good research questions 2023

How to Write a Research Question: Types and Examples 

The first step in any research project is framing the research question. It can be considered the core of any systematic investigation as the research outcomes are tied to asking the right questions. Thus, this primary interrogation point sets the pace for your research as it helps collect relevant and insightful information that ultimately influences your work.   

Typically, the research question guides the stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting. Depending on the use of quantifiable or quantitative data, research questions are broadly categorized into quantitative or qualitative research questions. Both types of research questions can be used independently or together, considering the overall focus and objectives of your research.  

What is a research question?

A research question is a clear, focused, concise, and arguable question on which your research and writing are centered. 1 It states various aspects of the study, including the population and variables to be studied and the problem the study addresses. These questions also set the boundaries of the study, ensuring cohesion. 

Designing the research question is a dynamic process where the researcher can change or refine the research question as they review related literature and develop a framework for the study. Depending on the scale of your research, the study can include single or multiple research questions. 

A good research question has the following features: 

• It is relevant to the chosen field of study. 
• The question posed is arguable and open for debate, requiring synthesizing and analysis of ideas. 
• It is focused and concisely framed. 
• A feasible solution is possible within the given practical constraint and timeframe. 

A poorly formulated research question poses several risks. 1   

• Researchers can adopt an erroneous design. 
• It can create confusion and hinder the thought process, including developing a clear protocol.  
• It can jeopardize publication efforts.  
• It causes difficulty in determining the relevance of the study findings.  
• It causes difficulty in whether the study fulfils the inclusion criteria for systematic review and meta-analysis. This creates challenges in determining whether additional studies or data collection is needed to answer the question.  
• Readers may fail to understand the objective of the study. This reduces the likelihood of the study being cited by others. 

Now that you know “What is a research question?”, let’s look at the different types of research questions. 

Types of research questions

Depending on the type of research to be done, research questions can be classified broadly into quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies. Knowing the type of research helps determine the best type of research question that reflects the direction and epistemological underpinnings of your research. 

The structure and wording of quantitative 2 and qualitative research 3 questions differ significantly. The quantitative study looks at causal relationships, whereas the qualitative study aims at exploring a phenomenon. 

• Quantitative research questions:  
• Seeks to investigate social, familial, or educational experiences or processes in a particular context and/or location.  
• Answers ‘how,’ ‘what,’ or ‘why’ questions. 
• Investigates connections, relations, or comparisons between independent and dependent variables. 

Quantitative research questions can be further categorized into descriptive, comparative, and relationship, as explained in the Table below. 

• Qualitative research questions  

Qualitative research questions are adaptable, non-directional, and more flexible. It concerns broad areas of research or more specific areas of study to discover, explain, or explore a phenomenon. These are further classified as follows: 

• Mixed-methods studies  

Mixed-methods studies use both quantitative and qualitative research questions to answer your research question. Mixed methods provide a complete picture than standalone quantitative or qualitative research, as it integrates the benefits of both methods. Mixed methods research is often used in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research, especially in the behavioral, health, and social science fields. 

What makes a good research question

A good research question should be clear and focused to guide your research. It should synthesize multiple sources to present your unique argument, and should ideally be something that you are interested in. But avoid questions that can be answered in a few factual statements. The following are the main attributes of a good research question. 

• Specific: The research question should not be a fishing expedition performed in the hopes that some new information will be found that will benefit the researcher. The central research question should work with your research problem to keep your work focused. If using multiple questions, they should all tie back to the central aim. 
• Measurable: The research question must be answerable using quantitative and/or qualitative data or from scholarly sources to develop your research question. If such data is impossible to access, it is better to rethink your question. 
• Attainable: Ensure you have enough time and resources to do all research required to answer your question. If it seems you will not be able to gain access to the data you need, consider narrowing down your question to be more specific. 
• You have the expertise 
• You have the equipment and resources 
• Realistic: Developing your research question should be based on initial reading about your topic. It should focus on addressing a problem or gap in the existing knowledge in your field or discipline. 
• Based on some sort of rational physics 
• Can be done in a reasonable time frame 
• Timely: The research question should contribute to an existing and current debate in your field or in society at large. It should produce knowledge that future researchers or practitioners can later build on. 
• Novel 
• Based on current technologies. 
• Important to answer current problems or concerns. 
• Lead to new directions. 
• Important: Your question should have some aspect of originality. Incremental research is as important as exploring disruptive technologies. For example, you can focus on a specific location or explore a new angle. 
• Meaningful whether the answer is “Yes” or “No.” Closed-ended, yes/no questions are too simple to work as good research questions. Such questions do not provide enough scope for robust investigation and discussion. A good research question requires original data, synthesis of multiple sources, and original interpretation and argumentation before providing an answer. 

Steps for developing a good research question

The importance of research questions cannot be understated. When drafting a research question, use the following frameworks to guide the components of your question to ease the process. 4  

• Determine the requirements: Before constructing a good research question, set your research requirements. What is the purpose? Is it descriptive, comparative, or explorative research? Determining the research aim will help you choose the most appropriate topic and word your question appropriately. 
• Select a broad research topic: Identify a broader subject area of interest that requires investigation. Techniques such as brainstorming or concept mapping can help identify relevant connections and themes within a broad research topic. For example, how to learn and help students learn. 
• Perform preliminary investigation: Preliminary research is needed to obtain up-to-date and relevant knowledge on your topic. It also helps identify issues currently being discussed from which information gaps can be identified. 
• Narrow your focus: Narrow the scope and focus of your research to a specific niche. This involves focusing on gaps in existing knowledge or recent literature or extending or complementing the findings of existing literature. Another approach involves constructing strong research questions that challenge your views or knowledge of the area of study (Example: Is learning consistent with the existing learning theory and research). 
• Identify the research problem: Once the research question has been framed, one should evaluate it. This is to realize the importance of the research questions and if there is a need for more revising (Example: How do your beliefs on learning theory and research impact your instructional practices). 

How to write a research question

Those struggling to understand how to write a research question, these simple steps can help you simplify the process of writing a research question. 

Sample Research Questions

The following are some bad and good research question examples 

• Example 1 

• Example 2 

References:  

• Thabane, L., Thomas, T., Ye, C., & Paul, J. (2009). Posing the research question: not so simple.  Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d’anesthésie ,  56 (1), 71-79. 
• Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research.  Nephrology Nursing Journal ,  45 (2), 209-213. 
• Kyngäs, H. (2020). Qualitative research and content analysis.  The application of content analysis in nursing science research , 3-11. 
• Mattick, K., Johnston, J., & de la Croix, A. (2018). How to… write a good research question.  The clinical teacher ,  15 (2), 104-108. 
• Fandino, W. (2019). Formulating a good research question: Pearls and pitfalls.  Indian Journal of Anaesthesia ,  63 (8), 611. 
• Richardson, W. S., Wilson, M. C., Nishikawa, J., & Hayward, R. S. (1995). The well-built clinical question: a key to evidence-based decisions.  ACP journal club ,  123 (3), A12-A13 

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Research Aims, Objectives & Questions

The “Golden Thread” Explained Simply (+ Examples)

By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022

The research aims , objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you’re crafting a research proposal , dissertation or thesis . We receive questions almost every day about this “holy trinity” of research and there’s certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we’ve crafted this post to help you navigate your way through the fog.

Overview: The Golden Thread

• What is the golden thread
• What are research aims ( examples )
• What are research objectives ( examples )
• What are research questions ( examples )
• The importance of alignment in the golden thread

What is the “golden thread”?  

The golden thread simply refers to the collective research aims , research objectives , and research questions for any given project (i.e., a dissertation, thesis, or research paper ). These three elements are bundled together because it’s extremely important that they align with each other, and that the entire research project aligns with them.

Importantly, the golden thread needs to weave its way through the entirety of any research project , from start to end. In other words, it needs to be very clearly defined right at the beginning of the project (the topic ideation and proposal stage) and it needs to inform almost every decision throughout the rest of the project. For example, your research design and methodology will be heavily influenced by the golden thread (we’ll explain this in more detail later), as well as your literature review.

The research aims, objectives and research questions (the golden thread) define the focus and scope ( the delimitations ) of your research project. In other words, they help ringfence your dissertation or thesis to a relatively narrow domain, so that you can “go deep” and really dig into a specific problem or opportunity. They also help keep you on track , as they act as a litmus test for relevance. In other words, if you’re ever unsure whether to include something in your document, simply ask yourself the question, “does this contribute toward my research aims, objectives or questions?”. If it doesn’t, chances are you can drop it.

Alright, enough of the fluffy, conceptual stuff. Let’s get down to business and look at what exactly the research aims, objectives and questions are and outline a few examples to bring these concepts to life.

Research Aims: What are they?

Simply put, the research aim(s) is a statement that reflects the broad overarching goal (s) of the research project. Research aims are fairly high-level (low resolution) as they outline the general direction of the research and what it’s trying to achieve .

Research Aims: Examples  

True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”, and so on. For example:

“This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.”   “This study sets out to assess the interaction between student support and self-care on well-being in engineering graduate students”  

As you can see, these research aims provide a high-level description of what the study is about and what it seeks to achieve. They’re not hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they’re clear about what the study’s focus is and what is being investigated.

Need a helping hand?

Research Objectives: What are they?

The research objectives take the research aims and make them more practical and actionable . In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims.

The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it’s always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the “SMART” criteria. In other words, they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound”.

Research Objectives: Examples  

Let’s look at two examples of research objectives. We’ll stick with the topic and research aims we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic:

To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation in retail HR. To identify the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR.

And for the student wellness topic:

To determine whether student self-care predicts the well-being score of engineering graduate students. To determine whether student support predicts the well-being score of engineering students. To assess the interaction between student self-care and student support when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students.

  As you can see, these research objectives clearly align with the previously mentioned research aims and effectively translate the low-resolution aims into (comparatively) higher-resolution objectives and action points . They give the research project a clear focus and present something that resembles a research-based “to-do” list.

Research Questions: What are they?

Finally, we arrive at the all-important research questions. The research questions are, as the name suggests, the key questions that your study will seek to answer . Simply put, they are the core purpose of your dissertation, thesis, or research project. You’ll present them at the beginning of your document (either in the introduction chapter or literature review chapter) and you’ll answer them at the end of your document (typically in the discussion and conclusion chapters).  

The research questions will be the driving force throughout the research process. For example, in the literature review chapter, you’ll assess the relevance of any given resource based on whether it helps you move towards answering your research questions. Similarly, your methodology and research design will be heavily influenced by the nature of your research questions. For instance, research questions that are exploratory in nature will usually make use of a qualitative approach, whereas questions that relate to measurement or relationship testing will make use of a quantitative approach.  

Let’s look at some examples of research questions to make this more tangible.

Research Questions: Examples  

Again, we’ll stick with the research aims and research objectives we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic (which would be qualitative in nature):

How do employees perceive digital transformation in retail HR? What are the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR?  

And for the student wellness topic (which would be quantitative in nature):

Does student self-care predict the well-being scores of engineering graduate students? Does student support predict the well-being scores of engineering students? Do student self-care and student support interact when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students?  

You’ll probably notice that there’s quite a formulaic approach to this. In other words, the research questions are basically the research objectives “converted” into question format. While that is true most of the time, it’s not always the case. For example, the first research objective for the digital transformation topic was more or less a step on the path toward the other objectives, and as such, it didn’t warrant its own research question.  

So, don’t rush your research questions and sloppily reword your objectives as questions. Carefully think about what exactly you’re trying to achieve (i.e. your research aim) and the objectives you’ve set out, then craft a set of well-aligned research questions . Also, keep in mind that this can be a somewhat iterative process , where you go back and tweak research objectives and aims to ensure tight alignment throughout the golden thread.

The importance of strong alignment 

Alignment is the keyword here and we have to stress its importance . Simply put, you need to make sure that there is a very tight alignment between all three pieces of the golden thread. If your research aims and research questions don’t align, for example, your project will be pulling in different directions and will lack focus . This is a common problem students face and can cause many headaches (and tears), so be warned.

Take the time to carefully craft your research aims, objectives and research questions before you run off down the research path. Ideally, get your research supervisor/advisor to review and comment on your golden thread before you invest significant time into your project, and certainly before you start collecting data .  

Recap: The golden thread

In this post, we unpacked the golden thread of research, consisting of the research aims , research objectives and research questions . You can jump back to any section using the links below.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below – we always love to hear from you. Also, if you’re interested in 1-on-1 support, take a look at our private coaching service here.

Psst... there’s more!

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40 Comments

Thank you very much for your great effort put. As an Undergraduate taking Demographic Research & Methodology, I’ve been trying so hard to understand clearly what is a Research Question, Research Aim and the Objectives in a research and the relationship between them etc. But as for now I’m thankful that you’ve solved my problem.

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Infact,I used to be phobia about anything research, because of my poor understanding of the concepts.

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I please I would need a follow up on the subject,as I intends to join the team of researchers. Thanks once again.

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i found this document so useful towards my study in research methods. thanks so much.

This is my 2nd read topic in your course and I should commend the simplified explanations of each part. I’m beginning to understand and absorb the use of each part of a dissertation/thesis. I’ll keep on reading your free course and might be able to avail the training course! Kudos!

