psychology 101 research topics

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

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Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

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50+ Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Categories Psychology Education

If you have ever had to write a paper for one of your psychology classes, then you probably know that choosing psychology paper topics can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of great topics for psychology research papers to help you finish your assignment.

Keep reading to learn more about how to find topics for psychology research papers and find inspiration to help you get started.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Topics for Psychology Research Papers

If you are going to write a psychology paper, the first thing you need to do is pick a good topic. This is often easier said than done.

In some cases, your instructor might assign you topics for psychology research papers, or at least narrow your range of options by providing a general subject area on which to focus your paper.

But in many cases, choosing the topic of your psychology paper is entirely up to you—and that’s where things can get tricky. How do you choose a great topic? What if you pick something too specific and struggle to find sources? Or what if you go too broad and end up biting off more than you can chew?

Following a few simple steps can make the topic selection process a lot easier.

Choose a General Subject

Part of what makes picking a topic for a psychology paper so difficult is how overwhelmed you are by the information you feel. Make it easier on yourself by restricting your options to at least a general topic area.

Narrow Down to a More Specific Topic

Once you’ve chosen a general area, you can then narrow topics for psychology research papers down to something much more specific and manageable.

For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write your paper on a topic within a specific branch of psychology . From there you might further narrow your focus down to a much narrower subject area within that branch

So, imagine that you’re writing a psychology research paper in your general psychology course. Your instructor has given you free rein to select any topic you please, so you begin by deciding to write your paper on a social psychology topic.

Now that you have a general idea, you drill down further and decide to research and write your paper on how prejudice forms and ways to minimize it.

General Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Because general psychology classes cover such a wide range of topics, you have a very large selection of subject ideas to choose from. Start by choosing a general topic, and then narrow your focus down so that you can fully cover the subject.

Some ideas include:

• An issue paper:  Tackle one of the current issues in psychology, such as parity in mental health care or involving psychologists in military interrogations.
• Profile a famous psychologist:  Select a well-known  psychologist  and then write a profile exploring his or her life, theories, and career.
• Explore a well-known psychology experiment:  Write a paper on a classic psychology study, such as the Milgram Obedience Experiment or the Stanford Prison Experiment.
• Write about a topic within personality psychology:   Personality psychology focuses on the traits and dispositions that contribute to overall personality. This is one of the largest topics within psychology so there are plenty of fascinating research topics from which to choose. Some specific topics that might interest you include whether personality can change, different theories of personality development and the  Big Five theory of personality.

Specific Topics for Psychology Research Papers

You might also want to choose topics for psychology research papers that are related to a specific branch of psychology. Some options that you might consider include:

Clinical Psychology

• How effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating specific phobias?
• What is the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder?
• How do medication and psychotherapy compare in the treatment of depression?
• How does social media affect teen mental health?

Developmental Psychology

• How do parenting styles influence child development?
• What are the long-term effects of early childhood education?
• What role does play have in cognitive development?
• What effect does having siblings have on developmental outcomes?

Cognitive Psychology

• How does sleep deprivation influence the memory consolidation process?
• What impact does aging have on cognitive functioning?
• How does exercise impact working memory?
• Does learning a second language have cognitive benefits?

Social Psychology

• What effect does discrimination have on self-esteem?
• How does self-presentation online differ from self-presentation in real-world settings?
• How do leadership styles influence productivity in groups?

Okay, let’s just imagine that you’re having a bad case of writer’s block. You understand the basic approach for picking a good topic, but nothing seems to be catching your interest. You’re looking for some more inspiration to get you started.

Here are just a few great topics for psychology papers that you might want to consider:

Controversial Topics for Psychology Research Papers

The history of psychology is not always positive, and if you enjoy writing about controversial topics, psychology’s history is rich with material.

• The use of lobotomies to treat mental illness
• The history of mental asylums in the United States
• The use and effects of electroconvulsive therapy
• Conversion therapy and its damaging effects
• Attachment therapy
• Controversial experiments such as Milgram’s obedience experiment or Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment
• The debate over the nature of intelligence
• The impact of the eugenics movement on psychology
• Controversies surrounding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Disorder Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Writing about the history, prevalence, and treatment of a specific mental condition can be an interesting topic for a psychology paper. Some options you might consider include:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse and addictions
• Developmental disorders

Other Great Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Here is a sampling of topics that you might consider:

• How attitudes form
• How bullying affects children
• How people use nonverbal communication
• Factors that can affect prenatal development
• How media violence influences children’s behavior
• How parenting styles influence child development
• How does intrinsic motivation influence learning
• How does mindset impact academic achievement
• What factors influence IQ and is it possible to increase IQ
• Factors that influence self-actualization
• Is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs still relevant today
• How does perfectionism impact mental well-being
• Different theories of personality
• How different leadership styles influence the success of groups
• Profile a specific career in psychology

As you can see, your options for psychology paper topics are really only limited by your own imagination (and the specific guidelines issued by your instructor, of course). Spend some time thinking about topics that really interest you, then narrow your focus to hone in on a specific idea.

Finally, always be sure to run your chosen topic by your instructor. He or she may be able to offer suggestions that can help you during your research and make it much easier to write an outstanding psychology paper.

Research Paper Guide

Psychology Research Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Psychology Research Topics - 170+ Ideas for Your Paper

By: Nathan D.

17 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Feb 10, 2023

Choosing psychology research topics is not as easy as one might think. If you have to write a good research paper, choosing a good topic is the foremost step. You may have several ideas in your mind while thinking of a topic for the research paper.

Good  research paper writing  needs a good topic. If you have chosen a broad topic, you will have to do a lot of research and background study. It is better to choose a narrow topic to focus on a particular subject while researching and writing.

Psychology is a vast subject that discusses different multidisciplinary issues and brings together a wide range of topics.

You can conduct analysis and research before deciding your topic. This is the reason that it is better to go for a narrow topic. It is also easier for the researcher to research the topic in psychology and conduct analysis with proper details.

On this Page

How to Choose a Topic?

You can choose a topic from any social branch of psychology. You can also select a topic that is related to some sort of mental illness or mental disorder.

The topic may be complex and require a lot of research and analytical study. But the writer can cover all the aspects of the specific topic.

Choosing a good topic is the essential step when you start writing a research proposal. An interesting and new topic is what catches your teacher’s attention. And it gets your idea accepted, apart from, of course, a well-written proposal itself.

Studying some good psychology topics for your papers is the first step when conducting research. Once you have selected the topic, the next step is writing the research paper.

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Psychology Research Topics For High School Students

High school students often explore psychology through research as a great way to learn more. With so many interesting topic, it can be hard to decide which one to study. 

Here are some ideas for psychological research topics that may help narrow down your search.

• How does color affect human behavior?
• Examine the mental health of children with disabilities
• Analyzing the effects of racism on an individual's mental health 
• The role of technology in student learning
• Investigating the correlation between depression and social media usage 
• Is there a connection between video games and violence?
• Understanding the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior 
• Exploring gender identity in adolescence 
• How does sleep deprivation affect mental health?
• Examine the psychological effects of media consumption on teenagers

Psychology Research Topics for College Students

If you are a psychology student struggling to develop a topic for your research, the following ideas will be helpful. The professional writers of 5StarEssays.com have gathered some exceptional topics to help college students draft compelling papers.

• The social identity theory of Tajfel and Turner.
• Significance of strong self-perception?
• REM phase and continuous sleep disruption.
• How does the brain function when a person is in love?
• Differences in the functioning of the brain of a man and woman.
• How do different forms of amnesia damage brain activity?
• Can PTSD lead to Alzheimer’s disease?
• Impact of yoga on human psychology.
• An autistic brain under MRI.
• Causes and effects of sleep paralysis
• How to treat multiple personality disorders?
• Symptoms and treatment of ADHD
• Social factors that trigger panic attacks.
• Symptoms, causes, and treatment of dementia
• Similarities and differences among midlife crises of a man and a woman.

Research Topics In Psychology For University Students

Psychology allows us to explore the depths of human behavior and gain insight into why people think, feel, and act the way they do. For university students interested in exploring this area further, there are many interesting research topics to choose from. 

Here are some options to consider:

• The Role of Genetics in Mental Health
• How Technology Impacts Mental Health Outcomes
• The Psychological Impact of Racism
• Cyberbullying Prevention Strategies
• Sleep and Memory
• The Influence of Social Media on Adolescents’ Self-Esteem
• The Effects of Music on Emotion
• Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace
• The Role of Gender in Mental Health
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Treatment for Stress

Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Criminal Behavior 
• Examining the Impact of Poverty and Socioeconomic Disadvantage on Crime Rates 
• Exploring the Role of Technology in Modern Day Crime 
• Investigating Media Portrayals of Criminals and their Effectiveness 
• Analyzing Trends and Patterns in Juvenile Delinquency 
• Examining the Effectiveness of Drug Abuse Treatment Programs on Criminal Behavior 
• Understanding the Relationship between Mental Illness and Crime 
• Exploring Effective Strategies for Rehabilitating Criminals in Prisons 
• Investigating the Impact of Religion on Criminal Mindsets 
• Examining Gender Differences in Criminal Behavior 

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Emotional Regulation 
• Brain Development and the Impact of Early Childhood Experiences 
• Exploring Neural Network Connectivity and Its Role in Behavior 
• How Do Cortical Mechanisms Contribute to Cognitive Processes? 
• The Effects of Stress on Memory Formation 
• The Impact of Social Interactions on the Development of Mental Illness 
• Examine the Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning 
• Investigating Neuroplasticity in Response to Environmental Stimuli 
• Exploring Hormone-Induced Changes in Brain Activity  
• The Role of Neurotransmitters in Addiction 
• Exploring Sex Differences in Brain Circuitry and its Impact on Behavior.

Social Psychology Research Topics

• Racism and its effects
• What is Homophobia?
• Social issues involving or related to culture
• What is social depression?
• What is social cognition?
• How does social anxiety affect people?
• Gender roles in our society
• Gender discrimination and its causes
• How does peer pressure affect teenagers?
• Effect of marital disputes on children
• How do violent video games affect children and their brain development?
• Effect of violent cartoons on children's behavior and mental state
• How does divorce affect the emotional development of a child?
• Social anxiety and social depression on an introverted child
• How does bullying affect the social interaction of teenagers in high school or college?

Cognitive Psychology Research Topics

• What are the effects of attention deficit or hyperactivity disorder on the development of a child?
• Discuss the effects of Autism.
• How is color psychology effective in cognitive development studies?
• What is the attention span, and how to measure it?
• Memory loss and different ways to recover it
• How do memories affect the behavior of individuals?
• Which factors can help improve problem-solving abilities in children?
• What is a speech disorder, and how does it affect cognitive development?
• What is critical thinking, and how to measure its ability in cognitive psychology?
• How can subconsciousness affect decision-making ability?
• Increasing violence among teenagers and children
• What causes bullying behavior among children?
• Factors that can contribute to delay in the mental development of a child.
• The effect of romantic movies on a child
• Is single parenting suitable for a child’s mental development?

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Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The influence of video games on aggression in teenagers
• Gender roles in society: An analysis of stereotypes
• The impact of race and ethnicity on mental health
• The effects of television violence on children’s behavior
• Attitudes towards death penalty: Should it be abolished?
• Causes and effects of anxiety disorders
• The effectiveness of psychotherapy in treating depression
• The role of media in promoting body image dissatisfaction among youth
• Is intelligence determined mainly by genetics or environment?
• Impact of poverty on psychological development
• Workplace bullying and its consequences for employees’ mental health 

Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Analyzing the Role of Social Communication Platforms in Shaping Culture 
• Examining the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Mental Health 
• Exploring Linguistic Influences on Cognitive Development 
• Investigating How Media Portrayal Affects Cultural Expectations and Ideologies 
• Assessing the Influence of Different Cultural Values on Identity Development 
• Studying the Relationship between Cultural Practices and Gender Roles 
• Examining Intergenerational Transmission of Culture through Family Dynamics 
• Analyzing the Effects of Political and Economic Structures on Cultural Beliefs and Behaviors 
• Understanding How Social Norms Impact Moral Decision Making 
• Investigating the Impact of Religion on Cultural Attitudes and Practices 

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• Bullying and its effect on mental development.
• The role of media and cartoons in increasing violence.
• How violent video games and cartoons can make children violent?
• Underlying causes that can create a serial killer
• Causes of increase in the psychopathic behavior of teenagers and youth
• Stereotypes and gender roles in our society
• Abusive parents and child development
• Effects of child abuse on the mental development of a child
• Factors that can accelerate the aging process
• Is psychology related to the aging process?
• Long term effects of mental health issues
• How can drugs affect our youth’s mental health in the long run?
• The effects of medication on your mental health
• Effects of postpartum depression on mental health
• How does sleeping disorder lead to other mental illnesses?

Found a topic to write about but don’t know how to start? Here’s an informative video on how to write your research paper.

Abnormal Psychology Research Topics

• What are the causes of the increasing anorexia rate in children?
• Causes of anorexia in adults
• Causes of anxiety disorder and how to overcome it
• Why is there an increase in eating disorders among the youth?
• What are the factors that contribute to an eating disorder?
• Is lying related to the psychology of a person?
• Causes of the rise in teenage suicides
• Is asexuality related to the psychology of a person?
• Psychology and suicidal thoughts
• How to control anxiety and depressing thoughts regarding death?
• What factors can cause multiple personality disorders?
• Violent video games are a cause of mood disorders among children.
• Reasons for phobias and how to deal with them
• Causes of PTSD in offices or workplace
• Is stalking considered a psychological disorder?

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

• Psychology can be used to get control of chronic pain.
• Recent studies suggest that anxiety and panic attacks can be treated using cognitive therapy.
• Is behavioral therapy effective in treating criminals?
• Antidepressants can be addictive, and their usage should be avoided.
• Factors that contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder
• What are the therapy practices effective in dealing with depression?
• Effect of an abusive relationship on the psychology of the victim
• Are antidepressants effective as a remedy for therapy?
• Insomnia – How to treat it in a clinical scenario?
• Which therapy practices are effective in treating addictions?
• Panic attacks and anxiety disorder - How to treat them through therapies?
• Psychological disorders and their clinical treatments
• Causes of Social anxiety and how to treat them?
• Phobias and Paranoias - Treatment through medication and therapy.
• Schizophrenia and the recommended therapies.

Child Psychology Research Topics

• Describe the legal, ethical, and psychological aspects of adoption.
• Negligence of parents is the main cause of childhood obesity. Agreed?
• What are the reasons behind the rising depression in children?
• Explain the introvert personality. What are the consequences of being an introvert, especially in children?
• What are the psychological effects of child abuse? Explain the preventive and remedial measures of childhood abuse.
• What are the consequences of a self-centered mother on a child’s mental wellbeing?
• Explain the phases of a child’s psychological development and growth.
• Does the birth order have any effect on a child’s personality and accomplishments? If yes, then explain how and why?
• How do violent music and video games impact a child’s behavior and mind?
• What are the different kinds of torture, and what are their effects on a child’s mind and adult life?
• Causes of increasing depression among the youth
• What are the physical symptoms of a mental disorder in children?
• Causes of antisocial behavior among teenagers
• Causes and effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children
• Impact of spanking on child’s psychology.

