subject that you are most interested in, then look through recent articles until you find one that grabs your attention.

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

There have been many fascinating and groundbreaking experiments throughout the history of psychology, providing ample material for students looking for an interesting term paper topic. In your paper, you might choose to summarize the experiment, analyze the ethics of the research, or evaluate the implications of the study. Possible experiments that you might consider include:

• The Milgram Obedience Experiment
• The Stanford Prison Experiment
• The Little Albert Experiment
• Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
• The Asch Conformity Experiment
• Harlow's Rhesus Monkey Experiments

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

One of the simplest ways to find a great topic is to choose an interesting person in the  history of psychology  and write a paper about them. Your paper might focus on many different elements of the individual's life, such as their biography, professional history, theories, or influence on psychology.

While this type of paper may be historical in nature, there is no need for this assignment to be dry or boring. Psychology is full of fascinating figures rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes. Consider such famous individuals as Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, Harry Harlow, or one of the many other  eminent psychologists .

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

​Another possible topic, depending on the course in which you are enrolled, is to write about specific career paths within the  field of psychology . This type of paper is especially appropriate if you are exploring different subtopics or considering which area interests you the most.

In your paper, you might opt to explore the typical duties of a psychologist, how much people working in these fields typically earn, and the different employment options that are available.

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

One potentially interesting idea is to write a  psychology case study  of a particular individual or group of people. In this type of paper, you will provide an in-depth analysis of your subject, including a thorough biography.

Generally, you will also assess the person, often using a major psychological theory such as  Piaget's stages of cognitive development  or  Erikson's eight-stage theory of human development . It is also important to note that your paper doesn't necessarily have to be about someone you know personally.

In fact, many professors encourage students to write case studies on historical figures or fictional characters from books, television programs, or films.

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

Another possibility that would work well for a number of psychology courses is to do a literature review of a specific topic within psychology. A literature review involves finding a variety of sources on a particular subject, then summarizing and reporting on what these sources have to say about the topic.

Literature reviews are generally found in the  introduction  of journal articles and other  psychology papers , but this type of analysis also works well for a full-scale psychology term paper.

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

Many psychology courses require students to design an actual psychological study or perform some type of experiment. In some cases, students simply devise the study and then imagine the possible results that might occur. In other situations, you may actually have the opportunity to collect data, analyze your findings, and write up your results.

Finding a topic for your study can be difficult, but there are plenty of great ways to come up with intriguing ideas. Start by considering your own interests as well as subjects you have studied in the past.

Online sources, newspaper articles, books , journal articles, and even your own class textbook are all great places to start searching for topics for your experiments and psychology term papers. Before you begin, learn more about  how to conduct a psychology experiment .

What This Means For You

After looking at this brief list of possible topics for psychology papers, it is easy to see that psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. While this variety makes it possible to find a topic that really catches your interest, it can sometimes make it very difficult for some students to select a good topic.

If you are still stumped by your assignment, ask your instructor for suggestions and consider a few from this list for inspiration.

• Hockenbury, SE & Nolan, SA. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2014.
• Santrock, JW. A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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• A Research Guide
• Essay Topics

120 Psychology Essay Topics

How to choose a topic for your psychology essay:, psychology argumentative essay topics:.

• The impact of social media on mental health
• The role of genetics in determining personality traits
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders
• The influence of childhood experiences on adult mental health
• The ethical implications of using animals in psychological research
• The relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive functioning
• The effects of violent video games on aggression in children
• The role of nature versus nurture in shaping human behavior
• The impact of divorce on children’s psychological well-being
• The effectiveness of mindfulness meditation in reducing stress and anxiety
• The influence of advertising on body image and self-esteem
• The psychological effects of long-term solitary confinement
• The role of attachment styles in romantic relationships
• The impact of social isolation on mental health
• The effectiveness of positive psychology interventions in promoting happiness and well-being

Psychology Persuasive Essay Topics:

• The influence of parenting styles on child development
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
• The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health disorders
• The benefits of mindfulness meditation in reducing stress and anxiety
• The impact of video games on aggression and violent behavior
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior and decision-making
• The impact of social isolation on mental health and well-being
• The effectiveness of positive reinforcement in behavior modification
• The role of gender stereotypes in shaping career choices and opportunities

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:

• Nature vs Nurture: Examining the influence of genetics and environment on personality development
• Classical Conditioning vs Operant Conditioning: Comparing the principles and applications of these two learning theories
• Freudian Psychoanalysis vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Contrasting the approaches and effectiveness of these two therapeutic techniques
• Social Psychology vs Cross-Cultural Psychology: Exploring how culture influences social behavior and cognition
• Implicit vs Explicit Memory: Analyzing the differences and similarities between these two types of memory processes
• Psychodynamic vs Humanistic Perspectives: Comparing the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers on personality and therapy
• Developmental Psychology vs Educational Psychology: Examining the similarities and differences in studying human development and learning
• Positive Psychology vs Abnormal Psychology: Contrasting the focus on well-being and mental disorders in these two branches of psychology
• Nature of Dreams vs Nature of Daydreaming: Comparing the functions and characteristics of these two types of mental experiences
• Social Influence vs Individual Differences: Analyzing how conformity and personality traits affect behavior in social situations
• Emotional Intelligence vs IQ: Contrasting the concepts and measurement of emotional intelligence and intellectual intelligence
• Psychopathy vs Antisocial Personality Disorder: Examining the similarities and differences between these two personality disorders
• Classical vs Modern Approaches to Psychology: Comparing the historical perspectives and current trends in the field of psychology
• Gender Differences in Cognitive Abilities vs Gender Similarities: Analyzing the research on cognitive differences and similarities between males and females
• Nature of Addiction vs Nature of Compulsion: Contrasting the psychological mechanisms and treatment approaches for addiction and compulsive behaviors

Psychology Informative Essay Topics:

• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
• The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image
• The psychology behind addiction and its treatment
• The relationship between stress and physical health
• The psychology of decision-making and its biases
• The role of nature vs nurture in shaping human behavior
• The psychology of attraction and romantic relationships
• The impact of technology on cognitive abilities and attention span
• The psychology of motivation and goal-setting
• The effects of bullying on mental health and well-being
• The psychology of memory and its reliability
• The role of therapy and counseling in improving mental health

Psychology Cause Effect Essay Topics:

• The effects of social media on body image dissatisfaction
• The relationship between parental divorce and academic performance in children
• The influence of video games on aggressive behavior in adolescents
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning
• The impact of bullying on the psychological well-being of victims
• The effects of peer pressure on substance abuse among teenagers
• The influence of early attachment styles on adult romantic relationships
• The effects of positive reinforcement on behavior modification
• The relationship between childhood abuse and the development of personality disorders
• The influence of cultural factors on the perception of beauty standards
• The effects of parental neglect on emotional intelligence in children
• The impact of unemployment on mental health and well-being

Psychology Narrative Essay Topics:

• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Overcoming Social Anxiety: My Personal Journey
• The Role of Parenting Styles in Shaping Personality
• Exploring the Connection Between Dreams and the Unconscious Mind
• Coping with Grief and Loss: A Personal Reflection
• The Influence of Birth Order on Personality Development
• Breaking Free from Addiction: My Road to Recovery
• The Power of Positive Thinking: How it Can Transform Lives
• Exploring the Link Between Music and Emotional Well-being
• The Psychology of Love: Navigating Relationships and Heartbreaks
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Self-esteem
• Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Why We Delay and How to Overcome it
• The Role of Nature vs Nurture in Shaping Intelligence
• The Psychological Effects of Bullying: A Personal Account

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics:

