Top 10 Research Topics For Students In 2024

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Top 10 Research Topics for Students in 2024

Research Beyond the Obvious!

Are you struggling to find a topic that can unearth new findings? Even before starting, many students feel drowning with the mere task of sorting out the best research topics. Don’t sweat it! This blog explores the top 10 research topics for students, with a focus on different subjects, including psychology, social sciences, etc. From exploring the impact of AI to dealing with social issues, let’s discover good ideas for a research paper! 

Why Do You Need to Find a Research Topic?

Before we get down to the top 10 research topics on student learning , let’s understand what they are. Research topics help students to drill down into a subject and break down a wide aspect into smaller things. The topics serve the purpose of bringing fresh perspectives to the table and point out a potential knowledge gap or core problem. 

Research Topic vs. Research Question 

Going by its definition, a research topic focuses on a broad theme that calls for deep investigation. On the other hand, a research question is a particular query that researchers use to find plausible answers and new scopes. While you may be busy finding the top 10 research topics for students in college or senior high school, always remember that the topic reflects an aspect of a subject. 

How To Find Research Topics To Write About

The key to finding the top 10 research topics may leave you confused but don’t worry. The table below portrays the characteristics of interesting research paper topics that you must keep in mind: 

What Makes a Good Research Topic

While we will give you some ideas about the top 10 research topics for students, you still need to pick one. However, getting closer to this topic may feel soul-crushing! Don’t worry; these tips will help you select good research project topics for students.

1. Focus on Personal Interests

Research paper topics for college students usually stem from what motivates them. If you are interested in a specific field, you can go forward with the topic as long as it is relevant to your field. However, this does not mean you can overlook potential biases - being too close to the subject might even lead you nowhere. 

2. Check the Guidelines

When looking for the top 10 research topics for students, it’s imperative to adhere to guidelines laid out by your school. Sometimes, they approve good topics for research papers only if they are related to the public interest or environment. Ask your professor/mentor whether you need to follow certain guidelines while finding the best research titles for students. 

3. Availability of Resources  

Your research project might never see the daylight if you do not have enough resources available. Make sure the resources are within your limits! In case your research has funding, always check how you will be able to use it. Finances, access to participants, and timings are key factors in finalising among the top 10 research topics for students. 

what are the top 10 research topics

Top 10 Research Topics for Students in College and Senior High School

Here, we will delve into the top 10 research topics for students. Whether you are in a college or senior high school, these topics will show you light at the end of the tunnel. You might find inspiration from these topics and may even come up with original research topics and research questions. So, let’s unveil the best research topic ideas for students! 

1. Psychology Research Paper Topics 

Psychology papers offer an exciting opportunity to explore and understand the human psyche. Emerging technologies and their impact on mental health is one of the best research topics for college students, yet there is more you can explore. Below are some of the best research topics for college students: 

1. The impact of social media on mental health among adolescents and young adults.

2. The potential benefits and risks of virtual reality therapy for mental health conditions. 

3. The ethical considerations of using AI in psychological treatment. 

4. The influence of mindfulness practices on cognitive performance and well-being.

5. The link between sleep quality and cognitive decline in ageing populations.

2. Business and Economics Research Topics 

From sustainable business practices to global trade dynamics, the best research topics for college students regarding business and economics revolve around many areas. While you may initially find it challenging how to conduct research , you can draw inspiration from these topics for research paper:

1. The impact of AI on various aspects of business, such as marketing and financial analysis. 2. The ethical considerations and challenges associated with the use of big data and analytics in business practices. 3. The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionise supply chain management and improve data privacy. 4. The effectiveness of policy interventions to promote sustainable economic growth & development. 5. Exploring the factors that contribute to the success of startups and new ventures in the digital age.

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3. Social Sciences Research Topics 

Social sciences deal with the study of human behaviour and explore socioeconomic inequalities, political ideologies, urban development, and more. If you are looking for good ideas for a research paper regarding social sciences, here are some: 

1. The effectiveness of different social policy interventions aimed at addressing global issues. 2. The potential of blockchain technology to improve transparency and accountability in social structures. 3. The social and ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of life. 4. The psychological and social impacts of climate change on individuals and communities. 5. The increasing focus on interdisciplinary research that combines social science with data science.

4. Language and Linguistics Research Topics 

From computational linguistics to semantics to language preservation, the field of language  leads to some really good topics for research papers. While going through our list of top 10 research topics for students, you can already grasp that there are a few things to keep in mind when writing a college paper ! So, here are the best research topic ideas for students regarding language studies: 

1. The influence of social media and digital communication on language use and evolution.   2. The impact of language learning apps and online platforms on pedagogy. 3. The role of language in perpetuating social inequalities. 4. The link between language and mental health in the context of cultural displacement. 5. The potential of multilingualism to enhance cognitive abilities. 

5. Health and Medicine Research Topics

Finding the best research title ideas for students is daunting when it comes to a dynamic field like health and medicine. After going through this compilation of the top 10 research topics for students, you can understand how to come up with the right one. Here, based on the emerging areas of interest, we share some of the potentially impactful and the best research ideas for students: 

1. The integration of AI in medical diagnosis and treatment. 2. Investigating the ethical considerations of using AI in the healthcare sector. 3. The developing field of preventive health measures and promoting healthy lifestyles. 4. The link between social determinants of health and mental well-being. 5. Improving access to healthcare and promoting health equity in minority communities.

6. Renewable Energy & Clean Technologies Research Topics

Initially, you might find it impossible to understand how to write a research paper for college , but these top 10 research topics for students will have you covered. Especially when your focus is on clean energy sources and the emission of greenhouse gases, there is a lot to cover nowadays. Here are some of the best research topics for students: 

1. The potential of next-generation solar cell technologies. 2. The social and environmental aspects of renewable energy deployment. 3. Discovering the potential of decentralised energy systems. 4. The potential of hydrogen energy, including production, storage, and utilisation. 5. The impact of climate change on renewable energy resources.

7. Technology and Innovation Research Topics 

The sector for technology is ever-evolving, with innovations taking place every other. With the emergence of IoT, artificial intelligence, and ML, the world of technology is your oyster. Here are the best research topics for students: 

1. The societal implications of AI in healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles. 2. The potential of blockchain technology to revolutionise cybersecurity and voting systems. 3. Innovative solutions to combat climate change, including renewable energy technologies and sustainable infrastructure. 4. The role of technology in disaster preparedness and risk management. 5. The use of technology to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to information. 

8. Arts and Design Research Topics 

Whether your niche lies in art therapy, cultural studies in arts, or architecture innovation, there are interesting research paper topics. While exploring the top 10 research topics for students, constructing research may seem difficult – going through the research design - elements and characteristics can solve your problems. So, here are the best research topics for students in college: 

1. The impact of AI on artistic creation. 2. The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in storytelling. 3. The role of art in addressing social and environmental challenges. 4.  The use of art as a tool for social commentary and activism. 5. The evolving nature of art museums and galleries in the digital age.

9. Argumentative Research Topics 

Building a specific argument and exploring topics can bring you some unique topics for research paper. Through these top 10 research topics for students, you can evaluate human interest on a global scale and beyond. Let’s have a look at these best research topics for students: 

1. Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty? 2. Is nuclear power a solution to the global energy crisis? 3. Does increased global cooperation offer a solution to climate change? 4. The impact of automation and AI on the future of work and employment. 5. The ethical implications of gene editing and other emerging biotechnologies.

10. Human Rights Research Paper Topics  

Our list of top 10 research topics remains incomplete without human rights. This field is evolving and has become a growing interest for everyone around the world. If you want to probe questions about gender equality or privacy rights, here are a few of the research title examples for students: 

1. The role of human rights defenders and activists in promoting social change. 2. The human rights of marginalised groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. 3. The impact of AI on human rights, including issues of bias and discrimination. 4. Examining the ethical implications of facial recognition technology. 5. Exploring the human rights implications of environmental pollution and toxic waste disposal. 

Now that you have an idea about some of the top 10 research topics for students, we hope you come up with an original one. Remember, successful research always starts with the right question. Take time, dig deep into the relevant theories, and find thought-provoking topics for research papers. Meanwhile, don’t overlook the power of how to write a research paper appendix and how to create the right structure for the paper. You can also check out amber+ for essential tools that can help make your thesis writing process smoother! So, happy researching! Also, dive into our exclusive visual guide to uncover intriguing research topics tailored for students like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get research ideas, what is a good research question, what constitutes a good research topic, how do i create a title for my research topic, what's the difference between a research topic and a research problem.

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113 Great Research Paper Topics

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General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

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Current Events

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

body_highschoolsc

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

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

Science/Environment

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

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

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

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

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

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

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

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

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

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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

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

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

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10 creative research topics for students (2024)

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Research topic vs. research question

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

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

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

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

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

  • What makes a good research paper topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Lean into personal interest

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

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

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

2. Choose a topic with enough information

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

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

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

3. Consider the guidelines

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

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

  • How to find research topics to write about

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

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

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

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

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

  • The top 10 research topics for students

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

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

1. High school research paper topic ideas

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

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

The impacts of bullying

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

Some specific research questions within the bullying topic are:

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

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

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

Social media in high schools

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

Some topics within social media could be:

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

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

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

2. Psychology research paper topics

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

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

Increasing happiness

Some specific research questions related to happiness include the following:

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

How can practicing vulnerability reduce stress and boost happiness?

What impact does forest bathing have on overall mood scores?

Mitigating anxiety

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

Below are some example research questions:

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

What is the impact of meditation interventions on anxiety?

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

3. Science research paper topics

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

Here are a few potential topics for exploration:

Reducing pandemic risk

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

Specific research questions include the following:

How can AI help predict future pandemics?

How does animal breeding contribute to zoonotic disease risk?

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

Renewable energy

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

Here are some research questions about renewable energy to consider:

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

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

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

4. Good environmental research topics

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

Climate change on a global scale

Some specific research questions within the climate change topic are:

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

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

How do carbon dioxide emissions affect ocean acidity levels?

5. Argumentative research paper topics

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

Affirmative action

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

Some specific questions relating to affirmative action could be:

Does affirmative action promote equality in the workplace?

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

How has the affirmative action ban impacted the tech industry?

The ethical use of AI

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

Some research questions relating to AI include the following:

Could AI lead to more global conflict?

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

How many jobs could be impacted by AI in 2025?

6. Human rights paper topics

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

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

International human rights

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

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

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

In what ways can governments enforce human rights globally?

LGBTQI+ rights

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

Here are some potential research questions:

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

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

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

7. US history research paper topics

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

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

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

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

8. Law enforcement research topics

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

Some possible law enforcement topics include the following:

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

What is the role of Crisis Intervention Training in policing?

How can data improve the enforcement of cybersecurity laws?

9. Business research paper topics

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

Here are some possible business research topics to consider:

How can data analysis impact consumer purchasing decisions?

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

How can diversity and inclusion be boosted in the workforce?

10. Economics research paper topics

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

Below are some general economics paper topics:

What are the widespread impacts of the gig economy?

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

How does progressive taxation impact income inequality?

It all starts with the right research question  

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

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

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

How can I get research ideas?

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

What is a good research question?

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

How do I create a title for my research topic?

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

What are some good qualitative research topics?

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

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

What qualitative research topics can be good for STEM students?

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

Here are some examples:

How the general population views climate change

The potential social impacts of AI

How to use Big Data ethically

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Find Colleges > 99+ Interesting Research Paper Topics

99+ Interesting Research Paper Topics

Coming up with good research paper topics can sometimes be a daunting task, as it can take you down various paths or even leave you with a blank page. The most challenging part of writing a paper is often coming up with the initial idea. To help you get started, here are numerous research paper ideas that can inspire you, and enable you to draft a paper with a fresh perspective. The ideas are categorized into fields of study or areas of interest, so you can explore a new angle in your research paper topic.

Research Ideas for the Sciences

So many research papers fall within the sciences and breaking them down or connecting the sciences encompasses entire fields of study. Here are the 3 main areas of science and a few tip-of-the-iceberg topics in each area.

Social Sciences

Social sciences include psychology, sociology, economics, education, history, law, linguistics, political science, philosophy and more. Some interesting research ideas in these fields are:

A list of good research topics.

  • The Intersection of Art and Science: Exploring Creativity
  • The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: A Cognitive Perspective
  • Psychological Effects of Space Travel on Astronauts
  • The Psychology of Addiction: Understanding Substance Abuse
  • The Effects of Music on the Brain and Emotions
  • The Sociology of Deviance: Understanding Social Norms

what are the top 10 research topics

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Earth sciences.

Earth sciences or physical sciences include chemistry, biology, physics, geology, medicine, astronomy, botany, zoology, ecology, and more. There are always more interesting topics to research in these areas.

  • Exploring the Origins of the Universe: Big Bang Theory vs. Multiverse Theory
  • Enhancing Creativity through Neuroscience Research
  • The Physics of Black Holes: Mysteries and Discoveries
  • The Future of Space Exploration: Mars Colonization and Beyond
  • Quantum Mechanics: The Strange World of Subatomic Particles
  • Green Chemistry: Sustainable Solutions for Environmental Problems

Formal Sciences

Formal sciences are a branch of science concerned with structures described by formal systems. They include math, logic, engineering, data and information sciences, statistics, and decision theory. Formal sciences are often found in fields of study such as business, engineering, computer science, and data analytics.

  • Ethical Implications of Big Data Analytics
  • Green Buildings: Sustainable Architecture and Design
  • Social Media Analytics and Its Impact on Marketing Strategies
  • Predictive Analytics in Healthcare
  • Data Visualization Techniques and Their Impact on Decision-Making

Problem-Solving Research Paper Topics

A great way to choose a good research topic is to consider a problem that you’d like to see solved.