Sports Psychology Research Topics

• What are the future trends in sports psychology? Explain the arguments in light of the high chances of head injuries in football, hockey, and rugby.
• What are the recent changes in team sport and locker room dynamics in sports? Explain your claims with solid evidence and present some future implications also.
• What are the reasons for low health in low-income neighborhoods? How can we use sports and physical activities to promote good health?
• What are the effects and role of the Olympics in promoting sports in the nations that are not active in sports due to underfunding? How can they change their state and invest in games?
• What role do the psychological tests play in determining whether a new athlete coming from the collegiate level will be prone to steroids or violence?
• What are the psychological implications of having a well-known coach on the team? Does it matter if the coach is famous?
• What are the problems faced by young and new coaches? Do they feel pressured and are more prone to injuries? State the reasons with examples.
• Explain the term team chemistry. What is the role of team chemistry in building a sound team and supporting the teammates?
• What are the tactics that athletes can use to control and manage their emotions effectively? Discuss the role of negative emotions in violent sports like boxing.
• How has sport psychology evolved in the last twenty years?
• Significance of sports psychology to promote mental health.
• Effects of steroids on the mental activity of athletes. How does it negatively affect you? What can be done to avoid it?
• Relationship issues and the sports performance of an athlete. How are they related?
• Are panic attacks common in a sportsman’s life? How to deal with them?
• How does a sleeping disorder influence the stamina of the sportsman?

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Experimental Psychology Research Topics

• Can colors play a role in enhancing a person’s mood? Explain how the color blue can make a person feel relaxed and calm.
• Explain the notorious human experiments in history. What are their ethical shortcomings?
• What is the impact of breakfast on a person's overall day-to-day activities?
• What is the relationship between the use of social media and the rising cases of violence in adolescents?
• It is said that geniuses are made, not born. How true is this statement?
• Explain the term Mood Freezing and its implications.
• What is hindsight bias, and how can it be prevented?
• What is a double foot-in-door, and how is it used to manipulate someone?
• What affects the heuristic? Explain it with examples.
• Human cloning can be the answer for childless couples. How true is the statement?
• Causes and effects of dehumanization in Stanford prison.
• Analysis of Milgram’s shock experiment on the unfamiliar environment.
• How can aggression be controlled?
• Obedience and compliance as a function of social status.
• How does group belonging influence an individual’s behavior?

Forensic Psychology Research Topics

• The increasing susceptibility that has led to more home-grown terrorists emerging
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation in prisons and the criminal justice system
• Juvenile murders and what factors affect areas with higher rates of murders carried out by children.
• How does a role in law enforcement impact an individual’s private life?
• Is enough being done to minimize the risks of those in special education ending up in the penal system?
• What is the cause of mass killings in the U.S.?
• Is society neglecting domestic violence that is aimed towards men?
• Explain the role of the internet, movies, and video games in augmenting copycat crimes.
• What is internet police? Explain some useful strategies for effective internet policing.
• What is the role of upbringing in preventing the making of a serial killer? Can a better upbringing prevent it?
• Rules of conduct to follow by the forensic psychologist in the court.
• Risk factors for unreliable evidence.
• Reliability and legitimacy of an eyewitness’s memory.
• The credibility of the statement of a mentally challenged eyewitness.
• Rules to follow by psychologists when verbally interacting with criminals in court.

Interesting Psychology Research Topics

• The effects of media exposure on mental health 
• The role of social media in the formation of relationships 
• How childhood experiences shape personality development 
• The impact of personality traits on academic performance 
• Relationship between drug use and criminal behavior 
• Understanding the motivations behind substance abuse 
• The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy 
• Exploring the effects of different parenting styles 
• Investigating the role of memory in decision making 
• Examining gender roles and their impact on behavior 
• Analyzing the relationships between emotion and cognition

Another easy way to choose psychology research paper topics for your research paper is to write about a famous historical person.

The topic, as narrow as it is, allows the researcher to focus on specific areas. You can also choose to research and write about a psychology career. A case study on an individual by providing a detailed analysis using your research techniques will be great.

Some additional  research paper topics  will help you carry out meaningful and interesting research.

Tips to Write a Research Paper

However, there are no universal processes for writing a good research paper, but you can follow the following steps:

1. Develop an outline

Before you start writing your research paper, it’s important to develop an outline that will guide your writing process.  An outline should include the main points and arguments you want to make throughout the paper. It will help keep your ideas organized and help you stay on track.

2. Research thoroughly

Research is the most important part of writing a research paper. 

Make sure you do your due diligence in researching thoroughly and that you’re gathering reliable sources from trusted experts or academics.

3. Develop a thesis statement

Once you have researched, it’s time to develop a thesis statement that’ll act as the main argument throughout your paper. This should be clear and concise while still conveying all the most important points you want to make.

4. Write a first draft

Once you’ve developed an outline and a thesis statement, it’s time to start writing your first draft. This is where you can really get creative and start fleshing out your ideas and arguments in full sentences. 

Remember not to get too bogged down in the details. Just focus on getting your ideas on paper.

5. Use citations

Once you’ve finished your research, it’s important to correctly cite all your sources. 

This will ensure that you’re giving credit where it’s due. It will also help your readers verify the accuracy of your research.

6. Revise and proofread

Once you’ve finished your first draft, it’s time to go back over it and make any necessary revisions or edits. Make sure that all of your arguments are still clear and supported by evidence and that your paper flows in a logical and coherent manner. 

Additionally, make sure you check for any typos, spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes.

After you’ve revised and proofread your research paper, it’s time to submit it! 

Make sure that you follow all the required submission guidelines of the publication or professor you’re submitting to.

Let’s sum it up!

Writing a research paper can seem like an arduous task, but you can write a winning paper with enough determination and focus. Remember to always back up your points with evidence and create a logical flow in order for your message to be effectively communicated. 

With hard work and dedication, you can create an impactful research paper that will engage your readers. So make sure to take the time to hone your skills and craft a compelling piece of writing!

If you need help, here is a complete guide to writing a research paper that includes everything you need to write a perfect paper. 

Not every student has the writing skills or time to dedicate to a research paper. In this case, seeking help from professional writers is the best available option.

5StarEssays.com has a team of professional writers who can write high-quality academic papers, including term papers to custom essays. Ask our writers to ‘ write my essay ’ and avail of all the professional services.

Our professional essay writers have exceptional writing skills, and they can help you with writing assignments within your deadline.

You can also check out AI essay typer and generate parts of your research paper through it with accurate citations to use as reference. 

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Nathan completed his Ph.D. in journalism and has been writing articles for well-respected publications for many years now. His work is carefully researched and insightful, showing a true passion for the written word. Nathan's clients appreciate his expertise, deep understanding of the process, and ability to communicate difficult concepts clearly.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• Behavioural psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sports psychology
• Examples of actual dissertation topics
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

• Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
• The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
• The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
• The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
• The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
• The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
• Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
• The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
• The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
• The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
• Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

• The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
• The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
• The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
• The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
• The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
• The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
• The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
• The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
• The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
• The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
• The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
• The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

• The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
• The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
• The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
• The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
• The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
• The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
• The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
• The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
• The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
• The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
• The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
• The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

• The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
• The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
• The impact of late-night screen use on child development
• The role of digital play on child development outcomes
• Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
• The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
• Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
• The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
• The role of parental attachment in child resilience
• The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
• The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
• The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
• The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
• The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
• The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

• The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
• Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
• The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
• The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
• University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
• The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
• The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
• The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
• The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
• The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
• The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
• The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
• The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
• The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
• The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

• The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
• Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
• Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
• The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
• The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
• Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
• The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
• The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
• The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
• Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
• The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
• The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
• The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
• Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
• The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

• The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
• The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
• The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
• The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
• The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
• The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
• The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
• The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
• Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
• The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
• The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
• The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
• The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
• The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
• The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

• The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
• The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
• The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
• The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
• The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
• The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
• Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
• Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
• The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
• The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
• The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
• The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

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

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

• Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
• The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
• Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
• The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
• Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
• An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
• Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
• Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
• The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
• Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
• Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
• Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

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Exploring 200+ Psychology Topics to Research: Unlocking the Depths of the Mind

The world of psychology is as vast as the human mind itself. Delving into the intricate workings of the human psyche can be both fascinating. For students, academics, or anyone with a curious mind, choosing the right psychology topics to research is paramount. In this blog, we’ll navigate through the labyrinth of psychology topics, helping you find your way to a captivating and meaningful research endeavor.

How To Select Psychology Topics To Research?

Table of Contents

• Follow Your Interests: Start with what you love. What aspects of human behavior or the mind fascinate you the most? It’s much easier to research something you’re passionate about.
• Consider Relevance: Think about how your chosen topic fits into your academic or career goals. Does it relate to what you’re studying or the job you want? If it does, great!
• Balance the Scope: Don’t pick a topic that’s too broad or too narrow. Find that sweet spot in the middle. You want a topic that’s focused enough to research effectively but not so narrow that there’s no existing information.
• Explore Different Areas: Research the various branches of psychology, like cognitive, social, clinical, developmental, or biological psychology. See which one resonates with you the most.
• Seek Advice: Talk to your professors, mentors, or peers. They can provide guidance and suggestions based on your interests and goals.

200+ Popular Psychology Topics To Research: Category Wise

40+ cognitive psychology topics.

• The role of working memory in problem-solving.
• Cognitive effects of sleep deprivation.
• Neural basis of attention and focus.
• Influence of language on cognitive development.
• Decision-making biases in economic behavior.
• The psychology of learning and memory.
• The impact of stress on cognitive performance.
• Cognitive decline in aging populations.
• Emotion and memory recall.
• False memories and eyewitness testimony.
• Cognitive processes in creativity.
• Cognitive aspects of decision-making in healthcare.
• The psychology of expertise and skill acquisition.
• Cognitive factors in reading comprehension.
• The role of schemas in information processing.
• Cognitive development in infants.
• Cognitive rehabilitation after brain injury.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functions.
• Neural mechanisms of perception and visual attention.
• The psychology of problem-solving in artificial intelligence.
• Cognitive aspects of mathematical reasoning.
• Neural plasticity and cognitive recovery.
• Cognitive load and its impact on learning.
• Memory consolidation during sleep.
• Attentional disorders and their impact on cognitive functioning.
• The influence of music on cognitive processes.
• Cognitive development in bilingual individuals.
• Cognitive aspects of decision-making in criminal behavior.
• Neural correlates of cognitive control.
• The psychology of cognitive biases in politics.
• Cognitive effects of mindfulness meditation.
• The part working memory plays in academic success.
• Cognitive processes in language acquisition.
• Cognitive factors in problem gambling behavior.
• The psychology of cognitive development in children with autism.
• Cognitive aspects of spatial navigation.
• Memory distortions and the courtroom.
• Neural basis of cognitive dissonance.
• Cognitive aspects of social perception.
• Cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer’s disease.

40+ Social Psychology Research Topics

• The impact of social media on self-esteem.
• Groupthink and decision-making.
• Stereotype threat in academic settings.
• Bystander effect in emergencies.
• Cross-cultural perspectives on conformity.
• Online dating and self-presentation.
• The psychology of social influence.
• The role of empathy in prosocial behavior.
• Social identity and intergroup relations.
• Aggression and video game exposure.
• Prejudice and discrimination in modern society.
• The influence of social norms on behavior.
• Attitudes and attitude change.
• Social support and mental health.
• Obedience to authority figures.
• Social comparison and self-concept.
• The psychology of attraction and relationships.
• The bystander intervention model.
• Body image and social media.
• Political polarization and social psychology.
• The psychology of fake news and misinformation.
• Emotional contagion and social interactions.
• Stereotyping in the workplace.
• Consequences of cyberbullying.
• The impact of group dynamics on creativity.
• Gender roles and socialization.
• The role of humor in social interactions.
• Social factors in decision-making and risk-taking.
• Altruism and volunteerism.
• The psychology of leadership and authority.
• Social exclusion and its effects on individuals.
• The relationship between religion and prosocial behavior.
• Social influence in marketing and advertising.
• Online activism and social change.
• The psychology of online communities and forums.
• Attachment styles and adult relationships.
• Social perceptions of beauty and attractiveness.
• Social isolation’s negative consequences on mental health.
• The psychology of public speaking anxiety.
• The role of forgiveness in interpersonal relationships.

40+ Clinical Psychology Research Topics

• Effects of childhood trauma on mental health in adults.
• Efficacy of virtual therapy for treating anxiety disorders.
• Exploring the genetics of schizophrenia.
• Effects of mindfulness meditation on depression.
• Cultural factors in the diagnosis of eating disorders.
• Examining the link between sleep disorders and mood disorders.
• Assessing the effectiveness of group therapy for substance abuse.
• The role of attachment in borderline personality disorder.
• Investigating the stigma surrounding mental illness.
• Treating PTSD in veterans through exposure therapy.
• Neurobiological basis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Parent-child relationships and their impact on conduct disorder.
• Gender differences in the prevalence of depression.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety disorder.
• Psychopharmacology and treatment-resistant depression.
• The psychology of self-harm and self-injury.
• Internet addiction and its connection to mental health.
• Assessing the efficacy of art therapy for PTSD.
• Personality disorders and their impact on interpersonal relationships.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in treating borderline personality disorder.
• Factors contributing to the rise in adolescent depression.
• Exploring the link between childhood abuse and dissociative identity disorder.
• Cross-cultural perspectives on the diagnosis of ADHD.
• The role of serotonin in mood disorders.
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction in chronic pain management.
• Impact of family dynamics on eating disorders in adolescents.
• Examining the long-term effects of child neglect on adult mental health.
• Psychosocial factors in the development of schizophrenia.
• Gender dysphoria and psychological well-being.
• The psychology of resilience in cancer patients.
• Attachment styles and their influence on adult relationships.
• Virtual reality exposure therapy for phobias.
• Exploring the effectiveness of equine therapy for trauma survivors.
• Autism spectrum disorders and early intervention.
• Body image dissatisfaction and its link to eating disorders.
• The psychological impact of chronic illness.
• Cognitive rehabilitation in traumatic brain injury.
• Sleep disorders in children and their impact on academic performance.
• The role of social support in recovery from substance abuse.
• Neuropsychological assessment in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.