• The role of nature versus nurture in shaping personality traits
• The ethical implications of using medication to treat mental illnesses
• The influence of childhood experiences on adult relationships
• The role of genetics in determining intelligence
• The impact of parenting styles on child development
• The role of dreams in understanding the unconscious mind
• The influence of culture on perception and cognition
• The impact of technology on attention span and cognitive abilities
• The role of self-esteem in mental well-being
• The effects of long-term exposure to violence on psychological health
• The influence of gender stereotypes on career choices
• The role of empathy in building and maintaining relationships

Psychology Evaluation Essay Topics:

• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem in adolescents
• Evaluating the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques in reducing stress levels
• The role of genetics in the development of personality traits
• Assessing the effectiveness of positive reinforcement in shaping behavior
• Evaluating the effectiveness of virtual reality therapy in treating phobias
• The influence of parenting styles on child development and behavior
• Assessing the effectiveness of group therapy in treating substance abuse disorders
• The role of nature versus nurture in the development of intelligence
• Evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive training programs in improving memory and cognitive abilities in older adults
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illnesses
• Assessing the effectiveness of art therapy in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety
• The role of attachment styles in romantic relationships and their impact on relationship satisfaction
• Evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in reducing aggressive behavior in children with conduct disorders

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How to Write a Psychology Essay

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Before you write your essay, it’s important to analyse the task and understand exactly what the essay question is asking. Your lecturer may give you some advice – pay attention to this as it will help you plan your answer.

Next conduct preliminary reading based on your lecture notes. At this stage, it’s not crucial to have a robust understanding of key theories or studies, but you should at least have a general “gist” of the literature.

After reading, plan a response to the task. This plan could be in the form of a mind map, a summary table, or by writing a core statement (which encompasses the entire argument of your essay in just a few sentences).

After writing your plan, conduct supplementary reading, refine your plan, and make it more detailed.

It is tempting to skip these preliminary steps and write the first draft while reading at the same time. However, reading and planning will make the essay writing process easier, quicker, and ensure a higher quality essay is produced.

Components of a Good Essay

Now, let us look at what constitutes a good essay in psychology. There are a number of important features.

• Global Structure – structure the material to allow for a logical sequence of ideas. Each paragraph / statement should follow sensibly from its predecessor. The essay should “flow”. The introduction, main body and conclusion should all be linked.
• Each paragraph should comprise a main theme, which is illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).
• Knowledge and Understanding – recognize, recall, and show understanding of a range of scientific material that accurately reflects the main theoretical perspectives.
• Critical Evaluation – arguments should be supported by appropriate evidence and/or theory from the literature. Evidence of independent thinking, insight, and evaluation of the evidence.
• Quality of Written Communication – writing clearly and succinctly with appropriate use of paragraphs, spelling, and grammar. All sources are referenced accurately and in line with APA guidelines.

In the main body of the essay, every paragraph should demonstrate both knowledge and critical evaluation.

There should also be an appropriate balance between these two essay components. Try to aim for about a 60/40 split if possible.

Most students make the mistake of writing too much knowledge and not enough evaluation (which is the difficult bit).

It is best to structure your essay according to key themes. Themes are illustrated and developed through a number of points (supported by evidence).

Choose relevant points only, ones that most reveal the theme or help to make a convincing and interesting argument.

Knowledge and Understanding

Remember that an essay is simply a discussion / argument on paper. Don’t make the mistake of writing all the information you know regarding a particular topic.

You need to be concise, and clearly articulate your argument. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences.

Each paragraph should have a purpose / theme, and make a number of points – which need to be support by high quality evidence. Be clear why each point is is relevant to the argument. It would be useful at the beginning of each paragraph if you explicitly outlined the theme being discussed (.e.g. cognitive development, social development etc.).

Try not to overuse quotations in your essays. It is more appropriate to use original content to demonstrate your understanding.

Psychology is a science so you must support your ideas with evidence (not your own personal opinion). If you are discussing a theory or research study make sure you cite the source of the information.

Note this is not the author of a textbook you have read – but the original source / author(s) of the theory or research study.

For example:

Bowlby (1951) claimed that mothering is almost useless if delayed until after two and a half to three years and, for most children, if delayed till after 12 months, i.e. there is a critical period.

Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a person seeks to fullfil the next one, and so on.

As a general rule, make sure there is at least one citation (i.e. name of psychologist and date of publication) in each paragraph.

Remember to answer the essay question. Underline the keywords in the essay title. Don’t make the mistake of simply writing everything you know of a particular topic, be selective. Each paragraph in your essay should contribute to answering the essay question.

Critical Evaluation

In simple terms, this means outlining the strengths and limitations of a theory or research study.

There are many ways you can critically evaluate:

Methodological evaluation of research

Is the study valid / reliable ? Is the sample biased, or can we generalize the findings to other populations? What are the strengths and limitations of the method used and data obtained?

Be careful to ensure that any methodological criticisms are justified and not trite.

Rather than hunting for weaknesses in every study; only highlight limitations that make you doubt the conclusions that the authors have drawn – e.g., where an alternative explanation might be equally likely because something hasn’t been adequately controlled.

Compare or contrast different theories

Outline how the theories are similar and how they differ. This could be two (or more) theories of personality / memory / child development etc. Also try to communicate the value of the theory / study.

Debates or perspectives

Refer to debates such as nature or nurture, reductionism vs. holism, or the perspectives in psychology . For example, would they agree or disagree with a theory or the findings of the study?

What are the ethical issues of the research?

Does a study involve ethical issues such as deception, privacy, psychological or physical harm?

Gender bias

If research is biased towards men or women it does not provide a clear view of the behavior that has been studied. A dominantly male perspective is known as an androcentric bias.

Cultural bias

Is the theory / study ethnocentric? Psychology is predominantly a white, Euro-American enterprise. In some texts, over 90% of studies have US participants, who are predominantly white and middle class.

Does the theory or study being discussed judge other cultures by Western standards?

Animal Research

This raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. But benefits are almost always to humans and costs to animals.

Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalize from studies on animals to humans as their anatomy & physiology is different from humans?

The PEC System

It is very important to elaborate on your evaluation. Don’t just write a shopping list of brief (one or two sentence) evaluation points.

Instead, make sure you expand on your points, remember, quality of evaluation is most important than quantity.

When you are writing an evaluation paragraph, use the PEC system.

• Make your P oint.
• E xplain how and why the point is relevant.
• Discuss the C onsequences / implications of the theory or study. Are they positive or negative?

For Example

• Point: It is argued that psychoanalytic therapy is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority.
• Explain: Because psychoanalytic therapy involves talking and gaining insight, and is costly and time-consuming, it is argued that it is only of benefit to an articulate, intelligent, affluent minority. Evidence suggests psychoanalytic therapy works best if the client is motivated and has a positive attitude.
• Consequences: A depressed client’s apathy, flat emotional state, and lack of motivation limit the appropriateness of psychoanalytic therapy for depression.

Furthermore, the levels of dependency of depressed clients mean that transference is more likely to develop.

Using Research Studies in your Essays

Research studies can either be knowledge or evaluation.

• If you refer to the procedures and findings of a study, this shows knowledge and understanding.
• If you comment on what the studies shows, and what it supports and challenges about the theory in question, this shows evaluation.

Writing an Introduction

It is often best to write your introduction when you have finished the main body of the essay, so that you have a good understanding of the topic area.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your introduction.

Ideally, the introduction should;

Identify the subject of the essay and define the key terms. Highlight the major issues which “lie behind” the question. Let the reader know how you will focus your essay by identifying the main themes to be discussed. “Signpost” the essay’s key argument, (and, if possible, how this argument is structured).

Introductions are very important as first impressions count and they can create a h alo effect in the mind of the lecturer grading your essay. If you start off well then you are more likely to be forgiven for the odd mistake later one.

Writing a Conclusion

So many students either forget to write a conclusion or fail to give it the attention it deserves.

If there is a word count for your essay try to devote 10% of this to your conclusion.

Ideally the conclusion should summarize the key themes / arguments of your essay. State the take home message – don’t sit on the fence, instead weigh up the evidence presented in the essay and make a decision which side of the argument has more support.