Climate and Climate Change

  • Specifically: Marine Biodiversity
  • Food Security in a Changing Climate: Sustainable Solutions
  • The Economics of Climate Change: Mitigation vs. Adaptation
  • Environmental Pollution and Public Health: Addressing the Global Crisis
  • Sustainable Water Management in Arid Regions
  • The Physics of Climate Change: Understanding the Greenhouse Effect
  • The Future of Renewable Energy: Innovations and Challenges
  • Disaster Preparedness and Response: Lessons from Recent Events

Artificial Intelligence and Technological Security

  • Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
  • Cybersecurity in the Age of the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency

Social Justice

  • Social Justice in Healthcare: Addressing Health Inequities
  • Gender Pay Gap: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
  • Gender Equality in STEM Fields: Challenges and Solutions
  • Alternative: Health Disparities among Minority Populations: Causes and Solutions
  • The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination

Good Research Topics for Today’s World

The world is changing at a faster and faster pace. Keep tabs on what’s new with a topic that addresses what is happening now, and how we should see it move into the future.

Emerging Technology

  • Quantum Computing: Revolutionizing Information Technology
  • E-Waste Management: Challenges and Solutions
  • Cultural Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Technologies
  • Nanotechnology: Applications and Future Prospects

Media and Communications

  • Sustainable Fashion: Reducing Environmental Impact
  • Globalization and Cultural Identity: Challenges in a Connected World
  • Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior

Law and Ethics

  • The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research
  • The Intersection of Technology and Privacy Rights
  • The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Balancing Risks and Benefits
  • The Future of Work: Remote Work and its Implications
  • Robotics in Industry: Automation and Job Displacement
  • The Psychology of Decision Making: Insights from Behavioral Economics
  • Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology: Opportunities and Challenges
  • The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities and Environments
  • The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends

Researching History (and It’s Revival)

History repeats itself. At least, we may be doomed to repeat errors of the past if we don’t learn from them. Share your insights with a well-researched paper connecting history to today.

Culture and Politics

  • Cultural Influences on Human Behavior: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
  • The Politics of Climate Change: International Cooperation and Conflict

Language and Literature

  • Evolution of Language: From Primates to Modern Humans
  • Literary Translation and Cultural Exchange
  • Gender Representation in Literature

Developing Countries to Empires

  • Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management
  • Empire-Building and Cultural Exchange
  • The Role of Foreign Aid in Development
  • The Impact of Colonialism on Economic Development
  • Secularism and Religion in Modern Society
  • Religion and Ethics
  • Interfaith Dialogue and Religious Pluralism
  • The Creation and Evolution of Religion

Interesting Human Nature Research Ideas

From birth to death, we’re interesting and evolving creatures. What does the latest research tell us about ourselves?

Genetics and Aging

  • The Role of Genetics in Athletic Performance
  • The Biology of Aging: Mechanisms and Interventions
  • Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Research and Treatment Strategies
  • Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Genetic Profiles
  • The Role of Genetics in Personality Traits
  • Aging Population: Healthcare Challenges and Innovations

Needs and Desires

  • The Impact of Sleep on Cognitive Functioning
  • Psychological Effects of Social Media Use among Adolescents
  • The Physiology of Stress: Effects on Health and Well-being
  • Aging and Cognition: Understanding Cognitive Decline
  • The Psychology of Happiness: Factors Influencing Well-being
  • Neuroplasticity and its Implications for Learning and Memory

Human Connection

  • Cultural Diversity in Education: Promoting Inclusivity
  • Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Development
  • Cyberbullying: Impact on Mental Health among Adolescents
  • Urbanization and Mental Health: Exploring the Connection
  • Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Urban Areas
  • The Impact of Technology on Human Relationships

Mental Health

  • Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Schools: Strategies and Challenges
  • The Neuroscience of Addiction: Understanding Brain Mechanisms
  • Alternative: Long-Term Physical Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Mental Health First Aid: Training and Implementation Strategies
  • The Role of Exercise in Mental Health Treatment
  • Alternative Therapies for Mental Health Disorders
  • Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Barriers to Treatment
  • Enhancing Cognitive Function through Brain-Computer Interfaces

Physical Health and Medicine

  • Antibiotic Resistance: A Growing Global Health Threat
  • The Role of Microbes in Human Health and Disease
  • Artificial Organs: Advancements in Biomedical Engineering
  • Advancements in Cancer Immunotherapy
  • Emerging Infectious Diseases: Global Health Risks and Preparedness
  • The Role of Gut Microbiota in Digestive Health

Research Topics About Our World

We only have one Earth (so far), so research ways for us to make the most of our planet and work with it, instead of against it.

Environmental Topics

  • Sustainable Urban Development: Strategies for Future Cities
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities
  • Environmental Justice: Equity in Environmental Decision-Making
  • Marine Conservation: Protecting Our Oceans and Seas
  • Wildlife Conservation in Developing Countries
  • Urban Heat Islands: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies
  • Renewable Energy Policy: Lessons from Around the World

Animal Life

  • Genetic Engineering and Its Ethical Implications
  • The Role of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystems
  • Wildlife Trafficking: Threats to Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts

Food and Agriculture

  • Climate Change and Food Security: Challenges for Agricultural Systems
  • Urban Farming: Sustainable Food Production in Cities
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Feeding the Growing Population

How to Choose a Good Research Topic

The best way to choose a research topic is to make sure it’s something you’re interested in. Even if the course doesn’t inspire your passions, find a topic you want to learn more about or include a spin on the topic that pulls you in. Here are some questions that you can ask yourself when determining a research paper topic:

  • What do I enjoy reading or learning about?
  • What questions do I have when I sit in class?
  • What problem do I want to see solved in my lifetime?
  • What interesting rabbit hole have I gone down recently?
  • What ‘Why’ question do I want to see answered?
  • What topics have I studied that have left me curious or intrigued?
  • What gaps or unanswered questions exist in my area of interest?
  • What current issues relate to my field of study?
  • What topic will have real-world implications?
  • What audience do I want to benefit from my research?

Don’t agonize over finding good research topics. Ask yourself a few pointed questions, let your mind wander a bit, and give yourself a few starter ideas with this list. You’ll soon find yourself immersed in a topic you love, pen (or keyboard) flowing.

Choosing a paper topic is often tougher than choosing a major, but if you’re still exploring which field of study to enter, browse for College Majors with our tool, or read this article on considerations when choosing a major . You’re well on your way to a degree!

what are the top 10 research topics

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The top 10 journal articles of 2020

In 2020, APA’s 89 journals published more than 5,000 articles—the most ever and 25% more than in 2019. Here’s a quick look at the 10 most downloaded to date.

Vol. 52 No. 1 Print version: page 24

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1. Me, My Selfie, and I: The Relations Between Selfie Behaviors, Body Image, Self-Objectification, and Self-Esteem in Young Women

Veldhuis, j., et al..

Young women who appreciate their bodies and consider them physical objects are more likely to select, edit, and post selfies to social media, suggests this study in Psychology of Popular Media (Vol. 9, No. 1). Researchers surveyed 179 women, ages 18 to 25, on how often they took selfies, how they selected selfies to post, how often they used filters and editing techniques, and how carefully they planned their selfie postings. They also assessed participants’ levels of body appreciation and dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and self-esteem. Higher levels of self-objectification were linked to more time spent on all selfie behaviors, while body appreciation was related to more time spent selecting selfies to post, but not frequency of taking or editing selfies. Body dissatisfaction and self-esteem were not associated with selfie behaviors. DOI: 10.1037/ppm0000206

2. A Closer Look at Appearance and Social Media: Measuring Activity, Self-Presentation, and Social Comparison and Their Associations With Emotional Adjustment

Zimmer-gembeck, m. j., et al..

This Psychology of Popular Media (online first publication) article presents a tool to assess young people’s preoccupation with their physical appearance on social media. Researchers administered a 21-item survey about social media to 281 Australian high school students. They identified 18 items with strong inter-item correlation centered on three categories of social media behavior: online self-presentation, appearance-related online activity, and appearance comparison. In a second study with 327 Australian university students, scores on the 18-item survey were found to be associated with measures of social anxiety and depressive symptoms, appearance-related support from others, general interpersonal stress, coping flexibility, sexual harassment, disordered eating, and other factors. The researchers also found that young women engaged in more appearance-related social media activity and appearance comparison than did young men. DOI: 10.1037/ppm0000277

3. The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-2019) Outbreak: Amplification of Public Health Consequences by Media Exposure

Garfin, d. r., et al..

Repeated media exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with psychological distress and other public health consequences, according to this commentary in Health Psychology (Vol. 39, No. 5). The authors reviewed research about trends in health behavior and psychological distress as a response to media coverage of crises, including terrorist attacks, school shootings, and disease outbreaks. They found that repeated media exposure to collective crises was associated with increased anxiety and heightened acute and post-traumatic stress, with downstream effects on health outcomes such as new incidence of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, misinformation can further amplify stress responses and lead to misplaced or misguided health-protective and help-seeking behaviors. The authors recommended public health agencies use social media strategically, such as with hashtags, to keep residents updated during the pandemic. They also urged the public to avoid sensationalism and repeated coverage of the same information. DOI: 10.1037/hea0000875

4. Barriers to Mental Health Treatment Among Individuals With Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Goetter, e. m., et al..

This study in Psychological Services (Vol. 17, No. 1) indicates that 3 in 4 people who suffer from anxiety do not receive proper care. Researchers recruited 226 participants in the United States who were previously diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder and assessed their symptom severity and asked them to self-report any barriers to treatment. Shame and stigma were the highest cited barriers, followed by logistical and financial barriers and not knowing where to seek treatment. Participants with more severe symptoms reported more barriers to treatment than those with milder symptoms. Racial and ethnic minorities reported more barriers than racial and ethnic majorities even after controlling for symptom severity. The researchers called for increased patient education and more culturally sensitive outreach to reduce treatment barriers. DOI: 10.1037/ser0000254

5. The Construction of “Critical Thinking”: Between How We Think and What We Believe

This History of Psychology (Vol. 23, No. 3) article examines the emergence of “critical thinking” as a psychological concept. The author describes how, between World War I and World War II in the United States, the concept emerged out of growing concerns about how easily people’s beliefs could be changed and was constructed in a way that was independent of what people believed. The author delves into how original measurements of critical thinking avoided assumptions about the accuracy of specific real-world beliefs and details how subsequent critical thinking tests increasingly focused on logical abilities, often favoring outcome (what we believe) over process (how we think). DOI: 10.1037/hop0000145

6. Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: Integration of Alcoholics Anonymous and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Breuninger, m. m., et al..

This article in Training and Education in Professional Psychology (Vol. 14, No. 1) details how to work with alcohol use disorder patients who are participating in both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The authors point to distinctions between AA and CBT: The goal of AA is total abstinence and the primary therapeutic relationship is with a peer in recovery, while CBT takes a less absolute approach and the primary relationship is with a psychotherapist. The authors also point to commonalities: both approaches emphasize identifying and replacing dysfunctional beliefs and place value in social support. The authors recommend clinicians and trainees become more educated about AA and recommend a translation of the 12-step language into CBT terminology to bridge the gap. DOI: 10.1037/tep0000265

7. Positivity Pays Off: Clients’ Perspectives on Positive Compared With Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression

Geschwind, n., et al..

Positive cognitive behavioral therapy, a version of CBT focused on exploring exceptions to the problem rather than the problem itself, personal strengths, and embracing positivity, works well to counter depressive symptoms and build well-being, according to this study in Psychotherapy (Vol. 57, No. 3). Participants received a block of eight sessions of traditional CBT and a block of eight sessions of positive CBT. Researchers held in-depth interviews with 12 of these participants. Despite initial skepticism, most participants reported preferring positive CBT but indicated experiencing a steeper learning curve than with traditional CBT. Researchers attributed positive CBT’s favorability to four factors: feeling empowered, benefiting from effects of positive emotions, learning to appreciate baby steps, and rediscovering optimism as a personal strength. DOI: 10.1037/pst0000288

8. Targeted Prescription of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Person-Centered Counseling for Depression Using a Machine Learning Approach

Delgadillo, j., & gonzalez salas duhne, p..

Amachine learning algorithm can identify which patients would derive more benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus counseling for depression, suggests research in this Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology (Vol. 88, No. 1) article. Researchers retrospectively explored data from 1,085 patients in the United Kingdom treated with either CBT or counseling for depression and discovered six patient characteristics—age, employment status, disability, and three diagnostic measures of major depression and social adjustment—relevant to developing an algorithm for prescribing the best approach. The researchers then used the algorithm to determine which therapy would work best for an additional 350 patients with depression. They found that patients receiving their optimal treatment type were twice as likely to improve significantly. DOI: 10.1037/ccp0000476

9. Traumatic Stress in the Age of COVID-19: A Call to Close Critical Gaps and Adapt to New Realities

Horesh, d., & brown, a. d..

This article in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy (Vol. 12, No. 4) argues that COVID-19 should be examined from a post-traumatic stress perspective. The authors call for mental health researchers and clinicians to develop better diagnoses and prevention strategies for COVID-related traumatic stress; create guidelines and talking points for the media and government officials to use when speaking to an anxious, and potentially traumatized, public; and provide mental health training to professionals in health care, education, childcare, and occupational support in order to reach more people. DOI: 10.1037/tra0000592

10. Emotional Intelligence Predicts Academic Performance: A Meta-Analysis

Maccann, c., et al..

Students with high emotional intelligence get better grades and score higher on standardized tests, according to the research presented in this article in Psychological Bulletin (Vol. 146, No. 2). Researchers analyzed data from 158 studies representing more than 42,529 students—ranging in age from elementary school to college—from 27 countries. The researchers found that students with higher emotional intelligence earned better grades and scored higher on achievement tests than those with lower emotional intelligence. This finding was true even when controlling for intelligence and personality factors, and the association held regardless of age. The researchers suggest that students with higher emotional intelligence succeed because they cope well with negative emotions that can harm academic performance; they form stronger relationships with teachers, peers, and family; and their knowledge of human motivations and socialinteractions helps them understand humanities subject matter. DOI: 10.1037/bul0000219

5 interviews to listen to now

Psychology’s most innovative thinkers are featured on APA’s Speaking of Psychology podcast , which highlights important research and helps listeners apply psychology to their lives. The most popular episodes of 2020, as measured by the number of downloads in the first 30 days, were: 

  • How to have meaningful dialogues despite political differences , with  Tania Israel, PhD
  • Canine cognition and the survival of the friendliest , with  Brian Hare, PhD  
  • The challenges faced by women in leadership , with  Alice Eagly, PhD
  • How to choose effective, science-based mental health apps , with  Stephen Schueller, PhD  
  • Psychedelic therapy , with Roland Griffiths, PhD  

Listen to all of the Speaking of Psychology episodes .