Thank you! Better put that my lecture and helped to easily understand the basics which I feel often get brushed over when beginning dissertation work.

This is quite helpful. I like how the Golden thread has been explained and the needed alignment.

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The article made it simple for researcher students to differentiate between three concepts.

Very innovative and educational in approach to conducting research.

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Wish i had found this (and other) resource(s) at the beginning of my PhD journey… not in my writing up year… 😩 Anyways… just a quick question as i’m having some issues ordering my “golden thread”…. does it matter in what order you mention them? i.e., is it always first aims, then objectives, and finally the questions? or can you first mention the research questions and then the aims and objectives?

Thank you for a very simple explanation that builds upon the concepts in a very logical manner. Just prior to this, I read the research hypothesis article, which was equally very good. This met my primary objective.

My secondary objective was to understand the difference between research questions and research hypothesis, and in which context to use which one. However, I am still not clear on this. Can you kindly please guide?

In research, a research question is a clear and specific inquiry that the researcher wants to answer, while a research hypothesis is a tentative statement or prediction about the relationship between variables or the expected outcome of the study. Research questions are broader and guide the overall study, while hypotheses are specific and testable statements used in quantitative research. Research questions identify the problem, while hypotheses provide a focus for testing in the study.

Exactly what I need in this research journey, I look forward to more of your coaching videos.

This helped a lot. Thanks so much for the effort put into explaining it.

What data source in writing dissertation/Thesis requires?

What is data source covers when writing dessertation/thesis

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where are the locations of the reserch statement, research objective and research question in a reserach paper? Can you write an ouline that defines their places in the researh paper?

Very helpful and important tips on Aims, Objectives and Questions.

Thank you so much for making research aim, research objectives and research question so clear. This will be helpful to me as i continue with my thesis.

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As a researcher and lecturer, I find splitting research goals into research aims, objectives, and questions is unnecessarily bureaucratic and confusing for students. For most biomedical research projects, including ‘real research’, 1-3 research questions will suffice (numbers may differ by discipline).

Awesome! Very important resources and presented in an informative way to easily understand the golden thread. Indeed, thank you so much.

Well explained

The blog article on research aims, objectives, and questions by Grad Coach is a clear and insightful guide that aligns with my experiences in academic research. The article effectively breaks down the often complex concepts of research aims and objectives, providing a straightforward and accessible explanation. Drawing from my own research endeavors, I appreciate the practical tips offered, such as the need for specificity and clarity when formulating research questions. The article serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering a concise roadmap for crafting well-defined research goals and objectives. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced researcher, this article provides practical insights that contribute to the foundational aspects of a successful research endeavor.

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• Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Writing Strong Research Questions | Criteria & Examples

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 12 December 2023.

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

All research questions should be:

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

Table of contents

How to write a research question, what makes a strong research question, research questions quiz, frequently asked questions.

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

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

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

Using your research problem to develop your research question

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

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

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

Focused and researchable

Feasible and specific

Complex and arguable

Relevant and original

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

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

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

This involves:

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

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarised in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

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

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

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

How to Craft a Strong Research Question (With Research Question Examples)

A sound and effective research question is a key element that must be identified and pinned down before researchers can even begin their research study or work. A strong research question lays the foundation for your entire study, guiding your investigation and shaping your findings. Hence, it is critical that researchers spend considerable time assessing and refining the research question based on in-depth reading and comprehensive literature review. In this article, we will discuss how to write a strong research question and provide you with some good examples of research questions across various disciplines.

Table of Contents

The importance of a research question

A research question plays a crucial role in driving scientific inquiry, setting the direction and purpose of your study, and guiding your entire research process. By formulating a clear and focused research question, you lay the foundation for your investigation, ensuring that your research remains on track and aligned with your objectives so you can make meaningful contribution to the existing body of knowledge. A well-crafted research question also helps you define the scope of your study and identify the appropriate methodologies and data collection techniques to employ.

Key components of a strong research question

A good research question possesses several key components that contribute to the quality and impact of your study. Apart from providing a clear framework to generate meaningful results, a well-defined research question allows other researchers to understand the purpose and significance of your work. So, when working on your research question, incorporate the following elements:

• Specificity : A strong research question should be specific about the main focus of your study, enabling you to gather precise data and draw accurate conclusions. It clearly defines the variables, participants, and context involved, leaving no room for ambiguity.
• Clarity : A good research question is clear and easily understood, so articulate the purpose and intent of your study concisely without being generic or vague. Ensuring clarity in your research question helps both you and your readers grasp the research objective.
• Feasibility : While crafting a research question, consider the practicality of conducting the research and availability of necessary data or access to participants. Think whether your study is realistic and achievable within the constraints of time, resources, and ethical considerations.

How to craft a well-defined research question

A first step that will help save time and effort is knowing what your aims are and thinking about a few problem statements on the area or aspect one wants to study or do research on. Contemplating these statements as one undertakes more progressive reading can help the researcher in reassessing and fine-tuning the research question. This can be done over time as they read and learn more about the research topic, along with a broad literature review and parallel discussions with peer researchers and supervisors. In some cases, a researcher can have more than one research question if the research being undertaken is a PhD thesis or dissertation, but try not to cover multiple concerns on a topic.

A strong research question must be researchable, original, complex, and relevant. Here are five simple steps that can make the entire process easier.

• Identify a broad topic from your areas of interest, something that is relevant, and you are passionate about since you’ll be spending a lot of time conducting your research.
• Do a thorough literature review to weed out potential gaps in research and stay updated on what’s currently being done in your chosen topic and subject area.
• Shortlist possible research questions based on the research gaps or see how you can build on or refute previously published ideas and concepts.
• Assess your chosen research question using the FINER criteria that helps you evaluate whether the research is Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant. 1
• Formulate the final research question, while ensuring it is clear, well-written, and addresses all the key elements of a strong research question.

Examples of research questions

Remember to adapt your research question to suit your purpose, whether it’s exploratory, descriptive, comparative, experimental, qualitative, or quantitative. Embrace the iterative nature of the research process, continually evaluating and refining your question as you progress. Here are some good examples of research questions across various disciplines.

Exploratory research question examples

• How does social media impact interpersonal relationships among teenagers?
• What are the potential benefits of incorporating mindfulness practices in the workplace?

Descriptive research question examples

• What factors influence customer loyalty in the e-commerce industry?
• Is there a relationship between socioeconomic status and academic performance among elementary school students?

Comparative research question examples

• How does the effectiveness of traditional teaching methods compare to online learning platforms in mathematics education?
• What is the impact of different healthcare policies on patient outcomes in various countries?

Experimental research question examples

• What are the effects of a new drug on reducing symptoms of a specific medical condition?
• Does a dietary intervention have an impact on weight loss among individuals with obesity?

Qualitative research question examples

• What are the lived experiences of immigrants adapting to a new culture?
• What factors influence job satisfaction among healthcare professionals?

Quantitative research question examples

• Is there a relationship between sleep duration and academic performance among college students?
• How effective is a specific intervention in reducing anxiety levels among individuals with phobias?

With these simple guidelines and inspiring examples of research questions, you are equipped to embark on your research journey with confidence and purpose. Here’s wishing you all the best for your future endeavors!

References:

• How to write a research question: Steps and examples. Indeed Career Guide. Available online at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-research-questions

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200 Best Ideas for Research Paper Topics in 2023

The discussion you have started should be provoking and intriguing. If your statement is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

Writing a research paper may seem challenging, even though it is a substantial part of everyday student life. You are required to write at least one research paper in a semester for the majority of your subjects.

Do not underestimate research projects. They will demand a lot of time and effort from you. At the same time, do not let your research paper give you anxiety or hurt your overall studies.

To minimize worries and stress while working on the research paper, you must be confident in your topic. There are times when you are assigned the topic, but more frequently, you will have to create one yourself.

The discussion you start should be thought-provoking and intriguing. If your content is unique and interesting, you will definitely get a high grade and respect from your professors.

How to Select the Best Research Paper Topic?

When choosing your research paper topic, you need to make sure it is neither boring nor overdone. An interesting and innovative topic will intrigue your readers and motivate them to read the entire piece. But if you don’t know how to create a topic on your own, use the help of our editors.

Here are some things to consider when selecting an appropriate topic:

The Field Of  Your Interest

It’s no secret that you will not be able to write a good insightful research paper if you are not interested in the subject overall, or in the topic in general. On the other hand, if the topic is linked to the field of your interest, you can consider yourself lucky.

Passion and interest in a topic will make it easier to explore the theme and write about it. If you enjoy science, you should be able to talk non-stop about it. The same goes for writing about it.

A Topic Should Be Clear

You need to be sure to understand everything clearly when you choose an essay topic . Do not hesitate to ask questions if there are some unclear points. The more you understand, the simpler it is for you to write a successful research paper. You need to show the readers that you’re a master of the topic and not a confused newbie who does not know what you’re talking about.

Be Precise And Specific

You need to completely understand that you are not writing a descriptive essay. A research paper is an accurate and thorough work, which is based on facts. You cannot waterdown your text. Your statement should be supported with examples or references to other reputable research and academic work.

Be Innovative

How innovative can you be when discussing The French Revolution or Pearl Harbor? However, an innovative approach can give you the edge among other students. A topic should address the matter from a different and surprising perspective. With a deep investigation, you may even find the little known facts that can blow your readers’ minds. This approach will intrigue your readers and will make you research paper stand out..

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Ideas for Research Paper Topics

Without a good topic, writing a research paper can be a student’s worst nightmare. So, how do you come up with one? There are dozens of ways to brainstorm, such as discussing with classmates, reading topic prompts, sample papers, magazines, journals, blogs, or books.

Research Paper Topic by Category

Here are some examples of topics you may choose:

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

You have to present facts to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic. Your introduction and concluding paragraph must be equally strong. Take a look at the following argumentative research topics examples:

• Are athletes good role models?
• Is the minimum wage too high?
• Homelessness: Who is to blame?
• Do we need shorter working weeks?
• What is the ideal age of consuming alcohol?

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

As a speaker or writer, it is your responsibility to persuade the reader about an issue. Persuasive writing, therefore, should move people and shake their emotions. If, for example, you want to convince people coffee is good for their bodies, then you must do it artistically, and convincingly.

Take a look at these examples of persuasive research topics:

• Using animals to conduct research experiments is wrong.
• Parents should monitor the websites their children visit.
• Domestic gender violence is on the rise.
• Children’s exposure to media: Do parental controls work?
• There are many cybercrimes today, and they are going to increase.
• America should adopt a policy of non-involvement in global conflicts.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

There are people who like to court controversy whenever they say or do something, more so in public. A good example here is an activist. Whether it is advocacy for gay rights or same-sex marriage, writing on issues like these can be painstakingly difficult. So, you need a strong topic right from the beginning. Controversial topics for a research paper like the following will most certainly get you moving in the right direction:

• Gay partners and child adoption.
• Surrogate mothers and societal worldview.
• Violence in media content.
• STEM subjects should be mandatory.
• Sex education in middle school.
• Should homework be abolished?

Are you having a hard time looking for a comprehensive research paper topic? Try to find the best one by using our topic generation tool.

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

Maybe you have picked a research topic from the above categories for your paper. However, a good college student knows you need a plan B. So here are some other great topics.

• Is college education in line with the job market?
• Should colleges be faith-based institutions?
• Should universities have special accommodation facilities for the disabled?
• How has the institution of marriage changed in the postmodern world?
• Is there a difference between a man’s and a woman’s heart?
• What are the possible health benefits of childbearing and parenting?
• Exploring unfair child labor in the workplace.
• The significance of ethics to business and how to control bad behavior.
• How is cross-border BPO affecting the gross domestic product in your country?
• Which companies will make it to the top 5 best in the next decade?
• Terrorism and how it affects businesses.
• Are universities becoming business-driven?
• Causes of data rape and how to prevent it.
• Should licensed gun holders be allowed to carry their weapons to school?
• Ex-convicts and job searching. Is it difficult finding employment?
•  Should colleges pay student-athletes and how should they do it?
• What should be the basis of workplace promotion: seniority, degree, or performance evaluation?
• The significance of search engine optimization on businesses today.
• Should women be allowed into extreme sports?
• Is feminism changing American society?

Research Paper Topics By Level of Education

Notably, topic difficulty or complexity varies with the level of education. A graduate student will write a high school essay with great ease, while the reverse will result in a lot of difficulties on the part of the student.

In this post, we also help you choose topics based on your academic level while keeping in mind that research paper writing lends credence to student performance.

The research paper topics can often be overwhelming, and to make the process easier and more reliable, many students look for APA format paper writing services . The services are beneficial and provide access to professional knowledge in writing a research paper and ensure that all guidelines are followed.

High School Research Paper Topics

If you are a student in high school, here is a list of topics that you may consider:

• Should the government legalize the use of smartphones in high school classrooms?
• Leadership training in high school.
• Are secondary schools doing enough in harnessing the debating skills of students?
• Explore Plato’s philosophy of mathematics.

