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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Current Events

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

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

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

Science/Environment

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

How to Write a Great Research Paper

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

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

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

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

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

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

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

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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

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

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

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Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Topics

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

21 min read

What are Good Topics for a Research Paper?

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

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

Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level

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

High School Research Essay Topics

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

College Research Paper Topics

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

Graduate Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology

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

Research Paper Topics for Computer Science

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

Research Paper Topics in Machine Learning

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

Research Paper Topics in Chemistry

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

Information Technology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics Environmental Science

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

Research Paper Topics for Medical Students

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

Research Paper Topics in Zoology

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

Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences

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

History Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Education

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

Sociology Research Paper Topics

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics On Media And Communication

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

Political Science Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for International Relations

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

Research Paper Topics On Culture

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

Research Paper Topics for Humanities

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

Research Paper Topics for English Literature

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

Research Paper Topics for English Linguistics

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

Research Paper Topics on Arts

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

Research Paper Topics on Religion

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

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Ethics

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

Law Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics on Criminal Justice

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

Research Paper Topics on Economics

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

Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing

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

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

US History Research Paper Topics

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

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

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

Easy Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics on Current Affairs

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

Controversial Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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

Nursing Research Paper Topics

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

How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

To conclude,

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

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

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

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

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

So contact us to get your custom research paper !

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500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

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

Latin American History

History of Science

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

Health Sciences & Psychology

What is a research paper?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

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

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

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

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

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

This list could go on forever!

good research paper topics about the US Revolution

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

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

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

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

Access to research materials might look like:

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

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

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

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

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

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

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

Good research paper topics

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

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

Latin American History (post-1492)

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

Health Sciences and Psychology

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

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Research Paper Topics

Choose your Topic Smart

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

Browse Research Paper Topics by Category:

Anthropology
Argumentative
Communication
Criminal Justice
Environmental
Political Science

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

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

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

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

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

Use Technology

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

100% Effective Advice

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

Examine Different Ideas

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

What Makes a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

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

A topic is manageable if you can:

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

A topic is important if it:

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

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

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

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

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

Moving from a Research Paper Idea to a Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting a Specific Research Paper Topic to a Bigger Idea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Refine Your Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

Secrets to Keep in Mind when Writing a Research Paper

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

Custom Research Paper Writing Service

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

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

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Selecting a Research Topic: Overview

Refine your topic
Background information & facts
Writing help

Here are some resources to refer to when selecting a topic and preparing to write a paper:

MIT Writing and Communication Center "Providing free professional advice about all types of writing and speaking to all members of the MIT community."
Search Our Collections Find books about writing. Search by subject for: english language grammar; report writing handbooks; technical writing handbooks
Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation Online version of the book that provides examples and tips on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and other writing rules.
Select a topic

Choosing an interesting research topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips:

Choose a topic that you are interested in! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic.
If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.
Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic.
Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your assignment. Ask your professor or TA for suggestions.
Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge of the course and assignment.
Talk about research ideas with a friend. S/he may be able to help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to you at first.
WHY did you choose the topic? What interests you about it? Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?
WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Who is affected by the topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider?
WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific places affected by the topic?
WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or an historical issue? Do you want to compare your topic by time periods?

Broaden your topic
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100 Good Research Topics

Table of Contents

Even though it is an important aspect of student life, writing a research paper can be difficult. For the majority of your topics, you must write at least one research paper every semester. You should engage in a discussion that is both thought-provoking and captivating. Your instructors would most likely give you a good grade and respect if your material is original and unique.

Use our editors’ assistance if you don’t know how to develop research paper topics on your own. We also have a useful citation generator, a title generator , as well as plagiarism, grammar, and spelling checkers. All these instruments are free and offer full access without any sign-up needed.

25 Great Research Questions Ideas

When choosing your research paper topic, you need to ask yourself a couple of crucial work questions, because relying on those you build the whole framework of your study. An intriguing and unique topic will capture your readers’ attention and encourage them to read the full research with eagerness to know your conclusions.

Here are some things/research topic ideas to think about while choosing a suitable topic:

What is the field of my interest?
Did something happen to me in the past that made me think over it?
Do I want to summarize some activities rather than makeup solutions?
What is it I wish I had in my everyday routine?
What hampers my friends from reaching success?
What is the most precious thing for me at the moment?
What makes me unique among others and how can I help people with my case?
What are the most important things, in my opinion, I should maintain at my age?
What thoughts do I experience when I see something I don’t have in someone’s possession?
Am I an extrovert or introvert and how each psycho type influences everyday life routine?
What new things have I learned this year?
What unusual experience have I encountered for the last time?
Where did I find study motivation and what is interesting about my case?
Is it something that makes me worry about the job market?
Do I take the most from life?
What relationships would I like to get to know myself better?
Why are we still here?
What I wish my parents understood about my age and interests?
Do I have friends? How to make one and what is precious about my friends?
Heart or Brain?
How do I get through ups and downs in my life?
Do I listen to my parents?
What is it I’m having fun with?
What can I do well?
Do I love myself? Why? Why not?

25 Good Research Paper Topics

Is a college education relevant to the labor market?
Should colleges be religiously affiliated?
Should colleges provide specific accommodations for handicapped students?
In the postmodern era, how has the institution of marriage changed?
Is there a difference between the hearts of a man and a woman?
What are the health advantages of having children and parenting?
Unfair child labor in the workplace is investigated.
The importance of ethics in the workplace and how to manage poor behavior.
What impact does cross-border BPO have on your country’s gross domestic product?
Which firms will be among the top five in the next ten years?
Terrorism and its impact on business.
Are colleges and universities becoming more business-oriented?
Data rape’s causes and how to avoid it.
Should gun owners be allowed to bring their firearms to school?
Ex-convicts and the employment market: Is it tough to get a job?
Is it appropriate for universities to compensate student-athletes, and if so, how
should they do so?
Seniority, degree, or performance evaluation should be the criteria for advancement
The importance of search engine optimization in today’s business world.
Should women be permitted to participate in extreme sports?
Is feminism influencing American culture?
How the free software movement is positively transforming the world.
How does the government assess the health care needs of communities?
Discuss how to plan for college tuition.

25 Research Essay Topics

Is it true that elderly individuals are always more intelligent and right in their decisions and opinions?
Is it true that technology may create a generational divide?
Is there a difference between male and female friendships, and if so, why?
Is it possible for amusement parks to have an educational purpose in addition to being entertaining?
What additional well-known proverbs exist in your language, such as “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”?
What makes your country’s citizens happy?
What distinguishes certain countries from others in terms of happiness and prosperity?
Is it true that a person’s attractiveness determines how successful they will be in life?
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic surgery?
How can you improve your communication skills with friends, family, coworkers, and strangers?
How should serial murders and rapists be punished for their crimes?
What caused the crash of two state-of-the-art planes, and what can be done to prevent such incidents in the future?
How do we keep the number of homeless children from rising?
What does religion’s future hold?
What is the morality of the cam girl world?
What is the history of all terrorist attacks throughout the globe?
What is it like to be transgender in the modern world?
How do you deal with a massive influx of immigrants?
Is it possible for police unions to prevent corruption?
So, what can wealthy countries do to assist developing countries?
How do you get off the couch?
Why did we decide to make Halloween Day a holiday?
What are some of the benefits of coffee and energy drinks?
Which animal would you transform into if you had the chance?
When we’re tired, why do we talk and act as if we’re drunk?

25 Interesting Research Topics

When individuals are in a terrible mood, why do they listen to melancholy music?
When you want to unwind, what music should you listen to?
What has changed in hip-hop culture throughout time?
What are the reasons behind the rise in popularity of classical music these days?
What music should you listen to to help you remember things?
Why do successful musicians have a higher risk of becoming drug addicts?
Doris Day, who was she?
What factors have an impact on the popularity of soundtracks?
What are some of your favorite romantic songs?
What distinguishes certain music festivals from others?
What can a regular individual do to help save the environment?
What can schools do to raise environmental awareness among students?
What is the impact of global warming on wildlife?
What are the effects of pesticides on bird populations?
How does plastic waste in the ocean affect the oxygen we breathe?
Is it too late to save the world from global warming?
Why are people so opposed to abortion?
Is it possible that youngsters are growing overly reliant on technology?
Which nations are notorious for their control of the media?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using digital currencies?
What is insulin resistance, and how can it be overcome?
What are some strategies for persuading obese persons to modify their lifestyles?
How can Israeli colon cancer research be considered truly groundbreaking?
Emotional stress can lead to a variety of health issues.
Can drinking too much coffee be harmful to your health?

Research Paper Sample

What is causing the oceans to become so salty?

Why the water is salty is maybe one of the most fascinating occurrences worthy of the youngest of interests when at the beach. This is an age-old topic that has sparked a lot of debate yet is still taken for granted. When swimming at the beach, one may anticipate the salty taste of the sea, but freshwater domains such as rivers, lakes, and streams are the polar opposite.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the water is salty due to discharge stones found on land (NOAA). When carbon dioxide in the runoff combines with oxygen in the air, it turns acidic, dissolving the rocks. Ions are produced and carried by runoff, which eventually ends up in the ocean, where they concentrate over time, making the water salty (NOAA, 2008). For billions of years, this process is assumed to have been ongoing (NOAA, 2008). The saltier the water has gotten over time as more runoff is produced (Matthews, n.d.).

Changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, as well as global warming, are considered to have contributed to the increase in runoff production, which has increased ocean salt levels (Rae, et al, 2018). Studies have been conducted to determine the number of ions present in the water as well as carbon dioxide levels. Increases in carbon storage and changes in general climatic circulation are associated with glacial periods.

It seems to be the reason that as our climate changes and global warming play a larger part in our lives, these changes will have a big impact on the ocean. The fact that the ocean is salty, as well as the ever-changing global processes that contribute to it, should not be taken for granted.

Research Paper Guideline From Grademiners.com

Use conventional one-inch margins, 12-point font, and double spacing to ensure that your work fits the given page limits, including foot/endnotes and bibliography.

It must successfully cover the topic and provide a well-developed argument backed up by primary and secondary sources of evidence. It must exhibit a grasp of the evolution of scholarship on the issue in some way—that is, the paper must include an acceptable discussion of academic publications on the subject in the text and notes. Keep in mind that content footnotes and endnotes may be beneficial.

It must show mastery of the discipline’s standards, such as the paper’s physical appearance, language, syntax, and punctuation, following the Turabian/Chicago Manual of Style format and citation guide. Make careful to include studies from peer-reviewed journals. It must contain a title page with your name and a title that is relevant to your study.

Starting with the first page of text, all pages, including the bibliography, must be numbered. The title page, on the other hand, should not carry a number. Page 1 should be the opening page of the paper’s text. Remember to adhere to the site’s basic standards for producing papers. Proofread. Use the built-in spelling and grammar check in word processing tools with caution.

You are also free to access our site to find free text for the desired research paper topics, essays, and so on. Tell us your subject and paper type – get a collection of free writing examples. You can find just tons of works at any degree level, type of writing, subject of work, number of pages, etc.

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300+ Interesting Research Topics

Research is a vital component of any academic pursuit, and the process of choosing an interesting research topic can be both exciting and daunting. With countless subjects and themes to explore, it can be challenging to narrow down your focus and find a topic that resonates with you. However, the right research topic can inspire you, engage your curiosity, and drive you to discover new insights and knowledge. In this post, we’ll explore some interesting research topics across a variety of disciplines, providing you with a starting point for your next academic project.

Interesting Research Topics

Some Interesting Research Topics are as follows:

The impact of mindfulness meditation on creativity and innovative problem-solving abilities
The relationship between social media use and political activism among young adults
The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy for treating specific phobias
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing anxiety disorders
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of workplace harassment and discrimination
The relationship between personality traits and successful entrepreneurship
The effects of outdoor education programs on academic achievement and environmental attitudes in middle school students
The role of physical activity in improving cognitive function and memory in older adults
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of aging and technology use
The relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illnesses
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders in males
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
The impact of cultural factors on attitudes towards organ donation and transplantation
The relationship between sleep and athletic performance in professional athletes
The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing implicit biases and promoting workplace diversity and inclusion
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of postpartum depression in new mothers
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of maternal mental health in diverse communities
The relationship between childhood socioeconomic status and adult health outcomes
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for hoarding disorder
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
The effects of social media use on political polarization and civic engagement
The impact of mindfulness on reducing workplace stress and burnout
The relationship between personality and job performance in different work settings
The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for individuals with bipolar disorder
The role of exercise in improving mental health outcomes in college students
The effects of technology on social interactions and relationship quality in romantic relationships
The impact of cultural factors on mental health treatment-seeking behavior in immigrant populations
The relationship between parental attachment and emotional regulation in adolescence
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease
The effects of mindfulness on reducing implicit biases and promoting diversity and inclusion
The impact of cultural values on decision-making in the context of environmental sustainability
The relationship between sleep and academic performance in high school students
The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals with substance use disorders
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of depression in older adults
The impact of cultural factors on coping strategies and resilience in disaster recovery
The relationship between parental warmth and child social competence in early childhood
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in cancer patients
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing autoimmune skin diseases, such as psoriasis
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating social anxiety disorder
The impact of gender diversity in leadership positions on organizational performance and innovation
The relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in college students
The effects of art therapy on reducing symptoms of PTSD in military veterans
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of anxiety in pregnant women
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of aging and age-related health issues
The relationship between childhood trauma and academic achievement in adolescence
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for borderline personality disorder
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing eye diseases, such as macular degeneration
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction for individuals with chronic pain
The impact of cultural factors on attitudes towards mental health treatment in African American communities
The relationship between parental monitoring and adolescent substance use
The effects of equine therapy on reducing symptoms of ADHD in children
The role of physical activity in improving quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
The impact of cultural factors on leadership style and effectiveness in multinational corporations
The relationship between social media use and self-esteem in young adults
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in older adults
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of mental health treatment in LGBTQ+ communities
The relationship between parental discipline and child behavior problems in preschoolers
The effects of music therapy on reducing symptoms of depression in older adults with dementia
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of depression in individuals with multiple sclerosis
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of disability and accessibility
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult physical health outcomes
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
The impact of cultural factors on perceptions and experiences of health care and health care utilization
The effects of social media on mental health in adolescents
The impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction in the workplace
The relationship between exercise and cognitive function in aging adults
The role of nutrition in the prevention and management of chronic diseases
The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy for anxiety disorders
The effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance in college students
The relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction in the workplace
The impact of technology on interpersonal communication and relationships
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression
The effects of music therapy on pain management in hospitalized patients
The relationship between parenting styles and child development outcomes
The role of exercise in the prevention and management of Type 2 diabetes
The effects of gaming on cognitive function and decision making skills
The impact of mindfulness on academic performance in college students
The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement in adolescents
The effectiveness of online education compared to traditional classroom instruction
The effects of physical activity on mental health in adults
The impact of social support on psychological well-being in cancer patients
The relationship between personality and substance abuse disorders
The role of early childhood education in later academic achievement
The effects of nature exposure on stress reduction and mental health
The impact of art therapy on emotional regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder
The relationship between body image and eating disorders
The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury
The effects of exercise on sleep quality and duration in older adults
The impact of cultural diversity on team performance in the workplace
The relationship between mindfulness and substance abuse recovery
The role of exercise in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease
The effects of mindfulness on chronic pain management
The impact of technology on academic integrity in higher education
The relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in healthcare professionals
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in children
The effects of outdoor play on physical activity and social skills in children
The impact of group therapy on social anxiety disorder
The relationship between resilience and mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illness
The role of social support in promoting healthy behaviors in older adults
The effects of physical activity on executive functioning in children with ADHD
The impact of family therapy on child behavior problems
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness
The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with schizophrenia
The effects of art therapy on social skills and emotional regulation in children with ADHD
The impact of mindfulness on academic performance in high school students
The relationship between resilience and posttraumatic growth in survivors of sexual assault
The role of exercise in the prevention and management of osteoporosis
The effects of mindfulness on emotional regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem in adolescents
The relationship between personality and academic achievement in college students
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for postpartum depression
The effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and depression in older adults
The impact of group therapy on social skills and self-esteem in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
The effects of social media on political polarization and civic engagement
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on substance use disorder recovery
The relationship between emotional intelligence and workplace productivity
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic pain
The effects of music therapy on speech and language development in children with developmental disorders
The impact of organizational culture on employee job satisfaction and turnover
The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health outcomes
The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety disorders
The effects of early childhood bilingual education on language development and academic achievement
The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of depression
The impact of virtual reality exposure therapy on phobia treatment outcomes
The relationship between social support and mental health in LGBTQ+ individuals
The effects of exercise on mood and cognitive function in individuals with major depressive disorder
The role of mindfulness in reducing symptoms of burnout in healthcare professionals
The effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
The effects of video game addiction on social skills and academic performance in adolescents
The impact of peer mentoring on academic achievement and self-esteem in at-risk youth
The relationship between personality and creativity in the workplace
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy aging and cognitive function in older adults
The effects of animal-assisted therapy on mental health in adults with chronic illness
The impact of work-family conflict on employee well-being and job performance
The relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia
The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on chronic pain management in older adults
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing anxiety disorders
The impact of cultural competence training on healthcare provider-patient communication and health outcomes
The relationship between personality and leadership styles in the workplace
The effects of play therapy on social skills and emotional regulation in children with autism spectrum disorder
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
The impact of workplace diversity on team creativity and innovation
The relationship between social media use and sleep quality in adolescents
The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder
The effects of exercise on cognitive function and academic performance in children
The role of mindfulness in reducing stress and promoting well-being in college students
The impact of group therapy on social skills and emotional regulation in individuals with eating disorders
The relationship between personality and job performance in creative fields
The effects of exposure to green spaces on mental health in urban populations
The role of nutrition in the prevention and management of autoimmune disorders
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing anxiety and depression in cancer patients
The relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction in healthcare professionals
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder
The effects of mindfulness on pain management in individuals with chronic pain
The role of physical activity in promoting healthy aging and preventing age-related diseases
The impact of parental involvement on academic achievement in children from low-income families
The relationship between personality and online behavior in social media platforms
The effects of expressive writing on mental health outcomes in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder
The role of nutrition in reducing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health
The impact of diversity training on reducing implicit biases in the workplace
The relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction in women
The effects of technology on interpersonal communication in romantic relationships
The effects of early childhood bilingualism on cognitive development
The effects of social media use on political engagement and participation
The effects of social media use on body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders in young adults
The impact of workplace wellness programs on employee health and productivity
The relationship between personality and entrepreneurial success
The effectiveness of group therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder
The role of sleep in athletic performance and recovery
The effects of mindfulness on reducing racial biases and promoting social justice
The impact of cultural values on medical decision-making and healthcare outcomes
The relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles in romantic relationships
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing cognitive decline in older adults
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating obsessive-compulsive disorder
The impact of job satisfaction on employee turnover and organizational performance
The relationship between cultural differences and negotiation outcomes in cross-border mergers and acquisitions
The effects of pet therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in nursing home residents
The role of physical activity in improving sleep quality and quantity
The impact of cultural values on perceptions of mental health and attitudes towards seeking help
The relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement in elementary school students
The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for individuals with chronic pain
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in adults
The impact of gender diversity on board of directors on firm performance and innovation
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating specific phobias
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic pain conditions
The impact of cross-cultural communication skills on expatriate adjustment and success
The relationship between childhood trauma and addiction in adulthood
The effects of art therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy aging and longevity
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders in adults
The impact of cultural values on decision-making in the workplace
The relationship between socioeconomic status and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating eating disorders
The impact of cultural intelligence on intercultural communication competence
The relationship between childhood trauma and personality disorders in adulthood
The effects of music therapy on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity
The impact of leadership styles on employee motivation and job satisfaction
The relationship between cultural differences and expatriate adjustment in multinational corporations
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in children and adolescents
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children
The impact of cultural values on perceptions of mental health stigma
The relationship between parental stress and child development outcomes
The effects of equine therapy on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis
The impact of job characteristics on work engagement and organizational commitment
The relationship between cultural values and consumer behavior in the food industry
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating depression in older adults
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing burnout among healthcare professionals
The relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning behavior
The effectiveness of parent-child interaction therapy for young children with behavioral problems
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults with chronic illnesses
The effects of humor on stress reduction and well-being in the workplace
The impact of cultural values on consumer decision-making in global markets
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult romantic relationships
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for substance use disorders
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy gut microbiome and overall health
The impact of inclusive hiring practices on workforce diversity and equity
The relationship between self-compassion and mental health outcomes in young adults
The effects of nature exposure on cognitive function and academic performance in children
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes
The impact of social capital on community resilience in disaster-prone areas
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness in the workplace
The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in individuals with chronic pain
The impact of personality traits on financial decision-making and investment behavior
The relationship between cultural values and consumer behavior in luxury markets
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating panic disorder
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
The impact of workplace diversity on organizational innovation and performance
The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement in college students
The effects of animal-assisted therapy on reducing symptoms of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy skin and hair
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder
The impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural negotiation outcomes in international business
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult mental health outcomes in the LGBTQ+ community
The effects of gratitude practices on well-being and happiness in older adults
The role of physical activity in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women
The impact of cultural values on social media use and behavior
The relationship between self-compassion and workplace well-being and job satisfaction
The effects of mindfulness on pain management and opioid use in individuals with chronic pain
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of stroke
The impact of job crafting on employee engagement and performance in the workplace
The relationship between personality and team dynamics in sports
The effects of expressive writing on reducing symptoms of PTSD in military veterans
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing asthma
The impact of cultural differences on cross-cultural communication in international business
The relationship between social support and emotional well-being in older adults
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating generalized anxiety disorder
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy brain development in infants and toddlers
The impact of flexible work arrangements on work-life balance and family functioning
The relationship between cultural values and attitudes towards aging and older adults
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing chronic kidney disease
The impact of climate change on food security in developing countries
The relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction in adolescent girls
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing multiple sclerosis
The impact of organizational culture on employee well-being and job satisfaction
The relationship between personality and job performance in technology industries
The effects of nature exposure on stress reduction and well-being
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
The effects of mindfulness on emotion regulation in individuals with bipolar disorder
The relationship between cultural competence and healthcare disparities in marginalized communities
The impact of sleep on academic achievement and cognitive function in college students
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing rheumatoid arthritis
The effects of creative arts therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in cancer patients
The relationship between parenting styles and adolescent mental health outcomes
The impact of workplace incivility on employee well-being and turnover intentions
The effects of meditation on executive function and attention in aging adults
The relationship between personality and job performance in sales industries
The effects of animal-assisted therapy on reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in military veterans
The impact of multiculturalism on social cohesion and intergroup relations in diverse societies
The relationship between childhood trauma and adult physical health outcomes
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of breast cancer
The impact of flexible work arrangements on employee motivation and job performance
The relationship between social support and resilience in individuals with chronic illnesses
The effects of yoga on stress reduction and mental health in pregnant women
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing Parkinson’s disease
The impact of cultural intelligence on intercultural competence in international business
The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult financial well-being
The effects of mindfulness on emotion regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of osteoarthritis
The impact of organizational change on employee stress and job satisfaction
The relationship between personality and job performance in human resources industries
The effects of cognitive training on cognitive function and academic performance in aging adults
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy bone development in children and adolescents
The impact of supportive housing on mental health outcomes in individuals experiencing homelessness
The relationship between exercise and cognitive function in individuals with multiple sclerosis
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of liver disease
The impact of leadership styles on employee creativity and innovation in the workplace
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult financial decision-making
The effects of expressive writing on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing hypertension
The impact of diversity and inclusion training on employee attitudes and behaviors in the workplace
The relationship between personality and job satisfaction in hospitality industries.
The impact of environmental factors on child development and academic achievement
The relationship between cultural identity and mental health in immigrant populations
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes
The effects of music therapy on pain management in patients with chronic pain
The impact of organizational justice on employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment
The relationship between childhood obesity and adult health outcomes
The effects of early childhood education on academic achievement and social skills in low-income communities
The role of nutrition in preventing and managing autoimmune skin diseases
The impact of work-life balance on employee well-being and job performance
The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult substance use disorders
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on anxiety and phobia treatment outcomes
The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions for substance use disorders
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease
The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illnesses
The relationship between personality and job performance in customer service fields
The effects of art therapy on emotional regulation in individuals with personality disorders
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of depression in older adults
The impact of workplace bullying on employee well-being and organizational outcomes
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult mental health outcomes in marginalized communities
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder
The effects of mindfulness on pain management in individuals with fibromyalgia
The role of physical activity in preventing and managing osteoporosis
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing suicide risk in adolescents
The effects of cognitive training on cognitive function and academic performance in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy skin and preventing skin aging
The impact of work-family policies on employee work-life balance and job satisfaction
The relationship between childhood maltreatment and adult interpersonal relationships
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on treating posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans
The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for substance use disorders
The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses
The relationship between personality and job satisfaction in creative industries
The effects of dance/movement therapy on emotional regulation and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder
The role of nutrition in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer
The impact of inclusive leadership on employee diversity and inclusion attitudes in the workplace
The relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in college students
The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
The effects of mindfulness on sleep quality and quantity in individuals with insomnia
The impact of peer support on mental health outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia
The relationship between personality and job performance in healthcare fields
The role of nutrition in promoting healthy gut microbiota and preventing gastrointestinal diseases
The impact of flexible work arrangements on employee well-being and productivity
The relationship between childhood trauma and adult attachment styles

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

200+ Funny Research Topics

500+ Sports Research Topics

300+ American History Research Paper Topics

500+ Cyber Security Research Topics

500+ Environmental Research Topics

500+ Economics Research Topics

A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]

In school and college, you will be required to write research papers. Yes — papers in the plural. And that’s the first reason you may want to turn to Custom Writing and seek help with research projects.

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When assigned a paper, the very first undertaking is to choose from a list of research topics. This is a daunting, even intimidating task, one that many people would prefer to circumvent altogether.

The good thing is:

There are hundreds of exciting and fun research topics for high school or college students from which to choose. With a variety of options, you are likely to find some interesting things to research. When you have good ideas and help available, this task becomes less threatening and more engaging.

But first: Let’s verify you have a complete comprehension of what writing a research paper entails. After all, you can’t be creative with an idea if you don’t know how to write about it. Then, you’ll find numerous interesting research topics for your work.

🔝 Top 10 Research Topics

❓ What Is a Research Paper?

✍️ How to Find Topics to Write About

⭐ A List of Research Topics

💻 IT Topics
🏺 History Topics
🧠 Psychology Topics
🎓 Education Topics
📺 Cultural Topics
🗣️ Topics for an Argumentative Essays

🔬 Science Research Topics

💉 health topics for research papers.

👔 Business Research Topics
📚 Literature Topics
🗳️ Political Topics

😂 Fun Research Topics

👥 Sociology Research Papers

🎯 Specific Research Proposal Topics

👩‍⚕️ Nursing Research Papers
🎨 Art Topics
🎼 Music Topics
✍️ Creative Writing Topics
🎈 Other Topics

🔝 Top 10 Research Topics for 2024

Maintaining social bonds via music
Use of AI in robotics
Narcissistic personality disorder: genetic factors
Mental effects of remote work
Use of infrared detectors in alarm systems
Cosmological simulations and machine learning
Achieving climate-positive agriculture
Emerging infectious diseases: detection and prevention
Technology-enhanced education in the post-COVID era
Disability inclusion in the workplace

If you aren’t clear on what a research paper is, then you won’t get very far when writing one. A research paper is just as its name suggests — a form of academic writing that necessitates the independent investigation of a specified topic and reports the unique results of that investigation.

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Suny Empire State College provides a great and exhaustive explanation of what a research paper is.

In order to write a paper, you are required to formulate a research question. This is a question associated with your topic that acts as a guide during your research, enabling you to focus and provide unique arguments.

Before you can produce a research question, you have to choose from countless research topics available. Another useful thing to do would be checking out free sample research papers . With that in mind, let’s examine how you can discover some unique research paper topics.

✍️ How to Find Research Topics to Write About

The choice of a research paper topic can be influenced by a number of factors, including:

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The course for which the paper is assigned
Whether there is a topic assigned to you by the professor
Whether you are given a broad-spectrum subject area
How much freedom you are given to branch out and select a topic

Hopefully, you have been given some freedom of choice regarding academic paper topics. However, if you do have some choice in the matter, you might be speculating about how to narrow it down.

You are in luck!

There are a number of ways to effectively comb through the abundance of research paper topics and discover one that will work well for you. Here are some suggestions:

Ask your professor. Chances are your professor has some fabulous research paper ideas. You can also inquire with other university staff and graduate students for ideas. These people know your discipline well, which can work to your advantage.
Browse through scientific journals and research papers , but be sure to adhere to the most recent research possible. You will definitely find interesting ideas in published papers that would make great research paper topics.
Investigate other professional and government publications for research project ideas. Again, keep to the most recent publications within the last three to five years, if possible.
Browse through your library catalog to uncover the most interesting areas of study in your field.
Take notes everywhere you go! It doesn’t matter if you are in class listening to your professor, traveling, reading a magazine, or watching TV. Research paper ideas are absolutely everywhere! Write things down whenever you come across something unique and interesting, and you just might find a topic to pursue.

When it comes down to it, deciding on one of the many academic essay topics is the most substantial step of the process.

Once you have that narrowed down, you can focus your research and write a remarkable paper. Now, we want to give you some help. What follows is an extensive list of the most interesting research topics to get you started.

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Now that you have a good idea of how to search for college research paper topics, you are ready for some suggestions. You might like one of them right off the bat, or you might be inspired by a particular topic and write something related to it.

Want to know the best part?

By the time you are finished reading this academic topics list, you will feel much more equipped for writing your research paper. For even better result, have a brainstorming session with a research topic generator to introduce a bigger variety of options.

💻 IT Research Paper Topics

Perhaps some of the best college research topics these days are in the IT field. Explore one of these interesting ideas in your paper:

Has big data changed our lives for the better? Big data is a trendy study subject. Large IT companies use it for purposes such as advertising and logistics. However, it has also raised substantial privacy concerns over non-consensual data gathering. Are the benefits companies get by collecting your data worth them learning everything about you?
Neural networks are algorithms that can learn to solve problems. Both their name and method of learning are derived from how the human brain works. Can neural networks lead to the creation of a true AI? If so, how soon?
The current state of cryptography and how it may develop. The entire Internet’s security relies on a relatively small number of ciphers. If they were to be broken, the potential damage would be immeasurable. How likely is that to happen? What challenges are we likely to face in the future?
The pros and cons of transitioning to cloud technologies. Cloud services are very convenient for various purposes. They might not work as fast as physical devices, but they are portable, cheap, and very convenient. Should humanity switch entirely to cloud services?
What issues does automation raise, and how can they be solved? Robots don’t get tired and work very precisely. That’s why automation is great for business. Many manufacturing companies rely on robots heavily in their production. However, robots in the workplace mean fewer jobs for humans. When most blue-collar positions disappear, what will humanity do?
Should we keep using multi-factor authentication?
Are big tech companies monopolistic in their behaviors?
Is remote work the future of office jobs employment?
The pros and cons of software ownership vs. subscription models.
Explore the evolution of wireless communication standards and their implications.
Describe the Internet of things and its effects on security .
The issues of IPv4 and the adoption of IPv6.
How do computers manage to generate random numbers?
The infrastructure and contingencies of the World Wide Web .
Are computers entirely unbiased in their treatment of people?
Procedures to enhance IT security
New methodologies and challenges to IT management in health
Interrelation, patterns, and existing theories on behavior and IT
Common services center vs. community multimedia center: selecting the correct variety of IT service
Racial and gender issues in the IT domain
Innovative theories regarding computer imitation of a human being
The impact of digitization of medical records on the IT domain

🏺 Topics for your Research Project on History

Human history is full of exciting events, and despite what you might believe, not all of them have been explored. There are many incredible history research topics, such as:

The history of the Chinese Empire over the millennia. The Chinese Empire is rarely discussed in history classes as much as its Western counterparts. However, it existed for over two millennia, only falling in 1912. Many curious events happened in that time that merit discussion.
The Ottoman Empire and the Barbary slave trade. The word “barbarian” comes from the Barbary Coast in Africa. It was infamous for its pirates, who raided European vessels for loot and slaves. Only ending in the 19th century, this phenomenon can make for an interesting case study.
The rise and fall of Ancient Greek city-states. Ancient Greece is often viewed as mostly monolithic and united against threats. In fact, it was comprised of numerous city-states that fought as much as they cooperated. Research the region’s fascinating and nuanced history.
The effects of the printing press on the world . The printing press was invented in 1440 AD by Johannes Gutenberg. Before it, each copy of a book had to be written by hand. It limited the literature’s availability dramatically. What effects did mass production of books have on Europe and the world?
The fracturing of Christianity : causes and effects. Since its inception, Christianity has gone through multiple schisms. Some of them were remarkably violent. As a result, there are now three main Christian churches and a multitude of lesser ones. Explore what caused believers to split apart into Orthodox Christians, Catholics, and Protestants.
The underlying causes of the World War I.
Provide a detailed history of the Hundred Years’ War and its results.
Holy Roman Empire : from successor to the Romans to a Nazi symbol.
Liberalism in national politics: emergence and evolution.
The history of the world as a series of conquests.
Were the Crusades motivated purely by religious devotion?
Why did Texas secede from Mexico to the United States?
Apartheid in South Africa and its heritage.
Centers of scientific activity throughout history.
How did China’s geography influence its history?
Palestine and the Golan Heights
Premises, progression, and consequences of the cold war
The most remarkable revolutions in history
Has Slavery transformed the development of the western world?
Could damage from the bubonic plague have been diminished?
Strange medieval family laws and their influence on society
Life in London in the 15th century
Religious cults in ancient societies

🧠 Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology has to offer plenty of interesting ideas for you to research. Just look through the discoveries made over the past decades, and you can understand that the human mind holds as many mysteries as the deep ocean.