40+ Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• The impact of parental divorce on child development.
• Adolescents’ self-identity and social media.
• Long-term effects of early childhood attachment on adult relationships.
• Gender identity development in children.
• The influence of birth order on personality development.
• The role of genetics in language development.
• Autism spectrum disorder interventions for toddlers.
• Adolescent peer pressure and substance abuse.
• The impact of bullying on psychological development.
• Sibling rivalry and its long-term effects.
• Parenting styles and their influence on children’s behavior.
• The development of moral reasoning in children.
• Influence of cultural factors on child development.
• Attachment theory and foster care outcomes.
• The impact of technology on cognitive development in children.
• Children’s understanding of death and grief.
• Cognitive development in bilingual children.
• The role of play in early childhood development.
• Attachment disorders and interventions in adopted children.
• The development of emotional intelligence in adolescents.
• The impact of poverty on child development.
• The relationship between nutrition and cognitive development.
• Bullying prevention and intervention programs in schools.
• The role of grandparents in child development.
• Developmental aspects of sibling relationships.
• Child prodigies and their psychological development.
• Gender stereotypes and their influence on children’s aspirations.
• The effects of early education on academic success.
• Cognitive development in children with learning disabilities.
• The impact of divorce on young adults’ romantic relationships.
• Parent-child communication about sex education.
• Adolescents’ body image and its influence on self-esteem.
• Influence of peer relationships on early social development.
• The role of extracurricular activities in adolescent development.
• Long-term outcomes for children in same-sex parent families.
• Cognitive development in children with ADHD.
• The effects of early exposure to screens on cognitive development.
• The role of attachment in adolescent mental health.
• Identity development in multicultural children.

40+ Biological Psychology Research Topics

• The neural basis of addiction and substance abuse.
• The role of genetics in personality traits.
• Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function.
• Exploring the gut-brain connection and its impact on mental health.
• Neural mechanisms of stress and its long-term effects.
• The relationship between brain structure and intelligence.
• The impact of exercise on brain health and cognition.
• Neurobiological factors in eating disorders.
• Neural pathways involved in fear and anxiety.
• The influence of hormones on behavior and mood.
• Neuroplasticity and its implications for recovery after brain injuries.
• The biology of memory and amnesia.
• Understanding the neurological basis of schizophrenia.
• The role of neurotransmitters in depression.
• The impact of aging on brain structure and function.
• Neural mechanisms underlying aggression and violence.
• Brain imaging techniques and their applications in research.
• The effects of prenatal exposure to toxins on brain development.
• Neurological aspects of autism spectrum disorders.
• Brain changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The genetics of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Neurobiology of consciousness and altered states of consciousness.
• The role of the amygdala in emotional processing.
• Neural mechanisms of sexual attraction and orientation.
• The impact of nutrition on brain development and function.
• Brain regions involved in decision-making and impulsivity.
• Neurological factors in Tourette’s syndrome.
• The biology of reward and motivation.
• Neural correlates of empathy and social cognition.
• Genetic predisposition to addiction.
• The influence of hormones on maternal behavior.
• The neurological basis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Adolescent brain development and the effects on behavior.
• The prefrontal cortex’s function in executive tasks.
• Linguistic disorders and language neuroscience.
• Neuroinflammation’s effects on mental health.
• Mechanisms in the brain that affect sensory perception.
• Neurological and genetic influences on bipolar disorder.
• The impact of persistent pain on brain development and function.
• The endocannabinoid system’s function in controlling mood.

Research Methodology for Psychology Topics

Understanding various research methodologies is key to conducting a successful study. Whether you opt for experimental designs, surveys, case studies, or sophisticated data analysis, each method offers unique insights. Choose the methodology that aligns with your research questions and objectives, ensuring a robust and reliable study.

Resources for Psychology Research

In the digital age, a wealth of resources for psychology topics to research is at your fingertips. Utilize academic journals, databases, books, and online courses to enhance your understanding. 

Engage with professional organizations and attend conferences to stay updated with the latest research trends and network with fellow enthusiasts.

Tips for Successful Psychology Topics for Research

• Choose a Fascinating Topic: Select a research topic that genuinely interests you. Your passion and curiosity will drive your motivation and engagement throughout the research process.
• Narrow Your Focus: Refine your research question to ensure it’s specific and manageable. A focused question will lead to more meaningful and in-depth findings.
• Conduct a Thorough Literature Review: Familiarize yourself with existing research in your chosen area. This helps you build on prior knowledge and identify gaps in the literature.
• Hypothesize and Predict: Develop clear hypotheses and predictions for your study. This sets the direction for your research and provides a framework for data collection and analysis.
• Choose the Right Research Method: Select the research method that best suits your research question, whether it’s experiments, surveys, interviews, or case studies.
• Ethical Considerations: Prioritize ethical guidelines in your research, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality, and avoiding harm to participants.
• Sample Selection: Carefully choose your sample to make sure it’s representative of the population you’re studying. Consider factors like age, gender, and cultural diversity.
• Data Collection: Collect data systematically and ensure its accuracy and reliability. Use well-established measurement tools when applicable.
• Data Analysis: Employ appropriate statistical techniques to analyze your data. Make use of software like SPSS or R for thorough analysis.
• Interpret Results Objectively: Avoid confirmation bias and interpret your results objectively, even if they don’t align with your initial hypotheses.
• Discuss Limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of your study in your research paper. This demonstrates your awareness of potential weaknesses and strengthens your research’s credibility.
• Contribute to the Field: Highlight the significance of your research and how it contributes to the broader field of psychology. What does it add to existing knowledge?
• Write Clearly and Concisely: Communicate your findings in a clear, concise, and well-structured manner. Use APA or other relevant style guides for formatting.
• Peer Review: Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or professors. Peer review can help identify blind spots and improve the quality of your work.
• Stay Organized: Maintain detailed records of your research process, including notes, data, and references. Organization is key to successful research.
• Time Management: Plan your research timeline carefully, allocating sufficient time for each stage, from literature review to data collection and analysis.
• Persevere: Research often involves setbacks and challenges. Stay persistent, adapt when necessary, and remain dedicated to your research goals.
• Publish and Share: Consider presenting your research at conferences and seek opportunities for publication in academic journals . Sharing your findings contributes to the advancement of the field.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research trends and developments in psychology. Attend conferences and join professional organizations to stay connected with the academic community.
• Collaborate: Don’t hesitate to collaborate with other researchers, as teamwork can lead to valuable insights and more significant research outcomes.

Choosing the psychology topics to research is akin to embarking on an adventure into the depths of the human mind. Each topic holds the potential to unravel mysteries, challenge assumptions, and make a meaningful impact on individuals and society. 

As you venture into this realm, remember that your curiosity and dedication are your greatest assets. Embrace the journey, learn from every step, and let your research contribute to the ever-expanding tapestry of psychological knowledge. Happy researching!

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Psychology Research Paper Topics

In the list of psychology research paper topics below we have attempted to capture psychology’s vast and evolving nature in the 16 categories and more than 100 topics.

100+ Psychology Research Paper Topics

H istory of psychology.

• History of Psychology
• Psychology Before 1900
• Psychology in the 20th Century
• Psychology Into the 21st Century
• Women and Minorities in Psychology

Mental Health

• Agoraphobia
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa (Eating Disorders)
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Mental Retardation
• Mood Disorders
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Attacks
• Personality Disorders
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Psychopathology
• Schizophrenia
• Sexual Disorders
• Somatization and Hypochondriasis
• Substance Abuse

Psychology Research and Analytic Techniques

• Statistical Techniques and Analysis
• Nonexperimental Research Methods
• Experimental Designs
• Single-Subject Designs
• Qualitative Research
• Ethics of Psychological Research

Neuroscience

• Biological Psychology
• Neurotransmission
• Traditional Neuroscience Research Methods
• Imaging Techniques for the Localization of Brain Function
• Drug Addiction
• Behavioral Pharmacology

Sensory Processes and Perception

• Psychophysics
• States of Consciousness
• Somatosensory Systems

Evolution and Behavior

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Mate Preferences
• Animal Learning and Behavior
• Animal Cognition
• Comparative Psychology

Basic Learning Processes

• Classical Conditioning
• Recent Trends in Classical Conditioning
• Taste-Aversion Learning
• Operant Conditioning
• Recent Trends in Operant Conditioning
• Social Learning
• Stimulus Equivalence

Individual Differences and Personality

• Psychometrics
• Testing and Assessment
• Personality Development
• Personality Psychology
• Intelligence

Cognitive Psychology

• Memory and Eyewitness Testimony
• Repressed and Recovered Memory
• Language and Language Development
• Thinking and Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Artificial Intelligence

Developmental Psychology

• Prenatal Development and Infancy
• Childhood and Adolescence
• Adulthood and Aging
• Disabilities
• Death, Dying, and Bereavement
• Nature Versus Nurture

Social Psychology

• Social Cognition
• Attitudes and Attitude Change
• Group Processes
• Social Influence
• The Nature of Love
• Prejudice and Stereotyping

Health, Stress, and Coping

• Health Psychology
• Stress and Stressors
• Coping Skills
• Positive Psychology
• Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Clinical Psychology

• Abnormal Psychology
• Ethics of Therapists
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Pharmacotherapy
• Forensic Clinical Psychology
• Sexual Offending Behavior

Applied Psychology

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Human Factors
• Community Psychology
• Sport Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Psychology and the Law
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Organizational Behavior Management

Human Diversity

• Gender and Sexual Orientation
• Multiple Axes of Human Diversity
• Psychology and Religion
• Cross-Cultural Psychology and Research
• International Psychology

Assessment and Psychotherapy

• Assessment of Mental Health in Older Adults
• Behavior Therapy
• Behavioral Medicine
• Biofeedback
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Classifying Mental Disorders
• Clinical Assessment
• Cognitive Therapy
• Community Mental Health
• Constructivist Psychotherapies
• Coping with Stress
• Couples Therapy
• Depression—Applied Aspects
• Domestic Violence Intervention
• Meditation and the Relaxation Response
• Personality Assessment
• Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychopharmacology
• Sexual Dysfunction Therapy
• Standards for Psychotherapy
• Support Groups

Browse More Psychology Research Paper Topics:

• Applied Behavior Analysis Research Paper Topics
• Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Clinical Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Community Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Comparative Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Consumer Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Counseling Psychology Research Paper Topics
• Evolutionary Psychology Research Paper Topics
• School Psychology Research Paper Topics

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For example, the early years of the 20th century witnessed the development and popularization of the now classic “schools of psychology” such as structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology, and behaviorism. World War II and the Korean War spurred the development of modern clinical psychology. In the middle of the 20th century, individual schools rose to prominence and tended to dominate psychological research and theorizing. These dominant schools often clashed with clinical psychology. For example, disagreements between behaviorists and clinicians, which have their roots in the 1940s and 1950s, still persist.

Toward the end of the 1960s, the nature of the field began to change, and the face of modern psychology was forever altered. First, Ulrich Neisser’s 1967 book, Cognitive Psychology, ushered in the “cognitive revolution” and put behaviorism on the decline. Technological advances in computer technology, which allowed researchers to simulate human thought and memory processes and to create images of neurological processes, played an inestimable role in modern psychology’s metamorphosis. Likewise, advances in social concern and action increased psychologists’ awareness of psychology’s diversity and its ability to make significant contributions in these areas. To be sure, the face of contemporary psychology was changing drastically. In fact, in 1992 former American Psychological Association (APA) president George A. Miller believed that psychology had become “an intellectual zoo” (p. 40). Clearly, that situation has not changed, as psychology is evolving in the 21st century.

We believe that our choice of traditional and cutting-edge research paper topics reflects contemporary psychology’s diverse nature. For example, the “traditional”  research paper topics include the following:

The cutting-edge research paper topics include the following:

• Conducting Research on the History of Psychology

Browse examples of psychology research papers to find sample research papers on psychology topics. Whether the research paper deals with a traditional topic or a cutting-edge topic, you will find that it presents the materials in a decidedly contemporary manner. We hope that students will enjoy reading the research papers on different topics in psychology as much as we have enjoyed collecting them for you.

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PSYCH101: Introduction to Psychology

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Course Syllabus

First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

"Psychology has a long past, but a short history." This statement by Hermann Ebbinghaus (1850–1909), a pioneer of psychological research, captures the history of psychology as a discipline. Although it is a relatively new, formal academic subject, psychology seeks to answer questions that have been around since the beginning of humanity.

In this unit, we review the history of psychology as a discipline. We explore its ancient philosophical, prescientific roots and recent reincarnation as a scientific field of study.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior

What makes you "you"? This question gets to the heart of one of the longest-running debates in psychology: the nurture versus nature dispute, which asks whether humans are a product of their environment or of their biological makeup. While it is unlikely that we will ever conclusively answer this question, research has provided us with some important insights that will help you understand the arguments on both sides of the debate.

Early psychologists considered the brain a black box that controlled certain processes, although they did not know how to identify these processes or how the brain controlled them. This is no longer the case; now, scientists insist that the psychological mind and physiological body are fully integrated with one another. Today, knowledge of the biological origins of our psychological states is integral to the study of psychology.

In this unit, we explore biopsychology, which includes the role of genes, the structure and functions of neurons, the parts of the nervous system, and the endocrine system. Finally, we examine the role and function of sleep and the use of substances that may alter our states of consciousness.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 7 hours.

Unit 3: Sensation and Perception

Our five senses – smell, taste, sight, hearing, and touch – provide us with information about the world. We must convert this information into a form that is usable by the brain, so it can interpret what those sensations mean. The process of collecting information through the sense organs is known as sensation, and the process of making sense of that information is known as perception.

We usually think of sensation as a physiological process, whereas perception is psychological. Since sensation relies on the elements of information that are out in the world, we consider it a bottom-up process. Since perception relies on past experience and knowledge to aid in understanding, we call it a top-down process.

In this unit, we highlight vision and hearing because humans tend to rely most heavily on these senses. Most of the research on sensation and perception has focused on these two senses, so these are the senses we understand the most fully. We will wrap up with the remaining senses, plus a sense that may not seem like a sense – the sense of balance.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

Unit 4: Learning

Psychologists are concerned with how people learn from experience and create memories. During the first half of the 20th century, behaviorists focused on how animals and humans made associations between stimuli and between their own behavior and its consequences. In this unit, we draw from behaviorism to learn the basic principles of learning.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 10 hours.

Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology

Psychologists are concerned with how people create memories. During the second half of the 20th century, psychologists established the field of cognitive psychology, which explored topics such as decision-making and problem-solving; language acquisition and use; intelligence and creative thinking; memory formation, storage, and retrieval; In this unit, we draw from cognitive psychology and neuropsychology to learn the basic principles of cognitive psychology.

Unit 6: Developmental Psychology

The physical, mental, and emotional changes an individual undergoes throughout the course of their lifetime raise a number of questions about who we are and how we develop as human beings. One question is whether our traits are stable or changeable throughout our lifetime; another is whether development is a continuous, gradual process or a set of discrete stages.