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Research Paper Topics

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Choose your Topic Smart

What starts well, ends well, so you need to be really careful with research paper topics. The topic of a research paper defines the whole piece of writing. How often have you chosen the book by its title? First impression is often influential, so make sure your topic will attract the reader instantly. By choosing your topic smart, the half of your job is done. That is why we have singled out several secrets on how to pick the best topic for you. Also see the list of 1000 thesis topics .

Browse Research Paper Topics by Category:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use Technology

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

100% Effective Advice

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

Examine Different Ideas

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

Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Economics Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Education Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 History Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Psychology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Biology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Chemistry Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Physics Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Sociology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

Top 10 Technology Research Paper Topics:

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

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

What Makes a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

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

A topic is  manageable  if you can:

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

A topic is  important  if it:

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

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

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

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

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

Moving from a Research Paper Idea to a Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connecting a Specific Research Paper Topic to a Bigger Idea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Refine Your Research Paper Topic

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

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

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

Secrets to Keep in Mind when Writing a Research Paper

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

Custom Research Paper Writing Service

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

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

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100 Interesting Research Paper Topics for High Schoolers

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

  • Interesting Research Paper Topics

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

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

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

You can’t have a good research paper without a good research paper topic. “Good” is subjective, and different students will find different topics interesting. What’s important is that you find a topic that makes you want to find out more and make a convincing argument. Maybe you’ll be so interested that you’ll want to take it further and investigate some detail in even greater depth!

For example, last year over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a rigorous research program founded by Harvard researchers. The program pairs high-school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . The program actually does not require you to have a research topic in mind when you apply, but pro tip: the more specific you can be the more likely you are to get in!

Introduction

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

Thesis Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reference Page

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

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

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

Mental Health

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

Environment

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

Where to Get More Research Paper Topic Ideas

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

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

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what are the top 10 research topics

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

Business Research Paper Topics:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Glass ceiling
  • Online retail
  • Outsourcing
  • White collar crime

Crime and Law Research Paper Topics:

  • Acquaintance rape
  • Animal rights
  • Assisted suicide
  • Campus violence
  • Capital punishment
  • Civil rights
  • Drinking age, legal
  • Drug legalization
  • Gun control
  • Hate crimes
  • Insanity defense
  • Mandatory Minimum sentencing
  • Patriot Act
  • Police brutality
  • Prisons and prisoners
  • Roe vs. Wade
  • Serial killers
  • Sexual harassment
  • Three Strikes Law

Drugs and Drug Abuse Research Paper Topics:

  • Doping in sports
  • Drug testing
  • Drunk driving

Education Research Paper Topics:

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

Environmental Research Paper Topics:

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

Family issues Research Paper Topics:

  • Battered woman syndrome
  • Child abuse
  • Divorce rates
  • Domestic abuse
  • Family relationships
  • Family values

Health Research Paper Topics:

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

Media and Communications Research Paper Topics:

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

Political Issues Research Paper Topics:

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics:

  • Criminal psychology
  • Physical attraction
  • Schizophrenia

Religion Research Paper Topics:

  • Freedom of religion

Social Issues Research Paper Topics:

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

Terrorism Research Paper Topics:

  • Bioterrorism
  • Homeland Security
  • September 11

Women and Gender Research Paper Topics:

  • Birth control and Pregnancy
  • Cultural expectations and practices
  • Discrimination
  • Eating disorders
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Marriage and Divorce
  • Media portrayals
  • Menstruation and Menopause
  • Prostitution
  • LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender)
  • Sex and Sexuality
  • Substance abuse
  • Violence and Rape

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If you’re trying to find a suitable research topic for your dissertation, thesis or research project, this is for you. The list provides 1000+ topic ideas across 25 research areas, including:

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Exploring the World of 250+ Interesting Topics to Research

interesting topics to research

Research is a fascinating journey into the unknown, a quest for answers, and a process of discovery. Whether you’re an academic, a student, or just a curious mind, finding the right and interesting topics to research is paramount. Not only does it determine the success of your research project, but it can also make the experience enjoyable. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of selecting interesting topics to research, particularly catering to the average reader.

18+ Stunning For Students In 2023

How to Select Interesting Topics to Research?

Table of Contents

Choosing a research topic is like setting sail on a ship. It’s a decision that will dictate your course, so you must make it wisely. Here are some effective strategies to help you pick a captivating topic:

  • Personal Interests: Researching a topic you’re genuinely passionate about can turn the entire process into an exciting adventure. Your enthusiasm will show in your work and make it more engaging for the reader.
  • Current Trends and Issues: Current events and trends are always intriguing because they’re relevant. They often raise questions and uncertainties, making them excellent research candidates. Think of topics like the impact of a global pandemic on mental health or the evolution of renewable energy technologies in the face of climate change.
  • Problem-Solving Approach: Identify a problem that needs a solution or an unanswered question. Researching with the aim to solve a real-world issue can be highly motivating. For instance, you could explore strategies to reduce plastic waste in your community.
  • Impact and Relevance: Consider the significance of your topic. Will it impact people’s lives or contribute to existing knowledge? Research with a purpose tends to be more engaging. Topics like gender equality, public health, or environmental conservation often fall into this category.
  • Unexplored or Unique Topics: Researching less-explored or unique topics can be exciting. It gives you the opportunity to contribute something new to your field. Remember, research isn’t limited to established subjects; there’s room for exploration in every discipline.

250+ Interesting Topics to Research: Popular Categories

Research topics come in various flavors. Let’s explore some popular categories, which are often engaging for average readers:

Science and Technology

  • Artificial intelligence in healthcare.
  • Quantum computing advancements.
  • Space exploration and colonization.
  • Genetic editing and CRISPR technology.
  • Cybersecurity in the digital age.
  • Augmented and virtual reality applications.
  • Climate change and mitigation strategies.
  • Sustainable energy sources.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) innovations.
  • Nanotechnology breakthroughs.
  • 3D printing in various industries.
  • Biotechnology in medicine.
  • Autonomous vehicles and self-driving technology.
  • Robotics in everyday life.
  • Clean water technology.
  • Renewable energy storage solutions.
  • Wearable technology and health tracking.
  • Green architecture and sustainable design.
  • Bioinformatics and genomics.
  • Machine learning in data analysis.
  • Space tourism development.
  • Advancements in quantum mechanics.
  • Biometrics and facial recognition.
  • Aerospace engineering innovations.
  • Ethical considerations in AI development.
  • Artificial organs and 3D bioprinting.
  • Holography and holographic displays.
  • Sustainable agriculture practices.
  • Climate modeling and prediction.
  • Advancements in battery technology.
  • Neurotechnology and brain-computer interfaces.
  • Space-based solar power.
  • Green transportation options.
  • Materials science and superconductors.
  • Telemedicine and remote healthcare.
  • Cognitive computing and AI ethics.
  • Renewable energy policy and regulation.
  • The role of 5G in the digital landscape.
  • Precision medicine and personalized treatment.
  • Advancements in quantum cryptography.
  • Drone technology and applications.
  • Environmental sensors and monitoring.
  • Synthetic biology and bioengineering.
  • Smart cities and urban planning.
  • Quantum teleportation research.
  • AI-powered virtual assistants.
  • Space-based mining and resource extraction.
  • Advancements in neuroprosthetics.
  • Sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Blockchain technology and applications.

Social Issues

  • Gender inequality in the workplace.
  • Racial discrimination and systemic racism.
  • Income inequality and wealth gap.
  • Climate change and environmental degradation.
  • Mental health stigma and access to care.
  • Access to quality education.
  • Immigration and border control policies.
  • Gun control and Second Amendment rights.
  • Opioid epidemic and substance abuse.
  • Affordable healthcare and insurance.
  • LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination.
  • Cyberbullying and online harassment.
  • Homelessness and affordable housing.
  • Police brutality and reform.
  • Human trafficking and modern slavery.
  • Voter suppression and electoral integrity.
  • Access to clean water and sanitation.
  • Child labor and exploitation.
  • Aging population and healthcare for the elderly.
  • Indigenous rights and land disputes.
  • Bullying in schools and online.
  • Obesity and public health.
  • Access to reproductive healthcare.
  • Income tax policies and fairness.
  • Mental health support for veterans.
  • Child abuse and neglect.
  • Animal rights and cruelty.
  • The digital divide and internet access.
  • Youth unemployment and opportunities.
  • Religious freedom and tolerance.
  • Disability rights and accessibility.
  • Affordable childcare and parental leave.
  • Food insecurity and hunger.
  • Drug policy and legalization.
  • Human rights violations in conflict zones.
  • Aging infrastructure and public safety.
  • Cybersecurity and data privacy.
  • Human rights in authoritarian regimes.
  • Environmental racism and pollution.
  • Discrimination against people with disabilities.
  • Income and education disparities in rural areas.
  • Freedom of the press and media censorship.
  • Bullying and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Access to clean energy and sustainable practices.
  • Child marriage and forced unions.
  • Mental health in the workplace.
  • Domestic violence and abuse.
  • Education funding and quality.
  • Childhood obesity and healthy habits.
  • Poverty and economic development.

History and Culture

  • The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire
  • Ancient Egyptian Civilization
  • The Renaissance Period in Europe
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The French Revolution
  • The American Civil War
  • The Silk Road and Cultural Exchange
  • The Mayan Civilization
  • The Byzantine Empire
  • The Age of Exploration
  • World War I: Causes and Consequences
  • The Harlem Renaissance
  • The Aztec Empire
  • Ancient Greece: Democracy and Philosophy
  • The Vietnam War
  • The Cold War
  • The Inca Empire
  • The Enlightenment Era
  • The Crusades
  • The Spanish Inquisition
  • The African Slave Trade
  • The Suffragette Movement
  • The Black Death in Europe
  • The Apollo Moon Landing
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • The Chinese Cultural Revolution
  • The Salem Witch Trials
  • The Great Wall of China
  • The Abolitionist Movement
  • The Golden Age of Islam
  • The Mesoamerican Ballgame
  • The Age of Vikings
  • The Ottoman Empire
  • The Cultural Impact of the Beatles
  • The Space Race
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall
  • The History of Hollywood Cinema
  • The Renaissance Art and Artists
  • The British Empire
  • The Age of Samurai in Japan
  • The Ancient Indus Valley Civilization
  • The Russian Revolution
  • The Age of Chivalry
  • The History of Native American Tribes
  • The Cultural Significance of Greek Mythology
  • The Etruscans in Ancient Italy
  • The History of African Kingdoms
  • The Great Famine in Ireland
  • The Age of Invention and Innovation
  • The Cultural Impact of Shakespeare’s Works

Business and Economics

  • Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail
  • Global Supply Chain Challenges
  • Green Business Practices and Sustainability
  • Strategies for Small Business Growth
  • Cryptocurrency and Its Economic Implications
  • Consumer Behavior in the Digital Age
  • The Gig Economy and Its Future
  • Economic Consequences of Climate Change
  • The Role of AI in Financial Services
  • Trade Wars and Their Effects on Global Markets
  • Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Trends
  • The Economics of Healthcare
  • The Impact of Inflation on Savings
  • Startup Ecosystems and Innovation Hubs
  • Financial Literacy and Education Initiatives
  • Income Inequality and Economic Mobility
  • The Sharing Economy and Collaborative Consumption
  • International Trade Policies
  • Behavioral Economics in Marketing
  • Economic Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • Fintech Innovations and Banking
  • Real Estate Market Trends
  • Public vs. Private Healthcare Systems
  • Market Entry Strategies for New Businesses
  • Global Economic Growth Prospects
  • The Economics of Education
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Trends
  • Impact of Tax Reforms on Businesses
  • Sustainable Investing and ESG Factors
  • Monetary Policy and Interest Rates
  • The Future of Work: Remote vs. Office
  • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
  • The Economics of Artificial Intelligence
  • Stock Market Volatility
  • Supply and Demand Dynamics
  • Entrepreneurial Finance and Fundraising
  • Innovation and Technology Transfer
  • Competition in the Digital Marketplace
  • Economic Impacts of Aging Populations
  • Economic Development in Developing Countries
  • Regulatory Challenges in the Financial Sector
  • The Economics of Healthcare Insurance
  • Corporate Profitability and Market Share
  • Energy Economics and Renewable Sources
  • Economic Factors in Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Financial Crises and Their Aftermath
  • Economics of the Entertainment Industry
  • Global Economic Trends Post-Pandemic
  • Economic Consequences of Cybersecurity Threats
  • The Impact of Online Learning
  • Strategies for Inclusive Education
  • Early Childhood Development
  • The Role of Teachers in Student Motivation
  • Educational Technology Trends
  • Assessment Methods in Education
  • The Importance of Multilingual Education
  • Special Education Approaches
  • Global Education Disparities
  • Project-Based Learning
  • Critical Thinking in the Classroom
  • Educational Leadership
  • Homeschooling vs. Traditional Education
  • Education and Social Inequality
  • Student Mental Health Support
  • The Benefits of Student Extracurricular Activities
  • The Montessori Approach
  • STEM Education
  • Educational Policy Reforms
  • Education for Sustainable Development
  • Educational Psychology
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Adult Education Programs
  • The Role of Arts in Education
  • The Flipped Classroom Model
  • Educational Gamification
  • School Bullying Prevention
  • Inclusive Curriculum Design
  • The Future of College Admissions
  • Early Literacy Development
  • Education and Gender Equity
  • Teacher Training and Professional Development
  • Homeschooling Challenges
  • Gifted and Talented Education
  • Education for Global Citizenship
  • Virtual Reality in Education
  • Outdoor and Environmental Education
  • Education for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Music Education Benefits
  • Education and Technological Divide
  • Cultural Competence in Education
  • Education and Social Emotional Learning
  • Personalized Learning
  • Educational Equity
  • Restorative Justice in Schools
  • Study Abroad Programs
  • Education for Digital Citizenship
  • The Role of Parents in Education
  • Vocational Education and Training
  • The History of Education Movements

Techniques for Researching Interesting Topics

Once you’ve chosen the interesting topics to research, you’ll need effective techniques to delve deeper into it:

  • Online Databases and Journals: Online academic databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or PubMed are invaluable resources. They provide access to a vast pool of academic research papers.
  • Interviews and Surveys: If your topic involves human perspectives, conducting interviews or surveys can offer firsthand insights. Tools like Jotform Survey Maker , SurveyMonkey or Zoom can be helpful.
  • Libraries and Archives: Traditional libraries still hold a treasure trove of information. Whether you visit in person or explore digital archives, libraries can provide a wealth of resources.
  • Online Forums and Social Media: Online communities and forums can be excellent sources of information, particularly for trending topics. Sites like Reddit and Quora can connect you with experts and enthusiasts.
  • Academic and Expert Sources: Seek out academic articles, books, and experts in your field. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals who may be willing to share their expertise.