Also, you might like to suggest what future research may need to be conducted and why (read the discussion section of journal articles for this).

Don”t include new information / arguments (only information discussed in the main body of the essay).

If you are unsure of what to write read the essay question and answer it in one paragraph.

Points that unite or embrace several themes can be used to great effect as part of your conclusion.

The Importance of Flow

Obviously, what you write is important, but how you communicate your ideas / arguments has a significant influence on your overall grade. Most students may have similar information / content in their essays, but the better students communicate this information concisely and articulately.

When you have finished the first draft of your essay you must check if it “flows”. This is an important feature of quality of communication (along with spelling and grammar).

This means that the paragraphs follow a logical order (like the chapters in a novel). Have a global structure with themes arranged in a way that allows for a logical sequence of ideas. You might want to rearrange (cut and paste) paragraphs to a different position in your essay if they don”t appear to fit in with the essay structure.

To improve the flow of your essay make sure the last sentence of one paragraph links to first sentence of the next paragraph. This will help the essay flow and make it easier to read.

Finally, only repeat citations when it is unclear which study / theory you are discussing. Repeating citations unnecessarily disrupts the flow of an essay.

Referencing

The reference section is the list of all the sources cited in the essay (in alphabetical order). It is not a bibliography (a list of the books you used).

In simple terms every time you cite/refer to a name (and date) of a psychologist you need to reference the original source of the information.

If you have been using textbooks this is easy as the references are usually at the back of the book and you can just copy them down. If you have been using websites, then you may have a problem as they might not provide a reference section for you to copy.

References need to be set out APA style :

Author, A. A. (year). Title of work . Location: Publisher.

Journal Articles

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Article title. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), page numbers

A simple way to write your reference section is use Google scholar . Just type the name and date of the psychologist in the search box and click on the “cite” link.

Next, copy and paste the APA reference into the reference section of your essay.

Once again, remember that references need to be in alphabetical order according to surname.

Educational psychology related questions

Context and Research Design

“Context matters” is a common catchphrase in educational research. In this question, you will critically consider varying ways that researchers in a field you are familiar with have dealt with context, focusing on research design and methods. For the purposes of this question, we can broadly define context as the circumstances that form the setting in which research is conducted. In a research study, context may be considered in a variety of ways, depending on a study’s worldview, purpose, and a variety of other factors. For example, context may represent something to be controlled; it may be considered in the interpretation of findings, or it may be a primary focus of inquiry. Context may be defined and explored in different ways, at different grain sizes, and using different designs and methods.

· Consider an area of research you are familiar with. Identify three different ways that studies in this area approach context through research design, data collection methods and/or analysis, providing examples of empirical work that represent these different approaches. Be clear about what makes the approaches you describe different from one another.

For each approach, critically examine what is meant by context and how it is being considered in the research.

Discuss how specific aspects of design, method, analysis, etc. are (or are not) being employed in the consideration of context in each approach.

Use conceptual and empirical pieces to support your argument.

Interaction and learning

In just about all learning, there is interaction. The interaction may between the learner and the instructor, other learners, technology, instructional materials, or numerous other aspects of the environment.

The kind of interactions deemed to be educationally worthwhile depends on one’s theoretical stance about the nature of learning. The purpose of this question is to get you to consider the qualities and conditions of educationally worthwhile interaction drawing from one or more theories of learning.

In your response, clearly address the following:

1. Select a specific domain for learning or subject area and then describe a kind of interaction scholars have argued is important for facilitating learning.

2. Present an argument grounded in scholarly literature for how this kind of interaction functions in the process of learning.

3. Describe two contrasting education settings that might support this kind of interaction. The point here is to break away from the impractical and incorrect assumption that good learning can only take place with a particular activity in a particular environment. For example, does your conception of interaction only allow for good learning in cooperative group activity? Is good learning impossible through lectures? Your discussion of the two examples will help to highlight what you feel are essential features of the interaction and the conditions in which they occur.

4. Generate one or two research questions about the interaction in these two instructional settings and their relationship to learning. Explain the particular issues related to interaction you discussed earlier these questions are aimed at. Justify why these are important issues to study.

Comparing Perspectives on Learning

The theoretical perspective chosen by the researcher plays a significant role in shaping what is studied and how it is studied. The purpose of this question is to give you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the role of the theoretical perspective.

1. Compare two different perspectives on learning. Perspectives can include theories or assumptions about how learning takes place. Use the following table structure to organize your comparison. Identify 3-5 dimensions you think critically distinguish the two perspectives. Fill in the table headings and cells with the appropriate summary information.

After the summary table, go into depth comparing the perspectives on each of the dimensions you have chosen. Be sure to maintain a strong focus on what makes the perspectives distinctive from each other. And, since no perspective is 100% different from another, you should also identify important features shared by both perspectives.

Cite important and representative scholarly work associated with each perspective.

2. Implications of different perspectives for research. Identify research studies grounded in each of these perspectives. Use the preceding table and discussion to organize your analysis of how research studies are critically shaped, or should be shaped, by their perspective on learning. Be sure to emphasize how different perspectives on learning lead to critical differences in the focus and design of research on learning.

Teacher self-efficacy and innovative teaching.

Teacher self-efficacy, i.e., teachers’ confidence in their ability to promote students’ learning and engagement has been found to influence a number of constructs related to teaching and learning, including use of innovative teaching practices. Some have argued that meaningful uses of technology in the classroom is also predicated upon teacher efficacy. Based upon a systematic review of the literature discuss how teacher self-efficacy is associated with their technology integration practices?

Remember to demonstrate your knowledge of the literature through thoughtful connections to scholarship. Also, use headings and sub-headings to make it clear how your response is addressing each part of the question.

Behavioral, Cognitive, and Social Perspectives on Learning

In educational psychology, behavioral, cognitive, and social learning perspectives represent broad conceptual frameworks for understanding and examining learning. Most kinds of school learning have been studied from each of these perspectives.

1. Focusing on a research topic of interest to you, describe a few research articles that incorporate aspects of these perspectives.

2. How can you tell that one of these broad perspectives is being used? Cite specific evidence from research articles.

3. Based on the particular articles you've chosen, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using these perspectives?

Demonstrate your knowledge of the literature through thoughtful connections to scholarship. Also, use headings and sub-headings to make it clear how your response is addressing each part of the question.

The psychology of the Like button

Some of the most popular social media applications such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram make prominent use of the "Like" button. As Facebook writes, Like Button is "a way to give positive feedback or to connect with things you care about on Facebook. You can like content that your friends post to give them feedback or like a Page that you want to connect with on Facebook." When users see the number of "likes" their content receives, they often report feeling "great", "loved", and "supported". In contrast, content that receives very few likes can lead to feelings of loneliness and ostracism.

Why do you suppose people, especially millennials (https://goo.gl/kObfCu), have become so invested in the like button? Answer this question by proposing two different psychological theories or perspectives that may help to explain why likes (or lack of) make people feel the way they do. These theories can be from a broad perspective like behaviorism or motivation, or be more specific such as theories of need for belongingess, connectedness, or social capital (these are just examples, you can propose others).

For each of the two theories or perspectives that you chose, please:

a) Elaborate how behavior and feelings surrounding the like button can be explained in terms of the concepts specific to that theory or perspective.

b) Provide any empirical (better) or anecdotal (not as good) support for using this theory or perspectives to interpret liking behavior

c) Propose the broad outlines of one study that might help further test if liking behavior can be explained by the theory or perspective that you chose.

The reciprocal relationship between ed tech and ed psych

A. What ideally is the 'reciprocal relationship' between educational psychology and educational technology? Support your argument with relevant educational research and theory.

Next, provide three examples or cases of this reciprocal relationship. In each case, consider what technology facilitates and challenges for research and practice.