Although these questions remain unresolved, we impart some ways you can think critically about these issues in this unit. We also provide an overview of human development, from infancy to old age.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.

Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality

In this unit, we focus on personality psychology, which studies how our personalities develop and how our experiences and circumstances shape who we are. We will examine some theories that explain why we behave and think in consistent ways and discover how psychologists assess personality traits.

Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

Unit 8: Clinical Psychology

Today, we commonly think of psychology as a way to treat mental disorders. However, psychopathology , the field of study Sigmund Freud made famous, is the branch of psychology that addresses these disorders. Clinical psychologists have since refined the field, developing more sophisticated methods for diagnosis and treatment so clients can maintain a normal lifestyle.

Millions of people live with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety , obsessive-compulsive disorder , drug addiction , and personality disorders . Treatment options include medication and psychotherapy.

In this unit, we explore different perspectives on psychological disorders and learn to identify characteristic symptoms for each. Think about all the factors that may contribute to and alleviate the major mental disorders discussed. What is the interplay between biology, social support systems, and other environmental factors in how human beings cope?

Unit 9: Social Psychology

Human beings are social animals. As psychologists, we acknowledge this fact by studying how our social environment impacts our emotional and mental functioning. This discipline is called social psychology – the focus of this unit. We will discuss the social behavior of individuals, groups, and entire societies, as well as how our relationships with these entities influence us as individuals.

Unit 10: Industrial and Organizational Psychology

In this unit, we investigate industrial and organizational psychology , also known as I/O psychology . This subfield is concerned with studying behavior in an organizational setting (such as in the workplace) and using principles of psychology to understand work behaviors. This is a rather new subfield within psychology, but it is growing quickly due to its interesting line of inquiry.

Psychologists divide the subfield of I/O psychology into industrial and   organizational psychology – the terms are not interchangeable. Industrial psychology focuses on job analysis, such as describing and measuring a task or a job. As such, people specializing in industrial psychology are often tasked with writing job requirements, interviewing and hiring employees, training new employees, evaluating performance, and assuring that an organization abides by equality laws.

Organizational psychologists, on the other hand, are mostly concerned with the social aspects of work life. This includes determining how we ensure job satisfaction, examining the effectiveness of different leadership or management styles, exploring work-family balance options, and conducting diversity training.

Unit 11: Health and Stress Psychology

In this unit, we focus on health and stress in the workplace and in our everyday lives more broadly. First, we define stressors, and then we connect stress and illness. As you work through this unit, think about the stressors in your life and the coping mechanisms you use to handle them. How does the information presented here shed insight into how you handle stress? Is stress always negative?

Study Guide

This study guide will help you get ready for the final exam. It discusses the key topics in each unit, walk through the learning outcomes, and list important vocabulary terms. It is not meant to replace the course materials!

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Take this exam if you want to earn college credit for this course . This course is eligible for college credit through Saylor Academy's Saylor Direct Credit Program .

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Home » 500+ Psychology Research Paper Topics

500+ Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology is a fascinating field that encompasses the study of the human mind, behavior, and mental processes. It is a multifaceted discipline that has evolved significantly over the years, with new research shedding light on various aspects of human behavior and cognition. As a result, there are numerous research topics within the field of psychology that can be explored, providing a wealth of opportunities for students and scholars alike to investigate and learn. Whether you are interested in the workings of the brain, social dynamics, mental health, or other related areas, there is sure to be a psychology research topic that will pique your interest. In this article we will highlight some of the most interesting and relevant topics in the field of psychology today for Students and Researchers.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology Research Paper Topics are as follows:

• The effects of social media on mental health and well-being.
• The role of childhood trauma in the development of personality disorders.
• The relationship between sleep deprivation and cognitive performance.
• The impact of mindfulness practices on reducing anxiety and depression.
• The psychology of addiction and its treatment approaches.
• The influence of culture on the perception and expression of emotions.
• The psychology of motivation and goal-setting.
• The impact of bullying on mental health and social development.
• The psychology of decision-making and risk-taking behaviors.
• The effects of nature exposure on mental health and well-being.
• The psychological factors contributing to substance abuse and addiction relapse.
• The role of personality traits in predicting job satisfaction and success.
• The psychology of creativity and innovation.
• The impact of early attachment styles on adult relationships.
• The psychology of prejudice and discrimination.
• The relationship between stress and physical health.
• The role of emotions in decision-making and problem-solving.
• The psychology of learning and memory.
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety and depression.
• The influence of parenting styles on child development and mental health.
• The psychology of humor: why we find things funny and how it affects our mental health.
• The effects of childhood neglect on social and emotional development.
• The psychology of procrastination and strategies for overcoming it.
• The impact of digital technology on attention span and concentration.
• The role of self-esteem in mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of forgiveness and its effects on mental health and relationships.
• The relationship between personality traits and political beliefs.
• The effects of trauma on brain development and function.
• The psychology of group dynamics and teamwork.
• The role of exercise in mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of attraction and romantic relationships.
• The effects of technology addiction on mental health and well-being.
• The relationship between diet and mental health.
• The psychology of workplace diversity and inclusion.
• The effects of music on mood and cognitive function.
• The impact of childhood bullying on adult mental health and relationships.
• The psychology of optimism and its effects on mental health and well-being.
• The relationship between personality traits and leadership effectiveness.
• The effects of social isolation on mental health.
• The psychology of decision-making in group contexts.
• The impact of social support on mental health and well-being.
• The role of emotion regulation in mental health and well-being.
• The effects of chronic stress on physical and mental health.
• The psychology of risk perception and behavior.
• The impact of exercise on cognitive function and brain health.
• The psychology of altruism and prosocial behavior.
• The relationship between spirituality and mental health.
• The effects of childhood abuse on adult mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of power and its effects on decision-making and behavior.
• The impact of mindfulness on physical health and well-being.
• The psychology of parenting and its effects on child development.
• The effects of gratitude on mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of grief and bereavement.
• The impact of social media on social comparison and self-esteem.
• The psychology of resilience and coping.
• The effects of sleep on physical and mental health.
• The psychology of happiness and well-being.
• The relationship between personality traits and romantic relationship satisfaction.
• The impact of social norms on behavior.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and decision-making errors.
• The effects of nature exposure on cognitive function and well-being.
• The psychology of body image and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of work-life balance on mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of shame and guilt.
• The effects of trauma on memory and cognition.
• The role of empathy in mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of cyberbullying and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of aging on cognitive function and well-being.
• The psychology of human sexuality.
• The effects of mindfulness on social and emotional functioning.
• The effects of social comparison on mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of addiction and relapse prevention strategies.
• The impact of social support on addiction recovery.
• The psychology of motivation and self-determination.
• The effects of trauma on attachment and relationship formation.
• The psychology of bystander intervention in emergencies.
• The impact of exercise on mood and anxiety.
• The role of cultural values in mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of moral decision-making.
• The effects of video games on cognitive function and social development.
• The psychology of burnout and work-related stress.
• The relationship between personality traits and academic performance.
• The impact of social identity on self-esteem and mental health.
• The psychology of attachment in adult romantic relationships.
• The effects of mindfulness on emotion regulation and impulse control.
• The psychology of stress and coping strategies.
• The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image.
• The psychology of decision-making in romantic relationships.
• The effects of childhood trauma on substance use and addiction.
• The psychology of resilience and post-traumatic growth.
• The impact of cultural stereotypes on cognitive function and performance.
• The psychology of identity formation and its effects on mental health.
• The effects of social support on academic success and well-being.
• The psychology of change and behavior modification.
• The impact of self-compassion on mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of deception and lying behavior.
• The effects of sleep on mood and emotion regulation.
• The psychology of intergroup relations and prejudice reduction.
• The impact of meditation on cognitive function and well-being.
• The psychology of procrastination and time management.
• The effects of cultural assimilation on mental health and well-being.
• The psychology of body language and nonverbal communication.
• The impact of nature exposure on stress reduction and well-being.
• The psychology of forgiveness and its effects on relationship satisfaction.
• The effects of social comparison on body image and eating disorders.
• The psychology of motivation and goal-setting in academic settings.
• The impact of cultural diversity on team dynamics and performance.
• The psychology of self-disclosure in romantic relationships.
• The effects of social support on health outcomes in chronic illness.
• The psychology of human memory and its fallibility.
• The impact of cultural values on mental health stigma.
• The psychology of resilience and coping strategies in chronic illness.
• The effects of social support on job satisfaction and performance.
• The psychology of negotiation and conflict resolution.
• The impact of social identity on health behaviors and outcomes.
• The psychology of aggression and its effects on mental health.
• The effects of mindfulness on cognitive aging and dementia prevention.
• The psychology of attachment in parent-child relationships.
• The impact of cultural diversity on intergroup relations.
• The psychology of decision-making in medical settings.
• The effects of social comparison on consumer behavior.
• The psychology of success and achievement motivation.
• The impact of technology on social skills and emotional intelligence.
• The psychology of deception detection and its implications for criminal justice.
• The effects of music on mood and well-being.
• The psychology of gender identity and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of social media on political attitudes and polarization.
• The psychology of flow and optimal experience in work and leisure activities.
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function and decision-making.
• The psychology of leadership and its effects on organizational outcomes.
• The impact of cultural values on body image and eating disorders.
• The psychology of self-compassion and its effects on relationship satisfaction.
• The effects of social support on postpartum depression and anxiety.
• The psychology of attachment in foster care and adoption.
• The impact of cultural values on parenting styles and child development.
• The psychology of resilience and post-disaster recovery.
• The effects of social support on mental health in LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The psychology of motivation and performance in sports.
• The impact of cultural values on coping with illness and disability.
• The psychology of creativity and its relationship with mental health.
• The effects of mindfulness on pain management and chronic illness.
• The impact of social identity on job satisfaction and turnover.
• The psychology of substance use disorders in older adults.
• The effects of social comparison on academic motivation and achievement.
• The psychology of decision-making in financial investments.
• The impact of cultural values on mental health treatment-seeking behaviors.
• The psychology of attachment in sibling relationships.
• The effects of social support on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The psychology of cognitive biases and decision-making.
• The impact of cultural values on aging and end-of-life care.
• The psychology of motivation and goal-setting in weight loss.
• The effects of social comparison on social anxiety.
• The psychology of group dynamics and its implications for teamwork.
• The impact of cultural values on sexual identity and expression.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in high-stress occupations.
• The effects of social support on recovery from traumatic brain injury.
• The psychology of memory reconsolidation and its potential for trauma therapy.
• The impact of cultural values on mental health in immigrant populations.
• The psychology of gender stereotypes and their effects on behavior and attitudes.
• The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and cosmetic procedures.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in military veterans.
• The impact of cultural values on mental health outcomes in refugees.
• The psychology of goal-setting and its relationship with happiness.
• The effects of social support on depression and anxiety in cancer patients.
• The psychology of self-esteem and its relationship with social media use.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health treatment.
• The psychology of attachment in teacher-student relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on substance use and addiction.
• The psychology of decision-making in environmental conservation.
• The impact of cultural values on romantic relationships and marital satisfaction.
• The impact of cultural values on mental health and illness stigma.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in exercise and physical activity.
• The psychology of mindfulness and its effects on stress reduction and well-being.
• The impact of technology on social comparison and body dissatisfaction in young adults.
• The psychology of moral decision-making and its relationship with personality.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and motivation in graduate students.
• The psychology of sleep disorders and their effects on mental and physical health.
• The impact of cultural values on parenting practices and child development.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• The effects of social support on mental health in refugees and immigrants.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on decision-making.
• The impact of technology on mental health treatment and therapy outcomes.
• The psychology of motivation and performance in sports and athletic competition.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in high school students.
• The psychology of grief and its effects on mental and physical health.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward aging and age-related stereotypes.
• The psychology of memory and its relationship with sleep quality and quantity.
• The effects of social support on mental health in military veterans.
• The psychology of addiction and its effects on relationships and social functioning.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in older adults.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in diabetes management.
• The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in non-binary individuals.
• The psychology of child development and its relationship with parenting practices.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health treatment seeking.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in cancer treatment.
• The effects of social support on mental health in incarcerated individuals.
• The psychology of personality traits and their effects on romantic relationships.
• The impact of technology on social connectedness and loneliness.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in cardiac rehabilitation.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in elementary school students.
• The psychology of gender identity and its effects on mental health and well-being.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward substance use and addiction.
• The psychology of self-esteem and its relationship with interpersonal communication.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The psychology of emotion regulation and its relationship with substance use.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in children and adolescents.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in HIV/AIDS treatment.
• The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and eating disorders in individuals with physical disabilities.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic pain.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward suicide and suicide prevention.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on emotion regulation and well-being.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with eating disorders.
• The psychology of positive psychology interventions and their effects on well-being.
• The impact of technology on social skills and social anxiety in adolescents.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in organ transplant recipients.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in international students.
• The psychology of depression and its effects on cognitive function and memory.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in religious communities.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
• The psychology of motivation and performance in the workplace.
• The effects of social comparison on body image and self-esteem in adolescence.
• The psychology of forgiveness and its effects on mental health and well-being.
• The impact of technology on attention and distraction.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in physical therapy.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic illness.
• The psychology of decision-making in healthcare and medical treatments.
• The impact of cultural values on adolescent identity development.
• The psychology of self-efficacy and its relationship with academic achievement.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and self-esteem.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in survivors of sexual assault and harassment.
• The impact of cultural values on parental involvement in education.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in mental health treatment.
• The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.
• The psychology of trauma and its effects on memory and emotional processing.
• The impact of technology on sleep quality and quantity.
• The psychology of motivation and performance in online learning.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain.
• The psychology of personality and its relationship with career choice and success.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health stigma.
• The psychology of attachment in peer relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on academic achievement and motivation in college students.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with workplace success.
• The impact of technology on social skills and interpersonal communication.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in smoking cessation.
• The effects of social support on mental health in older adults.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in survivors of natural disasters.
• The impact of cultural values on sexual health and behavior.
• The psychology of personality disorders and their effects on relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on body image and eating behaviors in men.
• The psychology of cognitive development in infants and young children.
• The impact of technology on stress and anxiety.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in weight management.
• The effects of social support on mental health in caregivers.
• The psychology of emotion regulation and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of cultural values on aging and cognitive decline.
• The psychology of attachment in romantic relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on academic performance and self-concept in middle school students.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic illness.
• The impact of technology on identity formation and self-esteem.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in addiction recovery.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with disabilities.
• The psychology of creativity and its effects on mental health and well-being.
• The impact of cultural values on social support networks.
• The effects of social comparison on social anxiety and self-esteem in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
• The psychology of parenting styles and their effects on child development.
• The impact of technology on mental health and well-being in children and adolescents.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals experiencing homelessness.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on social support seeking.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in marginalized communities.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in bariatric surgery patients.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in pregnant women.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in older adults with dementia.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with educational pedagogy.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in pulmonary rehabilitation.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Asian communities.
• The psychology of decision-making and its relationship with impulsivity.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its effects on workplace performance.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with language acquisition.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in African American communities.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in dialysis patients.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with eating disorders.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with anxiety disorders.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on problem-solving.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in amputees.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Hispanic/Latino communities.
• The psychology of decision-making and its relationship with risk-taking behavior.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with dyslexia.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic liver disease.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with visual perception.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in spinal cord injury patients.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Native American communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on creativity.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with attention span.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in organ donation recipients.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Middle Eastern communities.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on team dynamics.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic autoimmune diseases.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with depression.
• The psychology of stress and its effects on workplace burnout.
• The impact of social media on body image dissatisfaction in adolescents.
• The effects of meditation on anxiety and depression in older adults.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in cancer patients.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in the LGBTQ+ community.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with memory.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
• The psychology of addiction and its effects on family relationships.
• The impact of music on cognitive function and attention in individuals with dementia.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on romantic relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with physical disabilities.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with rare diseases.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in South Asian communities.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on leadership effectiveness.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with learning disabilities.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with postpartum depression.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with spatial reasoning.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
• The psychology of addiction and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of mindfulness on cognitive function and attention in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on child development.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with gender dysphoria.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Eastern European communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on interpersonal relationships.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with borderline personality disorder.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with executive function.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with anxiety disorders.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on romantic relationships.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• The psychology of addiction and its effects on criminal behavior.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on social development.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with acne.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Middle Eastern and North African communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on emotional regulation.
• The effects of social support on mental health in caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses.
• The impact of trauma on attachment styles and romantic relationships.
• The psychology of procrastination and its effects on academic performance.
• The effects of mindfulness on stress and burnout in healthcare professionals.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with theory of mind.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
• The psychology of addiction and its effects on family dynamics in Asian American communities.
• The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image in adult women.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic pain.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on mental health stigma.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Latinx communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on stereotype formation.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with cancer.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Indigenous communities.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on child behavior problems.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on romantic partner selection.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The psychology of emotional regulation and its effects on interpersonal relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with alopecia.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with heart disease.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in immigrant communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on judgment and decision-making.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The psychology of motivation and adherence in individuals with diabetes.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with moral reasoning.
• The effects of social comparison on academic self-concept and achievement in individuals with visual impairments.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic migraines.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in rural communities.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on infant sleep patterns.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on workplace conflict resolution.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with job satisfaction.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with vitiligo.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic arthritis.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Caribbean communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on interpersonal trust.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The impact of attachment styles on marital satisfaction.
• The psychology of emotional regulation and its effects on academic achievement.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with executive functioning.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic kidney disease.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on job performance.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with leadership effectiveness.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with working memory.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on romantic relationship satisfaction.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on stress and coping.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic migraines.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with interpersonal conflict resolution.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with psoriasis.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in East Asian communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on decision-making under uncertainty.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with attentional control.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic migraines.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on emotional regulation.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic back pain.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with job performance.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with rosacea.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in LGBTQ+ communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on creativity in the arts.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with problem-solving.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on parent-child communication.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic heart failure.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on interpersonal communication.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic migraines and anxiety.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with conflict resolution in romantic relationships.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with eczema.
• The impact of trauma on personality development.
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on chronic pain management.
• The psychology of motivation and its relationship with achievement in academic settings.
• The impact of cultural values on the experience of shame and guilt.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on romantic relationship conflict.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with conflict resolution in work settings.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on decision-making in politics.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with self-awareness.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on emotional regulation in adolescence.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on substance use and addiction.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective communication in romantic relationships.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on consumer behavior.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and insomnia.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with social cognition.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on mental health in adulthood.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on intimate partner violence.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic kidney disease and depression.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective leadership.
• The effects of social comparison on body image dissatisfaction in individuals with scars.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on consumer decision-making.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety and depression.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on mental health in older adults.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on parenting styles.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and depression.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective conflict resolution in work settings.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic pain and anxiety.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on insomnia in individuals with fibromyalgia.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on emotional regulation in children.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective communication in the workplace.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on work stress and burnout.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic pain and depression.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Muslim communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on memory recall.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on job satisfaction and turnover.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with spinal cord injury.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective conflict resolution in romantic relationships.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with attention.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and anxiety and depression.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anxiety.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on perception.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and arthritis.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on leadership styles.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective communication in families.
• The effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The psychology of attachment and its effects on social influence.
• The impact of technology on cognitive function and attention in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
• The psychology of cognitive development and its relationship with emotion regulation.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and inflammatory bowel disease.
• The psychology of resilience and coping in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression and anxiety.
• The impact of cultural values on attitudes toward mental health in Indian communities.
• The psychology of cognitive biases and their effects on decision-making in healthcare.
• The effects of social support on mental health in individuals with chronic pain and migraine.
• The psychology of personality and its effects on stress and coping in medical students.
• The impact of social support on mental health in individuals with multiple sclerosis and depression.
• The psychology of emotional intelligence and its relationship with effective communication in friendships.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Ideas for Psychology Experiments