How to Make Your Research Engaging?

Once you’ve conducted your research, it’s essential to present it in a way that captures the interest of your average reader:

1. Clear and Accessible Language

Avoid jargon and complex terminology. Use simple and straightforward language to ensure your research is accessible to a wide audience.

2. Storytelling and Anecdotes

Weave stories and anecdotes into your research to make it relatable and engaging. Personal narratives and real-life examples can resonate with readers.

3. Visual Aids (Images, Infographics)

Incorporate visuals like images, charts, and infographics to make your research visually appealing and easier to understand.

4. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Use real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the practical applications of your research findings. This makes the information tangible and relevant.

5. Relatable Examples from Popular Culture

Relate your research to pop culture, current events, or everyday experiences. This helps readers connect with the material on a personal level.

Examples of Interesting Topics to Research

To provide some inspiration, let’s explore a few intriguing research topics:

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

Examine the relationship between social media use and mental health, including topics like social comparison, cyberbullying, and the benefits of online support networks.

The Future of Renewable Energy

Research the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, wind energy, and the feasibility of a global transition to sustainable energy sources.

The History of Women’s Suffrage

Delve into the historical struggles and milestones of the women’s suffrage movement, both in the United States and around the world.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Investigate the applications of AI in healthcare, from diagnosis algorithms to patient data analysis and the ethical implications of AI in medical practice.

Strategies for Sustainable Business Practices

Examine business sustainability practices , exploring how companies can balance profit and environmental responsibility in an increasingly eco-conscious world.

Challenges you Might Face in Research

While you are looking for interesting topics to research, it’s important to be aware of the challenges:

  • Avoiding Bias and Misinformation: Ensure your research is unbiased and based on credible sources. Critical thinking is key to avoiding misinformation.
  • Ethical Considerations: Research involving humans or animals should follow ethical guidelines. Always prioritize ethical research practices.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Data collection can be time-consuming and challenging. Make sure to use appropriate data collection methods and robust analysis techniques.
  • Staying Updated with Latest Research: Research is an ongoing process. Stay up-to-date with the latest research in your field to ensure the relevance and accuracy of your work.

Research is a gateway to knowledge, innovation, and solutions. Choosing interesting topics to research is the first step in this exciting journey. Whether you’re exploring the depths of science, the intricacies of culture, or the dynamics of business, there’s a captivating research topic waiting for you. 

So, start your exploration, share your discoveries, and keep the flame of curiosity alive. The world is waiting to learn from your research.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting AP Research Topics

College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program can improve your academic performance and earn you college credits while in high school. If you participate in the AP Capstone program, you’ll have to conduct research in the second course, AP Research. To succeed, you’ll need to use your academic research skills to select your AP research topics.

Selecting a topic can be the most critical part of your research project, and it can also be the most difficult. To make it easier for you, we’ve provided some of the best examples of AP research topics as well as AP research questions.

Find your bootcamp match

What makes a strong ap research topic.

A strong AP research topic is well-defined. Because it will form the basis of your research, it should be clear enough that your target audience will be able to understand your project. It should also address a real-world issue relevant in the 21st century.

Tips for Choosing an AP Research Topic

  • Choose what interests you. Don’t just go with what’s popular or what you think will get you the highest score. Make sure the topic you select is one you clearly understand and will be able to continue even when the research process becomes difficult.
  • Make sure you understand the course requirements. Repeatedly refer to your assignment as you come up with a project idea. This will ensure that you have a clear grasp of what is expected of you.
  • Consider the timeframe of your research process. A lot goes into the research process, so make sure you start looking for a topic as soon as possible. It may not seem this way at the beginning, but the course will go by quickly.
  • Consider your research sources. Select a topic with a wide range of sources that you can draw from to build credible and valid evidence-based arguments.
  • Consult your AP advisor. Whenever you have any questions about the research process, don’t be afraid to turn to your advisor for clarification. If you find it too difficult to narrow down a topic, you can also ask for help from other students.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is the main idea for a research project. For instance, voting apathy is a general topic from which you can derive various history research paper topics such as “voter apathy among young people.”

A research question, on the other hand, is a question that your research seeks to answer. It is more specific than your research topic. It answers the how, what, and the why of your research. For example, for the research topic above, one research question could be “What are the effects of voter apathy among young people on civic participation?”

How to Create Strong AP Research Questions

A strong AP research question should be clear and precise. In other words, the question you are posing should be focused on a specific area and the language should be simple enough that the reader doesn’t require any further explanation of what you are trying to say. However, it should not be so narrow that it can be answered with a simple yes or no.

Top 10 AP Research Paper Topics

1. 3d-printed prosthetics for amputees.

In recent years, the field of 3D printing has made great strides, especially in the medical field. From prosthetics to 3D-printed skin for burn victims, scientists have figured out ways to help those who have physical challenges. If selected as a research topic, this would be an interesting way to discuss the future of rehabilitation and assistive devices.

2. The Pros and Cons of Subsidized Housing in the US

Subsidized housing is a housing policy aimed at giving low-income families access to affordable housing. This real-world issue has become quite a controversial topic. However, it is a great topic for your school project, especially if it has already been discussed in your AP Seminar course as one of the seminar topics.

3. Impact of Ocean Conservation on Climate Change

Global warming and climate change have become important topics all over the world. From a discussion of renewable energy to a study of the increase in wildfires, there are many approaches that you can take. Ocean conservation has become an important strategy in fighting climate change and would therefore be a perfect topic for an AP research paper.

4. The Role of Art Education in 21st Century Curricula

The importance of art in education has often been taken for granted. In recent decades, however, emphasis on STEM fields has raised questions about the role of art education and other humanities disciplines in modern education. Your research could focus on the benefits of art education for STEM students.

5. Food Waste Solutions in the US

According to the USDA, food waste accounts for 30 to 40 percent of the total food supply. This shows that food waste is a major environmental and economic problem. This is one of many real-world topics that would allow you to take an interdisciplinary approach, combining social sciences and environmental sciences, for instance.

6. Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms on the Environment

A genetically modified organism is a plant, animal, or other organism whose DNA has been artificially altered through bioengineering. There are many interesting albeit complex issues that can arise in research into the potential impact of GMOs on the environment.

7. Factors Contributing to Wealth Inequality in the US

Wealth inequality refers to the dissimilarities in the distribution of assets among people or groups of people. This research topic can be narrowed to focus on whether increasing minimum wages can decrease wealth inequality or on strategies for reducing the number of homeless children.

8. The Future of the Automotive Industry

Global car sales are expected to grow in the coming years. As the automotive industry is changing, this topic would be a great way to discover what these changes look like and how they will affect the industry. Selecting this for your project proposal would be a good way to build on what you learned in your AP Physics C: Mechanics class.

9. The Relationship Between Cyber Security and Ecommerce

Ecommerce is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. However, as more people and businesses move to online transactions, there is growing concern about cyber security threats. A first step if you choose this topic would be to familiarize yourself with cyber security terminology .

10. Youth Voting and Civic Participation Patterns

This is an interesting research topic through which you can discuss the relationship between voting and civic participation in young people, the influence of social media on voting patterns, and whether voting trends are affected by the socioeconomic conditions of a particular youth group. One common research question is whether the voting age should be changed.

Other Examples of AP Research Topics & Questions

Ap research topics.

  • Effects of stress on the human body
  • The fall of the Roman Empire
  • The rise of cryptocurrency and its effect on the banking industry
  • The relationship between social media and bullying in schools
  • Homeschooling versus traditional schooling

AP Research Questions

  • How does emotional stress manifest physically in the human body?
  • What political developments led to the fall of Rome?
  • How has cryptocurrency affected the banking industry in the 21st century?
  • How has social media influenced the rise of cyberbullying?
  • What are the effects of texting on grammar skills?

Choosing the Right AP Research Topic

As we have seen above, there are many AP research topics to choose from for your research assignment. The research paper is your primary performance task in the AP Research course, so you should take care to select a strong topic.

Completing the College Board’s AP Capstone is a significant academic achievement that will put your academic writing skills and research abilities to the test. Choosing the right AP research topic is therefore paramount in helping you build your college profile, especially if you want to get into an Ivy League School .

AP Research Topics FAQ

Your AP research paper should be between 4,000 and 5,000 words. Your evaluation will be based on not only the word count but also your introduction, content, structure, conclusion, and use and documentation of sources.

The AP research assignment is graded on a scale of one to five, depending on how well you do on your academic paper and oral defense. You can visit the AP Research student page for further information about grading.

No, there are no AP research topics that are off-limits. The AP Capstone program aims at developing students who are independent critical thinkers, so don’t shy away from a topic just because it’s controversial.

The difference between AP and AP Capstone is that AP Capstone is a two-year diploma program that requires you to take the AP Seminar and AP Research courses, whereas AP is a general term for the Advanced Placement program. College Board offers both programs.

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The top 10 trending research topics

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Today is our birthday – The Oxford Review is 1-year-old so I thought I would look at the numbers and list the top 10 research topics from 2016/17.

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The numbers

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And now the top 10 research topics from 2016/17 – drum roll…..

Top 10 Research Topics

The top 10 research topics (11 actually as no 10 was tied) in order of research interest:

  • Organisational Ambidexterity
  • Culture Change
  • Organisational Change
  • Uncertainty / ambiguity
  • Knowledge Management
  • Co-optition
  • Emotional Resilience
  • Emotional Intelligence and Emotion Regulation
  • Developing Innovation mindsets / capability
  • = Leadership and Management Ethics
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Learning in organisations

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Thanks for the topics. I wanted ask something related to research articles. Can someone publish research articles independently and without having a PhD?

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Hi Sherali, The short answer is yes. Peer reviewed journals only look at the quality of the research not the qualifications of the researcher. I hope this helps

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  • 10 Research Question Examples to Guide Your Research Project

10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project

Published on October 30, 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on October 19, 2023.

The research question is one of the most important parts of your research paper , thesis or dissertation . It’s important to spend some time assessing and refining your question before you get started.

The exact form of your question will depend on a few things, such as the length of your project, the type of research you’re conducting, the topic , and the research problem . However, all research questions should be focused, specific, and relevant to a timely social or scholarly issue.

Once you’ve read our guide on how to write a research question , you can use these examples to craft your own.

Research question Explanation
The first question is not enough. The second question is more , using .
Starting with “why” often means that your question is not enough: there are too many possible answers. By targeting just one aspect of the problem, the second question offers a clear path for research.
The first question is too broad and subjective: there’s no clear criteria for what counts as “better.” The second question is much more . It uses clearly defined terms and narrows its focus to a specific population.
It is generally not for academic research to answer broad normative questions. The second question is more specific, aiming to gain an understanding of possible solutions in order to make informed recommendations.
The first question is too simple: it can be answered with a simple yes or no. The second question is , requiring in-depth investigation and the development of an original argument.
The first question is too broad and not very . The second question identifies an underexplored aspect of the topic that requires investigation of various  to answer.
The first question is not enough: it tries to address two different (the quality of sexual health services and LGBT support services). Even though the two issues are related, it’s not clear how the research will bring them together. The second integrates the two problems into one focused, specific question.
The first question is too simple, asking for a straightforward fact that can be easily found online. The second is a more question that requires and detailed discussion to answer.
? dealt with the theme of racism through casting, staging, and allusion to contemporary events? The first question is not  — it would be very difficult to contribute anything new. The second question takes a specific angle to make an original argument, and has more relevance to current social concerns and debates.
The first question asks for a ready-made solution, and is not . The second question is a clearer comparative question, but note that it may not be practically . For a smaller research project or thesis, it could be narrowed down further to focus on the effectiveness of drunk driving laws in just one or two countries.

Note that the design of your research question can depend on what method you are pursuing. Here are a few options for qualitative, quantitative, and statistical research questions.

Type of research Example question
Qualitative research question
Quantitative research question
Statistical research question

Other interesting articles

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

Methodology

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

 Statistics

  • Null hypothesis
  • Statistical power
  • Probability distribution
  • Effect size
  • Poisson distribution

Research bias

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

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McCombes, S. (2023, October 19). 10 Research Question Examples to Guide your Research Project. Scribbr. Retrieved August 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-question-examples/

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Journal Buddies Jill | August 10, 2024 August 10, 2024 | List of Prompts

Exploring The Future: 24 Forward-Thinking Research Topic Ideas for Students

Are you looking for ways to spark your student’s curiosity and get them excited about research projects? Look no further! This article is packed with twenty-four forward-thinking research topic ideas for students that are perfect for middle schoolers and up.

Research Topic Ideas For Students

As you know…

Research projects are a fantastic way for students to develop critical thinking skills, communication skills, and time management skills. 

Plus…

Great research topics also encourage students to delve deeper into subjects that interest them, nurturing within them a love of learning that can last a lifetime. Easier said than done though, right?

Finding and Selecting Winning Research Paper Ideas

Finding a good research paper topic can be tricky.