It is why we would like to suggest a list of great experimental research topics in psychology. The science of human behavior is even more exciting when you can try your theories on practice.

If you still can’t decide on the topic for your research paper or thesis, just look through this collection of compelling proposals to give yourself an inspirational boost.

What is the correlation between personality and taste in literature? It’s obvious that people with similar interests get in groups. Does it mean that they have similar personalities, though?
Conformity in college and high school: a scientific approach. Check how your course mates tend to agree with others and don’t forget to write it down!
Do men and women have different short-term memory mechanisms? It’s quite easy to conduct an experiment, but be careful approaching it in terms of gender issues.
Optical illusions from the perspective of people with creativity skills. What if people who tend to be artistic and creative can see something in the common optical illusions that others can’t?
The gut feeling: how do you feel when others stare at you? Some studies showed that you are more likely to wake up in the night because someone is staring at you. It’s creepy, though…
Tricking the taste buds: how does smell affect the taste? How much can the smell of an onion confuse your sense of taste while you are eating an apple?
What is the Stroop Effect, and how does age influence it? Check whether the age of the participants influences their ability to name the colors.
Does having a symmetrical face make us seem more attractive? It is very rare that someone has perfectly identical left and right sides of the face. But how noticeable is it?
Analyze the capacity of the short-term memory of your peers. The easiest way is to measure it by memorizing words and comparing the numbers later.
Do people eat more popcorn when watching movies of a specific genre? Chewing something is almost a must-do in the cinema. But what type of movies triggers this behavior more than others?
What signs of social media addiction are noticeable in public? Spend some time in the local coffee shop, watching people on their phones, and note any signs of addiction they show.
The psychological effects of having breakfast: learning performance. Check if your course mates who have breakfast are more successful in learning than those who don’t.
Music vs. body: how does your body respond? Measure different biomarkers while listening to different types of music. Maybe you’ll find perfect motivational beats!
What color should your room be to improve your learning outcome? Blue is more calming than red, which is often used in sports halls. But what about boosting your learning abilities?
Favorite color as a result of childhood attraction. Try to trace the childhood memories of your friends. Maybe their favorite color is pink because they had pink walls in their room.
Biomarkers and colors: what is the correlation? Check how seeing different colors can stimulate specific responses from the body, for example, in heart rate.
Colors and mood: can the color of your bedsheets make your day? The first thing you see in the morning is quite important. How would a specific color affect your mood?
What is the correlation between stress levels and procrastination? There is a relation for sure, but does procrastination cause stress or the other way around?
How much can we trust the long-term memory ? Ask people to tell you about some random event from their past. Then, ask them to do the same later. Do the stories match?
Negative influences of sleep deprivation on social behavior. Track some students’ behavior when they don’t get enough sleep and see how it affects their relationship with others.
The origin of phobias and fears : engaging the monster within
Dreams : are they messages from within?
Mechanisms of thinking: it’s all in your head
Factors that influence behavior and character
Mechanisms of aggravating habits
The function of short- and long-term memory

Differences between long term short term and working memory.

Why people yearn for their past
What entices people to amass the most preposterous things?
Is autism a disease or a natural variation of the norm ?
The impact and outcomes of social networks and mental health
How memory works: recalling the essential
How depression impacts the immune system

American psychiatric association Definition of depression.

A phenomenon-oriented approach to the study of depression
How to manage post-traumatic stress disorder in children
Depression as a cause of celiac disease
Fighting depression with techniques to relieve anxiety
The consequences of depression and relationship problems
Eating behaviors in different cultures
How behavioral patterns develop
How to forecast and shape behavioral patterns
Differences and similarities in the behavioral patterns of diverse cultures
Is there a genetic link to optimism that can shape behaviors and attitudes?
The causes and consequences of insomnia
How to combat child violence

Violence in the lives of children report.

How defense mechanisms and behavioral patterns work
How bilingualism works: the secret of processing mechanisms
How fear-related beliefs fit into the cognition process
Following the cognitive process involved in anxiety disorders
How to fight emotional distress
Unusual mental health cases and cognition deviations
Applying psychological approaches to ethical reality
How motivation plays a role in human development
The shared elements of self-affiliation and self-determination
An examination of the causes and results of drug and alcohol abuse
New ideas regarding the peculiarities of rational and social development
How practicing a healthy lifestyle cures disease and promotes wellness
Conflict solution in parent-child relationships
Evaluating the challenges of preterm development in children
How to battle cognitive deficit in Parkinson’s disease
Is attention deficit disorder a neuropsychological problem?
Examining the process of making decisions and taking risks
The impact of music genres on how the brain works
How to fight childhood disorders
Shattering long-standing myths about ADHD
Intellectually gifted people: how is it possible?

🎓 Research Paper Topics on Education

Research project ideas around education are always changing. This has resulted in a wide range of research topics, such as:

Computers in classrooms: useful tool or obstacle to equality ? Computers have proved to be capable of improving many aspects of our lives. For instance, they allow children to interact with content instead of just consuming it. However, computers further the disparities between those who can and cannot afford one. Explore these factors in your research paper.
A review of potential methods for solving America’s education crisis. The US invests a substantial portion of its budget into education. However, the system’s equality is average at best. You can study proposals on how we may change its design for the better. Choose the most promising ones, or suggest one of your own.
Individualized vs. group learning : which is better suited for current reality? Every child’s learning should be tailored to their specific situation. Unfortunately, there are far more children than teachers. Answer these questions: is group learning the only available option despite its drawbacks? Can we reduce its shortcomings by blending the models?
Are standardized tests helpful or damaging to children’s education ? Standardized tests are convenient from a bureaucratic standpoint. They convert children’s learning into numbers that are easy to work with. But the practice is often criticized for prioritizing memorization over understanding. Should standardized tests be abandoned?
How should the education system approach children with special needs ? Special needs children have experienced a broad range of treatment throughout history. What are the current ideas on how to teach them? What are their special needs in an educational context, and how can schools satisfy them?
Are the world’s best education systems based on similar foundations?
How can schools help children maintain their mental health ?
What does equality of opportunity mean in the context of the school?
Review how the essential qualities of a teacher evolved since 2000.
Should every school student aim for higher education ?
What traits define an excellent teacher, and can they be cultivated?
Is homeschooling a viable alternative to public schools ?
The school choice debate in the US: arguments for and against.
Authoritative sources: what qualities make information available on the Internet valid?
Is cheating on tests an expression of an educational failure?
Where theory encounters reality in gender issues
Test anxiety with regard to contemporary methods of teaching
The effects of contemporary teaching methods
The mental process behind human learning
The interpretation of IQ test results
Should children be rebuked when they misbehave?
How to prevent bullying and harassment in schools

It is estimated that 160 000 children miss school every day due to fear of attack or intimidation by other students.

The creation of particular learning methods for blind children
Positives and negatives of contemporary methods of teaching and state-of-the-art innovations
The function of technology in lesson planning
Is there a one-size-fits-all strategy for education?

📺 Cultural Research Topics for Papers

Perhaps there is nothing more complex than human culture and how people have interacted with each other throughout history. For this reason, these cultural topics might be of interest to you:

Harlem Renaissance: how a single neighborhood created modern African American culture . In the 1920s, numerous African Americans moved to the Harlem neighborhood of New York. Influenced by the ideas of thinkers such as W. E. B. Du Bois , they built the foundations of Black culture and art. How did this happen?
Is third-wave feminism still a movement for equality ? First-wave feminism gave women equal rights with men. Then the second wave started the fight with discrimination. However, third-wave feminism claims that the second wave failed, especially with regards to matters such as race and ethnicity. Are its claims valid, and what does it work to achieve?
Is the Western way of thinking the only correct one? Non-Western civilizations lay claim to different schools of thought that emphasize different viewpoints. Should Westerners adopt aspects of non-Western philosophical thought?
Are the factors that informed the Constitution still relevant? The Constitution was created in a different time than now. Some of its provisions, notably the Second Amendment , have been challenged repeatedly in recent years. Explore if the ideas of the Founding Fathers still apply today.
Should the postmodern school of art be considered art? Postmodern art is challenging to define in plain terms. Many people are confused when a seemingly random series of brush strokes sells for millions of dollars. Think of how such artworks fit into the history of art movements.
The impact of advertisements and commercials on how people comprehend the world
The implicit messages of mass media : what you see is what you get
How the most remarkable cultural achievements of the 20 th century influenced contemporary art
The repetition of cultural tendencies: the Greeks did it first
Social roles adults endorse to children via toys
Social models mass media bestows on teenagers and adults
Eating habits in dissimilar cultures
The origin of racial discrimination
The segmentation and integration of humans
The impact of AIDS on mankind
A new comprehension of past events
Unearthing a common language: divorce prevention and family therapy
Painting a portrait of the average American family
The roots of antisemitism and how it manifests today
A case against cruelty to living beings
An examination of the current job market and unemployment

🗣️ Argumentative Essay Topics

It is easy to find unique argumentative research paper topics. After all, we live in a crazy world in which all kinds of interesting things happen. Here are some suggestions:

Is the Electoral College a better system than the popular vote? The United States uses the unique Electoral College system for its presidential elections. Over the centuries, calls have been made to change it to the popular vote approach. So far, these attempts have been fruitless. In this debate, whose position has more merit?
Should the continued expansion of the government be reversed? Starting small, governments around the world took on more and more functions. As a result, they now guarantee the operation of many services. They also collect massive taxes and demonstrate bureaucratic inefficiencies. Is there a valid argument for privatizing most public services?
Should the US continue acting as the world’s peacekeeper? The US’s military is present in many areas around the world. Usually, they take the form of military bases and peacekeeping forces. However, its efforts often fail, with Iraq as a recent example . Should the nation continue spending its resources abroad?
Does the public or private healthcare produce better results for the cost? The US’s healthcare system is often criticized for its massive costs and underwhelming quality. There have been calls to both make it more private and more public. Which of the two approaches ensures a more affordable, efficient system?
Is teenage gender transition ethical? Recently, medical professionals in the US have started transitioning teenagers with gender dysphoria . Yet, some of them de-transition later. Should the practice continue regardless?
Political commitment and television
Should marijuana be legalized?
Can people of different races ever understand each other
Abusive relationships : where to draw the line on what relationships should Be allowed to exist
Are there realistic limitations on abortion ?
The many guises of violence in society
The impact of women on world history

Are social interactions possible without lies?
Dealing with overpopulation: can it be accomplished ethically ?
Torture : is it ever acceptable?
The ethics of using animals in research
Human dependence on computers : beneficial or harmful
Post-9/11 security measures : an invasion of privacy or good sense

Science is always bursting with new and exciting topics as we delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe and technology. Here are a few topic suggestions:

The potential of space resources and the technologies for extracting them. Space contains a vast quantity of resources, many of which are rare or expensive on Earth. Plans to use them have been arising for a long time. Can we implement any of them in the near future, and do they justify the costs?
Recent promising developments in cancer treatment and their validity. Cancer is a significant concern for humanity largely because it cannot be treated without harming the body. However, ideas such as targeted medications and imitations of whale biology have promised an end to this problem. Research them and assess their validity.
Large-scale recycling methods and their effectiveness in reducing waste . Most of the resources humanity uses are still on the planet in the form of waste. Some, such as fossil fuels, cannot be recovered, while metals and many others can. Is it possible to address resource scarcity through large-scale recycling? Is it economically viable?
Advantages and disadvantages of proposed thorium nuclear reactor designs. Thorium has been touted as the solution to the problems of uranium-based atomic reactors. It’s not as dangerous and produces less waste. Is it indeed superior, or should its issues prevent its use?
Potential benefits and issues of genetic modification . Genetic modification is broadly used but also criticized by many. It has its benefits, but critics argue that overreliance may lead to unexplored side effects. Are there reasons to believe these claims?
What cloning has in store for humanity : altering the personality
How nanotechnology will impact modern science
Will uranium isotopes precipitate the next scientific revolution?
How psychoactive drugs influence the central nervous system
Deafness and using echolocation
The role of erythropoietin and calcitriol in the human body
The process of feeling pain: treatment and pain relievers of the future
Is nuclear energy too hazardous to use?
Nuclear weapons : a responsibility for which no country is prepared
People’s impact on climate change : the cost of a technological breakthrough
Key issues and potential solutions for toxic waste disposal
Are the effects of global warming reversible ?
The future of NASA
Endangered species : causes and concerns
Black mold: the bathroom invasion

Just like science, health care is always changing, particularly as technology advances. With new discoveries in disease research and new technology being developed every day, the following topics are great examples of what you can write about in your paper:

Race and ethnicity-based differences in normal health indicators . People of different races and ethnicities tend to have varying normal health indicators. For example, African Americans tend to have a higher blood pressure than average. What causes such differences? Why do medical workers need to understand them?
The effects of the Affordable Care Act on American healthcare. The Affordable Care Act, colloquially known as Obamacare , was introduced to improve health insurance’s affordability for disadvantaged people. However, the costs of insurance have grown since through premiums. Did Obamacare cause this increase, or did it happen independently?
Strategies for prevention of obesity and associated heart disease risks. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Obesity, which is also prevalent in the nation, is associated with the condition. How can the healthcare system reduce the rates of obesity and associated heart disease?
For- or non-profit hospitals: which offer superior treatment? Both for- and non-profit hospitals are private entities. The former operate as businesses, while the latter only seek to cover their costs. Is the former’s drive to compete and lower prices preferable to the latter’s not charging a profit margin?
Mental health in the United States: issues and proposed solutions. Mental healthcare is a complicated topic. Many conditions are difficult to diagnose, and some are associated with stigma . Conflicts of interest often arise among psychiatrists, incentivizing them to diagnose fake conditions. How can mental health be improved in the US?
Should medicine be more focused on the prevention of illnesses or their treatment?
Is it possible to eliminate a disease forever?
The development of prosthetics: current technologies and promising ideas
Barriers to the adoption of electronic health systems and how to overcome them.
Sedentary behavior and sports: what are the health outcomes ?
Psychological treatment for adolescents: how to address their needs.
Caring for seniors: current problems and potential solutions.
US nursing shortage : causes and potential effects on the nation’s health.
The effects of circumcision on the health of newborn infants.
Analyze the experiences of children with autism in school and at home.
Should image scan radiation be reduced to a minimum level?
Health care and insurance: concerns and problems
The most likely outcomes of recent health care reform
Old theories and new methods of sports injury rehabilitation
A look at celebrities who have battled cancer
A comparison of conventional and alternative cancer treatments
How clean needle programs benefit society
The need for education on nutrition in school
The impact of diet on health

👔 Business Research Paper Topics to Write About

Business is a broad field, so there are plenty of topics you can write about, such as:

Best contemporary practice in green supply chain management for businesses. Green supply chain management aims to overturn the stereotype of polluting factories. Companies that adopt it seek to generate as little waste as possible and require their suppliers to do the same. What policies do researchers currently recommend for this purpose?
Corporate social responsibility : theoretical framework and practical implementations. Corporate social responsibility is an approach where a company seeks to give back to the community where it works. It’s a popular concept, often discussed in business schools. But how does it translate into practice?
The effects of different office arrangements on the productivity of employees . Offices have evolved substantially over the 20th century. Cubicles replaced isolated rooms, and today open offices are popular. Is there a meaningful difference between these different arrangements? Are the changes improvements or lateral movements?
Remote work and its effects on the operations of businesses. Remote work is more popular than ever. It seems convenient for workers, but some companies worry that they will stop being productive without oversight. Are their concerns reasonable?
A cross-cultural comparison of leadership styles . In the West, a number of leadership style theories have crystallized that are considered best. However, other regions use distinct approaches that work for them. They’re also not rushing to change to the Western model. Do Western styles work best everywhere, or are they limited to the appropriate mindset?
Social media marketing strategies and the determinants of success.
Compare the functions of administration and management.
Prevention of organizational misconduct: barriers and strategies.
Review the latest developments in performance management theory and practice.
What is the future of e-commerce business environments ?
Innovation in the workplace: current thought and generation methods.
How does outsourcing influence business performance?
Describe the effects of kaizen and total quality management on performance.
Discuss economic viability in corporations that operate at a loss.
Overtime work, employee well-being , and company performance.
Deliberating in the secrets of effective leadership
How time management influences the prosperity of a company
How to resolve a conflict between staff and management
The function of diversity in the workplace of the 21 st century
Management by walking around: effective or fruitless?
Should businesses be regulated: pros and cons
Social media and word-of-mouth in the digital age
How the digital age has transformed small businesses
How mobile technology is altering the workplace
The future of the franchise
How the millennial employee is transforming the workplace

📚 Literature Research Paper Topics

Sometimes, there is no surrogate for a great paper on literature, and with the changing world, there are always innovative ways to observe literature, even the classics. Here are a few topic suggestions:

The depiction of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby . Jay Gatsby first appears as an example of the American Dream. Starting poor, he becomes wealthy and popular in the city. However, he does not achieve his desires and stays unhappy. You can research how the novel criticizes the concept while also reinforcing its idea.
The evolution of Japanese literature in the Meiji Era. The Meiji Era began after the end of Japanese isolationism. Due to encountering new cultures, its art evolved rapidly. Writers such as Akutagawa Ryunosuke and Dazai Osamu created unique works. From what context did they emerge?
The traits of 20th century dystopian works . The worlds of Aldous Huxley, Ray Bradbury, George Orwell , and others are bleak. However, they are all substantially different. Can you distinguish unifying themes in the stories that these writers tell?
How does literature reflect contemporary social issues? Writers often try to draw attention to problems of their time. Dickens wrote about the exploitation of the poor, and Langston Hughes discussed racial discrimination. Can this trend be traced across most literature?
Classic vs. modern poetry. Classical poetry follows a variety of rules, such as rhymes and stanza organization. Contemporary poets often reject these constraints and create works that are closer to prose in form. What caused this change?
Study the Four Great Works of Chinese Literature as cultural reflections.
Examine the influence of romantic tendencies on Walther Scott’s works.
What issues are raised in contemporary African literature?
Analyze Milton’s interpretation of Biblical myth in Paradise Lost .
What characterizes the depiction of war in Heller’s Catch-22 ?
Discuss real and fake loyalty in King Lear .
How was grotesque used in 19th century American Gothic fiction?
The Old Man and the Sea : Hemingway’s depiction of the unconquerable spirit.
How were gender issues depicted in 19th and 20th-century feminist literature?
Compare the themes of The Iliad and The Odyssey.
The innovative era: poets of the 21 st century
A dissection of the most illustrious novels in history
The hunger games: over and above pulp fiction
The future of copyright
An examination of racism in novels from the 1960s and 1970s
The perception of exile in literature
Culture and literature: which affects which?
An examination of homosexuality in literature

🗳️ Political Research Topics

The world of politics is ever-changing. Understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate our lives is challenging. That’s why a research paper is a great way to clarify the matter. Whether you’re interested in global or local affairs, this section has got you covered.

What is the origin and purpose of powers separation in government ? Most modern governments are separated into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. Thus they limit each other to avoid government overreach. How was this system founded, and how does it work?
The structure of the legislation approval process in the US. Every bill has to be approved by the Congress , the Senate, and the President. What factors can hinder the process?
A comparison between the two-party system and multi-party nations. The US is often critiqued for its two-party system by nations that have numerous parties. With that said, a common counterargument is that American parties made of people with diverse views. How do the political climates of the US and multi-party democracies differ in practice?
The purpose and effectiveness of term limits for government positions. Some government positions, such as that of the President, are limited to a specific number of years. At the same time, jobs in the Congress and Senate are not. Discuss the purpose of term limits and say if they’re effective.
Pros and cons of globalism as a political philosophy. The concept of globalism requires worldwide bodies that supersede governments. It looks past nations and ignores their interest in favor of global benefits. Is this approach valid, or are there problems with it?
How does the European Union membership affect its countries?
Review the evolution of China’s political system in the 20th-21st centuries.
The threat of terrorism in a world without ISIS.
Discuss the issue of mass incarceration in the United States.
What were the causes of the Soviet Union’s collapse ?
Write about violations of human rights worldwide and their causes.
Examine the critiques of capitalism .
What are the political aims of the Black Lives Matter movement ?
Review the methods for effectively combating governmental corruption .
The issues of democracy and how to overcome them.
The American policy of intervention
The future of the European union
Causes of world hunger
Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction
The Justice system and juvenile criminals
Afghanistan—success or stalemate ?
Was media coverage of SARS adequate
The new world war: fighting terrorism
Same-sex marriage: are laws keeping up with changing attitudes?
BREXIT: good or bad?

Who says you can’t combine academia and entertainment? Great conclusions can come from fun research. The most important thing is to ask the right questions. Check out the following prompts and get inspired:

Parallel universes, their origins, and potential organizations. Numerous authors have imagined parallel universes. Even some quantum physics theories assert their existence. Are parallel universes slightly different versions of our world, or are they entirely distinct?
The theories and paradoxes of various time travel mechanisms. Time travel is a popular science fiction trope. It’s also associated with multiple contradictions, such as the grandfather paradox . How do science fiction authors try to overcome these problems?
The attempts to create the theory of everything. Physicists are trying to develop an approach that would explain everything in the universe. It doesn’t exist yet, as general relativity and quantum physics often contradict each other.
What are the possibilities and problems of interstellar travel? Without a method to travel much faster than light, expansion beyond the Solar System is impossible. If it becomes feasible, what possibilities can it offer?
The history of the moon landing conspiracy theory. The moon landing conspiracy theory asserts that the Apollo 11 mission didn’t occur, and the evidence was filmed on Earth. It tries to find various flaws in this evidence and use them to prove its illegitimacy. How did it emerge, and does it still exist?
Are people who claim to have extrasensory perception frauds?
Research stories of the supernatural based on facts.
What is the origin of the modern Santa Claus?
If an afterlife exists, what form does it take?
Does meditation have benefits for physical and mental health?
Did Nostradamus’s prophecies come to pass?
Why do some people believe the Earth is flat ?
Does Murphy’s Law always work?
Examine 19th-century occultism and its prominent leaders.
Alchemy and the quest for the Philosopher’s Stone.
How people are affected by the death of a game character
Challenges faced by people creating their own cartoon
Beloved comic strip characters and their influence on society
An examination of UFOs: fact or fiction
What if aliens do exist: the impact on humanity
Is there a differentiation between déjà vu and precognition?
The existence of spirits and how to communicate with them
Theories regarding the Bermuda triangle
Investigating alternative cosmology theories
Does fortune telling have a scientific basis?
Law of attraction: fact or fiction?
Men and women’s brain: what’s the difference?

👥 Sociology Research Paper Topics

As an additional interest for studies, a sociology research paper can be written with the purpose of learning this or that aspect of society’s life. You may use personal experience or continue the research started by other authors. Interesting research projects in this area can be based on the following topics:

Problems of the marriage and family: a divorce research paper . This article can study the relationship in different families and problems that can arise.
Observance of public behavior standards as the feature of the civilized society. You can describe modern social ideals.
Comparison of sociological laws in different historical epochs. In your paper, study the attitudes towards various social phenomena.
The influence of personality on public development and progress. You can describe the power of the personality and what one person can do to contribute to social development.
Opportunities for searching optimal criteria for the personality socialization . Such a paper aims at revealing the ways of how people can uncover their potential.
The society’s attitude to global problems : a global warming research paper and the impact of this phenomenon on people’s way of life. Describe this well-known ecological problem in your paper.
Cultural formation of the personality in the context of modern public reality. This type of work can be connected with describing the ways of people’s cultural development.
Attempts to socialize adolescents and people with deviant behavior . A research paper on this relevant topic should describe how people who are prone to criminal behavior can correct their way of life.
Ways of improving the microclimate in the work collective and creating conditions for comfortable work. The theme aims at finding optimal techniques to improve relationships among employees.
Equality problems in society. A paper on this topic should uncover modern problems connected with inequality and various forms of racism.
Explore the causes of poverty in disadvantaged communities around the US.
Review the health and education outcomes of children raised in single-parent families .
What are the effects of social media on users’ mental health?
Look into the presence of gender stereotypes in popular culture.
What are the effects of mass immigration on communities and nations?
Study the effects of lockdown-related social isolation on mental health.
Is the Internet an adequate replacement for face-to-face communication ?
Research the causes of bullying and potential strategies for its prevention.
What’s the status of LGBT communities in nations around the world?
The effects of juvenile convictions on one’s life prospects.
Write about the American population’s views on the dangers of pollution .
Explore the stigma and social acceptance issues associated with transgender status.
How does cyberbullying affect one’s health ?
Review the Internet’s influence on education .
Assess the rationale of policies that restrict citizen reproduction.
Research your community’s views on the concept of privacy .
Health and education outcomes of children raised in same-sex families.
Explore intergenerational differences in views on social topics.
How do views on freedom of speech vary among people of different social categories?
Make a case study on the prevalence of workplace gender discrimination in your community.

It is essential to remember that a good research paper on the subject of sociology will be appreciated by readers if you study a specific social phenomenon in detail, carry out statistical analysis, and perform a number of important procedures. The purpose of a research paper in this field is to cover current public issues, reveal important aspects of various problems, and, if possible, offer optimal solutions. This science requires concrete and well-grounded answers. Any deviations and ambiguous arguments can be regarded as an author’s incompetent attempt to investigate a complex topic.

With all of these topics at your disposal, you might still be feeling a little overwhelmed. However, they are divided into categories to make choosing one easier. It might also be helpful to look at some great research paper samples .

Composing a research proposal can sometimes be a part of a big study. If you not only want to describe a specific problem or to convey an idea to your readers, but also expect to promote your personal theory and receive the approval of a respected scientific community, it’s necessary to choose a topic which allows you to present your own ideas. Different types of writing can be included in this category: an analytical research paper, work on identifying the best ways and techniques for a particular topic, etc. The preparation of research proposal articles has some nuances, and the following topics can be studied:

The way to conduct optimal trade relationships. Review appropriate techniques and offer specific methods to improve the situation in a particular company.
The advantages of electronic management systems. This theme will be connected with describing the merits of modern ways of managing specific spheres of production.
Useful innovations in modern life . Research paper subjects can be different: medicine, sociology, business, etc.
The best management techniques: methods of control . A paper on this topic should describe the behavioral features of successful managers.
The implementation of nursing theories in practice. The research paper proposal should have an appropriate scientific basis and describe corresponding medical issues.
Best practice in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis .
What challenges are associated with the nationwide adoption of the DNP standard?
Research current developments in palliative care for senior patients.
Are there differences in leadership and management styles between genders?
Assess the effects of tutoring on the educational attainment of school children.
Compare the preferred management styles in different cultures.
How do different states’ populations view the legalization of marijuana ?
Write about the underlying causes of Ancient Rome’s fall.
Challenges in the adoption of electronic health records in medical facilities.
What are the potential vulnerabilities of the AES-256 encryption standard?
Research the link between loyalty to a company and career growth .
How did Dante’s Inferno influence Christian depictions of Hell?
A case study of Singaporean government and its economic policies.
Review the financial environment and economic growth of Hong Kong .
Causes and implications of the human waste issues in San Francisco.
Assess the prevalence of smoking in the United States.
Study the beneficial effects of early childhood musical education on later development.
The philosophical and political underpinnings of the French Revolution .
What are the effects of successful social media marketing campaigns on videogame sales?
How did Confucian writings influence Chinese political thought?

The video below provides detailed instructions on how to write a research proposal. It is crucial to follow these rules so that the article to be up-to-date and properly formatted. Any attempts to bring something new are generally welcome; however, it is important not to forget about established rules.

👩‍⚕️ Nursing Research Paper Topics

A nursing research paper is an academic article that has specific format requirements. Citation rules in particular are very important, for example, an APA research paper format . In order to write a perfect paper and conduct high-quality research, follow the formatting rules and use any of these topics:

Nursing techniques to care for patients in intensive care units. The summary of your research paper can include a description of the best practical methods.
How do you implement nursing theories ? Your paper can consist of the enumeration of specific nursing theories and the ways of their implementation in practice.
Patients’ education and useful materials. The theme aims at discovering the best educational materials that would be suitable for patients.
Ideas on how to achieve a better quality of nursing care . You can offer various interpretations of this topic in your research paper.
Experienced researchers’ opinions on improving the state of nursing in hospitals. Use the ideas of different authors and don’t forget to follow the citation rules.

Patient-oriented type of care and its advantages. This scientific research essay can reveal the merits of a specific nursing approach.
Potential risks for nurses in the workplace. Both a junior research paper and a senior research paper of this theme should competently describe all possible dangers that medical employees can face.
Care for people of different social backgrounds. If this research paper is written in English, it should uncover the ways how to care for people speaking other languages and having different cultural and social levels of development.
Do nurses need additional stimuli to improve their qualifications? You can write many interesting research papers on this topic, and all of them can include lists of possible bonuses and incentives for nurses.
The necessity for nurses’ additional education. A paper on this topic can describe subjects suitable for nursing education.
How do you promote healthy eating practices in disadvantaged communities through educational programs?
Research ways of providing preventative care for veterans affected by PTSD .
Review the strategies of organizing nurse shifts to maximize the quality of care in understaffed conditions.
Study cases of patient violence toward nurses in the intensive care unit.
Preventing pressure ulcers in immobile patients.
Ways of implementing quality improvement in nursing units .
What cultural competencies and challenges are typically encountered in nursing care?
Review the methods for controlling delirium in the intensive care unit .
Propose adjustments in sexual education to spread awareness of STD risks in same-sex relationships.
Suggest interventions to prevent falls in patients staying at home.
What are the issues of advanced practice nursing in different countries?
Strategies for remaining productive under pressure as a nurse.
Research alternatives to prescribing patients with infections antibiotics that bypass resistance.
How to design effective interventions for child obesity rates reduction.
Explore using exercise to maintain the physical well-being of hospital patients.
What interventions can reduce alcoholism rates in your community?
Analyze the implementation of evidence-based practice in nursing facilities.
Ethical standards and issues that arise in the nursing profession.
Review the methods of providing holistic care to patients.
The dangers associated with telemedicine in medical-surgical nursing.

The compliance with the specific research project ideas will allow you to write a high-quality paper and will give you the opportunity to conduct research at a high level. Having completed the document, you can summarize and identify its crucial points. Following the rules of formatting is an integral part of working on any academic text.

🎨 Research Project Topics on Art

In the process of writing research articles, it is necessary to adhere to a certain topic. You can choose any theme you want. A research paper will be successful if you stick to your topic and provide a real search for optimal ways of solving a particular issue. There are a few suggestions that can be helpful in the process of writing. If we talk about such an interesting sphere as the world of art, themes can be as follows.