Inspiration for psychology experiments is all around if you know where to look

Psychology experiments can run the gamut from simple to complex. Students are often expected to design—and sometimes perform—their own experiments, but finding great experiment ideas can be a little challenging. Fortunately, inspiration is all around if you know where to look—from your textbooks to the questions that you have about your own life.

Always discuss your idea with your instructor before beginning your experiment—particularly if your research involves human participants. (Note: You'll probably need to submit a proposal and get approval from your school's institutional review board.)

At a Glance

If you are looking for an idea for psychology experiments, start your search early and make sure you have the time you need. Doing background research, choosing an experimental design, and actually performing your experiment can be quite the process. Keep reading to find some great psychology experiment ideas that can serve as inspiration. You can then find ways to adapt these ideas for your own assignments.

15 Ideas for Psychology Experiments

Most of these experiments can be performed easily at home or at school. That said, you will need to find out if you have to get approval from your teacher or from an institutional review board before getting started.

The following are some questions you could attempt to answer as part of a psychological experiment:

• Are people really able to "feel like someone is watching" them ? Have some participants sit alone in a room and have them note when they feel as if they are being watched. Then, see how those results line up to your own record of when participants were actually being observed.
• Can certain colors improve learning ? You may have heard teachers or students claim that printing text on green paper helps students read better, or that yellow paper helps students perform better on math exams. Design an experiment to see whether using a specific color of paper helps improve students' scores on math exams.
• Can color cause physiological reactions ? Perform an experiment to determine whether certain colors cause a participant's blood pressure to rise or fall.
• Can different types of music lead to different physiological responses ? Measure the heart rates of participants in response to various types of music to see if there is a difference.
• Can smelling one thing while tasting another impact a person's ability to detect what the food really is ? Have participants engage in a blind taste test where the smell and the food they eat are mismatched. Ask the participants to identify the food they are trying and note how accurate their guesses are.
• Could a person's taste in music offer hints about their personality ? Previous research has suggested that people who prefer certain styles of music tend to exhibit similar  personality traits. Administer a personality assessment and survey participants about their musical preferences and examine your results.
• Do action films cause people to eat more popcorn and candy during a movie ? Have one group of participants watch an action movie, and another group watch a slow-paced drama. Compare how much popcorn is consumed by each group.
• Do colors really impact moods ? Investigate to see if the  color blue makes people feel calm, or if the color red leaves them feeling agitated.
• Do creative people see  optical illusions  differently than more analytical people ? Have participants complete an assessment to measure their level of creative thinking. Then ask participants to look at optical illusions and note what they perceive.
• Do people rate individuals with perfectly symmetrical faces as more beautiful than those with asymmetrical faces ? Create sample cards with both symmetrical and asymmetrical faces and ask participants to rate the attractiveness of each picture.
• Do people who use social media exhibit signs of addiction ? Have participants complete an assessment of their social media habits, then have them complete an addiction questionnaire.
• Does eating breakfast help students do better in school ? According to some, eating breakfast can have a beneficial influence on school performance. For your experiment, you could compare the test scores of students who ate breakfast to those who did not.
• Does sex influence short-term memory ? You could arrange an experiment that tests whether men or women are better at remembering specific types of information.
• How likely are people to conform in groups ? Try this experiment to see what percentage of people are likely to conform . Enlist confederates to give the wrong response to a math problem and then see if the participants defy or conform to the rest of the group.
• How much information can people store in short-term memory ? Have participants study a word list and then test their memory. Try different versions of the experiment to see which memorization strategies, like chunking or mnemonics, are most effective.

Once you have an idea, the next step is to learn more about  how to conduct a psychology experiment .

Psychology Experiments on Your Interests

If none of the ideas in the list above grabbed your attention, there are other ways to find inspiration for your psychology experiments.

How do you come up with good psychology experiments? One of the most effective approaches is to look at the various problems, situations, and questions that you are facing in your own life.

You can also think about the things that interest you. Start by considering the topics you've studied in class thus far that have really piqued your interest. Then, whittle the list down to two or three major areas within psychology that seem to interest you the most.

From there, make a list of questions you have related to the topic. Any of these questions could potentially serve as an experiment idea.

Use Textbooks for Inspiration for Psychology Experiments

Your psychology textbooks are another excellent source you can turn to for experiment ideas. Choose the chapters or sections that you find particularly interesting—perhaps it's a chapter on  social psychology  or a section on child development.

Start by browsing the experiments discussed in your book. Then think of how you could devise an experiment related to some of the questions your text asks. The reference section at the back of your textbook can also serve as a great source for additional reference material.

Discuss Psychology Experiments with Other Students

It can be helpful to brainstorm with your classmates to gather outside ideas and perspectives. Get together with a group of students and make a list of interesting ideas, subjects, or questions you have.

The information from your brainstorming session can serve as a basis for your experiment topic. It's also a great way to get feedback on your own ideas and to determine if they are worth exploring in greater depth.

Study Classic Psychology Experiments

Taking a closer look at a classic psychology experiment can be an excellent way to trigger some unique and thoughtful ideas of your own. To start, you could try conducting your own version of a famous experiment or even updating a classic experiment to assess a slightly different question.

Famous Psychology Experiments

Examples of famous psychology experiments that might be a source of further questions you'd like to explore include:

• Marshmallow test experiments
• Little Albert experiment
• Hawthorne effect experiments
• Bystander effect experiments
• Robbers Cave experiments
• Halo effect experiments
• Piano stairs experiment
• Cognitive dissonance experiments
• False memory experiments

You might not be able to replicate an experiment exactly (lots of classic psychology experiments have ethical issues that would preclude conducting them today), but you can use well-known studies as a basis for inspiration.

Review the Literature on Psychology Experiments

If you have a general idea about what topic you'd like to experiment, you might want to spend a little time doing a brief literature review before you start designing. In other words, do your homework before you invest too much time on an idea.

Visit your university library and find some of the best books and articles that cover the particular topic you are interested in. What research has already been done in this area? Are there any major questions that still need to be answered? What were the findings of previous psychology experiments?

Tackling this step early will make the later process of writing the introduction  to your  lab report  or research paper much easier.

Ask Your Instructor About Ideas for Psychology Experiments

If you have made a good effort to come up with an idea on your own but you're still feeling stumped, it might help to talk to your instructor. Ask for pointers on finding a good experiment topic for the specific assignment. You can also ask them to suggest some other ways you could generate ideas or inspiration.

While it can feel intimidating to ask for help, your instructor should be more than happy to provide some guidance. Plus, they might offer insights that you wouldn't have gathered on your own. Your instructor probably has lots of ideas for psychology experiments that would be worth exploring.

If you need to design or conduct psychology experiments, there are plenty of great ideas (both old and new) for you to explore. Consider an idea from the list above or turn some of your own questions about the human mind and behavior into an experiment.

Before you dive in, make sure that you are observing the guidelines provided by your instructor and always obtain the appropriate permission before conducting any research with human or animal subjects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding a topic for a research paper is much like finding an idea for an experiment. Start by considering your own interests, or browse though your textbooks for inspiration. You might also consider looking at online news stories or journal articles as a source of inspiration.

Three of the most classic social psychology experiments are:

• The Asch Conformity Experiment : This experiment involved seeing if people would conform to group pressure when rating the length of a line.
• The Milgram Obedience Experiment : This experiment involved ordering participants to deliver what they thought was a painful shock to another person.
• The Stanford Prison Experiment : This experiment involved students replicating a prison environment to see how it would affect participant behavior. 

Jakovljević T, Janković MM, Savić AM, et al. The effect of colour on reading performance in children, measured by a sensor hub: From the perspective of gender .  PLoS One . 2021;16(6):e0252622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0252622

Greenberg DM, et al. Musical preferences are linked to cognitive styles . PLoS One. 2015;10(7). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131151

Kurt S, Osueke KK. The effects of color on the moods of college students . Sage. 2014;4(1). doi:10.1177/2158244014525423

Hartline-Grafton H, Levin M. Breakfast and School-Related Outcomes in Children and Adolescents in the US: A Literature Review and its Implications for School Nutrition Policy .  Curr Nutr Rep . 2022;11(4):653-664. doi:10.1007/s13668-022-00434-z

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

101 Examples of Dissertation Research Topics for Psychology Students

The journey of a psychology student culminates in the all but dissertation stage and the challenging task of selecting a good dissertation topic for psychology. The decision you make at this point will set the stage for your academic and professional trajectory.

This momentous project is not just a rite of passage but an opportunity to delve deeply into a niche area of interest, contribute to a body of knowledge, and possibly even ignite a career-long pursuit. With the vast expanse of psychology stretching from the neural synapses of the brain to the complex social interactions of communities, the challenge lies not in finding a topic, but in narrowing down the multitude of possibilities!

In this article, we present an expansive list of dissertation topics for psychology students who are in the process of choosing a good dissertation topic .

The ideas provided are designed to encourage exploration of both traditional and avant-garde topics, reflecting the current trends and enduring questions that shape the evolving landscape of psychological research. From the psychological impacts of digital detox to the cognitive rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors, these topics are designed to accommodate various interests and academic pursuits. They cater not only to a comprehensive academic challenge but also to the practical implications that such research can have on individuals, systems, and societies.

As you take a look at these suggestions, it’s important that you consider not only what interests you but also what excites you. The best dissertation topic is one that you can commit to with passion and curiosity, one that promises a journey of discovery replete with challenges and rewards.

Before we present the list of dissertation ideas for psychology students, let’s take a look at what makes a good dissertation research topic.

What Makes a Good Dissertation Research Topic for Psychology Students?