College Research Paper Topics

Next, here are some college research paper topics to choose from. They include the following:

• Explore the design and construction of thermal plants around the globe.
• Analyze how the free software movement is positively transforming the world.
• Analyze cognitive development in children.
• How does the government assess the health care needs of communities?
• Pre-election and the effects on voter conduct.
• Discuss how to plan for college tuition.
• How does menstruation affect young girls?
• Substance abuse among college students and its effects on their performance and behavior.
• What brings about societal stereotypes?
• Factual evidence that AIDS originated from monkeys.

Research Paper Topics By Subject

Another way of choosing the best research paper topic is based on the subject, whether you are a college or high school student. Whether it is in biology, physics, science, literature, history, or psychology, this approach works at all levels of education. Research papers are quite challenging for the average student to write, so it’s no wonder why many students may want to look into options for high school essays for money . A great topic for your research paper should be something engaging that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading.

Research Paper Topics on Technology

• Cybersecurity: Can we really be safe?
• How can technology help in preventing terrorist attacks?
• How close did we get to Artificial Intelligence?
• What technological innovations promise to change the third decade of the 21st century?
• How do regular people influence technological progress?
• What technologies does NASA use to explore Mars?
• How did Bill Gates and Steve Jobs change the world?
• How did cloud technologies change data storing?
• Can virtual reality substitute for an actual reality?
• What is the future of the internet?

Research Paper Topics on Environment

• How did climate change in the last 30 years?
• Why some believe that global warming is a hoax?
• What are the best ways to reduce global warming?
• How does global warming alter wildlife?
• Ocean pollution: Unseen tragedies.
• Effective ways of reducing air pollution.
• How can alternative types of energy help to preserve the Earth’s natural resources?
• Endangered species – How can we preserve them?
• Recycling. What did you do to make the world a better place?
• Drinking water for all – How can we achieve it?

Research Paper Topics on Legal Issues

• How do torrenting sites influence creativity and copyright?
• Should marijuana be legalized at the national level?
• How did the legalization of same-sex marriage influence the USA?
• Are punishments for sex crimes fair?
• Should there be a law preventing cyber-bullying?
• Where is the line between artistic photos and pornography?
• How does a new adoption law in Russia refuse orphans their chance for happiness?
• Various laws on abortion around the world.
• How do prostitution laws differ around the world?

Topics on Business

• How can one turn a business idea into a successful startup?
• How can creative marketing increase your sales?
• Does taxation aim to kill small businesses?
• Effective time-management for big and small teams.
• Is multitasking a productive method of work?
• Sexual harassment in the working environment.
• How benefits can make your employees happy.
• How do big corporations regularly break the law and get away with it?
• What are the various minimum wages around the world? Should The Universal Declaration of Human Rights control them?
• What were the most successful businesses in the first two decades of the 21st century?

Topics on World Politics

• How did Angela Merkel change Europe?
• Impeachment against Donald Trump: Will it happen?
• The consequences of Brexit for European values.
• Is Vladimir Putin sponsoring global terrorism?
• How can world politicians unite against the threat that Russia poses?
• Can North and South Korea unite again?
• How can we eliminate dictatorial regimes in the 21st century?
• Conflicts in Africa.
• Do refugees pose any threat to the hosting country?
• How can the world unite to fight racism?

Topics on Religion

• Is Christianity at its dusk?
• Can any religion justify crimes against humanity?
• The most popular new age religions.
• Sexual abuse in the church.
• Should religious beliefs influence health matters?
• How do various religions oppress women?
• The political context of the global religions throughout time.
• How does agnosticism balance between atheism and various religions?
• Are we witnessing a new religion forming?
• Myths of creation through global religions.

Topics on Health

• The effects of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana on a human body.
• Vaccination in the 21st century.
• The most controversial issues of birth control.
• Alzheimer’s: ways of prevention.
• Euthanasia – An assisted suicide?
• How can research help cure AIDS?
• Are there effective ways to prevent cancer?
• How do fats positively affect the human body and the mind?
• Anorexia and obesity – Two sides to one story.
• The importance of mental health.

Topics on Social Issues

• How does social media influence interpersonal communication?
• How can team sports affect social abilities?
• LGBT tolerance around the world.
• Global citizenship: Pros and cons.
• How to deal with social anxiety.
• How can one defend privacy issues on Facebook and other social media?
• How to stop bullying in schools.
• Discrimination of black women in modern-day America.
• Ethnicities that created the USA.
• Gender stereotypes in the workplace.

Topics on Education

• How to achieve literacy for all.
• Is it worth accumulating a huge debt to achieve higher education in the USA?
• How can the government make a teacher’s profession become more appealing?
• How can we modernize education to make it more appealing?
• How do dress codes in schools discriminate against women?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling?
• Is the present educational system capable of creating geniuses?
• The importance of multilingual education.
• Guns in school. How to achieve a safe environment.
• Do grades do justice to students’ knowledge?

Topics on Popular Culture

• The best music projects of 2020.
• How do reality shows influence teenagers?
• Do celebrities form a specific cast in today’s world?
• How much do people depend on heroes? Marvel and DC Cinematic Universes.
• How do American and Japanese popular cultures intertwine with each other?
• Sexism and ageism in modern Hollywood.
• Do shows like American Idol, the Voice, and X-factor really aim to find and develop talents?
• The female role in the world according to Beyonce’s Lemonade.
• How did YouTube change popular culture?
• The meaning of the Harry Potter Book Series in promoting reading.

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Easy Research Paper Topics

Women’s issues.

• Are birth control pills good or bad?
• Are married women with children happier than single women who did not give birth to a child?
• Are there health benefits to having children?
• Breast cancer rates are increasing among women in the US. What factors contribute to these rates?
• Do women with higher testosterone levels have an athletic advantage compared to women whose testosterone levels are not high?
• Has the feminist movement been a help to women or not?
• Has the modern-day feminist movement lost its track?
• How are cultural expectations of women different in Muslim vs. Western nations?
• How common is domestic abuse, or child abuse?
• How do the female hormones protect women from heart disease?
• How does the education of women change society?
• How has feminism changed America? The world?
• How has marriage changed?
• How is heart health different for men and women?
• How has society’s expectations for women to get married and have kids haven’t changed for centuries, even today?
• How to help girls from unprivileged towns and neighborhoods get educated?
• Should women participate in extreme sports?
• What are the most important health risks for women to be aware of?
• What is a maid? Is there an acceptable or unacceptable definition for this job?
• What is female genital mutilation and how is it connected with AIDS in Africa?
• What is the effect of birth control and pregnancy on the mental health of a woman?
• What is the history of marriage?
• Why do a vast majority of women refuse to report their husbands for domestic abuse? What can be done to help them?
• Why do people marry?
• Women in politics: why do a small percentage of them succeed?
• Are athletes overpaid? Do footballers deserve multi-million contracts? How their salaries influence their performance?
• Can anyone compete in a marathon? Should everyone try it at least once? Necessary measures to take in order to compete in this kind of race
• Choose a sport and the best athlete that has ever played it. Justify why is that person the greatest of all times
• Has Title 9 hurt men’s athletics? Should there be changes?
• Have Olympic Games improved or worsened through history?
• How money influences the football world today
• How much does the crowd at sports events influence the game? Does the roar of the fans or their chants really cause the team to win or lose?
• How successful has Title 9 been in changing access to sports for women?
• Is there a sport that should be added to the Olympic Games?
• Research the history of a sport of your choice. How has the game changed throughout history?
• Should college athletes get paid? If so, how should that be done?
• Should male and female athletes be paid equally?
• Should players form unions to protect their rights?
• The impact of the Olympic Games on the economy of the hosting nation?
• What do people learn from playing competitive sports?
• What does the public think about female athletes?
• Why do all children need to play competitive sports in school? How would regular sports activity benefit their health and school performance?
• Why do so many young people get injured while playing sports? Is it accidental and unavoidable or is there a way to prevent injuries? Choose between talking about sports in general or discussing some specific sport of your choice.

Criminal justice

• African-American men are more likely to spend time in prison in the United States than any other group.  What is the underlying cause of this negative trend? What can be done to stop it?
• After every terrorist attack, it turns out police received reports about the potential danger. Why do they always ignore these calls?
• Are prison sentences for rapes effective? Do convicted rapists recommit their crimes later?
• Criminal activities are widely prevalent in news shows, reality TV, television shows, and movies. Does the constant exposure to crime on TV promote these activities and give people ideas?
• The death sentence has a long history, but did it help decrease crime rates across the US?
• Do convicted criminals abandon their ways and turn into law-abiding citizens?
• Do organizations like Prison Fellowship, which attempt to reform prisoners through faith, produce long-term results in changed lives?
• Do some people have a genetic predisposition to commit a crime? If so, should government approve genetic testing on criminals?
• Does non-dangerous “hazing” add to the rituals and community of an organization? Describe pros and cons of having new members participate in initiation traditions.
• How can prisoners help rehabilitate prisoners?
• How difficult is it to ex-convicts to find a job?
• How does Trump’s victory at the presidential election affect the judicial system in the United States today?
• How should the background of the criminal (psychosis, intelligence, family environment, genetic predispositions) affect the decision in a criminal case?
• Is Mandatory Minimum sentencing a good idea? Does it aid crime prevention?
• Many prisoners re-commit crimes because they find it difficult to cope with “real world” after spending years in prison. What can be done to help them adapt to the new reality after leaving prison?
• The number of DUI arrests increases constantly. What can be done about this problem?
• On-campus violence: causes and solutions
• Online bullying is a common occurrence nowadays. Should cyber-bullies face criminal prosecution?
• Out of fear of potential mistake, prisoners on a death row in many states are still waiting for their executions. Does the possibility of wrong death outweigh the need for justice? Is there justice for family members of victims?
• Police brutality: causes and potential solutions
• Rates of teens engaging in criminal activities keep increasing. How did media contribute to this negative trend?
• Should all states have equal laws? Would it prevent some criminals from committing their unlawful deeds?
• Should DUI laws be the same across all states?
• Should girls and women who falsely accuse someone of raping them face criminal prosecution?
• Should people convicted of a DUI be able to attend classes to prevent having their driver’s license revoked?
• Should schools allow people with licenses to carry concealed weapons?
• Should some crimes require a mandatory death sentence?
• Should terrorist suspects be tried in American courts?
• Some states have already legalized marijuana. How did cannabis use affect crime rates in these states? Did they go up or down?
• Teen gangs and socioeconomic status of households: are they related?
• The Innocence Project has released more than 300 convicted criminals based primarily on DNA evidence. Many states give no compensation to those released. Should the compensation be mandatory?
• The use of art, music, or theater therapy is a common method of rehabilitating prisoners. How effective are these approaches?
• What are the causes of acquaintance rape? How can it be prevented?
• What does the general public think about death penalty?
• What is the underlying cause (or more of them) behind re-committing crimes?
• Why do some people become serial killers? Are there any signs in their behavior to look for?
• Why is police brutal when arresting black suspects?
• Are older children more successful?
• Child labor is a sad reality in third-world countries. Do we contribute to child labor by purchasing products from companies who employ children in their factories?
• Do small businesses have a chance to succeed in the competitive market today?
• How do blogs help revolutionize businesses?
• How did the NAFTA agreement affect business in the United States?
• How does birth order affect people in a work environment?
• How has terrorism affected businesses?
• How important is branding for a business?
• Importance of ethics in business: what are the consequences of unethical behavior?
• Past, present, and future of search engine optimization (SEO)?
• Should companies promote employees based on seniority, college degrees or evaluations of performance?
• Should employees be allowed more flexible leave time for caring for children and elderly parents?
• What is the best way to grow jobs and reduce the unemployment rate?

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

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Top-notch Research Paper Topics List

29 November, 2020

16 minutes read

Author:  Kate Smith

You know how they say: “Be strong; the beginnings to great things are always the hardest”? And though you might not consider writing a research paper and choosing a good research paper topic a really great thing, you see our point. If you are having troubles getting started with the composition in question, we have good news for you.

We have come up with a lengthy list of good research paper topics that will come in handy if you are running out of research paper ideas. Sounds like something you can use? Then don’t hesitate to make the most out of it!

And if you would rather order a whole piece from a professional, we can be of much help here too. Our research paper writing service can craft a piece for you at any time and on any topic. Just drop us a line!

But before we dive into various topics we have to offer, consider checking out our recommendations on how to find argumentative research paper topics all by yourself.

What is a Good Topic for a Research Paper?

There are several facets of a good research paper topic. To put it short, your theme should be:

When you pose a topic for your research, be sure that it is clear. A reader should be able to understand its purpose right away. If he doesn’t, you did not do a very good job formulating the subject line.

No kidding: you should do your best to be innovative even if you are writing a paper on something as old as time. It might not be simple, but we’re sure you can find a new perspective if you dedicate enough time to the search.

The paper must contain precise figures or facts. They are at the core of your research. Don’t confuse this type of composition with descriptive writing. They have nothing in common. So, focus on precise data: that’s exactly what your readers expect from you.

How to Choose Interesting Research Paper Topics

Before you take one of the topics we suggest, we recommend you to try to come up with a good topic yourself. It might be easier than you think. Here are several ways to spot an interesting idea:

Think of Something You Find Interesting.

There are always things we find astonishing but don’t have enough time to explore deeper. Maybe this is your chance to give it some time and conduct in-depth research. Of course, take into account the discipline and the academic level required. Thus, it’s pretty clear that you can’t talk about the Vietnam War for the Social Studies class paper (unless you’re looking into the differences of the military operations impact on the civilians and soldiers).