B. Describe a research idea of your own that involves learning technologies.

• How does that idea make use of knowledge and methods from educational psychology?

• How does the idea not draw upon educational psychology, and what are the pluses and minuses of that lack of connection?

• Finally, in your example, reflect on the influence of educational psychology on educational technology and of educational technology on educational psychology. How is this relationship ‘reciprocal’ or not?

You may, in your answer to any or all parts of this question, be more expansive than just dealing with “educational psychology” and include as well cognitive psychology and the cognitive and learning sciences.

Learning and testing

A few kids from the local high school have approached you to help with an appeal they are making to the local school board.

Here is the context for their appeal: As in any high school, they students take many tests and quizzes over the period of the semester - often once every week or two, for almost every academic class they are in.

Their high school has a policy that does not allow students to take any of their graded tests or quizzes home with them. Once these tests or quizzes are graded the students are allowed to review them in class but then have to return them to the teachers. The students cannot review their performance at home (either by themselves or with a tutor or parent). Also, when the end of year examinations come around the students feel the need for these tests to review the work done over the year but have no way of doing so.

The students believe that this policy is unfair, since it prevents them from learning from their past efforts and mistakes. They suspect that the only reason this is done is to allow teachers to continue to use the same tests over and over again year after year. They have appealed to the school to change this policy but have been turned down. They are now preparing a presentation to the school board and have invited you, an expert on educational psychology and learning theory, to help them make their case.

Your task is to make a sound coherent argument for why these tests and quizzes should be returned to the students. You should cite theory, research and scholarship appropriately. Remember you are making a case for a certain point of view and against others, so it is important to both construct an argument for your position as well as arguments against the other position. Your response will be best served if you treat the opposing arguments as intelligent and reasonable. Creating a “straw man” argument involving an oversimplified, clearly weak position is not a good strategy for a Comps response. NOTE: This is a real situation in a local school district, not something constructed solely for the sake of this comprehensive examination.

Perspectives on Assessing and Fostering Motivation

A central concern in any educational setting should be, “Why would a student want to learn something?” For this Comps question, you are asked to discuss the nature of three different perspectives on motivation, and how they lead to different implications for assessing and fostering student motivation.

Phenomenon. Begin by selecting a subject-matter area you are familiar with (math, foreign language, technology, etc.)

Perspectives on motivation. Next, consider the question “Why would a student want to learn this subject-matter” from three different perspectives on motivation. A “perspective” does not necessarily have to be a major psychological paradigm such as behaviorism, cognitive perspective, and so on. A perspective is any point of view that makes distinctive assumptions about what motivates learning. In your discussion of the three perspectives make sure you make clear the distinctive features of each perspective on what motivates learning of your particular subject matter.

Assessing Motivation. Describe ways to assess the degree to which students are motivated to learn the subject matter that would be true to the distinctive assumptions of each perspective. Make sure to describe what would count as evidence of motivation from each perspective, and how you could collect and analyze this evidence.

Fostering Motivation. Describe ways to get students motivated to learn the subject matter that would be true to the distinctive assumptions of each perspective.

Outcomes, effects, cause

Using theory and research from your own area of interest, evaluate the following statement: “Any outcome is both an effect and a cause. Thus, a student is an active participant whose thinking, feeling, and/or behavior is both a reaction and a stimulus for subsequent outcomes.” As part of your evaluation, assess the extent to which this statement characterizes psychological processes within your own area of interest. At a minimum, provide three examples as well as a discussion of the insights and challenges associated with this view of psychological processes.

Cultural context

Contemporary cultural developmental theorists argue that understanding the effects of socialization beliefs and behaviors requires situating them in their cultural context (see e.g., Bornstein, 1995). From this perspective, the same belief or behavior may yield different outcomes in different cultural contexts because it assumes a different meaning in each, or different beliefs and behaviors may yield the same outcome in different cultural contexts because they assume the same meaning in each.

Identify two different domains in which understanding culture increases understanding of the mechanisms of socialization by demonstrating those beliefs and behaviors that are influenced by culture, and those beliefs and behaviors that cut across culture. Take care to be specific about the relevant details of the research and, for each domain, highlight key questions that remain to be answered about the role of socialization beliefs and behaviors in different cultural contexts.

The cognitive revolution

In the history of educational psychology, theory and research shifted from a dominant behavioral perspective on human learning and development that emphasized behavior, environment, and reinforcement to the view that emphasized cognitive structures and processes, and behavior. But since that period, views of human learning and development have continued to shift.

1. Describe the shift toward a more cognitive perspective using research in your area of interest to illustrate your point. How did the way researchers conceptualize the phenomena of interest change and how did these changes reflect the broader shift toward a more cognitive perspective?

2. Describe how research methodology in your area of interest has changed in connection with the broader theoretical change toward a more cognitive perspective. Aspects of methodology you discuss can include research questions, study design, data sources, and data analysis.

Culture and learning

Recently, significant attention has been given to relations between culture and learning, and specifically to how that culture affects learning. But, the term “culture” is often weakly conceptualized. Your task in this response to describe and assess some of the key issues in (1) defining what we mean by “culture,” and (2) tracing its impact on learning.

1. Identify and describe two quite different conceptions of culture from among theorists and researchers who have conceptualized and studied the relations between culture and learning. Assess their weaknesses.

2. In these two conceptions, is culture integrated with (or not distinguished from) family and parental effects on learning, or is culture conceptualized as a factor not reducible to family and parental effects? In your view, is one conception superior to the other on this issue? Explain why?

3. Does one (or both) of these conceptions allow for or support the analysis of individual differences within a single culture, or do they suggest that the effects of culture on the learning of its members are homogeneous and uniform? In your view, is one conception superior to the other on this issue? Explain why?

Adolescent development

Adolescent development is a complex process upon which many factors may have effects. Your response should:

1. Select an area of adolescent change (e.g., social or emotional) and use an existing conceptual framework to illustrate how development is a complex process in this particular area. Draw on empirical research to clearly show how development in this domain is complex.

2. Propose one or two original research questions that target this complexity. Explain why these questions are important.

Draw on relevant conceptual and empirical research to illustrate your point and demonstrate your knowledge of this topic.

Understanding Individual Change

A central concern in developmental and educational psychology is understanding individual development – that is, how knowledge and abilities change over time. Select an area of development of particular interest to you and describe how changes occur over time in what someone knows or is able to do in this domain. You need not discuss this from birth through adulthood, but rather select a range of years or stage within the life course -- for example ages 2 -6 or early adolescence. Then, discuss factors that shape development in this domain. Cite relevant research and theory.

The kind of interactions deemed to be educationally worthwhile depends on one’s beliefs about learning. The purpose of this question is to get you to consider the qualities and conditions of educationally worthwhile interaction.

1. Using your area of interest, describe a kind of interaction scholars have argued is important for facilitating learning.

3. Describe two contrasting instructional settings that might support this kind of interaction. The point here is to break away from the impractical and incorrect assumption that good learning can only take place with a particular activity in a particular environment. For example, does your conception of interaction only allow for good learning in cooperative group activity? Is good learning impossible through lectures? Your discussion of the two examples will help to highlight what you feel are essential features of the interaction and the conditions in which they occur.

The Role of the Environment in Learning

In just about every psychological perspective on learning and/or development, the environment or context plays a significant role. Select two perspectives on learning and/or development that you find particularly interesting or important to your area of research. In a compare and contrast discussion of the two perspectives, address the following issues.

• How is the “environment” defined? Why is it defined in this way?

• What is the role of the environment in learning and/or development?

• What is the relationship between the learner(s) and the environment?

• What are important differences in the role of the environment distinguish these two perspectives? Why are these differences significant?

• What are important similarities?

• Finally, what puzzles, questions, or insights emerge from your discussion as you think about the role of the environment in learning or development your own area of research interest? The purpose of this part of the question is to give you an opportunity to demonstrate more than just your recall of what you already know. It’s a chance to reveal how you react to or are inspired by these ideas.