A good psychology research topic should meet several key criteria to ensure it is valuable, feasible, and has the potential to contribute to the field. Here’s an overview of the characteristics that make a research topic stand out:

• Relevance : The topic should address current issues or gaps in the field of psychology. It needs to be pertinent to contemporary debates, practices, or policies. Relevance also means that the research could have practical applications or implications, potentially informing practitioners, policymakers, or the general public.
• Originality : A good research topic brings a new perspective to a known issue or explores an understudied area. The aim is to contribute original knowledge or insights rather than replicating past studies without adding substantial value.
• Specificity : Broad topics can be overwhelming and impractical to tackle within the constraints of a typical research timeline and budget. A well-defined and focused research question allows for a more thorough and in-depth study.
• Clarity : The topic should be framed in a way that is understandable and clear. This means avoiding jargon when unnecessary and defining key terms. A clearly articulated research question guides the methodology and helps maintain focus throughout the project.
• Feasibility : This involves considering the researcher’s access to subjects, resources, and data. The research should be achievable within the given time frame and with available resources. Feasibility also concerns the ethical considerations and approval processes required for conducting research.
• Interest : A researcher’s personal interest and passion for a topic can significantly influence the quality of the research. It’s beneficial if the topic resonates with the researcher’s own scholarly interests and curiosities.
• Scope for Scientific Method : Good psychology research topics should allow for systematic investigation through accepted scientific methods. This includes the potential for hypothesis testing, operationalization of variables, and the use of statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
• Ethical Soundness : Psychology research often involves human subjects, which necessitates careful ethical consideration. A good topic should conform to ethical standards, ensuring the privacy, consent, and welfare of participants.
• Implications : Lastly, a good research topic should have clear theoretical, practical, or clinical implications. It should contribute to a greater understanding of the human mind and behavior, potentially leading to better psychological interventions or therapies.

While selecting a research topic for your dissertation is important, you should never overlook the importance of the writing and editing process. Dissertation proofreading services can help you refine your final draft and ensure it presents you in the best possible light.

101 Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Mental Health: Investigate how different levels of social media use affect mood disorders in adolescents.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Depression: Analyze the efficacy of CBT interventions in treating depression among various age groups.
• Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation After Brain Injuries: Study how different rehabilitation techniques can affect the brain’s plasticity and recovery trajectory post-injury.
• The Psychology of Pandemics: Explore the long-term psychological impact of pandemics on different populations, focusing on coping mechanisms and resilience.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: Examine the challenges and support systems available for adults with autism, including employment, social relationships, and healthcare.
• Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance: Investigate the correlation between sleep quality and academic success in college students.
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development: Analyze how different parenting styles affect a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Workplace Psychology and Employee Well-being: Explore the effects of workplace culture on mental health and job satisfaction.
• Memory and Aging: Study the patterns of cognitive decline in memory with aging and the effectiveness of interventions to slow down this process.
• The Influence of Cultural Background on Psychological Treatment Outcomes: Research how cultural beliefs and practices affect the efficacy of psychological treatments for mental health issues.
• Psychological Resilience in First Responders: Investigate the coping strategies used by first responders to manage stress and trauma-related to their line of work.
• The Effect of Nature on Mental Health: Examine how regular exposure to natural environments influences psychological well-being and stress levels.
• Intergenerational Trauma and Healing: Study patterns of trauma transmission in families and communities and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at breaking these cycles.
• The Psychology of Fake News: Explore the cognitive biases that contribute to the belief in and spread of misinformation, and strategies for critical thinking promotion.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Pain: Evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation practices in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Grief and Mourning: Research how different cultures process and express grief and the implications for counseling practices.
• The Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Development: Investigate how learning and using multiple languages from an early age affects cognitive abilities and neural plasticity.
• Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: Examine the long-term cognitive effects of social isolation in senior populations and potential interventions.
• Attachment Styles and Romantic Relationships: Study how early attachment patterns influence adult romantic relationships, including partner selection and relationship satisfaction.
• Cyberpsychology and Identity Formation: Investigate how online environments and social networks contribute to or disrupt the process of identity formation in adolescents and young adults.
• Emotional Regulation in High-Stress Professions: Study strategies and their effectiveness in managing emotional responses in professions such as surgery, law enforcement, or air traffic control.
• Virtual Reality as a Tool for Phobia Treatment: Explore the use of VR environments in the systematic desensitization of individuals with specific phobias.
• Influence of Dietary Patterns on Children’s Behavioral Disorders: Investigate the relationship between nutritional choices and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.
• Psychological Impacts of Climate Change: Examine the effects of climate change on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of loss or grief.
• The Role of Art Therapy in Treating PTSD: Evaluate the efficacy of art therapy interventions for veterans or victims of violence suffering from PTSD.
• Gender Identity Development in Adolescence: Research the factors that influence gender identity and expression during the critical developmental stage of adolescence.
• Cognitive Dissonance and Consumer Behavior: Study how cognitive dissonance affects purchasing decisions and brand loyalty in the retail sector.
• Psychology of Pain Management: Investigate the role of psychological factors in the perception of pain and the effectiveness of psychological pain management techniques compared to pharmacological treatments.
• Social Perception in Online vs. Face-to-Face Interactions: Compare the accuracy of social perception and formation of first impressions in online settings versus in-person encounters.
• The Impact of Social Support on Recovery from Substance Abuse: Explore how different types and sources of social support contribute to the recovery process from drug and alcohol addiction.
• Effects of Microaggressions on Workplace Performance: Investigate how subtle forms of discrimination impact employees’ job satisfaction and productivity.
• The Psychology of Financial Decision-Making in Young Adults: Explore how psychological factors influence financial literacy and decision-making in the transition to adulthood.
• The Role of Pet Ownership in Managing Chronic Mental Illness: Examine the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership for individuals with chronic mental health conditions.
• Mindfulness Interventions in Elementary Education: Study the effects of mindfulness practices on attention and emotional regulation in young children.
• Narrative Identity and Life Transitions: Analyze how personal storytelling and narrative identity evolve during major life transitions, such as retirement or career change.
• Cultural Competence in Psychotherapy: Evaluate the importance of cultural competence in therapeutic practices and client outcomes.
• Psychological Impact of Body Image Portrayed in Social Media: Explore the effects of social media on body image dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders.
• Eco-Anxiety and Environmental Activism: Examine the psychological effects of climate change concerns on environmental activism behaviors.
• Psychological Processes in Extreme Sports: Study risk assessment, decision-making, and flow states in athletes who participate in extreme sports.
• The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Decline in Dementia Patients: Research the impact of music therapy sessions on the progression of cognitive symptoms in dementia.
• Social Cognition in Virtual Teams: Evaluate how individuals understand and operate within teams that interact exclusively through digital means.
• Attachment Patterns and Social Media Usage: Investigate the connection between attachment styles and usage patterns of social media platforms.
• Psychological Safety and Learning in Academic Settings: Explore the concept of psychological safety and its impact on students’ willingness to engage in learning activities.
• Humor and Coping Mechanisms in Stressful Occupations: Analyze the role of humor as a coping strategy for professionals in high-stress fields like emergency medicine.
• Impact of Sleep Hygiene Education on Student Performance: Evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education programs in improving the sleep quality and academic performance of university students.
• Color Psychology in Marketing and Branding: Study how color influences consumer perceptions and behaviors towards products and brands.
• The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Chronic Pain Management: Explore how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can aid individuals with chronic pain in improving their quality of life.
• Cyberbullying and Self-esteem in Adolescents: Examine the long-term effects of cyberbullying on self-esteem and identity formation during adolescence.
• Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution: Investigate how emotional intelligence skills facilitate conflict resolution in personal and professional relationships.
• Digital Detox and Psychological Well-Being: Examine the psychological effects of taking regular breaks from digital devices.
• Stress Resilience in Space Exploration: Study psychological resilience strategies for astronauts during long-duration space missions.
• Language Acquisition in Mixed-Language Households: Explore how children in bilingual homes acquire and separate languages cognitively.
• The Role of Play in Child Development: Investigate different play therapies and their impact on developmental disorders in children.
• Implicit Bias and Decision Making in Jury Deliberations: Examine how implicit biases can influence the decision-making process in legal settings.
• Cognitive Effects of Chronic Sleep Deprivation: Research the long-term cognitive impacts of chronic sleep deprivation in adults.
• The Psychology of Superstitions in Sports: Study the role and impact of superstitious behaviors on athletes’ performance.
• The Mental Health Effects of Urban vs. Rural Living: Compare the prevalence and types of mental health issues in urban versus rural populations.
• Psychological Outcomes of Genetic Testing: Explore the emotional and psychological impact of undergoing genetic testing for diseases.
• Intergenerational Effects of Historical Trauma: Investigate the psychological effects across generations within communities that have experienced historical trauma.
• The Impact of Social Comparisons on Self-Esteem: Examine how individuals’ self-esteem is affected by comparisons made on social media platforms.
• Emotion Recognition and AI Interactions: Study how humans perceive and react to emotional expressions by artificial intelligences and robots.
• Personality Development in Space Colonies: Speculate on how living in space colonies might affect personality development and social dynamics.
• The Effect of Parental Leave on Child Psychological Development: Research the long-term effects of various lengths and types of parental leave on children.
• Sensory Processing Disorders and Educational Outcomes: Examine the impact of sensory processing disorders on children’s educational achievements.
• The Influence of Scent on Memory Recall: Explore the connection between olfactory cues and the accuracy or vividness of memory recall.
• Peer Influence on Risky Behavior in Adolescence: Analyze how peer groups can impact the decision-making process in teenagers regarding risky behaviors.
• The Effect of Minimalism on Mental Health: Study the psychological impact of adopting a minimalist lifestyle in a consumer-driven society.
• Psychological Mechanisms of Radicalization: Investigate the cognitive and emotional pathways that lead individuals to adopt radical ideologies.
• Multitasking and Cognitive Load: Investigate the limits of cognitive load and its impact on multitasking efficiency.
• Psychological Effects of Long-Term Spaceflight: Explore the mental challenges astronauts face during extended missions.
• Therapeutic Effects of Creative Writing: Study how creative writing can be used as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression.
• Psychology of Religious Extremism: Examine the factors that contribute to religious extremism from a psychological perspective.
• Mental Health Implications of Climate Migration: Research the psychological impact of relocating due to climate change.
• Social Psychology of Urbanization: Explore how urban living influences social behavior and community dynamics.
• Gestures and Language Development in Children: Investigate the role of gestural communication in early language acquisition.
• Technology Addiction and Family Dynamics: Study the impact of technology addiction on interpersonal relationships within families.
• Psychology of Solitude: Examine the effects of solitude on mental health and personal growth.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Techniques for Stroke Survivors: Explore effective cognitive rehabilitation methods for post-stroke recovery.
• Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Music on Infant Development: Research the long-term developmental effects of prenatal music exposure.
• Psychological Impacts of Participatory Art: Study how engagement with participatory art can affect psychological well-being.
• Neuroethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Delve into the ethical implications of using BCIs in neurology and psychiatry.
• Empathy Development in Virtual Reality Training: Investigate how VR can be used to enhance empathy in professional training programs.
• Social Media and Collective Memory Formation: Examine how social media platforms influence the formation of collective memories.
• Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery: Research the motivations and outcomes of cosmetic surgery from a psychological standpoint.
• Personality Traits and Online Dating Success: Analyze how different personality traits affect success in online dating.
• Psychological Strategies in Competitive Esports: Study the mental techniques used by esports players to enhance performance.
• Attachment Security and Pet Ownership: Explore the connection between attachment styles and the bond with pets.
• Psychological Effects of Autonomous Vehicles: Investigate how trust and control issues impact the acceptance of self-driving cars.
• Mental Health Services in Rural Communities: Examine the challenges and effectiveness of delivering mental health care in rural areas.
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Teams: Research the psychological barriers and facilitators of communication in international teams.
• Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Study the motivators and deterrents of engaging in environmentally sustainable behaviors.
• Impact of Witnessing Parental Conflict on Children: Investigate the long-term effects of exposure to parental conflict during childhood.
• Sleep Disorders and Emotional Regulation: Examine the relationship between sleep quality and the ability to regulate emotions.
• Trauma-Informed Practices in Education: Explore the implementation and outcomes of trauma-informed approaches in schools.
• Psychology of Menu Design: Analyze how menu layout and choice architecture influence dining decisions.
• Motivational Factors in Crowdfunding: Investigate what psychological factors motivate people to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns.
• Perception of Time in Different Cultures: Research how the cultural background affects the perception and value of time.
• Psychological Resilience in Extreme Athletes: Study the mental toughness and resilience strategies of athletes in extreme sports.
• Influence of Indoor Plants on Mood and Productivity: Explore the psychological benefits of having plants in indoor workspaces.

Each of these topics has a broad range of literature to draw from and the potential to contribute new knowledge or insights to the field of psychology. It’s important to refine these ideas further to create a specific, researchable question that can be addressed within the scope of a dissertation.

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Cheat-Sheet of 100 Psychology Research Topics

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The field of psychology has been favored by many college students, despite its challenging and complex studying nature – the human psyche. What’s even more demanding for anyone enrolled in a psychology course is selecting the right research topic. One specific and interesting enough to encourage your thirst for knowledge and research.

Due to the nature of the complex subject studied, it’s often accompanied by extensive research and is dependent on your particular field of study. However, a good research topic can spark further analysis, and some of the more important topics can be explored further into a longer paper, such as a dissertation.

Perhaps the most challenging part of this task is getting started. Selecting an exciting psychology research topic is essential to the success of your written paper. In the article below, we’ll provide you with good psychology research topics, divided by your branch of study, so you can browse enough ideas and allow your imagination to guide you in the right direction.

In this article:

Psychology Research Paper – Definition & Purpose

How to choose a good psychology research paper topic, social psychology research topics:, developmental psychology research topics:, cognitive psychology research topics:, clinical psychology research topics:, abnormal psychology research topics:, forensic psychology research topics:, health psychology research topics:, educational psychology research topics:, experimental psychology research topics:, psychology research topics on depression:, psychology research topics about dreams:.

Psychology writing is meant to inform the reader of a new idea, theory, or experiment within the scientific field, despite significant research efforts, including academic records, literary reviews, and other research papers. The best writers can convey their complex ideas to people outside their area of expertise clearly and economically.

When writing a psychology paper, you predominantly look for facts and evidence corresponding to your topic. Therefore, you should strive to be precise, clear, and literal in your writing. It’s a common misunderstanding that psychology research papers should include heavy and descriptive language or complex sentence structure, when in fact, you should aim for the opposite.

The purpose of a psychology research paper is to demonstrate your deep understanding of your field of study and to prove your originality and successful wayfinding through correlative scientific literature. An essential part of the paper is synthesizing previous research concerning the topic while shedding new light on the subject discussed.

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It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? However, the process can be more straightforward with the right topic. We’ll help you find the best psychology paper topic in the section below.