How is ideology reflected in architecture? Naturally, ideologies are largely represented in media, but they also influence architecture in many ways. You can study this topic at several points in time.
How does photography represent reality? In this paper, you can discuss if photography reflects reality, interprets it, or constructs it.
The significance of linear perspective . If you draw a linear perspective on a flat surface, you will create the illusion of depth. Discuss how this magic trick works in your paper!
Art and the unconscious mind. It’s an excellent topic that lets you explore psychology. Try to answer the questions of how the unconscious mind influences the creation and perception of art.
The evolution of horror movies . This film research paper topic covers everything from silent films to modern horror movies. You can discuss the influence of film noir on the genre, literary works that influenced it, the concept of “suspense,” and so on.
Physiological aesthetics in Surrealism. It is a known fact that Surrealists were inspired by psychoanalysis and dream imagery. You can explore this topic in a paper or use it for a presentation!
Deconstruction in architecture. The philosophical movement of deconstructivism influenced many spheres of life and art, including architecture. It allowed the creation of seemingly nonsensical forms and environments.
Sociology of fine art. This is a relatively new branch of sociology, which deals with arts and social structures of their production. It also includes political trends that influence art, consumerism, and other social phenomena.
Jewelry as sculpture. This topic lets you explore fantastic avant-garde jewelry and how contemporary artists such as Jeff Koons use it to create sculptures.
The discourse of Modernist painting in the 1950s. This topic covers experimental and abstract paintings of artists who rejected the realistic approach. Mention political agendas that influenced modernism in the ’50th.
Abstract Expressionism. Here you can discuss postwar artists such as Rothko and Pollock , as well as their predecessors Ernst and Kandinsky.
Andy Warhol’s influence on art. This art research paper topic covers not only pop art, but also films, music, aphorisms, the concept of “superstars,” and other aspects of Andy Warhol’s influence.
The art of street photography. Street photography is usually spontaneous, which helps to create realistic and powerful imagery. Write about the art of photographing urban landscapes and the most influential candid photographers.
The history of animation . Techniques preceding animation have existed long before the invention of cinematography. Puppetry, shadow play, magic lantern – all these things relate to animation in one way or another.
Are video games art? This idea seemed impossible in the past, but now many video games are considered art for their use of imagery, music, and compelling narrative.
Art as a form of protest. This includes protests against tradition or political causes. You may also talk about the role of art in bringing about a change in society.
Renaissance sculpture. This topic is just as interesting as the Renaissance painting. During that period, the art of sculpture had reached its peak. Sculptors of the Renaissance were influenced by Ancient Greek sculptures , as well as by Humanism.
Relationship between architecture and environment. Here you can discuss eco-friendly or “ green” architecture .
Modern ceramics as an art form. In the last decade, ceramics became a very popular art form. From prehistoric pottery to intricate porcelain forms – ceramics is a great medium that can often be compared to sculpture.
Science fiction in cinema. The earliest science fiction films were created back in the late 19th century by Georges Melies. In 1927, Fritz Lang’s silent film Metropolis revolutionized science fiction cinema. Explore it in your research paper!
The peculiarities of Da Vinci’s masterpieces. The paper will reflect the talent of the great European master and describe his Best Works.

5 most famous artworks by Leonardo Da Vinci.

The trends of art in Medieval Europe. The topic should uncover modern trends in the art of the Middle Ages and include the description of some styles; it can the article of any format, even a 10-page research paper. The main thing is to fully reveal all the distinctive features of that epoch.
The history of European Art in the 20th century . The research can be devoted to some trends in the previous century.
The most outstanding artists in the world’s history. The paper should tell about the most famous artists of all the epochs.
Why do people appreciate art? This article can include your own ideas concerning the subject.
How do artists reflect their talent today? Your task is to try to study the methods that modern artists use to attract the audience.
Skills that a professional artist should possess. The aim of this article is to study some skills that should be necessary for the work of the artist. Regardless of whether you write research papers for sale or not, you should try to express not only well-known ideas but also your personal point of view.
Is it possible to develop artistic talent? Try to express your ideas concerning the opportunity for mastering proper skills.
The benefits of cooperation with other artists. This topic touches upon probable advantages that artists can gain when cooperating with their colleagues.
Themes that are the best for the canvas. You can develop a number of research abstract topics on this theme and convey the best motives to paint that seem the most successful for you.
The absence of inspiration. The theme should reveal what authors should do to develop their inspiration.
Chronological order of art development in the world. It is a rather accurate paper that should mention the most significant stages of art development.
Do people appreciate the work of artists? You could try to study the audience’s attitude toward artists’ work.
The methods to attract young people to art. The topic is connected with a social issue and aims at popularizing art in masses.
Do artists need additional knowledge? This theme implies for describing the necessity of education among all the professions, including artists and other creative posts.

🎼 Music Research Topics

Every culture has its distinct music. For many people, music is an integral part of everyday life. Film and theater productions use it to steer our emotions. When writing about music, you can choose from an endless number of ideas to research. Here are some examples:

Music as a ritual. Back in prehistoric times, music was considered to be a powerful ritualistic practice. Some mythologies even include stories about gods introducing the art of music to humans.
Early polyphony in Christian Europe. The earliest choral music was mostly performed in a single melodic line. See how it changed when more melodic lines were added.
Indian ethnomusicology . This interesting music research topic is concerned with the peculiarities of Indian music culture. You can include the discussion of how Indian music influenced psychedelic rock in the ’60s.
Jazz performance and improvisation. The element of spontaneity is very important in jazz performance, and improvisation is its key component.
Medieval troubadours and their legacy. Troubadours were poets who sang their own music and played instruments. Their performances differed greatly from the traditional church music of that time.
Ecomusicology of North America. This research topic allows you to discover the ways in which American landscape and nature influenced music, including Native American music, folk music, and modern songwriters.
Baroque music . During the Baroque era, many important features of modern music were introduced. You can choose this topic if you like grandiose, dramatic, or playful classical music.
The classical period in music. This period followed the after the Baroque and was very different from it. You can recognize it by simple structures and minimalistic arrangements. Many of the world’s greatest composers, such as Mozart and Beethoven, lived during the Classical era.
Classical music of the 20th century. Over the course of the previous century, the music styles were changing like never before. Still, classical music survived, while also transforming itself in accordance with times.
Music therapy for children. In this exciting music research topic, you can discover how music is used to help children with developmental dyspraxia, autism, ADHD, and other disorders.
Music and sound in film. Discover for yourself the art of scoring – from improvised piano arrangements of early movies to modern stereo surround sound.
The history of Italian opera. The Italian language played a key role in the formation of classical singing techniques. This includes opera – an art form that unites music and singing with storytelling.
The 20th-century music industry. This topic is centered on various ways of recording and selling music. Vinyl records, wax cylinders, cassette tapes, and CDs – 20th-century technology allowed turning music into a business.
The birth of pop music. The history of popular music begins in the 1950s. The term refers to the songs appealing to a large audience, as opposed to classical or jazz music. You can discuss the elements of early pop music that made it so accessible.
The ideology and aesthetics of punk rock. Punk rock was enormously influential in the 1970th. Its philosophy of anti-conformity appealed to young people of post-war Britain and the USA.
The musicology of electronic music. This exciting topic covers the earliest repetitive devices such as Hammond organ, early experimentations with electronics, the first use of computers and synthesizers in songwriting, and more!
Sampling in electronic music: context and aesthetics. Sampling is a very interesting technique that allows using audio fragments in different contexts. It can be used for aesthetic or political reasons, or as a cultural commentary.
What is a sound sculpture? A combination of an art object and music, sound sculptures are exciting to research. You can use this topic for presentation and demonstrate sound sculptures in action!
Dadaism and music. Dadaist ideas of randomness and paradox influenced art as well as music. Discuss the noise compositions and avant-garde sonic experiments that influenced the latter half of the 20th century.
Robotic musical instruments. You may think that robots playing music is a relatively new idea, but in fact, they date back to ancient times.

✍️ Creative Writing Research Topics

There are more rules to creative writing than one might think. For example, narratives should be coherent, and world-building has to follow certain logic. Analyzing these peculiarities brings you one step closer to becoming a better writer.

The role of reality within the psychological thriller genre. Psychological thrillers often aim at distorting or questioning reality. Study the ways in which this idea manifests in different narratives.
Graphic novels and their peculiarities. In modern times comic books are no longer considered to be just for entertainment, and graphic novel format is used to produce award-winning narratives.
Writing about the past : historical research and archaeology. When your narrative takes place in the distant past, you need to do extensive research to represent the time period properly. One way to do it is to turn to archaeology.
What is the role of landscape in supernatural narratives? Supernatural narratives rely on the atmosphere to evoke the feeling of uncanny. The setting and landscape are especially important to the writes of the supernatural genre.
How to write engaging crime fiction? This topic includes the ways of building suspense, the use of “red herrings,” complex character development, and other tips.
Digital storytelling. Here you can explore how to present your narrative in interactive digital form. It can be a video game, a visual novel, or a walking simulator.
Writing about the future. When you write about the past, you already know the characteristics of an epoch. But how do you invent the attributes of the future? Discuss it in your paper!
The influence of the author’s personal life on their writing. People often want to learn more about their favorite writers in the hope to understand their work better. But is there really such a connection between one’s personal and creative lives?
The role of diaries in creative writing . Almost all writers keep diaries. Sometimes the diaries are published and used in research or literary analysis. But how do authors themselves use their diary entries?
Creative writing for children. This excellent creative writing research topic deals with the ways of teaching children how to create their own narratives. You can discuss why writing is beneficial for children and how you can encourage them to be creative.
The art of teaching poetry . Poetry is one of the most exciting art forms that never gets old. However, not everybody appreciates poetry right away. See how you can change it!
What is the role of nature in romantic literature? Romantic artists and writers took lots of inspiration from nature, using it as a metaphor for one’s life and feelings.
The role of authorial intent. Some readers think that it’s essential to know what the author wanted to say in their literary work. Others believe that it’s one’s personal interpretation that matters the most.
A persona in poetry. The lyrical subject is someone who narrates a poem. Some people see it as the manifestation of the author, and others as a fictitious character. And what do you think?
Degrees of realism in fiction . When writing a work of fiction, some writers use excessive descriptions, while others keep things relatively minimalistic. Discuss the positive and negative sides of these approaches.
Forms of structure in films and novels: a comparison. Here you can compare different forms of narrative structures used in cinema and literature, such as linear and non-linear narratives, the use of flashbacks, and so on.
How to write a comedy. Comics say that making people laugh is much harder than to make them cry. Discuss what makes a literary work funny, and how one can write effective comedy.
The recontextualization of Hamlet . Recontextualization is a process by which something (e.g., a character) is taken from one context and introduced into another context. You can explore this notion through different recontextualizations of Shakespeare’s character Hamlet.
Writing a dystopia . See what techniques you can use when writing a narrative set in a bleak society.
Monomyth in literature. This exciting topic deals with the concept of “hero’s journey,” which serves as a basis for nearly all myths as well as countless works of fiction.

🎈 Other Research Paper Topics

You still haven’t found what you were looking for? This section might have what you need! Here you’ll find all kinds of topics. From psychology over physics to sociology, we compiled the most engaging ideas for you.

American teenagers–can they be called new species?
William Shakespeare : was this man the author of famous plays and sonnets?
Do you have any ideas about the field circles?
Black magic. Does it exist?
Censorship and its role in forming a society
The phenomenon of the penny press in the USA
Symbolism in literature
Alcatraz and its famous fugitives
Major sources of stress
Government grants–how do they work?
Election falsification: is it commonly used, and what are its main techniques?
Genetic engineering and your point of view on it
Stem cell research
What is a black hole ?
Loch Ness monster and your attitude towards this mystery
Joan of Arc –did she manage to escape the fires of Inquisition?
Do some research on techniques of brainwashing
Who invented the radio ?
There is a belief that American astronauts didn’t step on the Moon. Did they?
American international policy
Unique people who changed the world
Genius ideas that made their inventors famous and wealthy
Is education a necessary factor to become successful in today’s world?
Differences between the high school systems in the USA and Japan
Schindler’s list : the importance of moral roles over wealth
Educational programs’ impact on professional careers
Why do college students from all over the world come to the USA to pursue further education?
Examples of crop circles: Fake or real?
Humanity’s technological achievements in 2020

John Brunner quote: “It’s supposed to be automatic, but actually you have to push this button”

The importance of outlines in books and articles
Web-designers seem to be using the same template in their works
Exciting inventions of humankind in the nearest future
Modern students do not know how to do their homework without access to the Internet
The original cover page of the Holy Bible
The development of the MLA style
The cradle of psychology
Controversial policies of the USA and the USSR
How abortion affects a woman’s organism
What did Homer write about his lifestyle?
Famous people in the world’s history that did not exist
Would people have become what they are today without science ?
Parts of the world that will always remain uninhabited
Philosophical questions that humanity cannot answer for centuries
Medical stereotypes around the world
Will global warming ruin America’s economic system?
The USA government should be thankful for the mass immigration
The majority of scientific works are useless
Things to research in the sphere of modern gadgets
Should sociology make people happier?
The lack of pure water sources on Earth
The environment’s effect on human health
Humanity’s steps towards eco-friendly products, cities, and vehicles
Sherlock Holmes’ analytical mind and deduction skills
Should parents teach their children how to make the world better for other people?
Is business the only way to become wealthy in Third World countries ?
Analysis of William Shakespeare’s literary language
Does a title tell everything about a book’s context?
The Great Wall: A legendary monument or China’s income source?
Should families report to the police that their relatives are guilty of something?
The first websites, available on the World Wide Web
New challenges to the society introduced by social media
If you created your government, what would you do for your citizens?
What career options are prevalent in modern societies?
Chemistry in people’s everyday life
Is there any person on Earth, whose life is considered to be easy?
Is bribery acceptable for criminal justice?
The most popular sports in Britain
The population biology of India
Basic nursing knowledge of everyday life
Renaissance literature in France
Think of a technology that would make our atmosphere cleaner
Development of different animals after forty days on Noah’s Ark.
What will the food be like in a hundred years?
Socialization of children with autism
The medieval art of Scandinavian people
Different ways to save Earth’s environment from pollution
Depression in adolescents: reasons and outcomes
The importance of computer science in today’s world
Coca-Cola marketing strategies

Express your opinion on people’s purpose in life on Earth
How do early childhood memories and experiences influence our lives?
The history of video games era
Regulation of bullying in schools by law
Drugs industry in California, New Mexico, and Texas
The most prevalent economic issues in Greece after joining the EU
China’s rapid growth: is it going to become the first country in the world?
Global dangers that influence our planet’s ecology
Significant changes in the American media since the 1970s
What makes medicine an interesting subject to study?
The main factors to consider while conducting qualitative research

There are so many resources out there that will help you choose a topic and write an outstanding paper. This video gives you a bunch of topics for research papers, which means you now have even more from which to choose!

There is no doubt that writing a research paper is a daunting task.

If you feel you need help, even if you have managed to choose a topic, you can always hire a custom writing service to help you produce a fabulous research paper of which you will be proud and will guarantee you a good mark.

Whether you choose to write it on your own or get some help, we wish you luck writing your paper!

🤔 Research Topics FAQ

There are literally thousands of topics to choose from. “Biomarkers and colors: what is the correlation?” is a great topic on psychology. Should businesses be regulated: pros and cons is an exciting business research topic. Finally, Art as a form of protest is an art research topic worth exploring.

The first option is to ask your professor. Then you can browse through scientific journals and take a look at your library catalog. The final option for those who search for a creative idea is to take notes everywhere. Write things down while traveling, watching TV, and reading.

The Big Bang theory, Dwarf galaxies, and Supernova Astronomy are just a few of numerous astronomy research topics. Genetically modified organisms, Neurobiology of sleep, and Rainforest conservation are exciting research biology research topics. Artificial intelligence, Computer modeling, and Voice recognition are trendy computer science topics.

There are numerous exciting topics in various education research areas. Some of them are: Ability grouping, Computer literacy, Early childhood education, Multiculturalism, Parental involvement, Sex education, Violence in schools, and Virtual classrooms.

🔗 References

APA Sample Paper
Painting Movements in the 20th Century Topic
The Discovery Themes Initiative at The Ohio State University
Quantitative Research in Education
Quantitative Research Works, Indiana University
Organizing Academic Research Papers: Choosing a Title
Research Topics, The University of Arizona
Research Topic Ideas, University of Michigan-Flint
National Archives—Research by Topic
Jet Propulsion Laboratory—Research Topics List
Global Health Research Topics
National Institute of Justice—Topics
National Institute of Standards and Technology—Topics
Research Topics at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research & Development
National Institutes of Health—A to Z Topics Index
Evaluating Print Sources
Working With Sources
Developing a Thesis
Psychiatry: Medscape
Information Technology: NIST
Topics: History.com
Research Programs: National Center for Education Research
Recent Computer and Education Articles: Elsevier
Basic Guide to Cross-Cultural Research: Yale University
Cultural Anthropology: Britannica
Top Physical and Tech News: Science Daily
Health Topics: National Institute of Mental Health
PhDs in Business & Management: Five Hot Research Topics: Top Universities
Research and Focus Areas in Business and Government: Victoria University of Wellington
Modern Literature: University of Portsmouth
Research Areas: Political Science: Florida University
Sociology Research Areas: Cornell University
Focus Areas: Nursing Research: Mayo Clinic
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University of Jamestown Library Guides banner

How to Start Your Research

Choose a Topic
Search Library Databases
Search the Library Catalog
Search Google
Stay Organized

Your Librarian

In This Section

In this section, you'll find advice on.

Choosing a topic
Doing some background reading
The difference between a topic, thesis, and research question

Start With What You Know

What are you curious about.