That’s becasue….

The research topic needs to be interesting enough to hold a writer’s attention but also narrow enough to be manageable within the timeframe of the project. And let’s not forget argumentative research paper topics should also encourage students to develop a strong thesis statement, which is a crucial skill for success in higher education.

Whether you’re a middle school teacher looking for interesting research project ideas or a high school teacher helping students prepare to be college students, you can use this list as inspiration to get your students to write a captivating essay.

Ok. Let’s get to that list of excellent research topic ideas for students. Enjoy!

24 Research Topic Ideas For Students

  • Psychology – The Intriguing Link Between Sleep and Academic Performance
  • AI – Is Artificial Intelligence A Friend or Foe in the Future of Work?
  • Healthcare – Can Personalized Medicine And Tailoring Treatments to Individual Needs Be Profitable?
  • Environmental Research – Turning the Tide To Innovative Solutions for Ocean Pollution
  • Digital Age – The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media, Connection and Comparison
  • Neuroscience – How Violent Video Games Can Affect Growing Minds
  • Mental Health – Breaking the Stigma: Normalizing Conversations About Mental Wellbeing
  • Politics – Why Human Rights Are Taking The Back Bench
  • Workforce – Reskilling the Workforce for the Future Through The Rise Of Automation
  • Mental Health – Mindfulness Techniques for Managing Anxiety and Depression
  • Diversity – Cultural Diversity Of Teachers Raises Quality Of Education In Schools

Research Paper Ideas for Students

  • Global Warming – Ethical Implications Of Profitable Complications And Their Contribution To Climate Change
  • Renewable Energy – Harnessing the Power of Nature With Wind, Solar, and Beyond For The Modern Workplace
  • Physics – Exploring the Possibility of Time Travel
  • Animal Behavior – Impact Of Climate Change On Animal Migration Patterns
  • Technology Research – Innovations in Virtual Reality and It’s Impact On Education
  • Pop Culture Trends – A Fading Fad or Enduring Legacy? How Social Media Trends Are Evolving
  • Society And Values – How Self-Esteem Is Shaped In Kids Through Their Body Image
  • The Immune System – The Link Between Disorders Such As Insomnia And Restless Legs Syndrome and The Immune System
  • Education – Benefits of Inclusive Education For Children With Autism and ADHD
  • History – How Historical Events Influence Pop Culture
  • Environmental Research – Success Stories in Endangered Species Conservation
  • Internet – The Impact Of Social Media On The Privacy And Safety Of Young Children

I hope this list of research topic ideas for students was inspiring.

Now see this…

List of Related Posts/Helpful Prompts

  • 42 Best Research Topics for High School Students
  • 35 Good Research Topics for High School Students
  • 50 Great Essay Topics for High School Students (Updated)

A Few Quick Tips on Choosing the Right Research Topic

Need more help finding the right research topic?

Once you’ve had a chance to explore this list, you can help your middle or high school students narrow down their choices by keeping the following pointers in mind:

  • What are your students passionate about? A good research topic should be something that students are genuinely interested in learning more about.
  • The complexity of the topic should be appropriate for the student’s age and grade level.
  • Students need to be able to find enough information to complete their research project. This means having access to books, articles, and other credible online resources.
  • The topic should be narrow enough to be manageable within the timeframe of the research project.

And now for some…

Final Thoughts

Research projects are a launchpad for intellectual exploration. They ignite curiosity, hone critical thinking, and empower students to really lose themselves in subjects that ignite their passion. 

With this diverse selection, students can embark on a research odyssey that aligns with their interests, ignites their curiosity, and equips them with the valuable skills needed for academic success in high school, college, university, and beyond.

Until next time, keep on writing…

If you enjoyed these  Research Topic Ideas for Students , please share them on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

Research Topic Ideas For Middle School Students

PS – Take a peek here for some practical tips for making research more fun!

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How to Start a Research Project: Choosing a Topic

  • Choosing a Topic

Beginning Your Research Project

You have an assignment coming up in class. You need to write a research paper, create an annotated bibliography, or make a presentation. These are just some research projects you may need to do.

This guide will show you different ways to start a research project. When following this guide, please consider 3 concepts:

  • Center your personal research interests - What are you interested in?
  • Take as long on each step as you would like.
  • Skip steps and repeat steps as you need.

Starting from Nothing: The Mind Map

A mind map is a visual way of building a topic into a research question .

A topic is the basic idea that interests you. This is the idea that sparks your research. A topic could be "barbeque," "The Cold War," "flightless birds," or "the common cold." If you are having trouble choosing a topic , review the class syllabus or canvas modules. Find a topic covered in class that you can see yourself spending time with.

A research question is the focus of your research project. It is the thesis of your paper or the point of your presentation.

Work with us through the mind map steps to build your own research question .

To create a mind map , you will need to be able to write or type text, and the text must also be rearrangeable.

  • Start with an idea like "Kitchen Design". Place your idea in the center.

Photo of a desk with a card reading "Kitchen Design" in the middle.

  • Surround your central idea with related concepts. I wrote all the kinds of kitchens I could think of. I could have also chosen to list appliances or design themes instead.

Photo of a desk with cards listing kitchen types around a central card reading "Kitchen Design"

  • Out of the kitchen-types, I was most drawn to "Hospital Kitchens". I then added concepts around "Hospital Kitchens". These concepts can be moved to also combined with other ideas.

Photo of cards arranged in a mind map design

  • I also thought more about "Home Kitchens". I combined, "Kitchen Safety", "Consumer Preferences", and "Advertisements."

Photo of cards arranged in a mind map design

  • My final version of my mind map example is very small. Don't worry if you have many more ideas and need more time rearranging your cards and planning.

I have identified two different starting research questions by combining my concepts:

  • How could hospital managers design hospital kitchens to be safer for employees?
  • How do kitchen appliance manufacturers advertise the safety of their products to consumers?

Research Questions

A research question is the focus of your research project. It is the thesis of your paper or the point of your presentation. Here are some requirements of a good research question:

  • Research questions cannot be answered with "yes" or "no".
  • Research questions can be researched.
  • A small research paper shouldn't have a research question with a giant scope: How does preventative healthcare get planned?
  • A small research paper should have a research question with a manageable scope: How do preventative care programs for type II diabetes in Alabaman clinics get advertised?

In this example, we narrowed the scope of our initial research question in a few ways:

  • Type: "Preventative care" was limited to - "type II diabetes"
  • Place: We had no initial location limit. We limited ourselves to "Alabaman clinics"
  • Action: "Planned" was defined as "advertised"

Sometimes, research questions need to change slightly after you have done some research. If you were not able to find any useful resources for the example research question, then you could try changing the scope. If you cannot find anything specific to Alabaman clinics, then you could change that part of your research question to "United States clinics" or "Alabaman healthcare providers."

Still stuck? Please check Monash University's Developing Research Questions guide .

Turning your Research Question into a Search

Useful links.

  • Purdue OWL: Choosing a Topic This handout provides detailed information about how to write research papers including discussing research papers as a genre, choosing topics, and finding sources.
  • UNC: Brainstorming This handout discusses techniques that will help you start writing a paper and continue writing through the challenges of the revising process. Brainstorming can help you choose a topic, develop an approach to a topic, or deepen your understanding of the topic’s potential.
  • University Writing Center Schedule a session with a tutor at the University Writing Center.
  • Next: JSTOR >>
  • Last Updated: Aug 6, 2024 12:46 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.southalabama.edu/start-research

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  • Business Research Topics: Selected by Experts

blog image

Welcome to our list of the best business research topics to kickstart your research in 2024/2025 academic year. Whether you’re a high school or college student, a budding entrepreneur, you’ve come to the right place.This list of topics combines a variety of business areas, so don't waste your time, let's find your best research topic to achieve academic success this year.

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Business Research Topics?

Choosing the right business research topic is very important, as it determines everything you will do next. Aside from piquing your interest, it should be robust enough to withstand scrutiny so that your study says something novel and exciting. Expert researchers from StateOfWriting have identified the main qualities that make a business research topic worthy of attention. These features make business research topics exciting and impactful:

  • Relevance: The topic should be pertinent, current, and responsive to relevant issues and challenges in the business ecosystem.
  • Specificity: The topic should be narrow enough that you can research it.
  • Originality: The topic should offer a fresh perspective or explore less-covered topics, adding value to the existing literature.
  • Practicality: It should be realistic and feasible in the real world, i.e., it should offer solutions or improvements to existing business processes.
  • Feasibility: The available time, data, and other material resources will likely cover the topic.

Key research topic elements for passing the feasibility check

If you feel like you don't have time to study the theory on how to come up with a good topic, then choose a topic you like from the list provided and buy a research paper online from experts. Their experience and top-notch writing skills will help you master the written language and deepen your knowledge of the subject in practice.

Factors of the Business Topics for a Research Paper That Will Help to Pass Feasibility Check

Before diving into your work on a topic for your business research course, give it a quick feasibility check. If you’re interested in your theme, it should score well on the following five criteria:

  • Resource Availability: Ensure you can read the data and examine necessary research materials.
  • Time Constraints: Can you give the topic the depth and thoroughness you need without infringing on your time allotment? If it stretches your time too far, then you should scale down.
  • Expertise Required: Consider whether you have, or can develop, the level of knowledge needed to do the topic justice.
  • Financial Resources: When examining business research paper topics, assess whether your budget suits your research needs.
  • Practical Application: Consider the applicability of your study.

These should put you on the right path to a feasible and meaningful research project.

140 Business Research Topics for Students

Choosing a business research theme as a student can be an invaluable starting point for your academic career and professional journey. Many student-oriented topics focus on emerging trends, ethical frameworks, or the influence of technology on a traditional business model. The StateOfWriting researchers have done their best to compile a list that is easy to use, whether you are an MBA or ABM student at a college or university.

Innovative Business Research Topics for College Students

College students mainly select business research topics with a theoretical foundation alongside a specific practical application or generally focus on new, innovative solutions to current issues. Let’s discover ten business research topics for college students that are worth your attention:

  • Impact of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Behaviour
  • Green Business Practices and Their Effect on Corporate Reputation
  • Role of Technological Innovation in Small Business Growth
  • Consumer Privacy Concerns in Digital Marketing
  • Influence of Workplace Diversity on Company Performance
  • Strategies for Improving Employee Engagement in Remote Settings
  • Effectiveness of Loyalty Programs in Retail Industries
  • Challenges and Opportunities in Family-Owned Businesses
  • Impact of Global Economic Changes on Local Businesses
  • Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence within Business Operations

Good Business Research Topics for University Students

University students should choose topics that require extensive theorising, such as proposing new theories, frameworks, and ideas, refining concepts, and challenging established knowledge. Here you can find ten unique business research proposal ideas:

  • Comparative analysis of leadership styles across cultures
  • Big data analytics and its implications for strategic decision-making
  • Corporate social responsibility and its impact on financial performance
  • The evolution of consumer rights in e-commerce
  • Blockchain technology and its applications in finance
  • The role of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage
  • International market entry strategies for startups
  • Crisis management in multinational corporations
  • Impact of mergers and acquisitions on employee morale
  • Sustainable supply chain management practices

What is research without a presentation? We offer a selection of slideshow ideas that will be useful in preparing for the defence of your research paper.

Best Business Research Topics for MBA Students

MBA students need to concentrate on more advanced topics to prepare them for strategic issues or for contributing to the practice of management and leadership. Let’s explore the list of business research topics for MBA students:

  • Strategic decision-making in uncertain economic times
  • Leadership challenges in global teams
  • Innovations in financial technology and their regulatory challenges
  • The future of work: Trends in organisational structure and culture
  • Business implications of climate change and environmental policies
  • Corporate governance and ethics in the tech industry
  • Consumer behaviour analysis in luxury markets
  • Venture capital trends and their impact on innovation
  • Branding strategies in competitive industries
  • Effective change management strategies in large organisations

Top Business Research Topics for ABM Students

For accountancy, business, and management (ABM) students, mathematics topics must be related to ABM. If you see that your knowledge isn’t enough to write a good research paper, don’t wait to use a high-quality business assignment writing service . Experts will make sure that your research meets the strict standards of the ABM disciplines and help you choose a similar topic:

  • Role of accounting information in strategic planning
  • Risk management strategies in financial institutions
  • Performance evaluation systems and their impact on employee productivity
  • Business law: Intellectual property rights and their impact on innovation
  • E-commerce taxation challenges and strategies
  • Ethical banking and its influence on consumer trust
  • Marketing strategies for non-profit organisations
  • Investment appraisal techniques in small and medium enterprises
  • Corporate debt structure and its impact on profitability
  • Human resources strategies for enhancing organisational culture

Creative Research Topics for International Business Students

Topics for international business students should be global, focused on cross-cultural communications, international economics, the movement of money around the world, corporate finances and how the global markets work. Here are great research topics related to international business:

  • The impact of cultural differences on international negotiations
  • Globalisation and its effect on small-scale industries
  • International trade laws and their impact on emerging markets
  • Strategies for managing multinational corporations effectively
  • The role of the World Trade Organization in shaping global commerce
  • Emerging markets and the opportunities for foreign direct investment
  • Economic impacts of international sanctions
  • The influence of regional trade agreements on global trade patterns
  • Cross-cultural marketing strategies for multinational brands
  • The future of international supply chains post-pandemic

Research Topics on Business in Different Fields

Business research topics take you in a million directions. If you like money, finance research topics can keep you occupied, the same as marketing or human resources. You can address real problems in the world, learn, and improve things. Find something that excites you and run with it.