There are some valuable strategies you should get familiar with if you aren’t sure what topic to choose:

• Was there a topic studied or discussed recently that made an impression on you? Try to sum it up in a few words and look up the topics online. Play around with the keywords. There is a good chance someone else already wrote an academic paper on it. You might even stumble upon different points of view, which could spark up some ideas.
• Sometimes you can correlate your favorite hobby to your research paper. For example, If you are a huge fan of tabletop role-playing games. Use this hobby to explain how role-playing games can boost confidence and creativity. Maybe there is a way to relate your hobby to your psychology practice? Once you come up with one, double-check with a tutor or mentor to see its relevance to your studies.
• You can look up research topic lists online, like those included in the section below, which is probably how you got here in the first place. Well done. You’re obviously on the right track.
• Have a read at an article related to a subfield of an area of interest. Check out the resources included in the Bibliography when you’re done. You’re likely to find some more topics and ideas you can explore in greater detail.
• You can always turn to a tutor or mentor for support. If none of the above methods work for you, discussing your academic interests with a professional is always a good idea.

Psychology Research Topics

Below are 10 subcategories with examples of psychology research topics.

• Tajfel and Turner’s Social Identity Theory
• The Role of the Unfamiliar Environment in Milgram’s Shock Experiment
• The Stanford Prison Experiment: Causes and Effects of Dehumanization
• How is Society Modeling Human Behavior According to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
• How Group Belonging can Alter Identity and Behavior
• Obedience and Authority and Cruelty According to Milgram’s Shock Experiment
• Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience According to the Social Status Function
• The Aftereffect of Bullying on Mental Development
• Stereotypes and Gender Roles in Society
• Child Development in an Abusive Environment
• Postpartum Depression and Its Effect on Mental Health
• The Effect of Sleeping Disorders on Mental Development
• The Aftermath of Narcotics on Mental Health
• Psychology’s Relation to Mental Health
• Postpartum Depression: Effects on Mental Health
• Factors Responsible for The Acceleration of the Aging Process
• How Child Abuse Affects Mental Development
• Can Psychology Tackle the Aftermath of Bullying
• Memory Loss and Methods of Recovery
• Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity in the Child: Developmental Effects
• Factors That Aid Problem-Solving Abilities in Children
• Color Psychology’s Effect on Cognitive Development Studies
• Subconsciousness’ Effect on the Decision Making Ability
• Increasing Violence Amongst Children
• Delay in the Mental Development of a Child: Contributing Factors
• The Effect of Romantic Movies in the Development of a Child
• What is Critical Thinking, and How to Measure Its Ability in Cognitive Psychology
• Causes of Bullying Behavior in Children
• Cognitive Psychology Experiments
• How Cognitive Therapy Can Reduce Anxiety and Panic Attacks
• Behavioral Therapy as a Cause of Treating Criminals
• Contributing Factors to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Effective Practices in Treating Addictions
• Effective therapy Practices in Dealing With Depression
• Paranoias and Phobias – Treatment Through Medication and Therapy
• Psychological Disorders and Their Clinical Treatments
• Social Anxiety: Cause and Treatment
• Schizophrenia: Recommended Therapies
• Insomnia: Clinical Treatments
• Antidepressant’s Effects in Remedial Therapy
• Causes of Anorexia In Adults
• How to Overcome Anxiety Disorders
• Multiple Personality Disorder: Causes
• How to Deal With Phobias
• PTSD in Offices and Workplaces
• Factors that Contribute to Eating Disorders in Adults
• Psychology Behind Suicidal Thoughts
• How Violent Video Games Affect Mood Disorders in Children
• Stalking: A Psychological Disorder
• The Effectiveness of Prison Rehabilitation and the Criminal Justice System
• The Cause behind Mass Killings in the USA
• Is domestic Violence Against Men Being Neglected by Society
• Are Movie or TV Series Plot Augmenting Copycat Crimes
• Risk Factors Behind Unreliable Evidence
• The Цredibility of Statement From Mentally Challenged Eyewitnesses
• Psychologist Verbally Interacting With Criminals in Court: Rules To Go By
• The Лegitimacy of an Eyewitness’s Memory
• Can a Better Upbringing Prevent the Making of a Serial Killer
• How Does Participating in Law Enforcement Impact an Individual’s Life
• Managing Eating Disorders: The Role of the Psychologist
• Group Therapy: Efficiency and Lenitive Care
• Meditation Techniques to Help With Chronic Pain Management
• Practical Approaches To Aid Stress and Depression Management in Cancer Patients
• How Are Cognitive Abilities Affected by Physical Exercise and Social Interaction
• Most Effective Interventions To Enforce Abstinence in Drug Addicts
• Communication Strategies That Help Encourage Patients To Attend REgular Screens (For Breast Cancer, Heart Disease, Prostate Cancer, etc.)
• How Physical Exercise Helps Reduce Stress and Mood Swings
• Adapting Teaching and Deadlines for Dyslexic Students
• Learning Motivation Strategies in Education
• Does Learning Complex Musical Instruments Aid Cognitive Performance Actually Work
• Consequences of Bullying on the Self-Perception of a Student
• Social Reinforcement Vs. Material Rewards: Strategies to Encourage Learning in Students
• How Operant Conditioning Works
• Listening to Music: Effect on Cognitive Functions
• The Importance of Showing Affection to Children
• The Effect of Academic Success on Self-Esteem
• The Psychological Effect of Colors
• The Stroop Effect: What Does it Say About Our Minds
• Comparisons Between Excessive Social Media Use and Drug Addiction
• How do Colors Affect Learning
• Mood Freezing: Definition and Implications
• Double Foot-In-Door: Definitions and Implications
• Postpartum Depression and its Effect on Children
• How Depression Affects Productivity
• Gut Microbiota and Major Depression
• Depression: Differences in Males and Females
• Ways to Ease Seasonal Depression
• Environmental Factors as Depression Triggers
• Electroconvulsive Therapy as a Last Resort to Treating Depression and Bipolar Disorder
• Can Dreams Reveal Who We Are As An Individual?
• Why Do Brains Need to Dream?
• Why Dreaming is a Healthy Exercise For the Brain.
• Why Men’s Dreams are Seemingly More Violent?
• How Are Adolescent Dreams Different Than Those of College Students?
• Can Mental Health Issues be Spotted Through Dreams?
• Can Dreams Indicate a Person’s Future Personality?

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Psychology topics

Psychology is a diverse discipline grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Scientific research conducted by psychologists can inform and guide those seeking help with issues that affect their professional lives, family relationships, and emotional wellness.

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• Aging and older adults
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• Video games
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A Comprehensive List of Psychology Research Paper Topics

Being a psychology student, you may find the task of choosing a topic for your psychology research paper a daunting task. Here is an extensive list of topics that you can refer to before making your final choice.

“Psychology is the Science of Mental Life, both of its phenomenon and their conditions”

– William James

The term ‘psychology’ is derived from a Latin word which means the study of the soul or mind. Psychology is a science based on the study of human psyche, behavior, and mental health. The field of psychology is a vast arena, with a variety of sub fields like child psychology, clinical psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, industrial psychology, etc. With psychology being such an interesting and challenging field, many students are taking it up as a career. To become a psychologist, one has to gain a bachelor’s degree and a postgraduate degree specializing in a particular field. Taking up a Ph.D. also helps. The field of psychology thrives on continuous research and every course requires students to write research papers on different subjects of psychology.

To make a research paper interesting, it is necessary to have a good topic in hand. Since psychology offers a plethora of topics, students may have a difficult time in choosing one. The most important criteria for selecting a research topic is the student’s interest and area of specialization. Writing a research paper in psychology involves a lot of reading as well as field work — therefore, the topic chosen becomes utmost important. Most sub-fields of psychology are broad, like the main subject, and research on a vast topic can become problematic. Hence, it is necessary to opt for a topic that is narrow and concise. For instance, memory is a vast topic and just opting for memory as a research title might be impossible to tackle. The student should narrow down the topic to something on the lines of ‘How does age affect memory?’. Such topics can make the paper interesting as well as specific.

List of Topics for Research Papers in Psychology

The topics listed below cover the varied fields of psychology. These will thus provide a wide range of choices for you to choose from depending on your area of expertise and interest.

Does Gender Affect Depression in Individuals?

How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect the Routine Life of a Person?

The Clinical Uses of Hypnosis – Risks Vs. Benefits

Other Interesting Topics For Psychology Research

– Is Child Obesity a Reflection of Parental Negligence? – America’s Obsession with Fast Food – Link Between Television and Obesity – Narcissistic Mother’s Influence on Child’s Mental Health – Stress and Preterm Delivery – Situations Leading to Cutting Yourself Disorder – Effects of Abortion on Mental Health – Dating Violence Among Teens – Teenage Sexting and its Consequences – Can Stringent Laws Force Morality? – Effects of Designer Babies on Society – The Psychology of a Homophobe – Solitary Confinement and its Emotional Effects – The Varied Effects of Color on Mental States – Hyperactive Children – The Role of Environment or Biology? – The Psychological Profile of a Terrorist – A Psychological Profile of a Sex Worker – How are Habits Formed and How Can They Be Changed? – Gay Adoption and its Legal and Ethical Aspects – Shyness in Adults: Causes and Consequences – The Impact of Hate Crimes on Victims and Communities – Types of Torture and their Psychological Effects – Change of Perception Based on Attractiveness – Are the Attractive Treated Differently? – The Homeless and their Psychological Problems – Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace Through Sports Psychology – Long-lasting Marriages and the Psychology Behind them – Should School Uniforms be Banned? – List of Phobias and their Effect on Personality – The Rise of Divorces in Society – an Analysis – Causes and Impact of Emotional, Financial, and Physical Abuse of the Elderly – Effects of Birth Order on a Person’s Personality and Achievements – How Does In-store Music Influence Product Selection? – Teenage Suicide: Why it Happens and What to do About it – Effects of Postpartum Depression on the Mother and Child – An Analysis of Harsh and/or Capital Punishment for Sex Offenders – The Role of Genetics and Environment in Determining Intelligence – How Does Over Crowding Affect Human Beings? – Relation between Physical Illness and Stress – Short Term and Long Term Memory – Mental Illness and Aging – Role of Environment in Personality Development – Influence of Work Environment and Behavior on the Worker’s Self-esteem and Motivation – Impact of Counseling on Divorced Individuals – The Involvement of Psychologists in Military Interrogations – Violent Music and its Impact on Children – Motivation and its Varied Theories – Social Interaction – How Do Individual Differences Affect Stress – Psychological Reasons for Depression – Causes and Symptoms of Stress – How Does Social Anxiety Disorder Affect the Routine Life of a Person? – Human Development – Conception to Old Age – Mental Development of Special Children – Does Gender Affect Memory? – Different Stages of Human Development – Why is it Important to Impart Sexual Education to Young Children?

Things to Remember while Choosing a Research Topic

While choosing a research topic, make sure that the subject lies within your area of interest.

Interesting research topics can be easily found on news websites — Read scores of online newspapers and there will be several interesting articles which can be taken up as research topics.

Double check if a strong hypothesis can be made on the subject. Moreover, check if the subject has enough content available online.

Keep three to four research topics in hand before initiating the research. You may encounter unforeseen obstacles and may have to change the topic. That is why it becomes necessary to have some extra topics in hand and be flexible about change at this stage.

Do not hurry with the research, as this can make a mess. First collect secondary data from the Internet about your topic and then head out for primary data, if necessary.

Collecting primary data or first hand information will always give your research a more realistic touch. It will also add value to your paper. So don’t hesitate to go forward and collect your own findings.

The above-mentioned list is just an example of how a student can create their own topic for research. To select a topic, first pick out the area of psychology that interests you the most and then narrow it down to a specific topic. After the final choice of the topic has been made, the research work can be started. To cover all aspects of the topic thoroughly, the student should read up on what the experts have written about the topic; along with that he should also conduct experiments, take interviews, and undertake surveys. Once the research work is complete, the next step is to organize the collected data and begin writing the research paper. While writing a research paper, it is important to keep in mind that only the facts collected have to be listed, and any form of personal opinion or bias should be strictly avoided.

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Peterson Assignment

Select a disorder to research

• Locate 1+ print books, ebooks,
• Locate 3+ journal articles
• in addition to your textbook, the DSM and reputable websites
• use APA citation format, exclude the abstract
• 4-6 typed pages excluding title and references pages

Organization

• Introduction: Clearly define what you are presenting and why you selected this topic
• Body: background, diagnostic criteria (per DSM-5) and pervasiveness (how common and what population of individuals it affects), causes, ages, gender, treatment strategies (medication, therapy/theories) and any other information you feel is relevant.
• Conclusion: Explain what you learned and how this info will help you personally/professionally.

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Psychology - research topics.

The following Research Topics are led by experts in their field and contribute to the scientific understanding of psychology. These Research topics are published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Psychology , as open access articles .

Physical Activity Applied to Learning and Psycho-social Variables in Young People

The main objective of this Research Topic is to compile the most recent work on physical activity applied to learning and psycho-social variables in young people.

Creativity and Creativity Awareness: New Directions

This article collection aims to bridge the extant literature gap by inviting interdisciplinary, empirical, and theoretical efforts focused on understanding and enhancing creativity awareness.

Optimizing the Therapeutic Potential in Clinical Settings: Leveraging Placebos and Mitigating Nocebo Effects

This Research Topic seeks to inspire scholarly contributions that address the disparity by proposing solutions or mechanisms facilitating the translation of placebo and nocebo research into clinically meaningful practices.

Culture and Emotion in Educational Dynamics - Volume II

The aim of this research topic is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in the field of emotional dynamics in education, with a particular focus on the ways in which culture mediates these dynamics.

Positive Higher Education: Empowering Students through Learning and Wellbeing

This Research Topic focuses on positive higher education, which encompasses positive psychology and education research in higher education.

Demystifying Academic Writing in Higher Education: A Process View on Academic Textual Production

The goal of this Research Topic is to bring a process-oriented and dynamic perspective to the study of textual production in academic contexts by both encouraging an expanded view of existing research paradigms, and also welcoming novel approaches.

Scales Validation in the Context of Inclusive Education

This Research Topic will focus on scales validation in the context of inclusive education.

When (and how) Theory of Mind is useful? Evidence from Innovative Assessment Tools, Training, and Treatments Strategies - Volume II

This proposed research topic endeavors to advance our understanding of ToM while contributing to the development of effective assessment tools and treatment strategies.

Combat Sports Athletes: Influence of Rapid Weight Loss on Psychological and Physiological Responses

The scope of the topic would be exploring various psychological and physiological responses to Rapid Weight Loss in combat sports athletes including both Olympic and non-Olympic sports and martial arts in both striking and grappling sports.