What do you still have questions about?
This might seem obvious, but your topic should interest you!

How can you contribute to the conversation?

Are there gaps in existing research?
Can you approach a topic from a new angle or perspective?

Picking a topic is research, too!

This video (3 minutes) describes the process of choosing and testing out a topic. See more tips below the video, too!

Do Some Background Reading

Reference sources are a great place to start when you're trying to choose or narrow a topic..

They'll help you learn the language of the topic you're interested in, and help you gather:

basic facts or established information on your topic
key concepts, terms, and people
related topics and, often, suggested resources for learning more

Try these general reference sources to get started, and check out our Research Guides for subject-specific reference works.

A reference source summarizes key facts, important figures, and major concepts of a topic and provides useful background information. Reference sources include dictionaries and encyclopedias and can be in print or online.

Topic vs. Thesis vs. Research Question

What's the difference between a topic, a thesis, and a research question.

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Last Updated: Dec 12, 2023 10:57 AM
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150 Research Paper Topics

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

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

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

How to Choose a Topic for a Research Paper

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

Health Topics

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

Science Topics

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

Psychology Topics

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

Ethics Topics

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

Social Media Topics

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

Legal Issues Topics

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

Technology Topics

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

Government Topics

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

Education Topics

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

Business Topics

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

Sports Topics

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

Entertainment Topics

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

Current Events Topics

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

History Topics

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

Physics and Astronomy Topics

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

Animals Topics

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

Medical Topics

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

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Jay Willis joined Mometrix as Vice President of Sales in 2009, and has developed several key strategic relationships that have enhanced the distribution of Mometrix products. With nearly 20 years of sales experience in the publishing industry, his dedication to providing the highest quality experience for customers, coupled with his sales and marketing expertise, has resulted in significant growth of the Institutional Sales division. Learn more View all posts by Jay Willis

How To Find A High-Quality Research Topic

6 steps to find & evaluate high-quality dissertation/thesis topics.

By: Caroline Osella (PhD, BA) and Derek Jansen (MBA) | July 2019

So, you’re finally nearing the end of your degree and it’s now time to find a suitable topic for your dissertation or thesis. Or perhaps you’re just starting out on your PhD research proposal and need to find a suitable area of research for your application proposal.

In this post, we’ll provide a straightforward 6-step process that you can follow to ensure you arrive at a high-quality research topic . Follow these steps and you will formulate a well-suited, well-defined core research question .

There’s a helpful clue already: your research ‘topic’ is best understood as a research question or a problem . Your aim is not to create an encyclopedia entry into your field, but rather to shed light on an acknowledged issue that’s being debated (or needs to be). Think research questions , not research topics (we’ll come back to this later).

Overview: How To Find & Choose A Research Topic

Get an understanding of the research process
Review previous dissertations from your university
Review the academic literature to start the ideation process
Identify your potential research questions (topics) and shortlist
Narrow down, then evaluate your research topic shortlist
Make the decision (and stick with it!)

Step 1: Understand the research process

It may sound horribly obvious, but it’s an extremely common mistake – students skip past the fundamentals straight to the ideation phase (and then pay dearly for it).

Start by looking at whatever handouts and instructions you’ve been given regarding what your university/department expects of a dissertation. For example, the course handbook, online information and verbal in-class instructions. I know it’s tempting to just dive into the ideation process, but it’s essential to start with the prescribed material first.

There are two important reasons for this:

First , you need to have a basic understanding of the research process , research methodologies , fieldwork options and analysis methods before you start the ideation process, or you will simply not be equipped to think about your own research adequately. If you don’t understand the basics of quantitative , qualitative and mixed methods BEFORE you start ideating, you’re wasting your time.

Second , your university/department will have specific requirements for your research – for example, requirements in terms of topic originality, word count, data requirements, ethical adherence, methodology, etc. If you are not aware of these from the outset, you will again end up wasting a lot of time on irrelevant ideas/topics.

So, the most important first step is to get your head around both the basics of research (especially methodologies), as well as your institution’s specific requirements . Don’t give in to the temptation to jump ahead before you do this. As a starting point, be sure to check out our free dissertation course.

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Step 2: Review past dissertations/theses

Unless you’re undertaking a completely new course, there will be many, many students who have gone through the research process before and have produced successful dissertations, which you can use to orient yourself. This is hugely beneficial – imagine being able to see previous students’ assignments and essays when you were doing your coursework!

Take a look at some well-graded (65% and above) past dissertations from your course (ideally more recent ones, as university requirements may change over time). These are usually available in the university’s online library. Past dissertations will act as a helpful model for all kinds of things, from how long a bibliography needs to be, to what a good literature review looks like, through to what kinds of methods you can use – and how to leverage them to support your argument.

As you peruse past dissertations, ask yourself the following questions:

What kinds of topics did these dissertations cover and how did they turn the topic into questions?
How broad or narrow were the topics?
How original were the topics? Were they truly groundbreaking or just a localised twist on well-established theory?
How well justified were the topics? Did they seem important or just nice to know?
How much literature did they draw on as a theoretical base? Was the literature more academic or applied in nature?
What kinds of research methods did they use and what data did they draw on?
How did they analyse that data and bring it into the discussion of the academic literature?
Which of the dissertations are most readable to you – why? How were they presented?
Can you see why these dissertations were successful? Can you relate what they’ve done back to the university’s instructions/brief?

Seeing a variety of dissertations (at least 5, ideally in your area of interest) will also help you understand whether your university has very rigid expectations in terms of structure and format , or whether they expect and allow variety in the number of chapters, chapter headings, order of content, style of presentation and so on.

Some departments accept graphic novels; some are willing to grade free-flow continental-philosophy style arguments; some want a highly rigid, standardised structure. Many offer a dissertation template , with information on how marks are split between sections. Check right away whether you have been given one of those templates – and if you do, then use it and don’t try to deviate or reinvent the wheel.

Step 3: Review the academic literature

Now that you (1) understand the research process, (2) understand your university’s specific requirements for your dissertation or thesis, and (3) have a feel for what a good dissertation looks like, you can start the ideation process. This is done by reviewing the current literature and looking for opportunities to add something original to the academic conversation.

Kick start the ideation process

So, where should you start your literature hunt? The best starting point is to get back to your modules. Look at your coursework and the assignments you did. Using your coursework is the best theoretical base, as you are assured that (1) the literature is of a high enough calibre for your university and (2) the topics are relevant to your specific course.

Start by identifying the modules that interested you the most and that you understood well (i.e. earned good marks for). What were your strongest assignments, essays or reports? Which areas within these were particularly interesting to you? For example, within a marketing module, you may have found consumer decision making or organisation trust to be interesting. Create a shortlist of those areas that you were both interested in and academically strong at. It’s no use picking an area that does not genuinely interest you – you’ll run out of motivation if you’re not excited by a topic.

Understand the current state of knowledge

Once you’ve done that, you need to get an understanding of the current state of the literature for your chosen interest areas. What you’re aiming to understand is this: what is the academic conversation here and what critical questions are yet unanswered? These unanswered questions are prime opportunities for a unique, meaningful research topic . A quick review of the literature on your favourite topics will help you understand this.

Grab your reading list from the relevant section of the modules, or simply enter the topics into Google Scholar . Skim-read 3-5 journal articles from the past 5 years which have at least 5 citations each (Google Scholar or a citations index will show you how many citations any given article has – i.e., how many other people have referred to it in their own bibliography). Also, check to see if your discipline has an ‘annual review’ type of journal, which gathers together surveys of the state of knowledge on a chosen topic. This can be a great tool for fast-tracking your understanding of the current state of the knowledge in any given area.

Start from your course’s reading list and work outwards. At the end of every journal article, you’ll find a reference list. Scan this reference list for more relevant articles and read those. Then repeat the process (known as snowballing) until you’ve built up a base of 20-30 quality articles per area of interest.

Absorb, don’t hunt

At this stage, your objective is to read and understand the current state of the theory for your area(s) of interest – you don’t need to be in topic-hunting mode yet. Don’t jump the gun and try to identify research topics before you are well familiarised with the literature.

As you read, try to understand what kinds of questions people are asking and how they are trying to answer them. What matters do the researchers agree on, and more importantly, what are they in disagreement about? Disagreements are prime research territory. Can you identify different ‘schools of thought’ or different ‘approaches’? Do you know what your own approach or slant is? What kinds of articles appeal to you and which ones bore you or leave you feeling like you’ve not really grasped them? Which ones interest you and point towards directions you’d like to research and know more about?

Once you understand the fundamental fact that academic knowledge is a conversation, things get easier.

Think of it like a party. There are groups of people in the room, enjoying conversations about various things. Which group do you want to join? You don’t want to be that person in the corner, talking to themself. And you don’t want to be the hanger-on, laughing at the big-shot’s jokes and repeating everything they say.

Do you want to join a large group and try to make a small contribution to what’s going on, or are you drawn to a smaller group that’s having a more niche conversation, but where you feel you might more easily find something original to contribute? How many conversations can you identify? Which ones feel closer to you and more attractive? Which ones repel you or leave you cold? Are there some that, frankly, you just don’t understand?

Now, choose a couple of groups who are discussing something you feel interested in and where you feel like you might want to contribute. You want to make your entry into this group by asking a question – a question that will make the other people in the group turn around and look at you, listen to you, and think, “That’s interesting”.

Your dissertation will be the process of setting that question and then trying to find at least a partial answer to that question – but don’t worry about that now. Right now, you need to work out what conversations are going on, whether any of them are related or overlapping, and which ones you might be able to walk into. I’ll explain how you find that question in the next step.

Need a helping hand?

Step 4: Identify potential research questions

Now that you have a decent understanding of the state of the literature in your area(s) of interest, it’s time to start developing your list of possible research topics. There are (at least) three approaches you can follow here, and they are not mutually exclusive:

Approach 1: Leverage the FRIN

Towards the end of most quality journal articles, you will find a section labelled “ further research ” or something similar. Generally, researchers will clearly outline where they feel further research is needed (FRIN), following on from their own research. So, essentially, every journal article presents you with a list of potential research opportunities.

Of course, only a handful of these will be both practical and of interest to you, so it’s not a quick-fix solution to finding a research topic. However, the benefit of going this route is that you will be able to find a genuinely original and meaningful research topic (which is particularly important for PhD-level research).

The upside to this approach is originality, but the downside is that you might not find something that really interests you , or that you have the means to execute. If you do go this route, make sure that you pay attention to the journal article dates, as the FRIN may already have been “solved” by other researchers if the article is old.

Use the FRIN for dissertation topics ideas

Approach 2: Put a context-based spin on an existing topic

The second option is to consider whether a theory which is already well established is relevant within a local or industry-specific context. For example, a theory about the antecedents (drivers) of trust is very well established, but there may be unique or uniquely important drivers within a specific national context or industry (for example, within the financial services industry in an emerging market).

If that industry or national context has not yet been covered by researchers and there is a good reason to believe there may be meaningful differences within that context, then you have an opportunity to take a unique angle on well-established theory, which can make for a great piece of research. It is however imperative that you have a good reason to believe that the existing theory may not be wholly relevant within your chosen context, or your research will not be justified.

The upside to this approach is that you can potentially find a topic that is “closer to home” and more relevant and interesting to you , while still being able to draw on a well-established body of theory. However, the downside is that this approach will likely not produce the level of originality as approach #1.

Approach 3: Uncensored brainstorming

The third option is to skip the FRIN, as well as the local/industry-specific angle and simply engage in a freeform brainstorming or mind-mapping session, using your newfound knowledge of the theory to formulate potential research ideas. What’s important here is that you do not censor yourself . However crazy, unfeasible, or plain stupid your topic appears – write it down. All that matters right now is that you are interested in this thing.

Next, try to turn the topic(s) into a question or problem. For example:

What is the relationship between X, Y & Z?
What are the drivers/antecedents of X?
What are the outcomes of Y?
What are the key success factors for Z?

Re-word your list of topics or issues into a list of questions . You might find at this stage that one research topic throws up three questions (which then become sub-topics and even new separate topics in their own right) and in so doing, the list grows. Let it. Don’t hold back or try to start evaluating your ideas yet – just let them flow onto paper.

Once you’ve got a few topics and questions on paper, check the literature again to see whether any of these have been covered by the existing research. Since you came up with these from scratch, there is a possibility that your original literature search did not cover them, so it’s important to revisit that phase to ensure that you’re familiar with the relevant literature for each idea. You may also then find that approach #1 and #2 can be used to build on these ideas.

Try use all three approaches

As mentioned earlier, the three approaches discussed here are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the more, the merrier. Hopefully, you manage to utilise all three, as this will give you the best odds of producing a rich list of ideas, which you can then narrow down and evaluate, which is the next step.

Mix different approaches to find a topic

Step 5: Narrow down, then evaluate

By this stage, you should have a healthy list of research topics. Step away from the ideation and thinking for a few days, clear your mind. The key is to get some distance from your ideas, so that you can sit down with your list and review it with a more objective view. The unbridled ideation phase is over and now it’s time to take a reality check .

Look at your list and see if any options can be crossed off right away . Maybe you don’t want to do that topic anymore. Maybe the topic turned out to be too broad and threw up 20 hard to answer questions. Maybe all the literature you found about it was 30 years old and you suspect it might not be a very engaging contemporary issue . Maybe this topic is so over-researched that you’ll struggle to find anything fresh to say. Also, after stepping back, it’s quite common to notice that 2 or 3 of your topics are really the same one, the same question, which you’ve written down in slightly different ways. You can try to amalgamate these into one succinct topic.

Narrow down to the top 5, then evaluate

Now, take your streamlined list and narrow it down to the ‘top 5’ that interest you the most. Personal interest is your key evaluation criterion at this stage. Got your ‘top 5’? Great! Now, with a cool head and your best analytical mind engaged, go systematically through each option and evaluate them against the following criteria:

Research questions – what is the main research question, and what are the supporting sub-questions? It’s critically important that you can define these questions clearly and concisely. If you cannot do this, it means you haven’t thought the topic through sufficiently.

Originality – is the topic sufficiently original, as per your university’s originality requirements? Are you able to add something unique to the existing conversation? As mentioned earlier, originality can come in many forms, and it doesn’t mean that you need to find a completely new, cutting-edge topic. However, your university’s requirements should guide your decision-making here.

Importance – is the topic of real significance, or is it just a “nice to know”? If it’s significant, why? Who will benefit from finding the answer to your desired questions and how will they benefit? Justifying your research will be a key requirement for your research proposal , so it’s really important to develop a convincing argument here.

Literature – is there a contemporary (current) body of academic literature around this issue? Is there enough literature for you to base your investigation on, but not too much that the topic is “overdone”? Will you be able to navigate this literature or is it overwhelming?

Data requirements – What kind of data would you need access to in order to answer your key questions? Would you need to adopt a qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods approach to answer your questions? At this stage, you don’t need to be able to map out your exact research design, but you should be able to articulate how you would approach it in high-level terms. Will you use qual, quant or mixed methods? Why?

Feasibility – How feasible would it be to gather the data that would be needed in the time-frame that you have – and do you have the will power and the skills to do it? If you’re not confident with the theory, you don’t want something that’s going to draw you into a debate about the relative importance of epistemology and ontology. If you are shy, you won’t want to be doing ethnographic interviews. If you feel this question calls for a 100-person survey, do you have the time to plan, organise and conduct it and then analyse it? What will you do if you don’t get the response rate you expect? Be very realistic here and also ask advice from your supervisor and other experts – poor response rates are extremely common and can derail even the best research projects.

Personal attraction – On a scale of 1-10, how excited are you about this topic? Will addressing it add value to your life and/or career? Will undertaking the project help you build a skill you’ve previously wanted to work on (for example, interview skills, statistical analysis skills, software skills, etc.)?

The last point is particularly important. You will have to engage with your dissertation in a very sustained and deep way, face challenges and difficulties, and get it to completion. If you don’t start out enthusiastic about it, you’re setting yourself up for problems like ‘writer’s block’ or ‘burnout’ down the line. This is the reason personal interest was the sole evaluation criterion when we chose the top 5. So, don’t underestimate the importance of personal attraction to a topic – at the same time, don’t let personal attraction lead you to choose a topic that is not relevant to your course or feasible given your resources.

A strong research topic must tick all three boxes – original, relevant and feasible. If not, you're going to run into problems sooner or later.