For all parts of this question

• Use examples to illustrate each of your points. These examples can be actual examples taken from research or your own experience, or they may be hypothetical.

• Draw on the conceptual and empirical literature to support your discussion.

Critiquing Discovery Learning

Prominent educational psychologist Richard Mayer, in a recent article in the American Psychologist, claims that certain educational theories become prominent because they conform to dominant ideologies, rather than as a result of rigorous testing for validity and usefulness. Mayer (2004) discusses the constructivist idea of discovery learning as an example. Mayer (2004) cites evidence from the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s that discovery learning – where “students are expected to work in groups in a learning environment with little or no guidance” from a teacher (p. 14) – is not particularly effective. Yet, he claims, constructivist ideology continues to champion this approach. In addition, Mayer (2004) claims that psychology plays a critical role in keeping the focus in educational research on evidence-based arguments rather than ideology.

This very short article by Mayer is appended to this question (the citation is below). Your task is as follows.

Mayer, R. (2004). Should there be a three-strikes rule against pure discovery learning: The case for guided methods of instruction. American Psychologist, 59(1), 14-19.

After carefully reading the article by Mayer, write a response to his article. You can agree or disagree with him, but in either case you should take a position on points (i) – (iii) below, all of which are discussed by Mayer, and respond as well to questions (iv) and (v):

(i) Whether or not Mayer presents convincing evidence to support his claim that discovery learning is not effective;

(ii) Whether or not constructivism should be considered more of an ideology than an empirically testable theory;

(iii) Whether or not you agree with Mayer’s assessment of the role of psychological research in exploring educational issues.

(iv) Whether discovery learning is or is not an essential component of a contructivist orientation.

(v) What alternative theoretical approach to learning would Mayer favor, and why would that be on more or less solid ground than discovery learning?

Your response should draw from both theoretical and empirical writings and should make very clear how key terms are being used in your answer (e.g., research, discovery learning, constructivism, theory, and so on ).

Learning and Development or Learning versus Development?

Theories of learning and theories of development have much in common but also differ in fundamental ways. Psychologists and their theories often can be placed with more or less certainty into those dealing with "learning" and those dealing with "development". In contrast, others see these two bodies of theory and research as largely overlapping and differing only by degree, such that development might be characterized as the cumulative result of learning. Alternatively, one might see them as relatively distinct ways of knowing but complementary in the sense that the application of any theory of learning needs to be placed in the context of a lifespan developmental perspective that gives systematic attention to the chronological age of the learner.

Please discuss your perspective on the distinction between learning and development.

A. Briefly compare and contrast learning and development as these terms are used in research. Give one example of a theory or theorist whose work is most often thought of as taking a learning perspective and one whose work takes a developmental perspective. You might mention other examples of how this distinction plays out in journals and scientific societies, as well as domains studied.

B. Discuss whether you see your own scholarly inquiry as guided more by a theory (or theories) of learning or by a theory (or theories) of development, or by some combination of the two. In your discussion, be clear as to why you take the perspective you take by citing a specific theory (or theories) that guide your current work and the features of these theories that you find most congenial to the issues you are studying.

The Location of the Mind

During your graduate studies, you may have more than likely come across the question “where is the mind” and the related question, “where is knowledge.” Responses to this question can range from “there is no mind”, to “the mind is in the head of the individual”, to “the mind is distributed across people”, to “the mind is distributed across people and tools”, and so on.

- Part 1. Trace the history of this discussion. Connect your discussion to particular fields(s) of research as a way of illuminating the significance (or lack of significance) of this enduring issue. Describe how perspectives on the location of the mind and knowledge have changed and the reasons why they have changed.

- Part 2. In your opinion, how do these changes represent progress? How might they not represent progress? Keep in mind that change and progress are not synonymous.

Nature vs. Nurture

“Nature vs. Nurture” has been a topic for heated discussion and sometime violent debates for many years. Recent examples include the controversies caused by the publication of the “Bell Curve” and former Harvard University president Lawrence Summer’s comments about women and science. The issue will not go away and how we address it has significant consequences on education. As an expert in educational psychology, you have been invited to write an essay on this topic for a magazine serving education practitioners. The purpose of your essay is to answer, in clear language, the following questions:

1. What is this nature vs. nurture debate about?

2. Why is it important?

3. Based on available research, how would you address this issue?

Development and Education

Educators are interested in moving learners from one level of understanding to another. Often, these learners are not adults. Instead, they are children at various ages and levels of cognitive development. How might these variations change the fundamental task for teachers? In other words, how might the processes of learning differ for learners of different ages? If they are different, how are they different? If not, how are they similar? Be sure to support and illustrate your ideas by citing relevant research findings. Potential sources include, but are not limited to, the literature on cognitive development, adult learning, cognitive psychology, and developmental neuroscience.

Instruction Under the Assumption of Constructivism

It is now pretty well established that good teaching (and good software for learning) must presume that learners will construct their own sense of a teacher’s lesson (or the software’s activities), whether the learner’s constructive processes are primarily individual and cognitive in nature (based in the conceptions that the learner take to be relevant to the lesson’s content) or social, communal, and cultural in nature (shared social practices). If learners are making sense in quite different ways, a number of important questions emerge.

What are the major implications for effective teaching (teaching that produces substantial learning)?

How is this view of “effective teaching” different from a view of instruction that makes no substantial assumption of sense-making?

How does the assumption of students’ sense-making change the control (and sense of control) that teachers have over learning outcomes?

How does assessment of learning change when learning trajectories and learning outcomes differ across students?

Pick a content area (where you might be teaching or designing software to support learning) and address these questions. Cite relevant theory and empirical research in support of your responses.

Understanding individual change

A central concern in developmental and educational psychology is to understand individual development – that is, how knowledge and abilities change over time. Select an area of development of particular interest to you and describe how changes occur over time in what a child knows and is able to do in this area. You need not discuss this from birth through adulthood, but rather can select a range of years -- for example ages 2 - 6. Then discuss factors that influence this development. Cite relevant research and theory.

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

Create new tools for research and practice

• Statistical techniques
• Tests and outcome measures
• Neurobehavioral methods

Develop and evaluate solutions

• Prevention and multi-tiered systems of support
• Instruction and intervention
• Progress monitoring and assessment
• Professional development

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Essays on Educational Psychology

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Essays on Educational Psychology

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The Comparison Of Two Psychological Articles Article Review Template For Faster Writing

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Free literature review on bullying, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking: a literature review, peer influence on students’ school adjustment essay sample, essay on developmental disabilities.

With the increased cases of behavioral, developmental and learning disabilities, it is very important for the parents, childcare providers and medical professional to understand clearly the causes and treatment of these disabilities in order to reduce their effects to those persons affected. This study analyses how developmental disabilities can be dealt with to reduce their effects.

Developmental Disability Diagnosis

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Educational Psychology Essay Examples

Have no time? Stuck with ideas? We have collected a lot of interesting and useful Educational Psychology essay topics for you in one place to help you quickly and accurately complete your college assignment! Check out our essay examples on Educational Psychology and you will surely find something to your liking!