Choose a Topic With Sufficient Data for the Research.

The main point of writing this paper lies in finding information at various credible sources and refining it. Therefore, if you pick a subject that is somewhat new or wasn’t studied well in the past, you’ll have no information to work with. That is why the availability of credible information is vital to the success of the writing process.

Narrow the Subject Down.

The subject you find great interest in might be too broad. Not to sound too shallow, it’s better for you to pick just one perspective of the problem and study it carefully. This way you will be able to dive deep enough into the research instead of just hitting the high spots.

These are our recommendations on how to choose a theme on your own. Now let’s look into other tips we’d like to offer to you before you get down to writing.

Related post: How to write an Argumentative essay 

How to write an outline for a research paper

While you can find all the essential information in our guide on how to write a perfect research paper outline , here we’ll introduce you to the basics.

• Find an engaging topic. For it, read on to see what subject line we have to offer.
• Create a list of credible sources to take a look at. You can either ask you tutor for recommendations, surf the web, or go old school and visit a library for suggestions.
• Mark all the elements you will add to your outline.
• Briefly explain what each of these components will be about. But don’t bury the blueprint under too many details. Keep it short!
• Finally, find good examples to explore.

Now, that you understand how to craft a plan for your paper, have our tips to help you out along the way, your only job is to find good topic ideas to write about. And we can help you with that too!

Note that our company provides academic writing help. You can buy a research paper written from scratch by our  essay writer .

Now that you know your ways around crafting good research papers, we want to introduce you to our list of various ideas you can conduct a thorough research on. Use our ideas if coming up with your own is something you don’t want to deal with at the moment.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Are people with the IQ level above the average really unhappy?
• Eating disorders: Are they necessarily associated with the self-image issues?
• The impact of stress on the mental health of a person.
• The nature and causes of child violence.
• Insomnia as a valid excuse for breaking the rules or committing crimes.
• Race relations in the USA in the 20th century and today.
• The nature and causes of sexual orientation: Different perspectives on the issue.

Easy Research Paper Topics

• The glass ceiling: Myth or reality?
• Popular ventures started without money.
• The history of the social media boom around the globe.
• Top tech startups of the 21st century.
• Video games and their impact on the development of young people.
• Animal testing across the globe.
• Is global warming real?
• Has the Internet become a safer place with the cybersecurity principles implementation?
• The impact of the screen time on a child’s mental development.
• The US election system: The history and principles behind it.

World History Research Paper Topics

• The life and traditions of the first Gladiators.
• Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Bits and pieces of the tragedy.
• The history of Singapore: From worst to first.
• North Korea: Dictatorship ideology and its complications.
• The establishment of the League of Nations.
• Racial discrimination origins.
• The history of the Gutenberg Bible.
• The most powerful opponent of Germany in the WWI.
• Egyptian pyramids: The history and meaning.
• The history of Christianity.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

• The history of modern Israel.
• Abortion: “My body – my rules” or the discrimination of the unborns’ rights?
• How Facebook shaped the way people communicate today.
• Beauty pageants: Celebration of the beauty or discrimination in disguise?
• Death penalty around the globe.
• Implications of gun control in the USA.
• Creationism against Evolution.
• Physical punishment as a core principle of children’s upbringing.
• The origins of the “invasion of privacy” notion across the world.
• The impact of social media addiction on young people.
• Genetic predisposition to committing a crime.

High School Research Paper Topics

• School uniform: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
• The effect of sexual acts displays on TV.
• The American Dream of Generation X and the Millennials.
• Biggest cults existing today in the world.
• Learning disabilities: Their nature, causes, and solutions.
• The history of Somalia.
• The portrayal of a woman in the social media today and 20 years ago.
• Freedom of expression.
• The poorest nations in the world.
• The effect of feminism on Europe.
• The impact of classical music on one’s brain.

Literature Research Paper Topics

• The relevance of the US Literature class choices to the modern youth.
• Examples of literature pieces that shaped whole cultures across the globe.
• Feminism in literature.
• The issue of the Holocaust in the world’s literature.
• The first translations of the Bible.
• Literature is known to be most effective in the struggle against illiteracy in different cultures.
• The brightest images of Death in literature.
• The history of slavery in Africa in world literature.
• Romanticism in Spanish literature.
• The moralism of the British literature of the 20th century.

College Research Paper Topics

• Success stories of college dropouts.
• The rarest phobias and fears people have.
• The history of e-learning around the globe.
• Can higher education grant a successful future career?
• Should grades be banned from the educational system?
• The use and harm of vaccination.
• The new emerging specializations and professions of the 21st century.
• The most effective teaching methods today.
• The History of the Ivy League.
• College re-organization for the better future of education.
• Private vs. Public colleges in the USA: Pros and cons.

Persuasive Research Paper Topics

• Antisemitism origins.
• Sex education pushes the youth to involve in sexual relations too early.
• The last days of newspapers in our media-controlled world.
• The danger of the GMO.
• Impact of Instagram on teenagers’ self-esteem.
• Pros and cons of studying at a single-sex school.
• Overpopulation management.
• Deforestation: Are we digging our own grave this way?
• People using cell phones while driving should be held criminally liable.
• Paying children for good grades: Different perspectives on the issue.

Sports Research Paper Topics

• The greatest athlete in the history of the world.
• The history of the Olympic Games.
• Why are cybersports considered sports?
• The history of marathons and their use today.
• Doping in sports.
• The use of playing competitive sports.
• The most dangerous sports from all over the world.
• Should sports be used as a therapy in prisons?
• Should student athletes be paid for playing sports?
• The effect of physical activities on the human’s brain.

Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

• Prisoners falsely accused and then released should receive financial compensation from the state.
• Sexual harassment problem in Europe and the USA.
• Should corporate abuse be considered a criminal injustice case?
• The death penalty in different countries.
• Hate crime history in the USA.
• Control over the brutal behavior of guardsmen at prisons.
• Should mental issues affect the court judgment?
• Sex slavery: Should people buying and selling sex slaves be sentenced to the death penalty?
• Should the criminals be allowed to vote?
• Two sides of the Mandatory Minimum sentencing.

Topics about Technology for the Research Paper

• Will artificial intelligence substitute humans at a workplace?
• Saving the Earth today with the aid of state-of-the-art technologies.
• Self-driving cars development history.
• The history of Virtual and Augmented realities.
• Positive use of nuclear energy and the future.
• How does the lie detector work? Is this a trustworthy technology?
• The history of aviation in the world.

Medical Research Paper Topics

• Why animal testing should be stopped.
• The history of the Placebo treatment.
• Euthanasia: What doctors from different countries think about it.
• The use of vegetarianism: The myth or reality?
• Mental breakdown: Causes and prevention.
• The notion of mood in medicine.
• Should marijuana be allowed for recreational purposes?
• Should vaccination be mandatory?
• The history of plague in Europe.
• The most dangerous virus of today.

Ethics Research Paper Topics

• Religion and morality: Are people with strong moral beliefs more moral than atheists?
• Should teachers be allowed to carry weapons to school?
• Prostitution across the globe.
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Paparazzi and the invasion of celebrities’ privacy.
• Parents should monitor their kids’ Internet use.
• Do laws generally patronize women and discriminate against men?
• Adoption by single parents vs. adoption by a two-parent family today.
• Countries that use child labor: Should we use their products?
• Should breastfeeding in public be banned?

Tips on Writing a Research Paper

• Write an outline. An outline will help you stay focused. Since this type of writing is quite lengthy, it is easy to lose track along the way. That is why crafting a detailed outline is in your best interest. It will serve as a roadmap or a blueprint of the whole project.
• Start bright. You only have one chance to make a positive first impression. That is why you simply cannot afford writing a dull introduction. There are certain rules on how to start a research paper, and you’d better stick to the rules as described in our guide. A bright opening paragraph will ensure the genuine interest of your audience in what you have to say about the topic and will keep them engaged as you write.
• Use immaculate grammar and spelling. Nothing kills a good paper like poor grammar or spelling. It distracts the reader from the main point and makes him stumble while reading. And if you’re worried that grammar and spelling checking will take up too much of your time, don’t worry: you can always use technologies like Grammarly to do the job for you in seconds.
• Compose a compelling thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central point of your research paper. You need to insert it in the introduction and make sure that this central idea is exactly one sentence long. Make it loud and clear. However, given the length of this vital part of a research paper, don’t bore readers with too many unnecessary details. This means that you should mention what issue you will look into and why but don’t explain in which ways you will achieve this. Here is a complete guide on what is a thesis statement that will walk you through the process step by step. Enjoy!
• Stay within the word count limits. This type of writing has a rather strict word count limit. And you need to stay within it. Tutors don’t have all the time in the world to read long pieces. If you can’t stay within word count limits, they’ll assume you didn’t spend enough time filtering the most vital information out of the research (even if you did). So, not to give them that false impression, don’t make it too short or too long. Make it just right. This is the case when the size matters!
• Ask for help. After spending long hours crafting this paper, you are likely to miss some important points. The thing is that you know exactly what you wanted to say, and mistakes seem to be left unnoticed. Not to let them slip into your text, ask your peers, friends, or family to take a look at your writing. Their fresh perspective might be of much help to you!

We hope our research paper topics ideas will help you pick a theme you are genuinely interested in. We promise: conducting research and diving into the search can be a lot of fun as long as you choose an engaging subject.

Related posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

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60 Most Interesting Technology Research Topics for 2024

August 22, 2024

Scrambling to find technology research topics for the assignment that’s due sooner than you thought? Take a scroll through these 60 interesting technology essay topics in 10 different categories, including controversial technology topics, and some example research questions for each.

Social Technology Research Topics

Whether you have active profiles on every social media platform, you’ve taken a social media break, or you generally try to limit your engagement as much as possible, you probably understand how pervasive social technologies have become in today’s culture. Social technology will especially appeal to those looking for widely discussed, mainstream technology essay topics.

• How do viewers respond to virtual influencers vs. human influencers? Is one more effective or ethical over the other?
• Across social media platforms, when and where is mob mentality most prevalent? How do the nuances of mob mentality shift depending on the platform or topic?
• Portable devices like cell phones, laptops, and tablets have certainly made daily life easier in some ways. But how have they made daily life more difficult?
• How does access to social media affect developing brains? And what about mature brains?
• Can dating apps alter how users perceive and interact with people in real life?
• Studies have proven “doomscrolling” to negatively impact mental health—could there ever be any positive impacts?
• How much can bots truly shape or manipulate opinions on social media? Is their influence positive or negative?
• Social media algorithms can contribute to the spread of sensationalized or controversial stories. Should social media companies be held accountable for misinformation on their platforms?

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology Research Topics

Following cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has been a rollercoaster over the last few years. Since Bitcoin’s conception in 2009, cryptocurrency has consistently showed up on many lists of controversial technology topics, and continues to undergo massive shifts in popularity as well as value.

• Is it ethical for celebrities or influential people to promote cryptocurrencies or cryptographic assets like NFTs ?
• What are the environmental impacts of mining cryptocurrencies? Could those impacts ever change?
• How does cryptocurrency impact financial security and financial health?
• Could the privacy cryptocurrency offers ever be worth the added security risks?
• How might cryptocurrency regulations and impacts continue to evolve?
• Created to enable cryptocurrency, blockchain has since proven useful in several other industries. What new uses could blockchain have?

Artificial Intelligence Technology Research Topics

ChatGPT , voice cloning , and deepfakes continue to be a major source of conversation (and contention). While people have discussed artificial intelligence for ages, recent advances have pushed this topic to the front of our minds. Those searching for controversial technology topics should pay close attention to this section.

• OpenAI –the company behind ChatGPT–has shown commitment to safe, moderated AI tools that they hope will provide positive benefits to society. Sam Altman, their CEO, recently testified before a US Senate committee. He described what AI makes possible and called for more regulation in the industry. But even with companies like OpenAI displaying efforts to produce safe AI and advocating for regulations, can AI ever have a purely positive impact? Are certain pitfalls unavoidable?
• In a similar vein, can AI ever actually be ethically or safely produced? Will there always be certain risks?
• How might AI tools impact society across future generations?
• Countless movies and television shows explore the idea of AI going wrong, going back all the way to 1927’s Metropolis . What has a greater impact on public perception—representations in media or industry developments? And can public perception impact industry developments and their effectiveness?
• Is it ever okay to use voice cloning or deepfakes without the person’s knowledge or consent?

Beauty and Anti-Aging Technology

Throughout human history, people in many cultures have gone to extreme lengths to capture and maintain youth. But technology has taken this pursuit to another level. For those seeking technology essay topics that are both timely and timeless, this one’s a gold mine.

• With augmented reality technology, companies like Perfect allow app users to virtually try on makeup, hair color, hair accessories, and hand or wrist accessories. Could virtual try-ons lead to a somewhat less wasteful beauty industry? What downsides should we consider?
• Users of the Perfect app can also receive virtual diagnoses for skin care issues and virtually “beautify” themselves with smoothed skin, erased blemishes, whitened teeth, brightened under-eye circles, and reshaped facial structures. How could advancements in beauty and anti-aging technology affect self-perception and mental health?
• What are the best alternatives to animal testing within the beauty and anti-aging industry?
• Is anti-aging purely a cosmetic pursuit? Could anti-aging technology provide other benefits?
• Could people actually find a “cure” to aging? And could a cure to aging lead to longer lifespans?
• How might longer human lifespans affect the Earth?
• Should social media influencers be expected to disclose when they are using augmented reality, filters, or Photoshop on their photos?