Interesting Business Marketing Research Topics

Business marketing research asks how to reach and convert customers most effectively. New strategies are needed due to changes in consumer behaviour and technology. If you need any help with marketing assignment writing, contact experienced authors and succeed in your chosen field. Here are ten interesting business research topics:

  • The impact of influencer marketing on brand loyalty
  • Consumer perception of green marketing initiatives
  • The effectiveness of personalised advertising in the digital age
  • Social media metrics that best predict sales performance
  • The role of consumer psychology in marketing strategies
  • Strategies for overcoming banner blindness in online advertising
  • The impact of augmented reality on consumer purchasing decisions
  • Trends in consumer behaviour post-COVID-19
  • The effectiveness of loyalty programs across different industries
  • Cross-cultural marketing strategies in global markets

Exciting Business Management Research Topics

Research into business management is all about making companies more efficient and employee-friendly. Not sure about your knowledge and skills? Get expert business management assignment help and step towards achieving academic success. Here are the ten business management topics:

  • The impact of remote work on team dynamics
  • Leadership styles and their effect on company culture
  • Strategies for managing diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  • The role of technology in streamlining operations
  • Conflict resolution techniques in high-stress environments
  • The impact of organisational change on employee performance
  • Methods for improving decision-making processes in management teams
  • The effects of corporate social responsibility on employee morale
  • Trends in consumer behaviour and management strategy adaptations
  • Supply chain management challenges in a global economy

Business Economics Research Topics

Business economics research topics synthesise economic theory and business practice to help better business decision-making. Here are ten potential research topic ideas for business students:

  • The economic impact of trade tariffs on domestic industries
  • Price elasticity of demand for luxury goods
  • Factors influencing currency exchange rates
  • Economic indicators that predict market trends
  • The role of government policy in business cycles
  • The effects of minimum wage increases on small businesses
  • Comparative analysis of economic systems and business performance
  • The impact of interest rates on consumer spending
  • Economic consequences of Brexit on the European market
  • Inflation and its effects on various sectors

Business Accounting Research Topics

Business accounting research focuses on analysing financial data to enhance transparency and compliance. Here are the ten best business topics:

  • The role of forensic accounting in preventing fraud
  • Ethical challenges in financial reporting
  • The impact of technology on accounting practices
  • Comparative analysis of international accounting standards
  • Trends in tax compliance among small businesses
  • The effectiveness of audit committees in large corporations
  • Accounting strategies for nonprofit organisations
  • Financial health indicators for startups.
  • The role of accounting information in corporate governance
  • Challenges in implementing financial controls in multinational corporations

Business Administration Research Topics

Business administration research encompasses various topics focusing on management and operational strategies. Here are ten exciting topics related to business administration:

  • The impact of leadership training on executive performance
  • Best practices for business process reengineering
  • The role of strategic planning in business success
  • Techniques for improving customer service in the service industry
  • The influence of organisational structure on business efficiency
  • The effectiveness of different sales techniques
  • Crisis management strategies for business continuity
  • Evaluation of marketing strategies in the retail industry
  • Business negotiation techniques and their outcomes
  • Factors influencing employee retention rates

Business Environment Research Topics

Business environment research examines external and internal factors that influence business operations. Here are ten business-related topics you can use:

  • The impact of political instability on international business investments
  • The role of ecological concerns in business decision-making
  • Effects of globalisation on small businesses
  • The impact of urban development on local businesses
  • Corporate strategies to handle economic downturns
  • Influence of cultural differences on business practices
  • The role of technology in competitive advantage
  • Ethical sourcing and its impact on the supply chain
  • Regulatory challenges in emerging markets
  • The future of sustainable business practices

Unobvious Business Finance Research Topics

Business finance research delves into funding, investment, and financial analysis methods. Here are ten business paper topics for your inspiration:

  • The viability of crowdfunding as a financing option for startups
  • Impact of venture capital on innovation in technology companies
  • Risk management techniques in the banking sector
  • Long-term financial planning and its effect on business growth
  • Strategies for managing financial risk in international operations
  • The role of private equity in restructuring underperforming businesses
  • Financial derivatives and their role in corporate finance
  • Investment strategies for emerging markets
  • Corporate dividend policies and their impact on shareholder value
  • Financial forecasting models for e-commerce businesses

Business Law Topics for Research Paper

Business law research examines the impact of legislation on business operations and ethics. Here are ten excellent business topic ideas:

  • The implications of copyright law in the digital age
  • Legal challenges facing online businesses
  • The impact of employment law on organisational practices
  • Intellectual property rights in international trade
  • Legal strategies for protecting consumer data
  • Antitrust laws and their impact on corporate strategy
  • Legal issues in mergers and acquisitions
  • Corporate liability in environmental law
  • International business law and its enforcement
  • Legal considerations in e-commerce

Great Business Analytics Research Topics

Business analytics research involves the study of data-driven decision-making processes. Here are ten engaging business research questions:

  • The role of big data in strategic business decisions
  • Predictive analytics and its effectiveness in sales forecasting
  • The impact of data visualisation tools on business communication
  • Machine learning techniques in customer behaviour analysis
  • Analytics strategies for optimising supply chain management
  • The role of sentiment analysis in brand management
  • Real-time data analysis and its impact on stock trading
  • Data security challenges in business analytics
  • The use of analytics in human resource management
  • The future of artificial intelligence in business decision-making

Tips for Choosing a Topic from Our Expert Researchers

Finding a business topic for research that’s both meaningful and manageable can sometimes resemble finding a needle in a haystack. It’s hard to know where to start. Recognised as an authority in the field of education, our researchers have compiled some great tips to help narrow your focus and avoid going off the deep end:

  • Begin with what you care about. Choose a topic that sparks your interest.
  • Scope it out: A theme you select should have enough research material.
  • Make sure it’s on-topic: You should be able to add something at least minimally valuable to existing discussions in your field.
  • Think about the scale: Be truthful about the limits of what you can accomplish given your time, your budget, and your other resources.
  • Bounce it off a mentor or peers: Before you get too far down the road, see how your idea hits others. You might miss something if you go alone.

With these guidelines, you are better equipped to choose a workable, attractive, and significant research question. But if you have any questions, our finance paper writing service is available. Our experts are always ready to assist with your business research.

Ready to Dive In Research Topics for Business Students?

And with that, we finish our list of the best business research project topics. Don’t forget that the best topic for you is not necessarily the one you find most interesting but the one that will help you explore something you didn’t realise you could think about in new, exciting, and original ways.

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9 Best Marketing Research Methods to Know Your Buyer Better [+ Examples]

Ramona Sukhraj

Published: August 08, 2024

One of the most underrated skills you can have as a marketer is marketing research — which is great news for this unapologetic cyber sleuth.

marketer using marketer research methods to better understand her buyer personas

From brand design and product development to buyer personas and competitive analysis, I’ve researched a number of initiatives in my decade-long marketing career.

And let me tell you: having the right marketing research methods in your toolbox is a must.

Market research is the secret to crafting a strategy that will truly help you accomplish your goals. The good news is there is no shortage of options.

How to Choose a Marketing Research Method

Thanks to the Internet, we have more marketing research (or market research) methods at our fingertips than ever, but they’re not all created equal. Let’s quickly go over how to choose the right one.

what are the top 10 research topics

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1. Identify your objective.

What are you researching? Do you need to understand your audience better? How about your competition? Or maybe you want to know more about your customer’s feelings about a specific product.

Before starting your research, take some time to identify precisely what you’re looking for. This could be a goal you want to reach, a problem you need to solve, or a question you need to answer.

For example, an objective may be as foundational as understanding your ideal customer better to create new buyer personas for your marketing agency (pause for flashbacks to my former life).

Or if you’re an organic sode company, it could be trying to learn what flavors people are craving.

2. Determine what type of data and research you need.

Next, determine what data type will best answer the problems or questions you identified. There are primarily two types: qualitative and quantitative. (Sound familiar, right?)

  • Qualitative Data is non-numerical information, like subjective characteristics, opinions, and feelings. It’s pretty open to interpretation and descriptive, but it’s also harder to measure. This type of data can be collected through interviews, observations, and open-ended questions.
  • Quantitative Data , on the other hand, is numerical information, such as quantities, sizes, amounts, or percentages. It’s measurable and usually pretty hard to argue with, coming from a reputable source. It can be derived through surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis.

Understanding the differences between qualitative and quantitative data will help you pinpoint which research methods will yield the desired results.

For instance, thinking of our earlier examples, qualitative data would usually be best suited for buyer personas, while quantitative data is more useful for the soda flavors.

However, truth be told, the two really work together.

Qualitative conclusions are usually drawn from quantitative, numerical data. So, you’ll likely need both to get the complete picture of your subject.

For example, if your quantitative data says 70% of people are Team Black and only 30% are Team Green — Shout out to my fellow House of the Dragon fans — your qualitative data will say people support Black more than Green.

(As they should.)

Primary Research vs Secondary Research

You’ll also want to understand the difference between primary and secondary research.

Primary research involves collecting new, original data directly from the source (say, your target market). In other words, it’s information gathered first-hand that wasn’t found elsewhere.

Some examples include conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, observations, or focus groups.

Meanwhile, secondary research is the analysis and interpretation of existing data collected from others. Think of this like what we used to do for school projects: We would read a book, scour the internet, or pull insights from others to work from.

So, which is better?

Personally, I say any research is good research, but if you have the time and resources, primary research is hard to top. With it, you don’t have to worry about your source's credibility or how relevant it is to your specific objective.

You are in full control and best equipped to get the reliable information you need.

3. Put it all together.

Once you know your objective and what kind of data you want, you’re ready to select your marketing research method.

For instance, let’s say you’re a restaurant trying to see how attendees felt about the Speed Dating event you hosted last week.

You shouldn’t run a field experiment or download a third-party report on speed dating events; those would be useless to you. You need to conduct a survey that allows you to ask pointed questions about the event.

This would yield both qualitative and quantitative data you can use to improve and bring together more love birds next time around.

Best Market Research Methods for 2024

Now that you know what you’re looking for in a marketing research method, let’s dive into the best options.

Note: According to HubSpot’s 2024 State of Marketing report, understanding customers and their needs is one of the biggest challenges facing marketers today. The options we discuss are great consumer research methodologies , but they can also be used for other areas.

Primary Research

1. interviews.

Interviews are a form of primary research where you ask people specific questions about a topic or theme. They typically deliver qualitative information.

I’ve conducted many interviews for marketing purposes, but I’ve also done many for journalistic purposes, like this profile on comedian Zarna Garg . There’s no better way to gather candid, open-ended insights in my book, but that doesn’t mean they’re a cure-all.

What I like: Real-time conversations allow you to ask different questions if you’re not getting the information you need. They also push interviewees to respond quickly, which can result in more authentic answers.

What I dislike: They can be time-consuming and harder to measure (read: get quantitative data) unless you ask pointed yes or no questions.

Best for: Creating buyer personas or getting feedback on customer experience, a product, or content.

2. Focus Groups

Focus groups are similar to conducting interviews but on a larger scale.

In marketing and business, this typically means getting a small group together in a room (or Zoom), asking them questions about various topics you are researching. You record and/or observe their responses to then take action.

They are ideal for collecting long-form, open-ended feedback, and subjective opinions.

One well-known focus group you may remember was run by Domino’s Pizza in 2009 .

After poor ratings and dropping over $100 million in revenue, the brand conducted focus groups with real customers to learn where they could have done better.

It was met with comments like “worst excuse for pizza I’ve ever had” and “the crust tastes like cardboard.” But rather than running from the tough love, it took the hit and completely overhauled its recipes.

The team admitted their missteps and returned to the market with better food and a campaign detailing their “Pizza Turn Around.”

The result? The brand won a ton of praise for its willingness to take feedback, efforts to do right by its consumers, and clever campaign. But, most importantly, revenue for Domino’s rose by 14.3% over the previous year.

The brand continues to conduct focus groups and share real footage from them in its promotion:

What I like: Similar to interviewing, you can dig deeper and pivot as needed due to the real-time nature. They’re personal and detailed.

What I dislike: Once again, they can be time-consuming and make it difficult to get quantitative data. There is also a chance some participants may overshadow others.

Best for: Product research or development

Pro tip: Need help planning your focus group? Our free Market Research Kit includes a handy template to start organizing your thoughts in addition to a SWOT Analysis Template, Survey Template, Focus Group Template, Presentation Template, Five Forces Industry Analysis Template, and an instructional guide for all of them. Download yours here now.

3. Surveys or Polls

Surveys are a form of primary research where individuals are asked a collection of questions. It can take many different forms.

They could be in person, over the phone or video call, by email, via an online form, or even on social media. Questions can be also open-ended or closed to deliver qualitative or quantitative information.

A great example of a close-ended survey is HubSpot’s annual State of Marketing .

In the State of Marketing, HubSpot asks marketing professionals from around the world a series of multiple-choice questions to gather data on the state of the marketing industry and to identify trends.

The survey covers various topics related to marketing strategies, tactics, tools, and challenges that marketers face. It aims to provide benchmarks to help you make informed decisions about your marketing.

It also helps us understand where our customers’ heads are so we can better evolve our products to meet their needs.

Apple is no stranger to surveys, either.

In 2011, the tech giant launched Apple Customer Pulse , which it described as “an online community of Apple product users who provide input on a variety of subjects and issues concerning Apple.”

Screenshot of Apple’s Consumer Pulse Website from 2011.

"For example, we did a large voluntary survey of email subscribers and top readers a few years back."

While these readers gave us a long list of topics, formats, or content types they wanted to see, they sometimes engaged more with content types they didn’t select or favor as much on the surveys when we ran follow-up ‘in the wild’ tests, like A/B testing.”  

Pepsi saw similar results when it ran its iconic field experiment, “The Pepsi Challenge” for the first time in 1975.

The beverage brand set up tables at malls, beaches, and other public locations and ran a blindfolded taste test. Shoppers were given two cups of soda, one containing Pepsi, the other Coca-Cola (Pepsi’s biggest competitor). They were then asked to taste both and report which they preferred.

People overwhelmingly preferred Pepsi, and the brand has repeated the experiment multiple times over the years to the same results.

What I like: It yields qualitative and quantitative data and can make for engaging marketing content, especially in the digital age.

What I dislike: It can be very time-consuming. And, if you’re not careful, there is a high risk for scientific error.

Best for: Product testing and competitive analysis

Pro tip:  " Don’t make critical business decisions off of just one data set," advises Pamela Bump. "Use the survey, competitive intelligence, external data, or even a focus group to give you one layer of ideas or a short-list for improvements or solutions to test. Then gather your own fresh data to test in an experiment or trial and better refine your data-backed strategy."