Kim Peek – Savant The Original Rain Man Preceding the savant Daniel Tammet by several years, Kim Peek is the real life Rain Man whom the Dustin Hoffman character was based in the movie. Described as a confounding mixture of disability and brilliance, Kim is in love with knowledge. Kim Peek is probably the world’s […]

Gary Earl Rose’s article “Choosing not to read is choosing to be stupid” discusses the debatable topic that the nation is becoming less intelligent due to the decrease of people reading novels, poems and plays. As a University at Buffalo Professor Ross argues that he sees first hand “Slowly but Inexorably we, as a nation, […]

What are CATsClassroom Assessment Techniques are formative evaluation methods that serve two purposes. They can help you to assess the degree to which your students understand the course content and they can provide you with information about the effectiveness of your teaching methods. Most are designed to be quick and easy to use and each […]

On the years of 1960s’ the Audiolingual Method was under a strong challenge in the form of the “Cognitive Code” and an educational trend known as “Discovery Learning. ” These concepts most directly challenged the idea that language learning was all about mimicry and good “habit-formation. ” An emphasis on human cognition in language learning […]

The objective of this unit is to aid the educator in creating objectives using a standardized protocol. If the listed guidelines are followed, writing objectives is not a challenging task. The student-centered instructional objectives dictate the actions expected of the students after receiving instruction. Objectives are an important tool for simplifying note-taking, emphasizing major points […]

Observational research on early childh learning shows that parents and other caregivers facilitate learning by providing scaffolds. The scaffolds provided are activities and tasks that: Motivate or enlist the child’s interest related to the task Simplify the task to make it more manageable and achievable for a child Provide some direction in order to help […]

Problem based learning is a method of learning where the instructions given are student centered, in which the students solves the problems collaboratively and reflect on their experiences. Considerations should be done on what the students need to learn as well as the leaning environment. A good problem based learning problem has got the following […]

In spite of societal expectations and gender constraints, Maria Montessori had a vision to deliver quality education to all children. Although she faced opposition from her father and society, she was resolute in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. In 1896, she achieved this goal by earning her doctorate in Italy. Her determination was […]

In this assignment, I will provide a written reflective account of how my learning has progressed throughout the year. To do so, I will draw on one written assignment from semester one and demonstrate an understanding of the feedback provided by my tutor. Moreover, I will outline the ways in which my ongoing learning has […]

Human beings possess an inherent ability to effortlessly process information, which enables them to carry out routine tasks without conscious thought. The human brain can automatically process certain information, such as the ability to focus on a single source of auditory input in a noisy environment – known as the cocktail party phenomenon. However, some […]

As the universe progresses and progresss towards globalisation. the planetary economic system is demanding for the being of well-managed companies and organisations. Reacting to this demand. organisations are seeking to happen more effectual expression that will heighten or better their end products. Two of the latest finds that attract companies and organisations are the constructs […]

The first chapter of our class text, titled “What Is a Differentiated Classroom?”, includes a quote from Seymour Sarason’s work, “The Predictable Failure of Educational Reform.” The quote highlights the need for a different approach to learning that meets individual needs, as students are dissatisfied with the current one-size-fits-all model. As a teacher, I initially […]

1.0 Introduction: This paper explores an on-going argument in the educational field ; should all pupils with Particular Educational Needs ( SENs ) be included in mainstream educational commissariats? To to the full understand the issues involved, the paper will get down with an debut to SEN and historical developments that have shaped SEN as […]

Abstraction In celebrated book “The Bell Curve” fromRichard Herrnstein and Charles Murray [ 1 ] was showed that in the United States there is a socioeconomic hierarchy of race and intelligence. They showed that Whites are at the top of this hierarchy with the highest mean IQ ( 103 ) and the highest socioeconomic position […]

Growing, developing and learning are the facts of life for all children. Each day children are faced with many new concepts and various challenges. Can you imagine how it feels for a child to face not only new challenges life has, but to face these challenges while living with a learning disability? These challenges are […]

Paulo Friere’s article titled ‘Pedagogy of the Oppressed’ is provocative yet truthful in its observations. Contrary to comforting conventional views on mainstream education systems, Friere presents a new perspective on the subject. He views the teacher-pupil equations in these systems as rather oppressive, as it reinforces misconceptions about knowledge and expertise. More controversially, Friere demystifies […]

With the continuous changes in almost all sectors of our society, learning becomes an important tool in cope with this fast-evolving environment. This is particularly holds true for adults who, more than ever, are facing the need for fresh views about their world.

It is important for teachers to acknowledge that people have varying styles of learning and adjust their teaching approaches accordingly. In today’s society, there is a wide range of diversity. This is evident in the classroom where students come from various socio-economic backgrounds, different age groups, and have varying levels of intelligence. Furthermore, there may […]

Humans are lifelong learners. From birth onward we learn and assimilate what we have just learned into what we already know. Learning in the Geosciences, like all learning, can be catagorized into the domains of concept knowledge, how we view ourselves as learners and the skills we need to engage in the activities of geoscientists. […]

Reflective practice is the capacity to reflect on action so as to engage in a process of continuous learning, which, according to the originator of the term is, one of the defining characteristics of professional practice. According to one definition, it involves paying critical attention to the practical values and theories which inform everyday actions, […]

Lee and Marlene Canter are husband and wife who pioneered assertive discipline as a reactive strategy (Theories of Management, n. d. ). Lee Canter is the Developer of Assertive Discipline and Classroom Management for Academic Success. He attended at California State University then pursued his master’s degree at the University of Southern California. During his […]

Daniel Tammet is considered as the boy with “incredible brain. ” On the first part of Daniel’s documentary on youtube, it showed how he could do huge calculations mentally. In addition, he stated that he could learn a new language for seven days. The very highlight of the documentary is when Daniel recited the pie […]

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Psychology Essay Topics

Get Inspired with Over 200 Psychology Essay Topics and Writing Tips

14 min read

Published on: May 2, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

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Are you struggling to come up with interesting and unique psychology essay topics? Do you find it challenging to write a compelling psychology essay that stands out from the rest?

Psychology is a fascinating subject. However, selecting a topic that is both engaging and informative can be a daunting task.

But fear not!

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of psychology essay topics. From general psychology topics to specific and interesting areas of research, we have got you covered. Additionally, we offer tips to help you write a successful essay, from choosing a topic to editing your final draft.

By the end of it, you will be able to write a standout psychology essay that fully showcases your understanding.

Let's dive in!

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Psychology Research Topics For High School Students

Here is a persuasive essay topics list to get you started:

• The influence of social media on mental health
• The psychology of dreams and their interpretations
• Effects of stress on academic performance
• Does childhood trauma impact mental health in adulthood, and if so, how?
• How does meditation impact the brain and promote well-being?
• Why do we make the choices we do, and how can we make better decisions?
• How does spending time in nature impact mental health and well-being?
• How does perception affect our interpretation of reality, and can it be changed
• The power of music on human emotions and behavior
• The relationship between exercise and mental health

 Psychology Paper Topics For College Students

• The psychology of addiction and effective treatments.
• The impact of childhood experiences on adult mental health.
• The psychology of prejudice and how to overcome biases.
• The role of emotions in decision-making and behavior.
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and well-being.
• Effective leadership traits and development.
• The psychology of procrastination: Why we do it and how to overcome it.
• The impact of social support on mental health.
• The effects of mindfulness on stress and anxiety.
• The psychology of motivation: What drives our behavior and how to stay motivated.

Research Topics In Psychology For University Students

• The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image.
• The impact of childhood trauma on brain development and function.
• The psychology of happiness: What makes us happy and how can we cultivate it?
• The role of genetics in mental health disorders and treatment implications.
• How does social media affect self-esteem and body image?
• What is the impact of childhood trauma on brain development and function?
• What makes us happy and how can we cultivate happiness?
• The psychology of mindfulness: Benefits and applications for well-being.
• The impact of cultural differences on cognitive processes and behavior.
• What are the dynamics of attraction, attachment, and relationships in the psychology of love?