Geoengineering Technology Research Topics

An umbrella term, geoengineering refers to large-scale technologies that can alter the earth and its climate. Typically, these types of technologies aim to combat climate change. Those searching for controversial technology topics should consider looking into this one.

• What benefits can solar geoengineering provide? Can they outweigh the severe risks?
• Compare solar geoengineering methods like mirrors in space, stratospheric aerosol injection, marine cloud brightening, and other proposed methods. How have these methods evolved? How might they continue to evolve?
• Which direct air capture methods are most sustainable?
• How can technology contribute to reforestation efforts?
• What are the best uses for biochar? And how can biochar help or harm the earth?
• Out of all the carbon geoengineering methods that exist or have been proposed, which should we focus on the most?
• Given the potential unintended consequences, is geoengineering ethical?

Creative and Performing Arts Technology Topics

While tensions often arise between artists and technology, they’ve also maintained a symbiotic relationship in many ways. It’s complicated. But of course, that’s what makes it interesting. Here’s another option for those searching for hot-button technology essay topics.

• How has the relationship between art and technology evolved over time?
• How has technology impacted the ways people create art? And how has technology impacted the ways people engage with art?
• Technology has made creating and viewing art widely accessible. Does this increased accessibility change the value of art? And do we value physical art more than digital art?
• Does technology complement storytelling in the performing arts? Or does technology hinder storytelling in the performing arts?
• Which current issues in the creative or performing arts could potentially be solved with technology?
• Should digital or AI-generated art be valued in the same way as more traditional art forms, like drawing, painting, or sculpting?

Cellular Agriculture Technology Research Topics

And another route for those drawn to controversial technology topics: cellular agriculture. You’ve probably heard about popular plant-based meat options from brands like Impossible and Beyond Meat . While products made with cellular agriculture also don’t require the raising and slaughtering of livestock, they are not plant-based. Cellular agriculture allows for the production of animal-sourced foods and materials made from cultured animal cells.

• Many consumers have a proven bias against plant-based meats. Will that same bias extend to cultured meat, despite cultured meat coming from actual animal cells?
• Which issues can arise from patenting genes?
• Does the animal agriculture industry provide any benefits that cellular agriculture may have trouble replicating?
• How might products made with cellular agriculture become more affordable?
• Could cellular agriculture conflict with the notion of a “ circular bioeconomy ?” And should we strive for a circular bioeconomy? Can we create a sustainable relationship between technology, capitalism, and the environment, with or without cellular agriculture?

Transportation Technology Research Topics

For decades, we’ve expected flying cars to carry us into a techno-utopia, where everything’s shiny, digital, and easy. We’ve heard promises of super fast trains that can zap us across the country or even across the world. We’ve imagined spring breaks on the moon, jet packs, and teleportation. Who wouldn’t love the option to go anywhere, anytime, super quickly? Transportation technology is another great option for those seeking widely discussed, mainstream technology essay topics.

• Once upon a time, Lady Gaga was set to perform in space as a promotion for Virgin Galactic . While Virgin Galactic never actually launched the iconic musician/actor, they launched their first commercial flight full of civilians–who paid $450,000 a pop–on a 90-minute trip into the stars in 2023. And if you think that’s pricey, SpaceX launched three businessmen into space for $55 million in April 2022 (though with meals included, this is actually a total steal). So should we be launching people into space just for fun? What are the impacts of space tourism?
• Could technology improve the way hazardous materials get transported?
• How can the 5.9 GHz Safety Band affect drivers?
• Which might be safer: self-driving cars or self-flying airplanes?
• Compare hyperloop and maglev.  Which is better and why?
• Can technology improve safety for cyclists?

Gaming Technology Topics

A recent study involving over 2,000 children found links between video game play and enhanced cognitive abilities. While many different studies have found the impacts of video games to be positive or neutral, we still don’t fully understand the impact of every type of video game on every type of brain. Regardless, most people have opinions on video gaming. So this one’s for those seeking widely discussed, mainstream, and controversial technology topics.

• Are different types or genres of video games more cognitively beneficial than others? Or are certain gaming consoles more cognitively beneficial than others?
• How do the impacts of video games differ from other types of games, such as board games or puzzles?
• What ethical challenges and safety risks come with virtual reality gaming?
• How does a player perceive reality during a virtual reality game compared to other types of video games?
• Can neurodivergent brains benefit from video games in different ways than neurotypical brains?

Medical Technology

Advancements in healthcare have the power to change and save lives. In the last ten years, countless new medical technologies have been developed, and in the next ten years, countless more will likely emerge. Always relevant and often controversial, this final technology research topic could interest anyone.

• Which ethical issues might arise from editing genes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology? And should this technology continue to be illegal in the United States?
• How has telemedicine impacted patients and the healthcare they receive?
• Can neurotechnology devices potentially affect a user’s agency, identity, privacy, and/or cognitive liberty?
• How could the use of medical 3-D printing continue to evolve?
• Are patients more likely to skip digital therapeutics than in-person therapeutic methods? And can the increased screen time required by digital therapeutics impact mental health?

Now that you’ve picked from this list of technology essay topics, do a deep dive and immerse yourself in new ideas, new information, and new perspectives. And of course, now that these topics have motivated you to change the world, look into the best computer science schools , the top feeders to tech and Silicon Valley , the best summer programs for STEM students , and the best biomedical engineering schools .

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Mariya holds a BFA in Creative Writing from the Pratt Institute and is currently pursuing an MFA in writing at the University of California Davis. Mariya serves as a teaching assistant in the English department at UC Davis. She previously served as an associate editor at Carve Magazine for two years, where she managed 60 fiction writers. She is the winner of the 2015 Stony Brook Fiction Prize, and her short stories have been published in Mid-American Review , Cutbank , Sonora Review , New Orleans Review , and The Collagist , among other magazines.

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113 Great Research Paper Topics

General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Current Events

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

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

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

Science/Environment

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

How to Write a Great Research Paper

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

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

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

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

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

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

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

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

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

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

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Topics for Research Papers: Diverse Research Ideas Across Disciplines

Table of contents

• 1 Why Is the Choice of Subject in Research Papers So Important? 
• 2 How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?
• 3 Business Research Paper Topics
• 4 Media and Communications Research Paper Topics
• 5 Psychology Research Paper Topics
• 6 Argumentative Research Paper Topics
• 7 Controversial Topics for Research Paper
• 8 Easy Research Paper Topics
• 9 Research Topic in Natural Sciences
• 10 Sociology Research Paper Topics
• 11 Family Research Paper Topics
• 12 Discrimination Research Paper Topics
• 13 Law Research Paper Topics
• 14 Environmental Research Paper Topics
• 15 Education Research Paper Topics
• 16 Science and Technology Research Paper Topics
• 17 College Research Paper Topics
• 18 Health Research Paper Topics
• 19 Politics Research Paper Topics
• 20 History Research Paper Topics
• 21 Music Research Paper Topics
• 22.1 After Choosing the Research Topic
• 22.2 Closing Thoughts

When students approach the final stage of their academic journey, they immediately begin to think about the need to develop their research project to add to their college curriculum. To do this, students start searching for the best research paper topics. From then on, many insecurities and doubts will haunt the minds of these college education students who will have a big job ahead of them with the best research paper topic.

To help students during this challenging phase of their education, we can help them explore various interesting research paper topics, figure out which one aligns with their interests, and start working on it well ahead of the deadline.                    

Why Is the Choice of Subject in Research Papers So Important?  

The final project of a student who is in college is a research paper. However, the student needs to start working on it before the end of their program. It is known that the sooner you begin this process, the more time and tranquility you will find to develop it. Therefore, a research paper will review what experts on a given subject have published in the literature, making the student choose and defend a point of view concerning a thesis statement. Writing one successfully requires surveys and data to back your idea or topic and choose a good research paper topic.

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a research paper topic is a crucial step in the research process . It’s important to select a topic that interests you, aligns with your academic goals, and is feasible to research. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pick a good research paper topic :

• Pick a subject that you’re passionate about! If you’re passionate about your subject, the research process will be more relevant, and you will have more research topic ideas.
• Concentrate on a doable topic.
• You will only be able to focus if your topic is narrow enough.
• Examine the subject selection instructions provided in your assignment—request advice from your lecturer or TA.
• Always refer to important materials and notes about classes so that you are up to date on the topic.
• Brainstorm research topics with a friend. They will be able to help you write your emphasis and raise concerns that will not be present at the time of your presentation.
• Consider the following questions for your research topic ideas: who, what, when, where, and why:

WHY did you choose this particular topic? What piques your curiosity about it?

WHO are the sources of information, and who is impacted?

WHAT are the most important questions about this subject?

WHERE does your topic matter most: locally, nationally, or internationally?

WHEN did your topic become important? Is this a current issue or one from the past?

Business Research Paper Topics

A study of the business is current and significant. It allows data and information to be collected about commercial relationships worldwide. In this way, students can delve deeper into an important economics and professional development topic, finding solutions and discussing results. Sometimes, one can get research paper writing to assist in situations where it is inconvenient. Some examples of these business research paper topics include:

• The influence of employee benefits on representative efficiency.
• The difficulties of managing workgroup conflict.
• Start-ups: Examining the challenges that arise during the early stages of a business.
• How to work with open and closed systems in business.
• Workgroups’ ability to evolve to meet the needs of the future.
• Inter-authoritative networks and leadership strategies.
• Product and service improvements made in significant cooperation.
• How to manage an organization’s emergencies.
• The effect of full quality management practices on client retention and satisfaction.
• Effective time management as a tool for authoritative endurance.

Media and Communications Research Paper Topics

The research work developed in the area of the media manages to provide students with information about mass communication and its importance. With the advent of the internet and all its nuances, it is increasingly important to develop studies and research to understand the effects of media and communication in the social context. Some communication research topics can explore include:

• The influence of the media on real-life relationships.
• The role of the media in the expression of social issues.
• Consequences of mass media on society’s ethical well-being.
• The advantages of using the media to anticipate a crisis.
• How the media infringes on citizens’ rights.
• What role does the media play in spreading awareness?
• The significance of trustworthy ads.
• The impact of the media on a country’s political elite.
• Is the media good or harmful to the economy?
• What role does the media play in technological advancement?

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Many subjects can be approached within the theme of psychology. It is an area of science that allows us to carry out different studies with various themes and views. However, the student must be able to choose an important topic for the psychology and academic context. Your teacher’s attention is drawn to an engaging and novel topic. Here are some ideas for you:

• What impact do violent video games have on children’s brain development?
• Do violent cartoons impact our children’s behavior and mental health?
• What impact does divorce have on a child’s emotional blooming?
• An introverted child’s social anxiety and sadness.
• How does bullying affect high school or college students’ social interactions?
• When a person is in love, how does the brain work?
• Differences in the way a man’s and a woman’s brains work
• Is there a link between PTSD and Alzheimer’s disease?
• Sleep paralysis causes and effects
• What is the best way to deal with multiple personality disorders?

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

The student must choose an argumentative research paper topic because you will have to defend a thesis during the work. By opting for a good research paper topic of your interest, you will base yourself on various materials already published on the subject to develop your thoughts and arguments to defend your initial idea chosen as the main subject of your work.

• The role of government in addressing income inequality.
• The pros and cons of school uniform policies.
• Analyzing the effects of violent video games on behavior.
• The effectiveness of abstinence-only sex education programs.
• The impact of fast food advertising on childhood obesity.
• The role of government in regulating online privacy.
• The pros and cons of school voucher programs.
• Examining the impact of standardized testing on education.
• The ethics of capital punishment for juveniles.
• The ethics of human organ trafficking.

Controversial Topics for Research Paper

• High times or high risks? The legalization of recreational marijuana use.
• Locked and loaded: The endless debate on gun control policies.
• To kill or not to kill: The ongoing debate on capital punishment.
• Drones in the crosshairs: Balancing security and privacy.
• The ethics of human cloning and genetic engineering.
• Vaccination controversies: Mandates, exemptions, and public health.
• Affirmative action under scrutiny: Equity in college admissions.
• The ethics of assisted suicide and euthanasia.
• Balancing surveillance and civil liberties.
• Nuclear power and weapons: Weighing the benefits and risks.
• Solitary confinement: Cruel punishment or necessary measure?
• Rise of the machines: Artificial intelligence, employment, and ethics.
• Animals in entertainment: Whose amusement at what cost?
• Privacy vs. security: Government surveillance and individual rights.
• Playing God: The ethics of human gene editing and designer babies.
• Statues and symbols: The controversy surrounding Confederate memorials.
• Fracking unveiled: The controversy surrounding hydraulic fracturing.

Easy Research Paper Topics

• The effects of fast food consumption on health.
• The benefits of reading for personal development.
• Strategies for stress reduction in everyday life.
• The role of family in child development.
• The history of famous inventions.
• Strategies for effective communication in relationships.
• The history and impact of social movements.
• The influence of advertising on consumer choices.
• Strategies for healthy eating on a budget.
• The importance of setting goals in life.