Secondary Research

8. public domain or third-party research.

While original data is always a plus, there are plenty of external resources you can access online and even at a library when you’re limited on time or resources.

Some reputable resources you can use include:

  • Pew Research Center
  • McKinley Global Institute
  • Relevant Global or Government Organizations (i.e United Nations or NASA)

It’s also smart to turn to reputable organizations that are specific to your industry or field. For instance, if you’re a gardening or landscaping company, you may want to pull statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

If you’re a digital marketing agency, you could look to Google Research or HubSpot Research . (Hey, I know them!)

What I like: You can save time on gathering data and spend more time on analyzing. You can also rest assured the data is from a source you trust.

What I dislike: You may not find data specific to your needs.

Best for: Companies under a time or resource crunch, adding factual support to content

Pro tip: Fellow HubSpotter Iskiev suggests using third-party data to inspire your original research. “Sometimes, I use public third-party data for ideas and inspiration. Once I have written my survey and gotten all my ideas out, I read similar reports from other sources and usually end up with useful additions for my own research.”

9. Buy Research

If the data you need isn’t available publicly and you can’t do your own market research, you can also buy some. There are many reputable analytics companies that offer subscriptions to access their data. Statista is one of my favorites, but there’s also Euromonitor , Mintel , and BCC Research .

What I like: Same as public domain research

What I dislike: You may not find data specific to your needs. It also adds to your expenses.

Best for: Companies under a time or resource crunch or adding factual support to content

Which marketing research method should you use?

You’re not going to like my answer, but “it depends.” The best marketing research method for you will depend on your objective and data needs, but also your budget and timeline.

My advice? Aim for a mix of quantitative and qualitative data. If you can do your own original research, awesome. But if not, don’t beat yourself up. Lean into free or low-cost tools . You could do primary research for qualitative data, then tap public sources for quantitative data. Or perhaps the reverse is best for you.

Whatever your marketing research method mix, take the time to think it through and ensure you’re left with information that will truly help you achieve your goals.

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Center for Creative Leadership

  • Published July 30, 2024
  • 12 Minute Read

The Top 20 Leadership Challenges

The Top 6 Leadership Challenges Around the World

Leadership Issues Are Shared

Anyone guiding a group toward a shared result will encounter challenges along the way — but what’s most challenging about leading organizations today? What are the top challenges of leadership, and have they shifted since the pandemic?

Our research team has been exploring such questions for decades now to stay abreast of the challenges and issues most commonly faced by leaders at every level. (See our  2021 technical report  and  2013 white paper for more information.)

Our Research Into the Challenges of Leadership

Based on the collective challenges reported in over 7,000 organizations around the world, and using anonymized data on individuals collected through our global 360 assessments , our research team has examined what over 48,000 leaders have identified as their most critical leadership challenges over the past several years.

Using an AI-powered language processing model to review and analyze their responses, we identified the most consistent challenges of leadership across many industries and sectors around the world. We further analyzed the data to determine how these challenges evolved in the wake of the pandemic.

Here we present what our research has found are today’s biggest challenges of leadership — the top 5 challenges faced by leaders at each of level of the organization — ranked by their relevance post-pandemic. And because development is more effective when it uses data to support the challenges of leaders at different levels, this list of leadership issues can be the focus for training & development efforts in all organizations, everywhere in the world.

The Most Common Challenges of Leadership at Every Level

The top leadership challenges of frontline managers.

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges for Frontline Managers infographic

Regardless of where they live or work, those managing others in supervisory roles reported that their most common leadership challenge is frustrations with people and time — and this issue has only increased in frequency since the pandemic. Here are the top 5 most common challenges for frontline leaders, based on our research:

  • Frustrations with people and time
  • First time managing people
  • Deficient operational processes
  • Team performance
  • Personal improvement

1. Frustrations With People and Time

Many frontline managers reported that their top leadership issue is feeling overwhelmed with inefficiencies and frustrated with others. This includes challenges with offering guidance to direct reports, overcoming resistance to change, dealing with difficult employees , and adjusting communication and feedback styles to collaborate more effectively with different people. And again, this appears to have become an even bigger concern for leaders at this level since the pandemic.

2. First Time Managing People

Another common leadership challenge among new managers is learning to juggle day-to-day challenges — such as managing others who were formerly peers, or employees who are older than they are — and just generally gaining respect as a new, first-time people leader.

3. Deficient Operational Processes

Needing stronger operational processes to address organizational problems was another frequently cited leadership challenge for this group.

4. Team Performance

First-level leaders also reported challenges with developing teams, giving effective feedback , providing direction, holding coaching conversations , and dealing with resistance from direct reports.

5. Personal Improvement

Learning to be better at active listening to understand the perspectives of others, improving flexibility, and being less reactive in pursuit of an “ideal self” are other commonly reported challenges for leaders on the front lines, our research found.

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges of Mid-Level Managers

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges of Mid-Level Managers infographic

Managers who are leading from the middle — with senior leaders above them and direct reports below — face many similar challenges of leadership as well. Our research found that the most common issues for mid-level managers were:

  • Personal limitations
  • Challenging business context
  • Ineffective interpersonal style
  • Cross-functional influence
  • Competing people and project priorities

1. Personal Limitations

A top challenge for leaders at this level is their own personal limitations and feelings of inadequacy, as they often must overcome their own doubts about their abilities and readiness to lead — as well as the doubts of their peers or supervisors. Dealing with the challenge of personal limitations requires overcoming impostor syndrome , humility to seek the input of others, courage to do the right thing, and projecting confidence while communicating effectively.

Since the pandemic, mid-level managers have reported this as an issue even more frequently. With new cultures brought on by remote and hybrid workplaces, overcoming common limitations in order to make an impact as a leader has become even more challenging.

2. Business Challenges

In a tumultuous work environment, managers (particularly mid-level leaders) may struggle to deliver results. Leading within a challenging business context requires the careful deployment of limited resources, improved processes, and keeping employees engaged and motivated .

3. Ineffectiveness

When a mid-level leader has an ineffective interpersonal style, they struggle with relationships. This can play out on a spectrum, from dominating interactions to lacking the self-confidence to be assertive. On the other hand, effective interpersonal styles and embodying the characteristics of a good leader allow for open and honest conversations.

4. Influence

Successful leadership requires the ability to influence others beyond one’s group — often without formal authority. For those leading from the middle, the challenge of influencing others across functions includes building credibility, developing cross-organizational networks, and building and bridging partnerships.

5. Competing Priorities

Mid-level leaders report that they often find it difficult to balance competing people and project priorities, especially when they’re sandwiched between project-based deadlines and their employees’ engagement. It’s an important paradox that leaders must manage both relationships and tasks effectively . When resources are limited, motivating team members who vary in personality, abilities, and experience can feel at odds with effective project management.

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges for Senior Leaders

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges for Senior Leaders Infographic

Overall, our research found that the challenges of leadership for those at a senior level include:

  • Credibility gaps
  • Limited market / sales growth
  • Process improvement across groups
  • Limited self-awareness
  • Transitioning into a new role

We noticed that the pandemic shifted the top leadership challenges for this group somewhat. Before COVID, limited self-awareness was cited as the most frequent leadership issue among senior leaders who head up functions, business units, departments, divisions, and regions, but the frequency of this challenge dropped significantly more recently. The challenge of overcoming credibility gaps, on the other hand, has become more pressing after the pandemic.

1. Credibility Gaps

This includes the challenge of building credibility as an organizational leader. Examples include gaining the trust of stakeholders and enhancing visibility within an organization. Senior leaders may also need to strengthen their leadership image or presence to be most effective.

2. Limited Market / Sales Growth

Making strategic shifts to maximize market growth and sales is another top challenge of senior leaders. This may include expanding the organization beyond core products, extending market reach, shifting to a market / customer orientation, and better aligning of sales.

3. Process Improvement Across Groups

Another key challenge for senior leaders is influencing the organization to improve and accept new processes, which requires being a strategic leader , effective boundary spanning leadership, and developing a broader perspective by taking a systemic view.

4. Limited Self-Awareness

Understanding how others perceive them and recognizing their impact on others — along with improving their confidence, approachability, and communication style (particularly when delivering difficult messages) — can be especially challenging for leaders at the senior level.

5. Transitioning Into a New Role

Adapting to changes in responsibilities and managing new people or former peers is a final key leadership issue at this level. This challenge may be brought on by a promotion, a new role, a functional shift, or a geographic move, or simply through preparing for the C-suite .

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges for Executives

The Top 5 Leadership Challenges for Executives infographic

Finally, senior executives leading the enterprise told us that their top 5 leadership challenges are:

  • Dynamic business environment
  • Strategic responsibilities
  • Interpersonal rigidity
  • Organizational readiness
  • Lack of cooperation

1. Dynamic Business Environment

For C-level leaders, the challenge of working in a dynamic business environment topped their list of leadership issues. This challenge can be brought about by new regulations, market and economic conditions, competition, or growth. To be effective, leaders must be able to develop and keep the talent needed to support change and revise their organization’s models and systems as required.

Notably, this challenge experienced the biggest rise in the wake of the pandemic. Even before the pandemic, senior executives were already used to leading their organizations in adapting to ever-changing circumstances, but COVID and its fallout accelerated that need even more.

2. Strategic Responsibilities

Developing strategy for an organization is another top leadership challenge for senior executives. This includes aligning priorities and initiatives across groups and developing teams to support strategic efforts. It’s helpful when senior leaders are able to link business strategy to leadership strategy .

3. Interpersonal Rigidity

For many senior leaders, shifting the way they interact with others to be more effective and the ability to adapt their style for varying situations or stakeholders is an important challenge. Leaders in C-suite need to have different techniques for flexing their approach, including in how they communicate the vision , manage or influence others, or leverage power over others to get things done.

4. Organizational Readiness Amid Uncertainty

Preparing their organizations for a turbulent future is an ongoing issue for senior executives. This challenge of leadership is experienced most often when there are organizational mission shifts, significant resource constraints, technology changes, or when new ways of working are needed.

5. Lack of Cooperation

Lastly, influencing others toward collaboration is a key leadership challenge for senior executives. This is especially common when they’re new to a role, managing former peers or more experienced colleagues, or collaborating with others on the senior team.

How to Respond to These Top Leadership Challenges

Tips to help leaders address the most common leadership issues.

Now that you know the most common challenges of leadership, how do you begin addressing them? One way is by looking at the larger themes that emerged from our research. Across all levels of the organization, we found that the challenges of leadership generally fall into 3 high-level themes, related to:

  • Challenges of personal growth,
  • Challenges related to managing people and getting work done, and  
  • Challenges in managing across the organization and within a larger system .

Here are some recommended ways to respond to these 3 common themes in our overall leadership challenges research.  Many of these suggestions are part of developing the core leadership skills needed in every role , at every stage of a career.

1. To respond to leadership challenges related to your personal growth, work to maximize personal value .

Personal shortcomings and the aspiration to become a better leader define our first theme. Challenges here include learning to be more assertive during interactions, developing confidence, and understanding how others perceive you.

Individuals overcome leadership issues and create value for their organizations by focusing on the unique contributions that only they can make. Understanding what those unique values are, and delegating everything else (or as close to everything else as possible), allows leaders to maximize their value.

It’s important to recognize your own characteristics, behaviors, and habits in order to know what may be triggering challenges for you in your career. This way, you can work toward increasing your self-awareness and strengthening specific skills and growing as an individual leader.

Some internal challenges that many leaders face include a lack of confidence, a fear of failure, maintaining authenticity  during self-promotion , impatience, resistance in  responding to new ideas , or struggling to manage conflict in the workplace . All of these can be potential roadblocks to leadership success.

Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses and maximizing your unique value are part of improving your personal leadership brand .

2. To respond to leadership challenges around managing people and getting work done, focus on delegating more to others .

Our second leadership challenge theme involves the demands of managing both people and tasks. Specific challenges include managing for the first time, building cooperation between people, and overseeing multiple projects that compete for importance and resources.

You’ll be more productive, give your colleagues a greater sense of ownership, and  build more trust on your team if you delegate , as well. But effective delegation requires more than just getting a task off your desk — it involves a repeating cycle of 4 key steps:

  • Understanding your preferences . Effective delegators prioritize their workload and decide which tasks to keep and which to give to someone else. They also understand how much feedback they want while the person they’ve delegated to works on the task.
  • Knowing your people .To delegate effectively, you must assign tasks to others with the necessary knowledge and skills. That means that you have to understand people’s preferences and abilities, using delegation to help direct reports develop, and coach people while allowing them to learn as they take on new tasks.
  • Being clear about the purpose of the task . A task’s purpose gives it meaning. By aligning this purpose with team or individual beliefs and goals, delegation can become part of purpose-driven leadership and an opportunity for personal growth.
  • Assessing and rewarding . You should engage in collaboration and work with your direct reports to develop ways to help them, and you, decide if a task has been completed properly, and to reward them appropriately.

3. To respond to leadership challenges related to managing across the organization, work to increase boundary spanning and build high-performing teams .

Working within the larger system of an organization is our third high-level leadership challenge. Examples include working in a dynamic business environment, needing stronger operational processes, and creating cross-functional influence.

As a leader, you must be able to create and lead teams effectively. To build high-performing teams, use our team effectiveness framework , which has 4 components:

  • Core : Communicate a team’s reason for being so that all team members understand their core purpose and value. ( A team charter can help with this.)
  • Collective Mindset : Be sure everybody on the team knows what it takes to be a good team member. Teams adopt a collective mindset when they understand all members’ roles and responsibilities, as well as team norms for how team members work together.
  • Cohesive Relationships : Ensure team members relate interpersonally by fostering a psychologically safe work environment where everybody feels a sense of belonging, is treated with respect, and communicates effectively.
  • Connection : Teams can have a broader organizational impact when collaborating across boundaries . In other words, when colleagues who have different backgrounds and experiences connect, innovation and collaboration are enhanced.