Narrow down to 3, then get human feedback

We’re almost at the finishing line. The next step is to narrow down to 2 or 3 shortlisted topics. No more! Write a short paragraph about each topic, addressing the following:

Firstly, WHAT will this study be about? Frame the topic as a question or a problem. Write it as a dissertation title. No more than two clauses and no more than 15 words. Less than 15 is better (go back to good journal articles for inspiration on appropriate title styles).

Secondly, WHY this is interesting (original) and important – as proven by existing academic literature? Are people talking about this and is there an acknowledged problem, debate or gap in the literature?

Lastly, HOW do you plan to answer the question? What sub-questions will you use? What methods does this call for and how competent and confident are you in those methods? Do you have the time to gather the data this calls for?

Show the shortlist and accompanying paragraphs to a couple of your peers from your course and also to an expert or two if at all possible (you’re welcome to reach out to us ), explaining what you will investigate, why this is original and important and how you will go about investigating it.

Once you’ve pitched your ideas, ask for the following thoughts :

Which is most interesting and appealing to them?
Why do they feel this way?
What problems do they foresee with the execution of the research?

Take advice and feedback and sit on it for another day. Let it simmer in your mind overnight before you make the final decision.

Step 6: Make the decision (and stick with it!)

Then, make the commitment. Choose the one that you feel most confident about, having now considered both your opinion and the feedback from others.

Once you’ve made a decision, don’t doubt your judgement, don’t shift. Don’t be tempted by the ones you left behind. You’ve planned and thought things through, checked feasibility and now you can start. You have your research topic. Trust your own decision-making process and stick with it now. It’s time to get started on your research proposal!

Let’s recap…

In this post, I’ve proposed a straightforward 6-step plan to finding relevant research topic ideas and then narrowing them down to finally choose one winner. To recap:

Understand the basics of academic research, as well as your university’s specific requirements for a dissertation, thesis or research project.
Review previous dissertations for your course to get an idea of both topics and structure.
Start the ideation process by familiarising yourself with the literature.
Identify your potential research questions (topics).
Narrow down your options, then evaluate systematically.
Make your decision (and don’t look back!)

If you follow these steps, you’ll find that they also set you up for what’s coming next – both the proposal and the first three chapters of your dissertation. But that’s for future posts!

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project.

You Might Also Like:

Qualitative vs Quantitative vs Mixed Methods: How To Choose

22 Comments

I would love to get a topic under teachers performance. I am a student of MSC Monitoring and Evaluations and I need a topic in the line of monitoring and evaluations

I just we put for some full notes that are payable

Thank you very much Dr Caroline

I need a project topics on transfer of learning

m a PhD Student I would like to be assisted inn formulating a title around: Internet of Things for online education in higher education – STEM (Science, technology, engineering and Mathematics, digital divide ) Thank you, would appreciate your guidance

Well structured guide on the topic… Good materials for beginners in research writing…

Hello Iam kindly seeking for help in formulating a researchable topic for masters degree program in line with teaching GRAPHIC ART

I read a thesis about a problem in a particular. Can I use the same topic just referring to my own country? Is that being original? The interview questions will mostly be the same as the other thesis.

Hi, thanks I managed to listen to the video so helpful indeed. I am currently an MBA student looking for a specific topic and I have different ideas that not sure they can be turned to be a study.

I am doing a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care and Counselling and I felt like doing research on Spiritual problem cause by substance abuse among Youth. Can I get help to formulate the Thesis Title in line with it…please

Hello, I am kindly seeking help in formulating a researchable topic for a National diploma program

As a beginner in research, I am very grateful for this well-structured material on research writing.

Hello, I watched the video and its very helpful. I’m a student in Nursing (degree). May you please help me with any research problems (in Namibian society or Nursing) that need to be evaluate or solved?

I have been greatly impacted. Thank you.

more than useful… there will be no justification if someone fails to get a topic for his thesis

I watched the video and its really helpful.

How can i started discovery

Analysing the significance of Integrated reporting in Zimbabwe. A case of institutional investors. this is my topic for PHD Accounting sciences need help with research questions

Excellent session that cleared lots of doubts.

Excellent session that cleared lots of doubts

Wow, This helped a lot not only with how to find a research topic but inspired me to kick it off from now, I am a final year student of environmental science. And have to complete my project in the coming six months.

I was really stressed and thinking about different topics that I don’t know nothing about and having more than a hundred topics in the baggage, couldn’t make the tradeoff among them, however, reading this scrubbed the fuzzy layer off my head and now it seems like really easy.

Thanks GRADCOACH, you saved me from getting into the rabbit hole.

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

What Are Research Paper Topics?

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

Characteristics of Good Research Topics

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

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

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?

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

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

List of Research Paper Topics

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

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

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Interesting Topics to Research

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

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

Easy Research Paper Topics

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

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

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Good Research Paper Topics

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

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

Best Research Paper Topics

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

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

Funny Research Paper Topics

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

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

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

Cool Topics to Research

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

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

Controversial Research Paper Topics

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

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

>> Read more: Argumentative Essays Topics

Research Topic Ideas for Students

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

Research Paper Topics for Middle School

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

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

High School Research Paper Topics

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

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

College Research Paper Topics

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

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

Research Paper Ideas in Different Study Fields

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

Research Paper Topics on History

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

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

Literature Research Paper Topics

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

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

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

Religion Research Paper Topics

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

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

Political Research Paper Topics

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

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

>> More ideas: Political Research Paper Topics

Research Paper Topics on Business

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

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

>> Read more: Research Topics About Business

Research Paper Topics on Education

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

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

>> Read more: Special Education Research Topics

Environmental Topics for Research Paper

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

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

>> Read more: Topics About Environmental Science

Health Research Paper Topics

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

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

>> View more: Mental Health Research Topics

Medical Research Paper Topics

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

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

>> Read more: Medical Research Topics

Sociology Research Paper Topics

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

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

Social Media Topics for a Research Paper

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

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

>> Read more: Research Topics About Social Media

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

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

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

>> View more: Criminal Justice Research Topics

Science Research Paper Ideas

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

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

Research Paper Topics on Technology

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

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

>> Read more: Technology Research Topics

Extra Research Paper Topic Ideas

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

Research Project Ideas on Art

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

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

Music Research Paper Topics

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

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

Sports Research Paper Topics

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

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

Bottom Line on Research Paper Topics

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

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Definition: Research Topics
3 Finding Research Topics
4 Defining Good Research Topics
5 Academic Writing Research Topics
6 Examples of Research Topics
7 In a Nutshell

Definition: Research Topics

A research topic is the subject or issue that forms the basis of a research paper. It is a well-defined subject the researcher is interested in. While it can be phrased as a question, you are not required to do so. The research then addresses the question. It can also be phrased both as a research question and a hypothesis.

The purpose of this article is to help you understand what research topics are and how they are used to conduct good research. It covers the characteristics of good research topics and provides information on and techniques for coming up with good research topics. The importance of research topics in academic writing is explained and some examples of research topics are listed.

How do you come up with ideas for suitable research topics?

Rational thinking and creative techniques are two key methods you can use to generate research ideas. You can use either of the techniques, or you can try both techniques and then decide which one you find more useful for your research. Both concepts are further discussed later in this article.

Tip: Keep in mind that you’ll need to create research questions based on your topic later on. It’s ok to begin with vague ideas, but later on you need to focus on a specific area of a topic.

How do you refine your research topic ideas?

The Delphi technique is an approach that many students have found useful for refining their research ideas. Usually, a number of people who are interested in the research are assembled to help generate and select more refined research topics. The next step will be to refine your ideas into a research question . This will require you to conduct more research on topics or issues that you found interesting during the research topic deciding phase.

What are the main elements of a research proposal?

A research proposal consists of an appropriate title that mirrors the content of the proposal; a background to justify the need for the research; a statement on what the research is meant to achieve. A section should be dedicated to the methods that will be adopted in order to achieve the research objectives within the expected timeframe. A section on resource considerations will help convince the reader about the feasibility of the research. This should be followed by a list of references.

How do you propose research topics?

Writing helps organize our ideas into coherent statements. For inspiration, check out some research proposal examples . The draft proposal should be discussed with your thesis supervisor or teaching assistant, who can advise you on how the proposal might be amended if necessary, so that the research can be completed within the proposed timeframe. This is of particular importance if the proposal has to be presented for funding or to an academic research committee for approval.

What defines a good research topic?

You’re the one who has to write the research paper or thesis, so it’s vital that YOU are interested in the topic that you’re researching. Your research topic shouldn’t be too vague. But in saying that, you also need to ensure that you’re able to write about your topic within the time frame provided. You need to be able to formulate your topic into a research question and a thesis statement later on.

Finding Research Topics

If done using a systematic approach, finding research topics can be interesting. A range of techniques involving rational as well as creative thinking are used to find a research topic.

Brainstorming

This is a problem-solving technique which generates best results when carried out as a group, but it can also be done by an individual. Find a quiet place to work and write down a problem related to your lectures or curriculum that interests you and of which you have some prior knowledge.

If you are working in a group, members can make suggestions regarding the problem. Make a note of all the suggestions and include all contributions, however wild they may be. Review each of the suggestions with your group and select the ones that most appeal to you. You may arrange discussing these suggestions with your thesis supervisor or the teaching assistant in charge of your project if needed.

Inspiration from your teachers

Project leaders, teaching assistants, professional groups and practitioners in your field will often have project ideas they are happy to share. They might come up with good research topics; just be sure to document the ideas discussed so that you can remember to further explore them on your own.

Literature search

Articles, reports in academic journals and books are all useful sources of research topics. Review articles in particular often indicate areas in which more research may be required. Most recently published reports usually contain recommendations which can form the basis of further research, and books contain an overview of research already undertaken, in addition to suggesting new areas to explore for further research.

Relevance trees

This technique involves generating topics on the basis of a broad concept. Each of these topics constitutes an independent branch which can yield sub-branches. You can review these sub-branches and combine some of them to come up with new research topics. Your project supervisor or teaching assistant may be of help in selecting a final topic from the shortlisted ones if you cannot narrow your choice down to one topic.

Looking inwards

Another way of finding a research topic is to review the assignments you have already completed and select the ones you received good grades in. These are the ones in which you are already knowledgeable. They will provide you with possibilities for further research.

Defining Good Research Topics

A good research topic should have well defined objectives. Selecting a research topic which you will be interested in for the entire research duration is vital. If you have only a vague interest in the topic, it will be difficult to excel on such a topic. Therefore, you should have a genuine interest in the research topic you have chosen.

Make sure you possess the required skills and resources, or that you can develop the capability that is necessary to research the topic within the given timeframe. You should also be certain that you can access the data you will need to collect in the course of the research. Your research topic should be one you are familiar with and in which you have the capacity to produce a well-written final research report.

TIP: Always use transition words to properly connect the sentences and paragraphs in your thesis or essay.

Academic Writing Research Topics

Academic writing is a style of expression that defines the intellectual boundaries of a discipline. It focuses on a research problem and conveys an accepted interpretation of concepts or complex ideas. Research topics are germane to academic writing because they proffer rigorous arguments that can convince a reader to reconsider previously accepted position on a topic.

Examples of Research Topics

Previous research topics can serve as sources of inspiration for finding new research topics. Some examples of different research topics include: • Media and communications research paper topics • Environmental research paper topics • Business research paper topics

Depending on your field of study, looking at past projects can be very helpful in your search for new research topics.

In a Nutshell

A research topic is a well-defined subject the researcher is interested in.
Rational thinking and creative techniques are two methods you can use to generate research ideas.
Techniques to find good research topics include brainstorming, getting inspiration from your teachers, using relevance trees, doing a literature search or looking inwards.
You should have a genuine interest in the research topic you have chosen.

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Starting the research process
Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Published on October 26, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research question is essential to guide your research paper , dissertation , or thesis .

All research questions should be:

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

How to write a research question, what makes a strong research question, using sub-questions to strengthen your main research question, research questions quiz, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research questions.

You can follow these steps to develop a strong research question:

Choose your topic
Do some preliminary reading about the current state of the field
Narrow your focus to a specific niche
Identify the research problem that you will address

The way you frame your question depends on what your research aims to achieve. The table below shows some examples of how you might formulate questions for different purposes.

Using your research problem to develop your research question

Note that while most research questions can be answered with various types of research , the way you frame your question should help determine your choices.

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Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them. The criteria below can help you evaluate the strength of your research question.

Focused and researchable

Feasible and specific, complex and arguable, relevant and original.

Chances are that your main research question likely can’t be answered all at once. That’s why sub-questions are important: they allow you to answer your main question in a step-by-step manner.

Good sub-questions should be:

Less complex than the main question
Focused only on 1 type of research
Presented in a logical order

Here are a few examples of descriptive and framing questions:

Descriptive: According to current government arguments, how should a European bank tax be implemented?
Descriptive: Which countries have a bank tax/levy on financial transactions?
Framing: How should a bank tax/levy on financial transactions look at a European level?

Keep in mind that sub-questions are by no means mandatory. They should only be asked if you need the findings to answer your main question. If your main question is simple enough to stand on its own, it’s okay to skip the sub-question part. As a rule of thumb, the more complex your subject, the more sub-questions you’ll need.

Try to limit yourself to 4 or 5 sub-questions, maximum. If you feel you need more than this, it may be indication that your main research question is not sufficiently specific. In this case, it’s is better to revisit your problem statement and try to tighten your main question up.

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

Methodology

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

Statistics

Null hypothesis
Statistical power
Probability distribution
Effect size
Poisson distribution

Research bias

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

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

As you cannot possibly read every source related to your topic, it’s important to evaluate sources to assess their relevance. Use preliminary evaluation to determine whether a source is worth examining in more depth.

This involves:

Reading abstracts , prefaces, introductions , and conclusions
Looking at the table of contents to determine the scope of the work
Consulting the index for key terms or the names of important scholars

A research hypothesis is your proposed answer to your research question. The research hypothesis usually includes an explanation (“ x affects y because …”).

A statistical hypothesis, on the other hand, is a mathematical statement about a population parameter. Statistical hypotheses always come in pairs: the null and alternative hypotheses . In a well-designed study , the statistical hypotheses correspond logically to the research hypothesis.

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

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

Researchability
Feasibility and specificity
Relevance and originality

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, November 21). Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

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Boston University Libraries

Choosing a Research Topic

Starting Points

Where to Find Ideas

Persuasive paper assignments, dissertations and theses.

From Idea to Search
Make It Manageable

If you are starting a research project and would like some help choosing the best topic, this guide is for you. Start by asking yourself these questions:

What does your instructor require? What interests you? What information sources can support your research? What is doable in the time you have?

While keeping these questions in mind, find suggestions in this guide to select a topic, turn that topic into a database search, and make your research manageable. You will also find more information in our About the Research Process guide.

Whether your instructor has given a range of possible topics to you or you have to come up with a topic on your own, you could benefit from these activities:

Consult Course Materials If a reading, film, or other resource is selected by your instructor, the subject of it is important to the course. You can often find inspiration for a paper in these materials.

Is a broad topic presented? You can focus on a specific aspect of that topic. For example, if your class viewed a film on poverty in the United States, you could look at poverty in a specific city or explore how poverty affects Americans of a specific gender, ethnic group, or age range.
Are experts presented, quoted, or cited? Look up their work in BU Libraries Search or Google Scholar .

Use Background Sources If you've identified one or more topics you'd like to investigate further, look them up in an encyclopedia, handbook, or other background information source. Here are some good places to start.

Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window Online version of Encyclopædia Britannica along Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus, magazines and periodicals and other reference sources.
Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window Published by Oxford University Press, it is a fully-indexed, cross-searchable database containing dictionaries, language reference and subject reference works.

Explore the Scholarly Literature Ask your instructor or a librarian to guide you to the top journals in the field you're studying. Scanning the tables of contents within these journals will provide some inspiration for your research project. As a bonus, each of the articles in these journals will have a bibliography that will lead you to related articles, books, and other materials.

Ask a Librarian We are here to help you! You can request a consultation or contact us by email or through our chat service . We can help you identify what interests you, where to find more about it, and how to narrow the topic to something manageable in the time you have.

If your assignment entails persuading a reader to adopt a position, you can conduct your research in the same way you would with any other research project. The biggest mistake you can make, however, is choosing a position before you start your research. Instead, the information you consult should inform your position. Researching before choosing a position is also much easier; you will be able to explore all sides of a topic rather than limiting yourself to one.

If you would like examples of debates on controversial topics, try these resources:

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Covers the most current and controversial issues of the day with summaries, pros and cons, bibliographies and more. Provides reporting and analysis on issues in the news, including coverage of issues relating to health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
New York Times: Room for Debate Selections from the New York Times' opinion pages.
ProCon.org Created by Britannica, this site exposes readers to two sides of timely arguments. Each article includes a bibliography of suggested resources.