Research Topic in Natural Sciences

• The impact of ocean acidification on marine life
• Exploring the genetic diversity of soil microbes and their influence on crop health.
• Studying the impacts of emerging contaminants on freshwater ecosystems.
• Understanding the dynamics of emerging zoonotic diseases in wildlife populations.
• The use of CRISPR in gene editing.
• The use of drones in disaster response.
• The effects of light pollution on nocturnal insect communities in urban areas.
• Natural toxins in plants: mechanisms, benefits, and risks in agriculture.
• Climate change and its effects on algal blooms and water quality in 2023.
• The ecological significance of wetland restoration efforts in 2023.

Sociology Research Paper Topics

The sociology discipline is responsible for studying human behavior within society. These studies will address how people behave in social relationships and groups and how cultures and customs emerge. The possibilities for research are endless regarding sociology’s enormous reach and continually changing societal trends. Choose the best easy sociology research topics for yourself. Some topic ideas are:

• Is emotional intelligence as crucial as everyone claims?
• Is there a misconception that males are better professionals than women?
• Is homeschooling a hindrance to children’s socialization?
• Abuse marriages have both causes and effects.
• We spend too much time on our phones.
• The ethics of animal experimentation.
• Is recycling beneficial to the environment?
• In the United States, is there a stereotype about Mexicans?
• Racial preconceptions ruin people.
• The need for sex education.

Family Research Paper Topics

It’s not always easy to research family issues. This is mainly because some students may be coming from pleased families. Thus, many concepts might be difficult to comprehend. However, this field of study has the potential to significantly improve the psychological climate in many households throughout the world. Some topics one can research include:

• In the family, there has been sexual abuse. The escape plan and organizations that can assist.
• Resolving religious issues in families.
• Is it possible to rescue oneself from substance abuse in a family if others engage?
• Saving family connections while not inheriting the family business.
• Balancing between family support and allowing young adults to experience living on their own in the transition to adulthood.
• A relationship that is toxic and abusive. Breaking up with a toxic spouse has psychological ramifications.
• Children and adults go through phases of grieving after losing a family member. How can we cope as a group?
• What issues might parents confront when fostering a child?
• When does teen misbehavior become more than a normal desire for independence?
• A generational divide exists. The moral and cultural differences. Is this typical?

Discrimination Research Paper Topics

It is undeniable the massive impact that discrimination has in the society of the past and also of the present. Therefore, articles on discrimination and race relations must be the subject of academic research. Research papers on it can probe and proffer solutions through data found. Much research in this area can be developed, addressing relations of age, religion, race, sexual orientation, and any existing social conflict. Some topics to explore are:

• Colorism as a kind of discrimination.
• Discrimination Against Muslims in the Workplace.
• Discrimination Against Asian Americans in Colleges.
• Discrimination in the Workplace.
• Discrimination against people of color as a result of racial profiling.
• Discrimination Against Muslims in the Workplace is an issue that has to be addressed.
• Discrimination in the Workplace: How to Manage in an Inclusive Environment.
• Discrimination, social exclusion, and violence against LGBT people are issues that the LGBT community faces.
• Discrimination and Equality Struggle.
• Discrimination based on age in the workplace.

Law Research Paper Topics

Another fundamental form of research is legal research. It is a significant topic and one that allows us to have different approaches and points of view. Each country and each historical time will give us an even greater immersion in laws and legal conduct.

The law can be divided into 21 major areas. Just choose one of them to be the topic of your law research . Some areas of law are constitutional law, environmental law, and criminal law, among others. Some good topics include:

• What are the benefits of business rules for institutions and organizations?
• What is business law’s actual nature?
• What do we know about the classification of business rules and the legal regulation of non-consensual adoption in the United States?
• How does the law handle marriage and divorce for mentally ill people?
• The cultural influence of transgender marriage and its legal status in different countries.
• The environment and private property.
• Equal protection under the law and the principle of equality.
• The financial pyramid’s legal aspects.
• Environment-related crimes.
• Exchange Commission and Securities.

Environmental Research Paper Topics

To improve our relationship with nature and preserve it, it is necessary to carry out a lot of debate and research in this area. In this way, we will learn about the importance of ecology and the environment in the lives of all living beings. Developing work on this subject means containing the adverse effects of globalization, industrialization, and the use of nature. This way, we can save ecosystems, avoiding irreparable losses to our planet. Some environment research paper topics  are:

• Analysis and proposed remedies for lung cancer and radon.
• The negative impact of acid rain on aquatic life and natural resources.
• What can we do to protect wildlife from being killed by acid rain?
• What role did prehistoric creatures have in today’s ecosystems?
• The repercussion of air pollution and global warming on human health.
• Can recycling assist people worldwide in improving their health?
• What can be done to protect coral reefs from being destroyed?
• How much are garbage and pesticides to blame for our soil contamination?
• How big is the problem of ocean acidification?
• Permafrost melting and its impact on climate change.

Education Research Paper Topics

It is known that improving the educational system worldwide is imperative, better serving students and society. However, how can we do this? This type of research aims to make education more efficient and accessible for everyone. Some topics to consider are:

• Will one of the aims of modern education be the growth of emotional intelligence?
• Discrimination in education and its impact on students’ futures.
• Mentally ill persons need to be educated and socialized. There are some similarities and some variances.
• Education and censorship. Do we want to protect the pupils, or do we want to help them learn what they need to know?
• How do students in inclusive classrooms perform compared to students in non-inclusive classes?
• Is it still necessary to have grades in today’s education?
• Education and incentive: how to pique the interest of students.
• In what ways may modern education be compared to traditional schooling?
• Bullying and a negative psychological climate in the classroom. Its influence on educational quality.
• The importance of discipline in education and how it affects the learning process.

Science and Technology Research Paper Topics

We can see many positive technical advances in the world these days. However, some have negative consequences. Students must prioritize topics that influence many people’s lives and help develop technological research. At the same time, look at the advantages and preservation of technology in today’s world. Some technology topics include:

• What effect does alcohol intake have on athletes who are training?
• What influence does ADCC activity research have on HIV treatment?
• What function does CDfT-Cell Subsets play in HIV patient progression?
• What is the most significant technical breakthrough of the twentieth century?
• Is it possible for tech to ever replace human intelligence?
• What impact does tech play in genetic engineering’s advancement?
• Can microbial factories help solve the raw metals shortage?
• Is the paleo diet representative of ancient life? Is it the best diet for people?
• Is Europe’s objection to genetically modified crops motivated by science or economic considerations?
• Could molecular biology study into uncommon genetic abnormalities possibly lead to new insights into cancer and other diseases?

College Research Paper Topics

Developing research about the dilemmas faced daily by many students within the university environment is also extremely important. In this way, it becomes possible to analyze more objectively all social relations within the college, the influence of social media, the academic development of students, and especially the results that will be reaped in their profession in the future. The education system is an extensive topic with possibilities to develop easy research paper topics. In addition, it is an environment you are probably already familiar with, thus facilitating the data and information collection process. Some topics about it:

• The importance of higher education in a professional career for middle ages people.
• What are the main reasons that lead students to drop out of college?
• Why should people study foreign languages in college?
• The influence of the digital world on the university world.
• College and the financial hardship faced by many students.
• Doubts about choosing the right college.
• How to enter the job market after completing college.
• What are the main differences between public and private colleges?
• The effects of cyberbullying in the university context.
• What is the ideal human behaviour in the university environment?

Health Research Paper Topics

Academic work must be developed in Health subjects, seeking to understand better the dynamics of health in different world countries and how this influences people’s lives to have physical well-being. We have recently seen the impact of the Covid-19 virus pandemic on our planet. We have seen the collapse of many health systems in many countries’ human relationships. In addition, we also saw despair and suffering in many families with mental health problems. Therefore, we see how necessary it is to develop research projects that help consolidate better care for the population, promoting health and preventing the emergence of new diseases, especially in third-world countries. Some health research paper topics are:

• Support for family members who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.
• Adolescent violence as a public health problem.
• Assistance for people with disabilities living in rural areas.
• Adolescent mental health in public health.
• The evolution of the human body over the years.
• Health problems caused by the use of pesticides.
• How does social media addiction influence people’s health?
• Obesity as a public health problem.
• Health education in schools and through social media.
• How does water quality interfere with public health?

Politics Research Paper Topics

Another research paper topic is politics. Politics is a topic that directly or indirectly involves the lives of all world inhabitants. Through it, we seek our rights, have the strength to fight for our ideologies, and become citizens. Here are some politics research paper topics :

• Policies to face global warming.
• The presence of politics within the education system.
• The influences of the cultural industry in the constitution of public policies.
• Political relations during World War I and World War II.
• The importance of feminism in the political achievement of women’s right to vote.
• Best professional writers on political topics.
• Public policy related to an all-female working environment.
• The importance of public policies that make people aware of drug use.
• The emergence of extremist political ideologies in the 21st century.
• The importance of democracy in politics.

History Research Paper Topics

History is essential for humanity to understand the facts that occurred and their relationship with time. From history, we can develop several exciting research topics as it can investigate what men did, thought, felt, and set in all social dynamics thousands of years ago. Historical knowledge is capable of helping to understand human beings, their attitudes, and their evolution. Some history research paper topics are:

• The historical development of the electoral college.
• Major terrorist attacks throughout history.
• The historical and social importance of gender psychology.
• The changes that came with the end of the Soviet Union.
• The progression of the minimum wage over the years.
• The worldwide impacts of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
• The emergence of offshore bank accounts work and their social impact.
• The Mayan Civilization and Its Cultural Legacy.
• The history of dictatorships in South America and funding from the United States.
• The democratization of access to course material at History College.

Music Research Paper Topics

Music has been present in humanity since the most remote times. Through music, people can express themselves, have fun, relax, and express their opinions. As it is a vast topic, it is possible to do extensive research. Music also allows you to find funny research paper topics to develop. We selected a few good research paper topics here:

• The evolution of the music industry globally.
• The influence of music in the treatment of depression.
• The importance of still producing and listening to traditional music.
• The presence of music in film.
• The main legacies of classical music.
• Songs about self-esteem that encourage obese people.
• School development through music.
• The aid of artificial intelligence in the creation of new songs.
• The effects of music on brain development.
• Songs that address controversial topics and their importance.

Literature Research Paper Topics

Literature is everything that involves the art of the word. We consider literature an instrument capable of making us communicate and interact socially. With literature, we can transmit knowledge, emotions, and stories, and that’s why literature has many good research topics. Literature can provide us with the most interesting research topics. Here are some research paper ideas.

• Literature as a tool of corporate social responsibility.
• The first forms of literature found.
• The use of social media as a way to propagate literature.
• A sensitive approach to child abuse in the literature.
• Are people switching from literature to social media?
• The change of literature after the Industrial Revolution.
• Literature as a way to protect children online.
• The development of scientific literature for standardized tests in science.
• Literature review on computer science.
• The importance of developing a thesis statement in literature.

After Choosing the Research Topic

Well, after finding great research paper topics, you will decide which one you like the most and which you are more comfortable writing about. So, once you’ve decided which college research paper topics to cover in your thesis, it’s time to start writing. It is important, right at the beginning, to define your main research question to start researching websites, books, articles, etc. A tip is always to opt for a broader research question, so your first research will have a greater amount of material on your research topics, which will make it easier when choosing an approach and focusing on the main subject of your thesis. Before starting the process of submitting research papers, it is important that an advisor can read and review your text on the chosen research topics.

Closing Thoughts

When you have to choose your research paper topic, there are tons of ideas you can use to embark on your research journey. It is very important that you first carry out thorough research about a good research paper topic so that you can start writing your thesis statement. You can read materials online to know if the topic you want to write on is relevant and has enough data. I hope you can take advantage of all our tips to develop your research papers. The most important thing to consider is that you need to like the topic you choose for a good research paper because it’ll help make writing fun.

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Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Topics

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

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Ever struggled to find the perfect topic for your research paper ? We get it – it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Picking something interesting and valuable for your academic journey isn't always easy. But don't worry, we're here to help!

Here, we have listed more than 300 research paper ideas for a variety of subjects.

These topics can help you get creative and find the inspiration you need. 

So read on! 

• 1. What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 
• 2. Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level
• 3. Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology
• 4. Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences
• 5. Research Paper Topics for Humanities
• 6. Research Paper Topics on Economics
• 7. Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing
• 8. Best Research Paper Topics 2023
• 9. How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

What are Good Topics for a Research Paper? 

