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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

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

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

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

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

False memories
Speech disorders
Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

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

Some other topics you might consider include:

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

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

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

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

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

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

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

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

What This Means For You

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

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

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

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

Home » Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

This guide to psychology research topics provides ideas for exploring various aspects of psychology, from clinical and social to forensic and developmental psychology, offering a roadmap for anyone interested in studying human thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

Psychology is a diverse and fascinating field that seeks to understand human behavior, emotions, cognition, and development. Whether you’re a student or researcher looking for topic ideas, psychology offers a wealth of areas to explore, from mental health and therapy techniques to social dynamics and cognitive processes. This guide presents a variety of psychology research topic ideas, organized by key areas within psychology, to inspire your next study.

1. Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health issues, making it an important area of research in understanding human suffering and recovery. Potential research topics include:

Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Treating Anxiety Disorders : Investigates how CBT helps individuals manage and reduce anxiety.
Impact of Trauma on Long-Term Mental Health : Examines how trauma can lead to conditions like PTSD and affect overall well-being.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies for Depression : Studies how mindfulness practices can improve outcomes for those with depression.
Role of Genetics in Mental Health Disorders : Explores genetic predispositions to conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Comparing Therapy Techniques for Eating Disorders : Looks at the effectiveness of different therapy approaches for treating eating disorders.

2. Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology examines how people change over their lifespan, focusing on physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Some interesting topics are:

Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Development : Investigates how different parenting methods affect children’s emotional and social development.
Impact of Technology on Adolescent Social Skills : Explores how digital interaction affects teenagers’ ability to communicate in person.
Role of Play in Early Childhood Development : Studies the importance of play in developing cognitive and motor skills.
Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Cognitive Development : Looks at how access to resources influences cognitive development in children.
Gender Identity Development in Early Childhood : Examines how children develop gender identity and the factors influencing this process.

3. Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology studies mental processes such as memory, perception, language, and problem-solving. Research in this area can provide insights into how we process information and make decisions. Topic ideas include:

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning : Analyzes how lack of sleep impacts memory, attention, and decision-making.
Memory Retention Techniques for Learning : Studies effective strategies for improving memory retention in educational settings.
Role of Attention in Perception : Explores how attentional focus influences what people perceive in their environment.
Decision-Making Under Stress : Investigates how stress affects the choices people make in high-stakes situations.
Impact of Multitasking on Cognitive Performance : Examines whether multitasking reduces efficiency and cognitive accuracy.

4. Social Psychology

Social psychology focuses on understanding how people interact and influence one another in social contexts. It is a broad field with a variety of research opportunities, such as:

Effects of Social Media on Self-Esteem and Body Image : Studies how social media use influences users’ self-perception and body image.
Role of Groupthink in Decision-Making : Analyzes how group dynamics can lead to poor decision-making in organizations or groups.
Impact of Stereotypes on Performance : Looks at how societal stereotypes affect individuals’ behavior and performance, such as in educational or professional settings.
Bystander Effect in Crisis Situations : Investigates why individuals may hesitate to help others in emergencies when others are present.
Effects of Leadership Styles on Group Motivation : Studies how different leadership styles (e.g., transformational vs. transactional) impact team motivation and performance.

5. Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology applies psychological principles to workplace environments. Research in this area can improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and workplace dynamics. Topics include:

Impact of Remote Work on Employee Productivity : Examines how working from home influences job performance and work-life balance.
Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership : Investigates how emotional intelligence affects leadership effectiveness and employee relationships.
Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives : Analyzes the effectiveness of diversity programs in fostering an inclusive environment.
Burnout Prevention Techniques for High-Stress Jobs : Studies methods for preventing and reducing burnout in fields like healthcare or education.
Impact of Flexible Working Hours on Employee Satisfaction : Looks at how flexible schedules affect job satisfaction and work performance.

6. Health Psychology

Health psychology explores the psychological factors that influence physical health and how individuals cope with illness. Research in this area is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles and improving healthcare practices. Possible research topics include:

Effects of Stress on Physical Health : Examines how chronic stress contributes to health issues like heart disease or weakened immunity.
Psychological Factors Influencing Smoking Cessation : Studies what mental and emotional factors help or hinder efforts to quit smoking.
Role of Social Support in Managing Chronic Illness : Investigates how having a support system impacts patients’ ability to manage conditions like diabetes or cancer.
Impact of Positive Thinking on Recovery Rates : Looks at whether optimism contributes to faster recovery from surgery or illness.
Psychological Approaches to Pain Management : Explores non-pharmacological techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, for managing chronic pain.

7. Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology combines psychology and criminal justice to understand criminal behavior and aid in the legal system. This area offers compelling topics such as:

Psychological Profiles of Serial Offenders : Studies personality traits and factors that may contribute to serial offending.
Role of Eyewitness Testimony in Criminal Trials : Examines the reliability of eyewitness testimony and factors that influence memory recall.
Effects of Trauma on Witnesses and Victims : Investigates how experiencing or witnessing crimes affects individuals emotionally and psychologically.
Effectiveness of Rehabilitation Programs in Reducing Recidivism : Looks at whether certain types of therapy or intervention reduce reoffending rates.
Impact of Media on Public Perception of Crime : Explores how crime portrayal in media affects societal fear, perceptions of crime, and justice policies.

8. Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology studies the relationship between brain function and behavior, offering insights into how different brain regions affect our actions and thoughts. Potential topics include:

Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Cognitive Functions : Studies how brain injuries influence memory, attention, and executive functions.
Effects of Aging on Cognitive Decline : Examines the neurological factors contributing to age-related memory and cognition issues.
Role of Neurotransmitters in Mental Health Disorders : Explores how imbalances in chemicals like serotonin and dopamine affect mental health.
Neuroplasticity and Recovery After Stroke : Investigates how the brain can rewire itself and adapt following a stroke.
Effects of Substance Abuse on Brain Function : Studies how drugs and alcohol impact cognitive abilities and decision-making over time.

Tips for Choosing a Psychology Research Topic

Consider Your Interests : Choose an area of psychology that fascinates you. A topic you’re passionate about will be more engaging to research and write about.
Review Recent Literature : Look at recent studies to identify trends and areas with active research.
Check Topic Feasibility : Consider whether the topic is manageable given your resources, time, and access to participants or data.
Define a Specific Focus : Psychology is broad, so narrow your topic down to a specific question or issue.
Evaluate Ethical Considerations : Ensure that your topic allows you to conduct ethical research, especially when working with sensitive subjects or vulnerable populations.

Psychology offers a wide range of fascinating topics that allow researchers to explore everything from mental health and social behavior to brain function and development. The ideas listed here provide a starting point for students, academics, and professionals looking to delve into psychology research. With careful planning, you can select a topic that is not only interesting but also contributes to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
Brown, T., & Leary, M. (2021). Handbook of Psychology: Research Methods in Psychology . John Wiley & Sons.
Carlson, N. R., & Birkett, M. A. (2017). Physiology of Behavior (12th ed.). Pearson.
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2017). Social Psychology (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Pomerantz, A. M. (2019). Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and Culture . Sage Publications.

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