If you are writing a dissertation or thesis, you will find more specialized information at our Guide for Writers of Theses and Dissertations .

If you would like to find published dissertations and theses, please use this database:

This database contains indexing and abstracts of American doctoral dissertations accepted at accredited institutions since 1861 and a selection from other countries. Masters theses are included selectively. Date coverage: full text 1997 - present; abstracts 1980 - present; indexing 1861 - present.

Next: From Idea to Search >>
Last Updated: Sep 7, 2023 3:45 PM
URL: https://library.bu.edu/choosing-a-topic

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Research: How Different Fields Are Using GenAI to Redefine Roles

Maryam Alavi

Examples from customer support, management consulting, professional writing, legal analysis, and software and technology.

The interactive, conversational, analytical, and generative features of GenAI offer support for creativity, problem-solving, and processing and digestion of large bodies of information. Therefore, these features can act as cognitive resources for knowledge workers. Moreover, the capabilities of GenAI can mitigate various hindrances to effective performance that knowledge workers may encounter in their jobs, including time pressure, gaps in knowledge and skills, and negative feelings (such as boredom stemming from repetitive tasks or frustration arising from interactions with dissatisfied customers). Empirical research and field observations have already begun to reveal the value of GenAI capabilities and their potential for job crafting.

There is an expectation that implementing new and emerging Generative AI (GenAI) tools enhances the effectiveness and competitiveness of organizations. This belief is evidenced by current and planned investments in GenAI tools, especially by firms in knowledge-intensive industries such as finance, healthcare, and entertainment, among others. According to forecasts, enterprise spending on GenAI will increase by two-fold in 2024 and grow to $151.1 billion by 2027 .

Maryam Alavi is the Elizabeth D. & Thomas M. Holder Chair & Professor of IT Management, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology .

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What’s it like to be a teacher in america today, public k-12 teachers are stressed about their jobs and few are optimistic about the future of education; many say poverty, absenteeism and mental health are major problems at their school.

A teacher leads an English class at a high school in Richmond, Virginia. (Parker Michels-Boyce/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand the views and experiences of public K-12 school teachers. The analysis in this report is based on an online survey of 2,531 U.S. public K-12 teachers conducted from Oct. 17 to Nov. 14, 2023. The teachers surveyed are members of RAND’s American Teacher Panel, a nationally representative panel of public K-12 school teachers recruited through MDR Education. Survey data is weighted to state and national teacher characteristics to account for differences in sampling and response to ensure they are representative of the target population.

Here are the questions used for this report , along with responses, and the survey methodology .

Low-poverty , medium-poverty and high-poverty schools are based on the percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (less than 40%, 40%-59% and 60% or more, respectively).

Secondary schools include both middle schools and high schools.

All references to party affiliation include those who lean toward that party. Republicans include those who identify as Republicans and those who say they lean toward the Republican Party. Democrats include those who identify as Democrats and those who say they lean toward the Democratic Party.

Public K-12 schools in the United States face a host of challenges these days – from teacher shortages to the lingering effects of COVID-19 learning loss to political battles over curriculum .

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that teachers are less satisfied with their jobs than U.S. workers overall.

In the midst of all this, teachers express low levels of satisfaction with their jobs. In fact, they’re much less satisfied than U.S. workers overall.

Here’s how public K-12 teachers are feeling about their jobs:

77% say their job is frequently stressful.
68% say it’s overwhelming.
70% say their school is understaffed.
52% say they would not advise a young person starting out today to become a teacher.

When it comes to how their students are doing in school, teachers are relatively downbeat about both academic performance and behavior.

Here’s how public K-12 teachers rate academic performance and behavior at their school:

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that about half of teachers give students at their school low marks for 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% describe it as excellent or very good.
49% say the behavior of most students at their school is fair or poor; 35% say it’s good and 13% say it’s excellent or very good.

The COVID-19 pandemic likely compounded these issues. About eight-in-ten teachers (among those who have been teaching for at least a year) say the lasting impact of the pandemic on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being has been very or somewhat negative.

Assessments of student performance and behavior differ widely by school poverty level. 1 Teachers in high-poverty schools have a much more negative outlook. But feelings of stress and dissatisfaction among teachers are fairly universal, regardless of where they teach.

Related: What Public K-12 Teachers Want Americans To Know About Teaching

A bar chart showing that most teachers see parents’ involvement as insufficient.

As they navigate these challenges, teachers don’t feel they’re getting the support or reinforcement they need from parents.

Majorities of teachers say parents are doing too little when it comes to holding their children accountable if they misbehave in school, helping them with their schoolwork and ensuring their attendance.

Teachers in high- and medium-poverty schools are more likely than those in low-poverty schools to say parents are doing too little in each of these areas.

These findings are based on a survey of 2,531 U.S. public K-12 teachers conducted Oct. 17-Nov. 14, 2023, using the RAND American Teacher Panel. 2 The survey looks at the following aspects of teachers’ experiences:

Teachers’ job satisfaction (Chapter 1)
How teachers manage their workload (Chapter 2)
Problems students are facing at public K-12 schools (Chapter 3)
Challenges in the classroom (Chapter 4)
Teachers’ views of parent involvement (Chapter 5)
Teachers’ views on the state of public K-12 education (Chapter 6)

Problems students are facing

A horizontal stacked bar chart showing that poverty, chronic absenteeism and mental health stand out as major problems at public K-12 schools.

We asked teachers about some of the challenges students at their school are facing. Three problems topped the list:

Poverty (53% say this is a major problem among students who attend their school)
Chronic absenteeism (49%)
Anxiety and depression (48%)

Chronic absenteeism (that is, students missing a substantial number of school days) is a particular challenge at high schools, with 61% of high school teachers saying this is a major problem where they teach. By comparison, 46% of middle school teachers and 43% of elementary school teachers say the same.

Anxiety and depression are viewed as a more serious problem at the secondary school level: 69% of high school teachers and 57% of middle school teachers say this is a major problem among their students, compared with 29% of elementary school teachers.

Fewer teachers (20%) view bullying as a major problem at their school, though the share is significantly higher among middle school teachers (34%).

A look inside the classroom

We also asked teachers how things are going in their classroom and specifically about some of the issues that may get in the way of teaching.

47% of teachers say students showing little or no interest in learning is a major problem in their classroom. The share rises to 58% among high school teachers.
33% say students being distracted by their cellphones is a major problem. This is particularly an issue for high school teachers, with 72% saying this is a major problem.
About one-in-five teachers say students getting up and walking around when they’re not supposed to and being disrespectful toward them (21% each) are major problems. Teachers in elementary and middle schools are more likely than those in high schools to see these as challenges.

A majority of teachers (68%) say they’ve experienced verbal abuse from a student – such as being yelled at or threatened. Some 21% say this happens at least a few times a month.

Physical violence is less common. Even so, 40% of teachers say a student has been violent toward them , with 9% saying this happens at least a few times a month.

About two-thirds of teachers (66%) say that the current discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat mild. Only 2% say the discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat harsh, while 31% say they are neither harsh nor mild. Most teachers (67%) say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence in determining discipline practices at their school.

Behavioral issues and mental health challenges

A bar chart showing that two-thirds of teachers in high-poverty schools say they have to address students’ behavioral issues daily.

In addition to their teaching duties, a majority of teachers (58%) say they have to address behavioral issues in their classroom every day. About three-in-ten teachers (28%) say they have to help students with mental health challenges daily.

In each of these areas, elementary and middle school teachers are more likely than those at the high school level to say they do these things on a daily basis.

And teachers in high-poverty schools are more likely than those in medium- and low-poverty schools to say they deal with these issues each day.

Cellphone policies and enforcement

A diverging bar chart showing that most high school teachers say cellphone policies are hard to enforce.

Most teachers (82%) say their school or district has policies regarding cellphone use in the classroom.

Of those, 56% say these policies are at least somewhat easy to enforce, 30% say they’re difficult to enforce, and 14% say they’re neither easy nor difficult to enforce.

Experiences with cellphone policies vary widely across school levels. High school teachers (60%) are much more likely than middle school (30%) and elementary school teachers (12%) to say the policies are difficult to enforce (among those who say their school or district has a cellphone policy).

How teachers are experiencing their jobs

Thinking about the various aspects of their jobs, teachers are most satisfied with their relationship with other teachers at their school (71% are extremely or very satisfied).

They’re least satisfied with how much they’re paid – only 15% are extremely or very satisfied with their pay, while 51% are not too or not at all satisfied.

Among teachers who don’t plan to retire or stop working this year, 29% say it’s at least somewhat likely they will look for a new job in the 2023-24 school year. Within that group, 40% say they would look for a job outside of education, 29% say they’d seek a non-teaching job in education, and only 18% say they’d look for a teaching job at another public K-12 school.

Do teachers find their work fulfilling and enjoyable?

Overall, 56% of teachers say they find their job to be fulfilling extremely often or often; 53% say their job is enjoyable. These are significantly lower than the shares who say their job is frequently stressful (77%) or overwhelming (68%).

Positive experiences are more common among newer teachers. Two-thirds of those who’ve been teaching less than six years say their work is fulfilling extremely often or often, and 62% of this group says their work is frequently enjoyable.

Teachers with longer tenures are somewhat less likely to feel this way. For example, 48% of those who’ve been teaching for six to 10 years say their work is frequently enjoyable.

Balancing the workload

Most teachers (84%) say there’s not enough time during their regular work hours to do tasks like grading, lesson planning, paperwork and answering work emails.

Among those who feel this way, 81% say simply having too much work is a major reason.

Many also point to having to spend time helping students outside the classroom, performing non-teaching duties like lunch duty, and covering other teachers’ classrooms as at least minor reasons they don’t have enough time to get all their work done.

A diverging bar chart showing that a majority of teachers say it’s difficult for them to achieve work-life balance.

A majority of teachers (54%) say it’s very or somewhat difficult for them to balance work and their personal life. About one-in-four (26%) say it’s very or somewhat easy for them to balance these things, and 20% say it’s neither easy nor difficult.

Among teachers, women are more likely than men to say work-life balance is difficult for them (57% vs. 43%). Women teachers are also more likely to say they often find their job stressful or overwhelming.

How teachers view the education system

A large majority of teachers (82%) say the overall state of public K-12 education has gotten worse in the past five years.

Pie charts showing that most teachers say public K-12 education has gotten worse over the past 5 years.

And very few are optimistic about the next five years: Only 20% of teachers say public K-12 education will be a lot or somewhat better five years from now. A narrow majority (53%) say it will be worse.

Among teachers who think things have gotten worse in recent years, majorities say the current political climate (60%) and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic (57%) are major reasons. A sizable share (46%) also point to changes in the availability of funding and resources.

Related: About half of Americans say public K-12 education is going in the wrong direction

Which political party do teachers trust more to deal with educational challenges?

On balance, more teachers say they trust the Democratic Party than say they trust the Republican Party to do a better job handling key issues facing the K-12 education system. But three-in-ten or more across the following issues say they don’t trust either party:

Shaping school curriculum (42% say they trust neither party)
Ensuring teachers have adequate pay and benefits (35%)
Making schools safer (35%)
Ensuring adequate funding for schools (33%)
Ensuring all students have equal access to high-quality K-12 education (31%)

A majority of public K-12 teachers (58%) identify or lean toward the Democratic Party. This is higher than the share among the general public (47%).

Poverty levels are based on the percentage of students in the school who are eligible for free and reduced-price lunch. ↩
For details, refer to the Methodology section of the report. ↩
Urban, suburban and rural schools are based on the location of the school as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (rural includes town). Definitions match those used by the U.S. Census Bureau. ↩

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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.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
Step 1: Check the requirements. Step 2: Choose a broad field of research. Step 3: Look for books and articles. Step 4: Find a niche. Step 5: Consider the type of research. Step 6: Determine the relevance. Step 7: Make sure it's plausible. Step 8: Get your topic approved. Other interesting articles.
A Beginner's Guide to Starting the Research Process
Step 1: Choose your topic. First you have to come up with some ideas. Your thesis or dissertation topic can start out very broad. Think about the general area or field you're interested in—maybe you already have specific research interests based on classes you've taken, or maybe you had to consider your topic when applying to graduate school and writing a statement of purpose.
300+ Research Paper Topics for Every Student in 2024
Writing a research topic on your own requires either producing one from scratch (based on your interests and goals and potentially, on some brainstorming) or getting inspiration from a number of sources, like preassembled topic lists, course material, teachers, real life, news headlines, published research in the respective field, etc. ...
Research Topics
Research Topic. Definition: Research topic is a specific subject or area of interest that a researcher wants to investigate or explore in-depth through research. It is the overarching theme or question that guides a research project and helps to focus the research activities towards a clear objective.
Overview
Select a topic. Choosing an interesting research topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips: Choose a topic that you are interested in! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic. Narrow your topic to something manageable. If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.
100 Good Research Topics
25 Good Research Paper Topics. 25 Research Essay Topics. 25 Interesting Research Topics. Research Paper Sample. Research Paper Guideline From Grademiners.com. Even though it is an important aspect of student life, writing a research paper can be difficult. For the majority of your topics, you must write at least one research paper every semester.
300+ Interesting Research Topics
Some Interesting Research Topics are as follows: The impact of mindfulness meditation on creativity and innovative problem-solving abilities. The relationship between social media use and political activism among young adults. The effectiveness of virtual reality therapy for treating specific phobias.
A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]
The Big Bang theory, Dwarf galaxies, and Supernova Astronomy are just a few of numerous astronomy research topics. Genetically modified organisms, Neurobiology of sleep, and Rainforest conservation are exciting research biology research topics.
Library Guides: How to Start Your Research: Choose a Topic
Topic: Thesis: Research Question: Your topic is the general subject area you're researching. Your topic will be broader than your guiding research questions and your thesis or argument, and will help you determine where to search, and what kinds of information you need in order to answer your questions. Your professor might give you topics to ...
150 Research Paper Topics
How to Choose a Topic for a Research Paper. Pick a few areas or topics that you're interested in and narrow it down to the topic that you like the best. You'll be able to put together an insightful paper if you're interested in the topic you chose. Make sure you have enough references for your topic. Doing a quick search will help you see ...
How To Choose A Research Topic For A Dissertation
Step 5: Narrow down, then evaluate. By this stage, you should have a healthy list of research topics. Step away from the ideation and thinking for a few days, clear your mind. The key is to get some distance from your ideas, so that you can sit down with your list and review it with a more objective view.
Research Paper Topics: 350+ Best Ideas for Your Paper
First, you should explore the area you are interested in, i.e., ideas that are exciting to you. Second, make a research question by analyzing what your paper will focus on and what might intrigue your readers. Third, brainstorm research topic ideas by evaluating appropriate titles and eliminating irrelevant ones.
Research Topics
A research topic is a well-defined subject the researcher is interested in. Rational thinking and creative techniques are two methods you can use to generate research ideas. Techniques to find good research topics include brainstorming, getting inspiration from your teachers, using relevance trees, doing a literature search or looking inwards.
Writing Strong Research Questions
A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis. All research questions should be: Focused on a single problem or issue. Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources. Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints. Specific enough to answer thoroughly.
Research: Choosing a Research Topic: Starting Points
Whether your instructor has given a range of possible topics to you or you have to come up with a topic on your own, you could benefit from these activities: ... If your assignment entails persuading a reader to adopt a position, you can conduct your research in the same way you would with any other research project. The biggest mistake you can ...
Research: How Different Fields Are Using GenAI to Redefine Roles
The interactive, conversational, analytical, and generative features of GenAI offer support for creativity, problem-solving, and processing and digestion of large bodies of information. Therefore ...
Support Topics
Venture Formation. Guidance and support for the formation of a business or startup related to research activities. Learn more about various research support topics that help shape the trajectory and success of your research.
What's It Like To Be a Teacher in America Today?
77% say their job is frequently stressful. 68% say it's overwhelming. 70% say their school is understaffed. 52% say they would not advise a young person starting out today to become a teacher. When it comes to how their students are doing in school, teachers are relatively downbeat about both academic performance and behavior.
How to protect your eyes during the 2024 solar eclipse
This is why preventing the damage in the first place is so important. A NASA map shows the path and time of the solar eclipse on April 8. No sunglasses, and beware of fake eclipse glasses. The first thing to know is sunglasses will NOT protect your eyes from looking at the eclipse. "Some people mistakenly think putting on very dark sunglasses ...

Choose Your Test

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Arts/Culture

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Science/Environment

How to Write a Great Research Paper

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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