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

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

Research Paper Topics for Your Academic Level

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

High School Research Essay Topics

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

College Research Paper Topics 

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

Graduate Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Science & Technology

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

Research Paper Topics for Computer Science 

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

Research Paper Topics in Machine Learning

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

Research Paper Topics in Chemistry

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

Information Technology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics Environmental Science

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

Research Paper Topics for Medical Students

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

Research Paper Topics in Zoology

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

Research Paper Topics For Social Sciences

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

History Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Education

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

Sociology Research Paper Topics 

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

Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics On Media And Communication

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

Political Science Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for International Relations

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

Research Paper Topics On Culture

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

Research Paper Topics for Humanities

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

Research Paper Topics for English Literature

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

Research Paper Topics for English Linguistics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Arts

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

Research Paper Topics on Religion

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

Philosophy Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics for Ethics

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

Law Research Paper Topics

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

Research Paper Topics on Criminal Justice 

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

Research Paper Topics on Economics

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

Research Paper Topics Related to Marketing

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

Best Research Paper Topics 2023

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics 

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

US History Research Paper Topics

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

Persuasive Research Paper Topics 

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

Easy Research Paper Topics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Current Affairs 

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

Controversial Research Paper Topics 

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

Research Paper Topics on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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

Nursing Research Paper Topics 

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

How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

To conclude,

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

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

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

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How to Define a Research Problem | Ideas & Examples

Published on November 2, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on May 31, 2023.

A research problem is a specific issue or gap in existing knowledge that you aim to address in your research. You may choose to look for practical problems aimed at contributing to change, or theoretical problems aimed at expanding knowledge.

Some research will do both of these things, but usually the research problem focuses on one or the other. The type of research problem you choose depends on your broad topic of interest and the type of research you think will fit best.

This article helps you identify and refine a research problem. When writing your research proposal or introduction , formulate it as a problem statement and/or research questions .

Table of contents

Why is the research problem important, step 1: identify a broad problem area, step 2: learn more about the problem, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research problems.

Having an interesting topic isn’t a strong enough basis for academic research. Without a well-defined research problem, you are likely to end up with an unfocused and unmanageable project.

You might end up repeating what other people have already said, trying to say too much, or doing research without a clear purpose and justification. You need a clear problem in order to do research that contributes new and relevant insights.

Whether you’re planning your thesis , starting a research paper , or writing a research proposal , the research problem is the first step towards knowing exactly what you’ll do and why.

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As you read about your topic, look for under-explored aspects or areas of concern, conflict, or controversy. Your goal is to find a gap that your research project can fill.

Practical research problems

If you are doing practical research, you can identify a problem by reading reports, following up on previous research, or talking to people who work in the relevant field or organization. You might look for:

• Issues with performance or efficiency
• Processes that could be improved
• Areas of concern among practitioners
• Difficulties faced by specific groups of people

Examples of practical research problems

Voter turnout in New England has been decreasing, in contrast to the rest of the country.

The HR department of a local chain of restaurants has a high staff turnover rate.

A non-profit organization faces a funding gap that means some of its programs will have to be cut.

Theoretical research problems

If you are doing theoretical research, you can identify a research problem by reading existing research, theory, and debates on your topic to find a gap in what is currently known about it. You might look for:

• A phenomenon or context that has not been closely studied
• A contradiction between two or more perspectives
• A situation or relationship that is not well understood
• A troubling question that has yet to be resolved

Examples of theoretical research problems

The effects of long-term Vitamin D deficiency on cardiovascular health are not well understood.

The relationship between gender, race, and income inequality has yet to be closely studied in the context of the millennial gig economy.

Historians of Scottish nationalism disagree about the role of the British Empire in the development of Scotland’s national identity.

Next, you have to find out what is already known about the problem, and pinpoint the exact aspect that your research will address.

Context and background

• Who does the problem affect?
• Is it a newly-discovered problem, or a well-established one?
• What research has already been done?
• What, if any, solutions have been proposed?
• What are the current debates about the problem? What is missing from these debates?

Specificity and relevance

• What particular place, time, and/or group of people will you focus on?
• What aspects will you not be able to tackle?
• What will the consequences be if the problem is not resolved?

Example of a specific research problem

A local non-profit organization focused on alleviating food insecurity has always fundraised from its existing support base. It lacks understanding of how best to target potential new donors. To be able to continue its work, the organization requires research into more effective fundraising strategies.

Once you have narrowed down your research problem, the next step is to formulate a problem statement , as well as your research questions or hypotheses .

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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

All research questions should be:

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

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

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Top 300+ Ideas For Research Paper Topics in 2024

Updated 20 Aug 2024

Some say the most difficult part of writing a text – is to start. But topic selection even precedes this starting point. This activity takes off a lot of time, and sometimes, imagination just doesn’t work in your favor. That’s where our list of best research paper topics will be useful.

Our  research paper writing service collected the most unhacked and powerful ideas to turn the average piece of writing into a research paper. Discover  what is a research paper and how to choose suitable and interesting research topics with our help. 

Writing a research topic on your own requires either producing one from scratch (based on your interests and goals and potentially, on some brainstorming) or getting inspiration from a number of sources, like preassembled topic lists, course material, teachers, real life, news headlines, published research in the respective field, etc.

What are the 3 Types of Research Questions?

Before formulating your research questions ideas, note that there are 3 important types of research questions:

• Descriptive – these employ careful and comprehensive observation of a phenomenon/ event, subject, trait, etc. in order to characterize it in detail and to reveal important/ interesting/ undescribed aspects or patterns potentially.
• Causal – these investigate whether altering some variables leads to changes in other variables, suggesting a causal relationship.
• Comparative – these look into similarities and differences between two or more entities

What is a Good Research Paper Topic?

Features that tend to characterize good research questions are as follows:

• specific and concrete – investigation goals and (expected results) have to be clear and focused
• original – investigating aspects/ entities/ relationships that have not been researched before
• highly important/ impactful for community/ society/ a professional field.
• highly relevant for potential readers/ reviewers
• trending – emerging disciplines/ topics spark more interest due to their novelty and yet unexplored potential

College Research Paper Topics

• The bias in the selection of the college internships and scholarships
• The problems of reverse discrimination in post-college employment
• Should multicultural education concepts be implemented at a greater depth?
• The drug and alcohol abuse on college campuses
• Does social media help students to find appropriate information and learn?
• The psychological disorders and the support groups in modern colleges
• Should people with ADHD and Autism be separated from the other students?
• The art of college political campaigns
• Pros and cons of religious colleges
• Should college athletes be paid and provided with additional advantages?
• The Influence of Social Media on College Students' Academic Performance and Well-being
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Online Learning Platforms in Higher Education
• The Role of College Education in Fostering Entrepreneurial Skills
• The Impact of Student Loan Debt on Career Choices Among Graduates
• Analyzing the Shift in College Admissions Criteria in the Post-COVID Era

Health Research Paper Topics

• The challenges of deafness and communication difficulties among special needs students
• The concept of global health security
• The ways to decrease household air pollution
• How the information about infectious diseases is distributed online
• Should people be allowed to know more about climate change issues?
• The privacy factor and the personal health issues
• The role of fitness ads in exercising practices
• The healthy food standards are not always unbiased
• The role of social media in the medical care system
• The psychological aspect in the perception of allergies
• The Long-term Effects of COVID-19 on Respiratory Health
• Mental Health Outcomes of Prolonged Social Media Use Among Adolescents
• The Efficacy of Plant-based Diets in Preventing Chronic Diseases
• The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Accessibility to Healthcare
• Analyzing the Impact of Sleep Quality on Daily Cognitive Functioning

Research Paper Topics on Medicine

• Is life-sustaining therapy needed when it’s futile?
• The role of placebo treatment
• How to avoid animal testing?
• Pros and contras of medical marijuana
• Is being a vegetarian useful for child’s health?
• How obesity affects our health?
• Vaccines for kids: their usefulness or damage
• Should prescription drugs be advertised directly to consumers?
• Do doctors turn their patients into drug addicts?
• Advancements in Gene Editing: Ethical Implications and Future Prospects
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Medicine
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Drug Therapies to Genetic Profiles
• The Impact of Microbiome Diversity on Human Health
• Stem Cell Therapy: Current Applications and Ethical Considerations
• The Challenges and Successes of Vaccine Development in the 21st Century

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Education Research Paper Topics

• How can standardized tests improve education?
• Does college graduates make more money?
• Should education be cheaper?
• How will modern technologies change the way of teaching in the future?
• The creation of particular learning methods for blind children
• Social networking and school
• Metal detectors at schools
• The effects of contemporary teaching methods
• The role of technology in lesson planning
• How to manage bullies and take actions against bullying at education institutions?
• The Effects of Bilingual Education on Cognitive Development in Children
• Evaluating the Long-term Impact of Early Childhood Education Programs
• The Role of Technology in Enhancing Special Education
• Standardized Testing: Measuring Intelligence or Memorization?
• The Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships on Academic Achievement

Read also: 150+ Best Sociology Research Topics

Environmental Research Paper Topics

• How to reduce global warming?
• How to stop wasting paper and save trees?
• Can overpopulation be managed?
• Should more films about environmental issues be produced?
• Human impacts on forests
• Underground effects of earthquakes
• How to elaborate the optimal adaptation of buildings threatened by hurricanes?
• Is it possible to predict hurricane impacts?
• Is nuclear power safe for humans?
• How dangerous is GMO food?
• Assessing the Impact of Urban Sprawl on Local Ecosystems
• The Effectiveness of Plastic Ban Policies on Ocean Health
• Carbon Capture Technology: Viability and Potential in Mitigating Climate Change
• The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation
• Analyzing the Environmental Consequences of Fast Fashion

Research Topics on Entertainment and Sport

• Are social networks good for our society?
• Do violent video games make kids angry and cruel?
• Is it necessary to forbid using animals for entertainment?
• Do beauty contests set the non-achievable beauty standards?
• Are newspapers going to be replaced by online sources of information?
• How gaming consoles influence the youth?
• Should women be allowed to compete against men?
• What television programs should be banned?
• How tv shows impose fake moral standards?
• Can the use of social media, such as Facebook, lower teens’ self-esteem?
• The Psychological Impact of Competitive Sports on Young Athletes
• The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Behavior
• E-Sports: The Rise of Competitive Gaming and Its Recognition as a Legitimate Sport
• The Role of Sports in Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding
• The Economic Impact of Major Sporting Events on Host Cities

Research Paper Topics on Media and Communication

• Should the media programming of ads aimed at children be made illegal?
• The role of mediation in the media
• Should bloggers be considered as journalists?
• The ethical side of modern news reports
• The freedom of speech online
• The copyright law restrictions and the vague concepts
• The importance of psychology and communicative skills in journalism
• The role of gender in interpersonal communication
• The modern standards of nonverbal communication
• The negative influence of Instagram and body image distortion
• The Evolution of News Consumption: Impact of Social Media on Traditional Media
• The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion During Political Campaigns
• The Ethics of Surveillance and Privacy in Digital Communication
• The Effects of Smartphone Usage on Face-to-Face Communication Skills
• Virtual Reality: The Future of Immersive Journalism

Research Paper Topics on Politics

• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
• More gun control laws should be enacted
• How can the international community prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons?
• How can ethnic killings be stopped?
• Current prospect for peace between Israel and the Palestinians
• What world would be like without wars?
• How to avoid workforce reduction?
• Should the death penalty be allowed?
• Is socialism possible?
• The Influence of Social Media on Political Mobilization and Public Protests
• Campaign Finance Reform: The Effects on Political Representation and Elections
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Shaping Global Policy
• The Impact of Populism on Traditional Political Party Systems
• Cybersecurity in Elections: Protecting the Integrity of Democracy

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Is autism a disease or a development idiosyncrasy?
• How to forecast and shape behavioral patterns?
• How to manage child violence?
• How to deal with a mental breakdown?
• The impact of classical music on the work of the brain
• How insomnia affects our health?
• How bad dreams influence our mood?
• Is stress really harmful?
• How depression impacts the immune system?
• Intellectually gifted people: how is it possible?
• The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation in the Digital Age
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Mindfulness: Comparative Outcomes in Treating Anxiety
• The Role of Resilience in Recovery from Trauma
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Personality Development
• Neuroplasticity: How Learning and Experience Shape Brain Function

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Science & Technology Research Paper Ideas

• How is light being used to treat cancer and other diseases?
• What is the current evidence that Mars has had water and maybe life?
• Can nanomedicine potentially extend the human lifespan?
• What is the future of computing and artificial intelligence?
• The role cryogenics may play in future
• Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
• Is it beneficial for wild animals to have interactions with people?
• What evidence do we have that CMB is the result of the big bang?
• How will self-driving cars change the way people live?
• Can using system like bitcoin help protect identity theft?
• The Potential of CRISPR and Gene Therapy in Curing Genetic Diseases
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: The Next Frontier for Drug Delivery Systems
• The Role of Quantum Computing in the Future of Cybersecurity
• The Ethical Implications of Humanoid Robots in Society
• Renewable Energy Technologies: Assessing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Solar Power Solutions

Research Topics Ideas on Culture

• A new comprehension of past events
• The origin of racial discrimination
• The roots of antisemitism
• The impact of advertisements and commercials on modern art
• The most remarkable cultural achievements of the 20th century and their influence on our society
• Cultural revolutions throughout history
• How pop culture trends influence youth?
• Should pregnant celebrities be exposed on magazine’s covers?
• Why was Greek cultural influence so important for the ancient Mediterranean world?
• Why was the Victorian period a time of cultural change?
• Cultural Impact on Climate Change Response: A Comparative Study
• The Preservation of Folklore and Oral Traditions in the Digital Age
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Overcoming Language and Ethical Barriers
• The Influence of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
• Cultural Diplomacy and Its Role in International Relations