Social Psychology Essay Topics

• How do social roles and expectations affect behavior?
• What is the role of social identity in intergroup relations?
• How do attitudes and persuasion shape behavior?
• What are the psychological factors that influence conformity?
• What is the impact of social comparison on self-esteem?
• The influence of culture on social behavior
• The role of empathy in social interactions
• The impact of social exclusion on mental health
• The effects of social comparison on body image
• The psychology of altruism and helping behavior

Forensic Psychology Essay Topics

• How can forensic psychology contribute to criminal profiling?
• What is the impact of psychological factors on criminal behavior?
• How do juries make decisions in criminal cases, and what role does psychology play?
• What is the impact of false confessions on the criminal justice system?
• How can forensic psychologists help prevent and treat juvenile delinquency?
• The psychology of criminal behavior and decision-making
• The use of psychological assessment in criminal trials
• The role of media in shaping public perceptions of crime
• The impact of trauma on criminal behavior
• The psychology of witness testimony

Criminal Psychology Essay Topics

• How do psychological factors contribute to the development of criminal behavior?
• What is the impact of childhood experiences on criminal behavior?
• How can criminal psychology contribute to the prevention and treatment of criminal behavior?
• What is the relationship between mental health and criminal behavior?
• How can criminal profiling be used to aid criminal investigations?
• The psychology of white-collar crime
• The use of forensic psychology in criminal investigations
• The impact of incarceration on mental health
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for offenders
• The psychology of recidivism

Cognitive Psychology Essay Topics

• How do cognitive processes shape our perceptions and decisions?
• What are the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive processes such as attention and memory?
• How do emotions and motivation affect cognitive processing?
• What is the relationship between language and thought?
• What is the impact of cognitive biases on decision-making?
• The role of cognitive development in learning and education
• The impact of technology on cognitive processing
• The psychology of creativity and problem-solving
• The effects of sleep on cognitive function
• The psychology of expertise and skill acquisition

Developmental Psychology Essay Topics

• How do genetics and the environment interact to shape development?
• What are the stages of cognitive and emotional development in childhood and adolescence?
• What is the impact of parenting styles on child development?
• How do cultural differences impact child development?
• What are the effects of early adversity on later development?
• The psychology of attachment and bonding
• The impact of technology on child development
• The effects of divorce and separation on child development
• The psychology of adolescent identity development
• The role of play in child development

Abnormal Psychology Essay Topics

• The impact of childhood trauma on the development of dissociative disorders
• The role of genetics in the development of schizophrenia
• The link between eating disorders and body image dissatisfaction
• The impact of addiction on mental health
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy for treating personality disorders
• The relationship between anxiety and depression in bipolar disorder
• The impact of trauma on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder
• The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating phobias
• The impact of culture on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies for treating anxiety and depression

Child Psychology Essay Topics

• The impact of attachment styles on child development
• The role of play therapy in treating childhood trauma
• The impact of parenting styles on adolescent mental health
• The role of technology in children's social and emotional development
• The impact of peer relationships on child development
• The effectiveness of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder
• The impact of divorce on child development
• The role of schools in supporting children's mental health
• The impact of childhood bullying on mental health in adolescence and adulthood
• The effectiveness of family therapy in treating childhood anxiety and depression

Sports Psychology Essay Topics

• The role of mental toughness in athletic performance
• The impact of anxiety on sports performance
• The relationship between goal setting and athletic success
• The impact of visualization techniques on sports performance
• The role of self-talk in athletic performance
• The impact of team cohesion on athletic performance
• The relationship between personality traits and sports performance
• The impact of pre-performance routines on sports performance
• The role of coaching in supporting athletes' mental health
• The effectiveness of psychological skills training in improving athletic performance

Argumentative Psychology essay topics

• Is intelligence innate or acquired?
• Should psychotherapy be used as a first-line treatment for mental illness?
• Is the use of medication in treating mental illness over-prescribed?
• Is social media use linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression?
• Is addiction a disease or a choice?
• Should personality disorders be treated differently than other mental illnesses?
• Is the use of restraints ethical in mental health treatment?
• Is it ethical to use animals in psychological research?
• Should parents be held responsible for their children's mental health?
• Is there a link between childhood trauma and criminal behavior?

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Descriptive Psychology Essay Topics

• The history and evolution of psychoanalytic theory
• The role of culture in shaping our understanding of mental illness
• The impact of attachment theory on contemporary psychology
• The development of cognitive psychology as a discipline
• The role of social psychology in understanding human behavior
• The impact of behaviorism on modern psychology
• The role of neuroscience in understanding mental illness
• The development of positive psychology as a field
• The impact of feminist psychology on contemporary practice
• The role of evolutionary psychology in understanding human behavior

Biological Psychology Essay Topics

• The role of genetics in addiction and substance abuse
• The impact of hormonal changes on mood disorders
• Neural mechanisms underlying decision making
• The effect of sleep deprivation on brain function
• The link between brain development and mental health disorders
• The role of neurotransmitters in regulating emotions and behavior
• The impact of stress on the immune system
• The relationship between diet and brain function
• The biological basis of schizophrenia
• The role of epigenetics in mental health disorders

Controversial Psychology Essay Topics

• The Ethics of using placebos in clinical trials
• The Validity of repressed memories in Therapy
• The controversy surrounding conversion therapy
• The debate over the existence of multiple personality disorder
• The controversy surrounding the use of medication to treat ADHD
• The ethics of using animals in psychological research
• The controversy surrounding the validity of personality tests
• The debate over the use of cognitive enhancement drugs
• The controversy surrounding the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder
• The debate over the use of hypnosis in therapy

Cultural Psychology Essay Topics

• The impact of cultural values on mental health treatment
• Cross-cultural differences in emotion regulation
• The role of cultural norms in shaping attitudes towards mental health disorders
• The impact of acculturation on mental health
• The role of cultural values in shaping parenting styles
• Cross-cultural differences in attachment styles
• The influence of culture on body image and eating disorders
• The impact of cultural values on the experience of depression
• The role of culture in shaping perceptions of happiness
• The impact of cultural diversity on group dynamics

Good Psychology Essay Topics

• The importance of social support for mental health
• The benefits of mindfulness meditation for stress reduction
• The role of exercise in improving mental health
• The impact of gratitude on well-being
• The role of humor in coping with stress
• The benefits of nature exposure for mental health
• The impact of social media on mental health and well-being
• The benefits of expressive writing for emotional processing
• The role of positive self-talk in building resilience
• The impact of volunteering on mental health and well-being

Exciting Psychology Essay Topics

• The psychology of thrill-seeking behavior
• The impact of virtual reality on behavior and cognition
• The relationship between music and mood
• The psychology of conspiracy theories
• The impact of social comparison on self-esteem
• The psychology of persuasion and influence
• The role of culture in shaping perceptions of beauty
• The psychology of color and its effects on behavior
• The impact of humor on creativity and problem-solving
• The psychology of flow and peak performance

Psychology Essay Topics on Dreams

• Why do we dream? The scientific and psychological explanations.
• Can we control our dreams? The effectiveness and limitations of lucid dreaming.
• The interpretation of dreams: Freudian theory vs. modern approaches.
• The role of dreams in problem-solving and creativity.
• How dreams impact our mental health and well-being.
• The use of dream analysis in therapy: Benefits and limitations.
• Nightmares: Causes, effects, and treatments.
• The cultural significance of dreams and dream interpretation.
• Sleep disorders and their impact on dreaming.
• The ethical considerations of using dream manipulation for personal gain.

Psychology-Related Topics from Other Subjects

• The intersection of psychology and neuroscience
• The relationship between psychology and economics
• The psychology of decision making in politics
• The psychology of leadership and organizational behavior
• The impact of technology on social psychology
• The psychology of marketing and consumer behavior
• The relationship between psychology and law
• The psychology of education and learning
• The impact of environmental factors on behavior
• The psychology of creativity and innovation

 Psychology Paper Topics for Any Assignment

• The influence of video games on cognitive development
• A case study analysis of borderline personality disorder
• The role of cognitive psychology in treating depression
• Historical perspectives on the evolution of cognitive psychology
• Analyzing the impact of social media on mental health
• An exploration of the psychology behind addiction
• A comparative analysis of Freudian and Jungian theories of personality
• Investigating the effects of mindfulness on anxiety disorders
• The role of positive psychology in promoting well-being
• A case study on the effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health
• Examining the link between physical health and mental health
• An overview of various psychological disorders and their treatment options
• The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety
• Analyzing the use of art therapy in treating mental health disorders
• The impact of culture on mental health and well-being

How To Choose A Psychology Topic?