At the Borders of Movement, Art, and Neurosciences

This new Research Topic is dedicated to publishing high-quality scholarly papers on pivotal topics in the interactive field of Art, Movement, and Neuroscience.

Spatial-temporal Metrics to Assess Collective Behavior in Team Sports

The objective of this Research Topic is to compile applied research from experts in the field of team sports performance analysis.

Visual Perception and Mental Imagery in Aging, Health and Disease

This Research Topic will further our understanding of 1) the brain circuits involved in visual perception and mental imagery and 2) the roles of the dorsal and ventral visual pathways in visual perception and mental imagery.

Maximize Performance: Prevention of Health Problems and Optimization of Health and Wellbeing in a (Pre) Professional Dance Context

Background: The high physiological and psychological demands of dancing means that (pre-) professional dancers are prone to health-related problems, such as injuries and mental health problems.

Towards a Psychophysiological Approach in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Sports-Volume III

Volume III of this Research Topic delves deeper into the intricate relationship between psychological factors, such as depression, anxiety, and motivation, and their impact on physiological variables during physical activity

5 Topics Covered in an Introduction To Psychology Course

Subjects studied in psychology 101.

Every introduction to psychology course essentially covers the same topics. It is a survey of all things psychology, from its development as an area of study to applications in education to:

• the study of human nature

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If you’re set to enroll in an intro to psych course, the topics below are all but guaranteed to be on the course syllabus.

The History of Psychology

Among the psychological topics covered in an introductory psychology course is how psychology developed as a discipline out of philosophy and natural sciences. You’ll learn about the early:

• practitioners

This will include a look at such people as William James, author of the foundational The Principles of Psychology , which is one of the most important psychology texts ever written.

You’ll also learn about Sigmund Freud, whose theory of psychoanalysis is one of the most important to the practice of psychology. Ivan Pavlov, whose behavioral experiments opened the door to the scientific study of behavior will be studied as well.

Typically, humanistic psychology, including the work of Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs, as well as cognitive psychology will also be discussed as part of the field’s history.

Other psychology topics might include the development of personality and intelligence tests, like the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Quotient. You’ll likely learn how genetics influence personality and how psychologists assess personality traits.  You’ll learn about different treatments for mental illness, too. These include some like lobotomies and electroconvulsive therapy that are highly controversial. More accepted treatments (i.e., lithium for bipolar disorder) for mental illness will also be reviewed. 

Scientific Methods in Psychology

Once psychology began to move out of the realm of philosophy and into that of scientific research, the use of the scientific method became important in psychology research.

Introductory psychology students will probably learn the basics of designing a psychological research project. This could include basic instructions on how a researcher might formulate and test a hypothesis. This part of the course would also look at creating experimental and control groups. The former receives an experimental treatment. The latter does not.

When devising experiments, the participants in the study are randomly assigned to the experimental and control conditions. This is done to minimize potential bias and ensure that the two groups are as similar as possible, save for the experimental condition being applied only to the experimental group.

Another significant portion of this line of study is statistics. Designing and implementing an experiment is just the first part. You must also collect and analyze data and interpret those results. Statistical procedures allow you to do this.

Psychological statistics is covered only in broad terms in an introductory psychology course. However, you will likely still learn about a wide range of statistical procedures like:

• measures of central tendency
• Chi squares

The Human Brain

As an article in Psychology Today explains, neuroscience may eventually eclipse psychology altogether or it may simply become another subfield. But it will generally always be one of the interesting psychology topics covered in an introductory course.

Again, the depth with which you will study the human brain will be fairly limited in scope in Psych 101 . You will likely learn about brain structures, like the different lobes, and what psychologists understand those brain structures to be associated with.

For example, the frontal lobe is responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• motor control
• emotional regulation
• personality characteristics

Psychologists understand this to be true due in large part to an injury sustained by a man named Phineas Gage.

Gage was a railroad worker who was severely injured when an explosion sent a metal rod through his head under his left cheekbone, behind his left eye, through his frontal lobe, and out the top of his head. Amazingly, he survived. In fact, he was able to walk and talk immediately after the accident.

But in the months after the accident, Gage’s personality reportedly changed. He went from being soft-spoken and mild-mannered to being unpredictable with a lack of self-control. His case was the first time that scientists were able to pinpoint personality as being controlled by the frontal lobe.

Sensation and Perception

Related to the study of the brain is the study of sensation and perception.

What we perceive in the world around us is based on our senses:

Furthermore, we have systems in the body that:

• control balance
• interpret pain
• sense temperature
• control body position and movement

The interplay between our senses and perception is extremely complex. We are constantly taking in sensory information. Our brain is constantly processing that information. Beyond that, our brain then has to determine what to do with the information it receives.

For example, if pain receptors in your hand tell your brain that your hand is experiencing heat, your brain will send a signal to the appropriate muscles to move your hand away from the heat source. Of course, all this is done in a matter of milliseconds – and without you having to think about making any of it happen.

Usually, an exploration of sensation and perception will also include brief discussions of:

• Subliminal messaging
• Types of information processing

Course materials will enable you to develop a stronger understanding of physical systems in the human body – and how they influence human behavior.

Memory and Learning

Your intro to psychology course will also include a unit on memory and learning.

Like sensation and perception, these processes have physiological underpinnings yet can greatly influence one’s psychology. Early studies of memory and learning – from iconic figures in psychology like B.F. Skinner and Ivan Pavlov – helped form what would become known as behaviorism.

You’ll discover two theories of learning that grew out of behaviorism. First is classical conditioning, which posits that behavior is the result of environmental stimuli. Pavlov, for example, discovered that a dog would begin to salivate before it were presented with food. In fact, salivation began when the people who fed them arrived in the room.

Pavlov hypothesized that he could elicit the same response with another stimulus. So, he began ringing a bell when the dogs were presented with their food. Eventually, he only rang the bell.  The dogs did not get any food, yet they still salivated.

Skinner, on the other hand, devised a learning theory called operant conditioning. Rather than explaining learning as a result of environmental stimuli, Skinner believed that rewards and punishments could be used to cause certain behaviors to occur.

For example, when you tell a joke to your friends and they laugh, their laughter is positive reinforcement. This reinforcement will make it more likely that you’ll tell a joke again in the future. Behaviors can be made more likely by removing something unpleasant, too. This is called a negative reinforcer. If your professor tells you that anyone with an A in the class at the end of the semester can skip the final, your behavior of getting a good grade is reinforced by the removal of something unpleasant – the final test.

Operant conditioning also involves punishers. A positive punishment, like being yelled at by your parents, is added to a situation to make a behavior less likely. A negative punishment makes a behavior less likely to occur because something desirable has been removed, like a parent taking away their child’s cell phone for breaking curfew.

These few examples only scratch the surface of memory and learning. These are complex and interesting topics that you’ll explore in introduction to psychology .

Psychological Theories and Perspective

Over the years, various psychological theories and perspectives have emerged to explain human behavior. These theories are as different as they are many.

• Behaviorism is a learning theory that posits that behavior is acquired as the result of conditioning. Behaviorism was extremely popular in the early 20th century, and is still used by many psychologists today as a therapeutic approach to learning new behaviors.
• Humanism focuses on the essential goodness of people. Its goal is to help people fulfill their potential. It is forward-thinking and does not focus on eliminating dysfunction as many other psychological theories do.
• The Psychoanalytic approach emphasizes the importance of one’s unconscious and its influence over behavior. One’s past experiences have great control over how you behave today. Psychoanalysis helps people discover what’s in their unconscious mind, thus allowing them to address those  experiences and change their behavior for the better.
• decision-making

Cognitive psychologists look specifically at how we acquire information, process it, store it, and use it.

• Biological theories posit that behavior is the result of physical and biological processes. Biological psychologists examine the role of genetics, for example, in human behavior. They also explore how damage to certain parts of the brain results in changes in behavior.
• The evolutionary perspective focuses on how evolution and physiological processes can account for certain behaviors. For example, this perspective might examine a specific human behavior, like mate selection, through the lens of its evolutionary purpose to the survival of the species.

These are just a few of the theories and perspectives you will learn about in an introductory psychology course. There are many other perspectives – both old and new – that offer vastly different explanations for human behavior.

Psychology Subfields

There are many different concentrations in the broader field of psychology. Some, like experimental psychology and clinical psychology, are much older than others. Newer disciplines are emerging, and additional specialties are being developed. More recent subfields include:

• trauma psychology
• international psychology
• pediatric psychology

There is not time to delve deeply into any of these concentrations in an introductory course. But it will usually briefly examine some of the most common disciplines within this field.

For example, introductory courses typically offer an overview of:

• Educational psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Forensic psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Physiological psychology
• Gestalt psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Social psychology
• Industrial and organizational psychology
• Health psychology
• Neuropsychology

Additionally, you will learn about:

• psychopharmacology
• quantitative and qualitative research methods
• substance abuse

Psychological Disorders

Another topic covered in an introductory psychology course is psychological disorders. This might include a discussion of:

• what is considered abnormal psychology
• how disorders are diagnosed
• how they are treated
• how that diagnosis and treatment have changed over time

The disorders covered may include:

• personality disorders
• anxiety disorders
• mood disorders

For example, you’ll learn about borderline:

• personality disorder
• antisocial personality disorder
• obsessive compulsive disorder

You’ll also get an introduction to:

• generalized anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder

Mood disorders like major depression and cyclothymia will be discussed.

There will also be a look at schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. These disorders are characterized by a person’s break from reality. They typically suffer from hallucinations, delusions, or both. In some cases, as with dissociative identity disorder, a person will have multiple distinct personalities.

The purpose of an introductory psychology course is to prepare psychology students for a full course of study in the topic and to give other students a good grounding in the basics of the field. The topics covered in an introductory psychology class give a sense of the history, scope, and methods used in the field.The knowledge you gain will help you further your education in psychology or in another topic.

Sean Jackson

B.A. Social Studies Education | University of Wyoming

M.S. Counseling | University of Wyoming

B.S. Information Technology | University of Massachusetts

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Research Topics

Cutting-edge research into the workings of the human mind

Our faculty conducts scientific research on topics that span across all areas of psychology. Some themes of research concentration are listed below. Click the topics to see the list of department faculty associated with each theme.

Addictive Behaviors

Computational Approaches

Decision Science

Developmental Approaches

Interventions

Learning & Memory

Mathematical Cognition

Meaning & Mental Representation

Motivation & Emotion

Neuroimaging

Plasticity & Change

Psychopathology & Risk

Reasoning & Problem Solving

Self & Identity

Self-Regulation & Control

Social Cognition

Stereotyping & Stereotype Threat

Vision Science

Words & Categories

Teaching Research Skills That Transfer to Future Projects

Exploratory research teaches skills that have lifelong use..

Updated August 1, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

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This post is the fourth in a series.

When helping students become researchers, the goal is not only to equip students to tackle a current research project but also to ensure the learned skills will stay with them for future endeavors. Students must understand which research staples must be applied under any circumstances (like critically evaluating sources or following ethical guidelines) while maintaining the flexibility to try different approaches and make new connections. Students at Laguna Beach High School (LBHS) are learning to do just that.

In Part I of this series I spoke to Jun Shen, the passionate teacher and ed-tech coordinator who runs LBHS’s Authentic Exploratory Research (AER) program . AER is an independent research course inspired by Palo Alto Unified School District’s Advanced Authentic Research program . The program pairs students with adult mentors (such as LBUSD staff, industry experts, and academics) who assist the teens in researching their big questions in fields of their choice.

Former LBHS student Carter Ghere was the third teenager to give us an account of his experience in AER and the findings that his AER research produced. A benefit to meeting with Ghere was that he has since moved on to projects outside the AER program, such as promoting physical and mental health . The research skills Ghere honed in AER, combined with his passion for his new endeavors, show us how students can learn research skills in a way that has lasting benefits.

Jenny Grant Rankin: What can teachers do to help students research effectively, not only for current projects but also for future research endeavors?

Carter Ghere: Teachers can encourage students to think about minor aspects of the project that greatly influence the thesis rather than just the thesis question itself. When I researched car design and why it varies, I had to consider each factor that could help me build a strong argument. What started as research on cars very quickly turned into research into socioeconomics, societal upbringing, and government involvement in diplomatic events and conflict. Automotive design changed because manufacturers were competing against each other to sell more cars or improve efficiency, but mass appeal is the biggest driving aspect of change, so I had to research what changes mass appeal and where interests originate from. Laterally, researching aspects of influence opens up much research to apply to your projects, instead of searching for the answer most people already know. Teachers can teach their students how to see the hidden influences, draw conclusions themselves to strengthen their arguments, and accelerate the research process. Knowing how to do research effectively carries over a lifetime, making every new learning endeavor exciting for students instead of monotonous.

JGR: What was the most significant thing you learned about conducting research?

CG: Relevance and impact. The biggest thing I learned while I was conducting research was keeping in mind how your study affects the current information already available. It’s easy to research and quote what most people know, but genuinely effective research isn’t commonly known or even thought of; the research is supposed to question the current knowledge to create new knowledge.

JGR: What was the most significant thing you learned about communicating research or other work?

CG: Knowing your audience is the biggest thing I learned about communicating my work. Putting myself in the shoes of someone reading my work helped me curate my research to better explain my findings to someone who may need to learn about my topic or why this is important. The last thing you want your audience to feel is confusion; a clear, simple explanation of your findings helps the reader draw their connections and relate them to what they already know.

JGR: What lessons learned in AER do you find yourself applying in your current efforts to promote mental health?

CG: The research experience I have from AER accelerated the work I’ve done beyond high school. In terms of research and the actual information I give out, I know that what I’m discovering isn’t new, but the personal opinion that I have is, and that’s what AER taught me. The thoughts that I have on the subject matter of lifestyle and self-development have more relevance than just plain information.

Learning through apprenticeship and embracing the guidance of a mentor profoundly expanded my understanding. This experience made me realize the vast opportunities I still have to learn and grow. At AER, I had the chance to engage in research, connect with experts in the field, develop personal convictions that I am passionate about, ensure these ideas resonate with others, and communicate them effectively.

Ghere demonstrates what we want students to be able to do with the knowledge and skills we teach: to remember, apply, and develop them perpetually. Ideally, as in Ghere’s case, students also use their research skills to help others and improve our world. To continue reading, look for Part V .

Jenny Grant Rankin, Ph.D., is a Fulbright Specialist for the U.S. Department of State.

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PSY 101 - Downtown - Introduction to Psychology: Sample Papers

• Get Started
• Selecting a Topic
• Publication Types
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• Formatting your paper in APA style
• Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing
• In-text and parenthetical citations
• Formatting a References Page
• Citing books and e-books
• Citing magazines, newspapers, or journal articles (print or online)
• Citing websites, online videos, blog posts, and tweets
• Citing other common formats

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