A Final Word for HR Leaders on Our Leadership Challenges Research

Focus development efforts to address the top challenges of leaders.

Developmental initiatives are more effective when they align with the real challenges that leaders are facing. For those who work in HR or Learning & Development, understanding these common leadership issues can be the catalyst for creating initiatives that truly address real-world needs, growing needed leadership capabilities for your organization’s talent pipeline.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Build your team’s capacity for overcoming common leadership challenges. Our array of leadership development programs are carefully designed to address the leadership challenges faced by leaders at every level. 

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Based on Research by

Ramya Balakrishnan

Ramya’s expertise is in analyzing data by using advanced algorithms to extract valuable information, and she has extensive experience in the fields of data science and machine learning. At CCL, her work involves data collection, building AI-based models, and data visualization to drive key insights from internal and external data. Her thought leadership combines cutting-edge data science, data ethics, and machine learning techniques to analyze information equitably and effectively.

Stephen Young

Steve led our experimentation with new analytic approaches and methodologies, including CCL Fusion , a predictive analytics tool that links people data with business data to inform leadership development investment. He also led research and product development in the areas of user-driven feedback tools, virtual coaching tools, and big data and analytics.

Jean Leslie

Jean develops, oversees, and helps implement programs, projects, and processes that support the vision and the short- and long-term plans of the global Leadership Research and Analytics group. She’s published more than 100 pieces on leadership, assessment, and feedback — in the form of peer-reviewed articles, popular-press articles, book chapters, and books — and has presented over 70 papers at professional conferences such as the Academy of Management and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologists.

Cindy McCauley

With over 30 years of experience at CCL, Cindy has contributed to many aspects of CCL’s work: research, publication, product development, program evaluation, coaching, and management. She designs and manages R&D projects, coaches action learning teams, writes for multiple audiences, and is a frequent speaker at professional conferences.

Marian Ruderman

With over 30 years of experience in the field of leadership development and over 80 publications, Marian is widely regarded as a thought leader in the field. Her particular areas of expertise include the career development of women, work-life integration, the intersection of voice and leadership recognition, and the role of well-being in leadership development. She has worked with a diverse array of colleagues and clients from around the globe conducting both original research and bringing into CCL the best of what the larger field of leadership scholarship has to offer.

Jennifer Deal

Jennifer’s work with us focused on global leadership and generational differences around the world. An internationally recognized expert on generational differences, Jennifer has published on generational issues, executive selection, cultural adaptability, global management, and women in management. She’s the co-author of What Millennials Want from Work: How to Maximize Engagement in Today’s Workforce .

Katelyn McCoy

Katelyn helps manage many aspects of the standardized data collection and reporting processes for our leadership programs. She also works on custom client evaluation work and other projects led by Leadership Research & Analytics . Before joining us, she worked as a research scientist at Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO), where she partnered with clients to develop large-scale assessment solutions.

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New climate and sustainability research efforts will focus on eight ‘Solution Areas’

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability will establish new research initiatives under topics including climate, water, energy, food, nature, and cities.

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability has selected eight interconnected Solution Areas to focus its research efforts over the next decade. This new research plan amplifies the school’s ability to translate Stanford research into large-scale solutions and inform key decision makers in policy and business.

Selected based on extensive faculty input and assessment of where Stanford can make the most meaningful impact, the eight areas are: climate; water; energy; food; risk, resilience, and adaptation; nature; cities; and platforms and tools for monitoring and decision making. 

“Solution Areas identify and leverage the critical junctions between the most pressing global sustainability challenges and the areas where Stanford has the talent and expertise to find solutions,” said Dean Arun Majumdar. “This collaborative all-campus approach expands and strengthens our commitment to using all the power we have – the knowledge, the education, the talent, the innovation, the resources, the influence – to build a thriving planet for future generations.” 

‘Integrative Projects’ and ‘Flagship Destinations’

In each Solution Area, the school plans to build two types of research initiatives. One type, called Integrative Projects, will be managed by the school’s institutes, including the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment , the Precourt Institute for Energy , and a planned Sustainable Societies Institute. 

Integrative Projects will be organized around decade-long research themes and dedicated to creating solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration, engagement with partners beyond Stanford, identifying significant knowledge gaps, and understanding systems.

According to Chris Field , the Perry L. McCarty Director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and a professor in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the School of Humanities and Sciences , the new commitment to these areas “will provide both resources and coordination that expand Stanford faculty’s capacity to deliver sustainability solutions at scale.” 

A second type of research initiative, called Flagship Destinations, is managed by Stanford’s Sustainability Accelerator . Flagship Destinations are targets for the pace and scale of work to address challenges facing Earth, climate, and society. For example, the school’s first Flagship Destination, announced in 2023 , calls for enabling the removal of billions of tons of planet-warming gases annually from Earth’s atmosphere by the middle of this century. By working backward from sustainability targets in consultation with faculty and external experts, this initiative seeks to rapidly translate Stanford research into policy and technology solutions. Additional Flagship Destinations will be announced later this week.

Whereas Integrative Projects are designed to produce knowledge and evidence that can eventually lead to solutions, Flagship Destination projects are intended to help verify and demonstrate that well-studied solutions can succeed at large scale so they can be launched out of Stanford and implemented for the benefit of humanity and our planet. Scalable solutions nurtured and launched through these projects could take the form of policy frameworks, open-source platforms, nonprofit organizations, new for-profit companies, and ongoing collaborations all committed to addressing pressing sustainability challenges.

“By working together in these Solution Areas across disciplines and with collaborators beyond the university, we maximize our ability to have positive impacts on the timeframe and scale needed for the planet and humanity,” said Scott Fendorf , senior associate dean for integrative initiatives and the Terry Huffington Professor in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. 

Workshops will be held with faculty and external experts to develop research strategies for each Solution Area on a rolling basis. Strategy workshops, opportunities to provide input on future Integrative Projects, and requests for proposals (open to all Stanford faculty) will be announced in the coming months.

Related message from leadership: Read a letter to faculty about the new Solution Areas from Dean Majumdar with Precourt Institute for Energy director William Chueh; Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment director Chris Field; Accelerator faculty director Yi Cui and executive director Charlotte Pera; and Integrative Initiatives associate dean Jenna Davis and senior associate dean Scott Fendorf.

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Stanford’s Sustainability Accelerator adds new targets

The Sustainability Accelerator in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability will support work in new areas including energy, climate adaptation, industry, and more.

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Solution Areas and research funding

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Forecasting climate’s impact on a debilitating disease

In Brazil, climate and other human-made environmental changes threaten efforts to fight schistosomiasis, a widespread and debilitating parasitic disease. Stanford and Brazilian researchers have now developed models that can predict how disease risk will shift in response to environmental changes.

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Americans’ views of offensive speech aren’t necessarily clear-cut

About six-in-ten U.S. adults (62%) say that “people being too easily offended by things others say” is a major problem in the country today.

In a separate question, 47% say that “people saying things that are very offensive to others” is a major problem, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to understand Americans’ views on whether offensive speech – and people being too easily offended by what others say – are major problems for the country. For this analysis, we surveyed 8,709 U.S. adults from April 8 to 14, 2024.

Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology . Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

A bar chart showing that Republicans and Democrats differ in their concerns about offensive speech.

There are substantial differences in these views between Republicans and Democrats.

  • Eight-in-ten Republicans and Republican-leaning independents say people being too easily offended by what others say is a major problem. By comparison, 45% of Democrats and Democratic leaners say the same.
  • In contrast, Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say that people saying things that are very offensive is a major problem in the country today. A 59% majority of Democrats say this, compared with 34% of Republicans.

Looking at Americans’ views on these two questions together, about a third (32%) say that people being too easily offended by things others say and people saying very offensive things to others are both major problems.

A bar chart showing that about a third of Americans say people being offensive and being too easily offended are both major problems.

About as many Americans (30%) say people taking offense too easily is a major problem, but very offensive speech is not. A much smaller share (15%) say that people saying very offensive things is a major problem, but people too easily taking offense isn’t. And another 23% say that neither is a major problem in the country.

Sizable shares within both parties say both issues are major problems – 30% of Republicans and 32% of Democrats say this.

However, half of Republicans, compared with just 12% of Democrats, say people being too easily offended is a major problem, but people saying very offensive things isn’t. Slightly more than half of conservative Republicans (53%) hold this combination of views, along with 44% of moderate and liberal Republicans.

By contrast, about a quarter of Democrats (26%) – and a third of liberal Democrats – say people saying very offensive things is a major problem, but people being too easily offended is not. Just 4% of Republicans hold this combination of views.

Another 29% of Democrats, but just 15% of Republicans, say neither of these is a major problem.

There are also significant demographic differences in attitudes about offensive speech.

Race and ethnicity

A dot plot showing that race and gender differences in opinions about offensive speech.

While at least half of Americans across racial and ethnic groups say being too easily offended is a major problem in the country, White adults are particularly likely to say this. Nearly two-thirds of White adults (65%) say this is a major problem, as do 59% of Hispanic, 59% of Asian and 50% of Black adults.

No more than about one-in-ten in any of these groups say people getting offended too easily is not a problem in the country today.

Conversely, Black (63%), Asian (58%) and Hispanic (55%) adults are more likely than White adults (42%) to say that people saying very offensive things to others is a major problem.

Men (62%) and women (63%) are about equally likely to say people being too easily offended is a major problem.

But women (54%) are far more likely than men (40%) to say offensive speech is a major problem.

Within political parties, there are some differences by gender, race and ethnicity on these questions.

On whether people being too easily offended is a major problem:

  • Hispanic Republicans (71%) are less likely than White Republicans (83%) to say this is a major problem. (The sample size for Black and Asian Republicans is too small to evaluate these groups individually.)
  • There are no gaps between men and women in either party.

On whether offensive speech is a major problem:

  • Democratic and Republican women are more likely than men in their parties to say offensive speech is a major problem. Among Democrats, 63% of women and 54% of men say this. And in the GOP, 43% of women and 27% of men say the same.
  • While roughly two-thirds of Black (67%), Hispanic (65%) and Asian Democrats (64%) say this is a major issue, a narrower majority of White Democrats (54%) share that view.

Note: This is an update of a post originally published Dec. 14, 2021. Here are the questions used for this analysis , along with responses, and its methodology .

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J. Baxter Oliphant is a senior researcher focusing on politics at Pew Research Center .

Many adults in East and Southeast Asia support free speech, are open to societal change

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Perseids to peak this weekend: When and how to watch the best meteor shower of the year

The perseids are active from july to september, but each year the dazzling meteor shower reliably peaks in august. this weekend is the time to see it..

There's a reason the Perseid meteor shower is considered to be the best of the year.

With its whizzing meteors and blazing fireballs, the celestial phenomena reliably puts on a spectacle every year for skygazers around the world. Yet perhaps the best part of the Perseids is that they peak not in the colder months like the Leonids of November or Geminids of December , but in the warm summertime.

And in 2024, that peak happens to be on track to occur this weekend.

Spectators who step outside at just the right time may be treated to the sight of up to 100 meteors streaking across the night sky per hour, leaving long wakes of light and color behind them. Even better, in a stroke of luck, this year's Perseids peak just happens to coincide with a potential appearance of the famed aurora borealis, or northern lights .

Here's what to know about the Perseid meteor shower and how you can see its peak this weekend.

Boeing Starliner: Starliner astronauts aren't 1st 'stuck' in space: Frank Rubio's delayed return set record

When does the Perseid meteor shower peak?

While the Perseids are active this year from July 14 to Sept. 1, the meteors are expected to reach a peak in activity Sunday and Monday, according to the American Meteor Society .

Lunar conditions from year to year have a strong influence on just how strong each Perseids display is during the annual peak. For instance, if a bright moon is above the horizon during the night of maximum activity, then the relatively faint Perseids meteors will be reduced and thus, difficult to view, the American Meteor Society says .

However, as long as skies are relatively clear this year, a half-illuminated moon should set by around 11:30 p.m. local time, making conditions favorable for viewing the Perseids, according to NASA . The meteor activity will then pick up from there and last until around dawn.

How can you watch the Perseids?

The Perseids are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.

Once the moon sets, spectators should only have to contend with local light pollution and clouds that could interfere with the number of meteors they can see.

What causes the Perseids meteors?

Originating from the constellation Perseus, the Perseids are made up of leftover particles from  comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle .

Every year, Earth passes through the comet's debris trail, resulting in the Perseid meteor shower when the broken bits of Swift-Tuttle collide with our atmosphere at high speed – disintegrating and creating fiery and colorful streaks in the sky, according to NASA .

Swift-Tuttle, which takes 133 Earth years just to orbit the sun a single time, was discovered to be the source of the Perseids in 1865 by Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli. Discovered in 1862, Swift-Tuttle is absolutely gargantuan – twice the size of the asteroid theorized to have wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago .

Though their Geminids counterpart are considered to be one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers, the Perseids still result in anywhere from 50 to 100 meteors visible per hour under the right conditions.

The meteor shower is also famous for the fireballs it throws out. These large explosions of light and color can persist even longer than an average meteor streak, NASA says.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

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    What are the top challenges of leadership, and have they shifted since the pandemic? Our research team has been exploring such questions for decades now to stay abreast of the challenges and issues most commonly faced by leaders at every level. (See our 2021 technical report and 2013 white paper for more information.)

  28. New climate and sustainability research efforts will focus on eight

    The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability has selected eight interconnected Solution Areas to focus its research efforts over the next decade. This new research plan amplifies the school's ability to translate Stanford research into large-scale solutions and inform key decision makers in policy and business.

  29. Americans' views of offensive speech aren't necessarily clear-cut

    About six-in-ten U.S. adults (62%) say that "people being too easily offended by things others say" is a major problem in the country today. In a separate question, 47% say that "people saying things that are very offensive to others" is a major problem, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in April.

  30. Perseids to peak this weekend: How to see best meteor shower of year

    However, as long as skies are relatively clear this year, a half-illuminated moon should set by around 11:30 p.m. local time, making conditions favorable for viewing the Perseids, according to ...