Choosing a psychology topic can seem daunting, but there are some helpful steps you can take to make the process easier. 

Here are some tips to consider:

Identify Your Interests

Start by considering what topics in psychology interest you the most. Are you fascinated by abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, or social psychology? 

By choosing a topic that you are interested in, you are more likely to be motivated to research and write about it.

Consider The Assignment Requirements

If you are choosing a topic for a specific assignment, make sure to read the instructions and guidelines carefully. Consider the length of the assignment, the required sources, and any other specific instructions that the professor may have provided.

Do Some Preliminary Research

Once you have identified your interests and considered the assignment requirements, start doing some preliminary research. Look for articles, books, and other resources on your topic to get a sense of what has already been written about it and to help refine your focus.

Narrow Down Your Topic

After doing some preliminary research, you may need to narrow down your topic. Try to focus on a specific aspect of the broader topic that you are interested in. This will help you to stay focused and write a more cohesive and effective paper.

By following these steps, you can choose a psychology topic that is interesting, manageable and meets the requirements of your assignment.

 Tips To Write a Compelling Psychology Essay

Writing a good psychology essay requires attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear writing. Here are some tips to help you write a great psychology essay:

• Understand The Essay Prompt

Make sure you fully understand the prompt before you start writing. Identify the key terms and concepts and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is being asked of you.

• Conduct Thorough Research

Conduct thorough research using reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Be sure to take detailed notes and keep track of your sources.

• Organize Your Thoughts

Organize your thoughts and ideas before you start the writing process. Create an outline or a mind map to help you structure your essay and ensure your ideas flow logically.

• Use Clear, Concise Language

Use clear, concise language to convey your ideas. Avoid using jargon or technical terms unless necessary, and make sure your sentences are well-structured and easy to understand.

• Support Your Arguments

Use evidence to support your arguments and claims. This could include citing research studies or other sources to back up your points.

• Edit and Proofread

Edit and proofread your psychology research paper to eliminate errors and ensure your writing is polished and professional. Check for grammar and spelling mistakes, and make sure your formatting and referencing are consistent and accurate.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling psychology essay that effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

In conclusion, choosing a psychology essay topic can be a daunting task. But with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. 

Consider your interests, current events, and the audience when selecting a topic. Be sure to conduct thorough research and organize your ideas before writing. 

Additionally, keep in mind the tips for writing a compelling essay and crafting a strong thesis statement.

At CollegeEssay.org, we understand that any psychology course can be challenging, especially when you have to write an essay about it.

That's why we offer top essay writing service to help you score good grades.

Our essay writer meets all requirements and exceeds expectations. 

Visit CollegeEssay.org to learn more about our psychology essay writing service and how we can assist you in achieving academic success.

Betty P. (Literature)

Betty is a freelance writer and researcher. She has a Masters in literature and enjoys providing writing services to her clients. Betty is an avid reader and loves learning new things. She has provided writing services to clients from all academic levels and related academic fields.

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Educational Psychology - Essay Example

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3. problems students are facing at public k-12 schools.

We asked teachers about how students are doing at their school. Overall, many teachers hold negative views about students’ academic performance and behavior.

• 48% say the academic performance of most students at their school is fair or poor; a third say it’s good and only 17% say it’s excellent or very good.
• 49% say students’ behavior at their school is fair or poor; 35% say it’s good and 13% rate it as excellent or very good.

Teachers in elementary, middle and high schools give similar answers when asked about students’ academic performance. But when it comes to students’ behavior, elementary and middle school teachers are more likely than high school teachers to say it’s fair or poor (51% and 54%, respectively, vs. 43%).

Teachers from high-poverty schools are more likely than those in medium- and low-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are fair or poor.

The differences between high- and low-poverty schools are particularly striking. Most teachers from high-poverty schools say the academic performance (73%) and behavior (64%) of most students at their school are fair or poor. Much smaller shares of teachers from low-poverty schools say the same (27% for academic performance and 37% for behavior).

In turn, teachers from low-poverty schools are far more likely than those from high-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are excellent or very good.

Lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Among those who have been teaching for at least a year, about eight-in-ten teachers say the lasting impact of the pandemic on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being has been very or somewhat negative. This includes about a third or more saying that the lasting impact has been very negative in each area.

Shares ranging from 11% to 15% of teachers say the pandemic has had no lasting impact on these aspects of students’ lives, or that the impact has been neither positive nor negative. Only about 5% say that the pandemic has had a positive lasting impact on these things.

A smaller majority of teachers (55%) say the pandemic has had a negative impact on the way parents interact with teachers, with 18% saying its lasting impact has been very negative.

These results are mostly consistent across teachers of different grade levels and school poverty levels.

Major problems at school

When we asked teachers about a range of problems that may affect students who attend their school, the following issues top the list:

• Poverty (53% say this is a major problem at their school)
• Chronic absenteeism – that is, students missing a substantial number of school days (49%)
• Anxiety and depression (48%)

One-in-five say bullying is a major problem among students at their school. Smaller shares of teachers point to drug use (14%), school fights (12%), alcohol use (4%) and gangs (3%).

Differences by school level

Similar shares of teachers across grade levels say poverty is a major problem at their school, but other problems are more common in middle or high schools:

• 61% of high school teachers say chronic absenteeism is a major problem at their school, compared with 43% of elementary school teachers and 46% of middle school teachers.
• 69% of high school teachers and 57% of middle school teachers say anxiety and depression are a major problem, compared with 29% of elementary school teachers.
• 34% of middle school teachers say bullying is a major problem, compared with 13% of elementary school teachers and 21% of high school teachers.

Not surprisingly, drug use, school fights, alcohol use and gangs are more likely to be viewed as major problems by secondary school teachers than by those teaching in elementary schools.

Differences by poverty level

Teachers’ views on problems students face at their school also vary by school poverty level.

Majorities of teachers in high- and medium-poverty schools say chronic absenteeism is a major problem where they teach (66% and 58%, respectively). A much smaller share of teachers in low-poverty schools say this (34%).

Bullying, school fights and gangs are viewed as major problems by larger shares of teachers in high-poverty schools than in medium- and low-poverty schools.

When it comes to anxiety and depression, a slightly larger share of teachers in low-poverty schools (51%) than in high-poverty schools (44%) say these are a major problem among students where they teach.  

Discipline practices

About two-thirds of teachers (66%) say that the current discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat mild – including 27% who say they’re very mild. Only 2% say the discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat harsh, while 31% say they are neither harsh nor mild.

We also asked teachers about the amount of influence different groups have when it comes to determining discipline practices at their school.

• 67% say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence. Very few (2%) say teachers have too much influence, and 29% say their influence is about right.

• 31% of teachers say school administrators don’t have enough influence, 22% say they have too much, and 45% say their influence is about right.
• On balance, teachers are more likely to say parents, their state government and the local school board have too much influence rather than not enough influence in determining discipline practices at their school. Still, substantial shares say these groups have about the right amount of influence.

Teachers from low- and medium-poverty schools (46% each) are more likely than those in high-poverty schools (36%) to say parents have too much influence over discipline practices.

In turn, teachers from high-poverty schools (34%) are more likely than those from low- and medium-poverty schools (17% and 18%, respectively) to say that parents don’t have enough influence.

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Table of contents, ‘back to school’ means anytime from late july to after labor day, depending on where in the u.s. you live, among many u.s. children, reading for fun has become less common, federal data shows, most european students learn english in school, for u.s. teens today, summer means more schooling and less leisure time than in the past, about one-in-six u.s. teachers work second jobs – and not just in the summer, most popular.

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