Research Paper Topics on Math

• The influence of algorithms
• Is it possible to build a winning monopoly strategy?
• Why is 'x' the unknown?
• How math changed the world?
• What's the solution to the McDonald's math problem?
• How do math geniuses understand extremely hard math concepts so quickly?
• Should high school math contests be banned?
• What is the relationship between music and math?
• Are math formulas ever used in real life?
• What are some of the most confusing math problems ever?
• The Role of Mathematics in Cryptography and Cybersecurity
• Mathematical Models in Predicting Pandemic Outcomes: A Case Study of COVID-19
• The Application of Game Theory in Economic and Social Decision Making
• Chaos Theory and Its Implications in Weather Forecasting and Climate Science
• The Impact of Big Data on the Evolution of Statistical Methods and Theories

Research Paper Topics on Business

• How do dirty business tactics work?
• Can business be started without money?
• Notorious business leaders
• Entrepreneurship and family business
• Ethical decision making in everyday work situations
• What are the most effective strategies for promoting a small business?
• Is it worth it to expand the business into a new region or country?
• How to build a successful startup
• The role of international business and sustainable development
• The impact of climate change on international business strategies
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Measuring the Impact on Business Performance
• The Gig Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Modern Workforce
• Innovative Business Models in the Age of Sustainable Development
• The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employee Productivity and Satisfaction
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies

Research Paper Topics For Middle School

• Is going vegan the healthiest choice for you?
• Is the greenhouse effect artificial or natural?
• The causes, effects, and consequences of earthquakes
• How much computer games can one play without getting addicted
• Princess Diana and her dynasty
• Why is competition so critical for humans?
• How did poetry evolve?
• Methods used by ancient sailors to navigate the globe
• Gender roles in children’s books and cartoons
• Who is the greatest general who has lived on the planet?
• The Science Behind Video Games: How Gaming Affects Reflexes and Learning
• The History and Cultural Significance of a Popular Holiday
• The Impact of Recycling Programs in Schools
• Animal Habitats: How Urban Development Affects Local Wildlife
• The Role of Social Media in Modern Communication Among Teens

High School Research Paper Ideas

• The ways to address drug addiction cases in high school
• The physical vs digital communications
• The body image and the K-Pop culture
• The importance of school volunteering and social work
• The changes to the academic process due to Covid-19
• The legacy of the Trail of Tears
• The role of motivation in becoming a better student
• The role of books in print and the libraries
• The ways to improve school safety
• The role of parental involvement in school work
• Exploring the Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem
• The Physics of Sports: Analyzing the Science Behind Athletic Performance
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Local Ecosystems
• The Evolution of Language in the Digital Age
• The Rise of Cryptocurrency: Economic Education and the Future of Money

History Research Paper Topics

• What were the impacts of World War II on the rights of women?
• What factors initiated the WWII
• Is liberalism the most optimal solution?
• What were the consequences of women suffrage movements
• What was the impact of Martin Luther King’s protest against the Catholic church
• What is the most effective military strategy of all time
• How has Asian art influenced contemporary art
• How have different monetary systems affected the development of humanity
• What is the correlation between the Roman and Greek culture?
• Aztec empire and its architecture
• The Role of Women in World War II and Its Impact on Gender Roles
• The Influence of the Silk Road on the Cultural Exchange between East and West
• The Effects of the Cold War on Space Exploration Competition
• The Historical Accuracy of Popular Historical Films: A Case Study
• The Impact of the Printing Press on the Renaissance and European Society

Art Research Paper Ideas

• The reasons why digital museums must be present and made available
• The peculiarities of the Flemish artists
• Should Japanese anime be considered as a separate art form?
• The role of Photoshop and similar digital solutions in the perception of modern art
• The history of photography and the artistic expression forms
• The challenges of the modern artists during social distancing times
• The Middle Eastern perception of color and the light
• Ancient Rome's role in the creation of the sculptures
• Should the artists be allowed to represent their works in public parks?
• The importance of art education in middle schools
• The Evolution of Street Art and Its Acceptance into Mainstream Art Culture
• The Influence of Digital Media on Traditional Painting Techniques
• The Role of Patronage in the Development of Renaissance Art
• The Psychological Impact of Color in Abstract Art
• Cultural Representation and Diversity in Modern Art Museums

Literature Research Paper Topics

• The American dream literature
• How does harry potter reflects the ideal of the time
• Can you show a new aspect of prose based on the independent investigation
• The prose of women suffrage movements
• The dawn of literature on modern society
• Why do authors use metaphors and similes
• Evaluate and discuss the allegory of 2 random novels
• What factors are helpful in allowing you to identify the genre of a novel you are reading
• Is fanfiction considered an independent literature
• Romance and sex in Renaissance
• Fiction as an instrument of propaganda
• The Representation of Gender Roles in Victorian Literature
• Postcolonial Voices: How Literature Has Shaped National Identity
• The Journey Motif in Classic American Road Novels
• Dystopian Visions: What Modern Dystopian Literature Tells Us About Today's Society

Law Research Paper Topics

• How is the Islamic law perceived around the globe
• Is ECOLEX a pathway to environmental law
• Why is it critical to learn the GATT documents?
• What does the European patent office do?
• Mass communication law
• Impact of women’s authority in different countries on the planet
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the international criminal law court tools
• Detailed analysis and report of the comparative criminal procedure
• Exciting outtakes from the inter-American human rights library
• Does the US copyright office really help writers defend their businesses?
• The Impact of International Law on Human Rights Practices in Developing Countries
• Cyber Law: The Challenges of Regulating Online Behavior and Privacy
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age: Balancing Innovation and Protection
• The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Juvenile Justice Systems
• Comparative Analysis of Gun Control Legislation and Its Impact on Violent Crime Rates

Religion Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Religion in Modern Secular Societies
• Interfaith Dialogue: Benefits and Challenges in a Pluralistic Society
• The Influence of Religious Beliefs on Ethical Decision-Making in Business
• Religion and Politics: An Analysis of Their Intersections in Contemporary World Affairs
• The Impact of Religious Education on Tolerance and Cultural Understanding
• The Evolution of Religious Practices and Their Adaptation in the Digital Age
• The Psychological Effects of Religious Rituals and Traditions
• Comparative Study of Creation Myths Across Different Cultures
• The Role of Women in Organized Religions: A Historical Perspective
• Secularization: The Decline of Religious Influence in Western Societies
• Religious Extremism: Understanding the Causes and Seeking Solutions
• The Impact of Pilgrimage on Religious and Spiritual Life
• Religious Symbols in Public Spaces: Freedom of Expression or a Call for Regulation?
• The Relationship Between Religion and Morality in Contemporary Ethical Debates
• The Effects of Globalization on Indigenous Religions and Spiritual Practices

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

• Should education be made free for everyone?
• The influencers and bloggers cannot be considered as a job
• The role of military service is the way towards maturity
• Should Internet access be limited during college lectures?
• The death penalty service is not an ethical solution
• Fashion industry creates a bad influence on young people
• The Fairplay concept should be rewarded financially
• Should tobacco be made illegal indoors?
• Religious differences often become the cause of wars
• The majority of mobile applications represent the invasion of privacy
• Universal Basic Income: Economic Savior or Road to Dependency?
• Mandatory Vaccinations: Public Health Requirement or Personal Choice Infringement?
• The Death Penalty: A Necessary Deterrent or a Violation of Human Rights?
• Climate Change Policies: Economic Hindrance or Long-term Investment?
• Animal Testing in Medical Research: Ethical Consideration or Scientific Necessity?

These are the 200+ topics on various subjects, which you might find useful when creating your own. In case you need help aside from creating topics, you can also order the original research on Politics, Media & Communication, to do my Math homework , Law, and even Nursing papers for sale on nursing essay writing service Edubirdie.

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How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

While it may seem challenging to come up with a good research paper topic as you try your best to narrow things down, the trick is to choose something that influences you because you know it well and can support your arguments with relevant evidence. The subject should be well-structured and relevant to your thesis statement. Always take time to research the list of sources to compose your topic sentences as well to make them relate to your thesis part. It’s always best to check a good research paper introduction example before you start working on the paper and choosing your topic, or contact our essay writing service for help. Here are the steps to consider:

• Start With Observing Your Interests.

If you are confused with a variety of interesting topics for writing a creative essay, it’s better to decide what interests you the most. Don’t stick to easy research paper topics just to complete the task fast. If you are allowed to freely choose what to write an essay about, use the opportunity to create something unique. Write down the list of your interests and break down every idea into small certain topics. When you have a list in front of your eyes, it will be easier to make up your mind and start considering a particular issue.

Then you should examine what aspect of the topic is preferable for you to outline in your research paper. A list will save you here again. Use pros/cons template to include all the arguments and objections to the issues.

• Come Up With an Argumentative Research Question.

The most challenging part of choosing a competitive research paper topic is finding an aspect that poses some importance for your course and the subject per se. While it may seem that it is sufficient to make a general statement, your argumentation should include a clear research question. Consider asking yourself why you have chosen a particular topic and how your research will make it clearer or provide innovative solutions.

• Study Available Research Topic Ideas.

Since we have already mentioned the dangers of choosing something too broad, it is vital to narrow things down and brainstorm the list of possible research paper ideas that deal with the same subject. In other words, you can write down at least five different subjects and see whether you can find sufficient information to support them with the sources or statistical data. Remember the importance of your topic’s wording!

• Compose Strong Thesis Statement.

It must be done at the same time as you choose your research paper topic because these two concepts must be interconnected. Your subject must reflect your main idea of the thesis statement. Make sure that you have the list of sources prepared in advance to incorporate relevant information in your body paragraphs. As always, they must be the supporting evidence for your thesis statement’s idea and the research purpose.

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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

Argumentative research paper topics are a lot easier to find than to come up with. We always try to make your life easier. That’s why you should feel free to check out this list of the hottest and most controversial argumentative essay topics for 2024. In the article prepared by custom writing experts, you’ll find unique ideas for college, high school, and middle school. You might want to take your favorite topic as it is, or use it as an example and formulate one by yourself. Another option would be to tale the main keywords and try them on a research paper topic generator in order to get more choices.

OK, let’s cut to the chase, and continue with our suggested argumentative topics for 2024!

🔝 Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics

• ⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics
• 📱 Topics on Social Media
• 👪 Topics on Family
• 👨‍⚕️ Topics on Health and Nutrition
• 🗳️ Topics on Government
• 💡 Other Topic Ideas
• 🕵️‍♂️ Choosing a Topic
• 🧱 Writing Rules
• 📑 Organizing Your Paper

🔍 References

• The benefits of GMOs
• Is online dating dangerous?
• Ways to reduce college tuitions
• Should school athletes get paid?
• Alternatives to the death penalty
• Why is passive smoking dangerous?
• How can we regulate YouTube content?
• Should junk food advertisements be banned?
• Should parents answer for children’s misbehavior?
• How do wildfires contribute to global warming?

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

📱 Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Social Media

• Hiding identities online: should it be allowed? Anonymous surveys are not an unusual thing anymore. However, people can leave pretty offensive comments without naming themselves. It all leads to them feeling invincible. Should this function be removed for the sake of equality and justice?
• Will GIFs become a new way of communication? People are getting more used to exchanging emoji and GIFs as a reaction to something. But is it a good idea? Can it affect our behavior patterns and the way we express our emotions in real life?
• Online shaming and bullying: where is the limit? Since practically anyone can be active online these days, shaming has become an enormous problem. No one watches it, and only turning off the comment option is a way out. But other than that, who is in control of the unstopping flow of abusive comments?
• Punctuation and spelling mistakes in texting. We all know someone who goes crazy when they see the slightest mistake in the text message. They may get pretty annoying, that’s true. But does it really matter? Or should we take it easy on spelling mistakes in the text messages?
• Social media: helping us connect or contributing to loneliness? They say social media connects people from all over the world. But despite having thousands of friends online and hundreds of likes under photos, we can still feel lonely. Why is it happening?
• How has Snapchat changed the social media industry?
• Should there be a limit for sending text messages?
• The impact of social media on the phenomenon of narcissism.
• The issue of missing real life while filming?
• Advantages and disadvantages of social media for college students. 
• What is the value of digital photos compared to those taken by film cameras?
• What would make people delete their Facebook account?
• Are new popular game apps a part of the culture?
• Should social media consider adding a “dislike” function?
• Screen time matters: what makes people stare at their phones so much?
• The decline of Facebook’s popularity and its reasons.
• How to only choose useful apps for your smartphone.
• Employers on Facebook: why should you be careful with your content?
• They are watching you: how to keep your privacy online?
• The issue of fake profiles online.
• Is there still a deep meaning in digital photography?
• Do influencers have fun spending hours taking a perfect shot?
• Mental health and social media: is there anyone to help?
• The optimal age restriction for new social media users.
• Manipulating people’s feelings online: dangers.

👪 Family Argumentative Topics 2024

• How traumatic is the divorce of the parents for a child? There is no doubt that children are sensitive in terms of the relationship between their parents. Usually, kids blame themselves for the split of the family. As it often happens, they also go through a divorce in their adulthood.
• Kids’ rooms: why privacy matters? Parents don’t usually think about the privacy of their children. They rush to invade in their rooms without permission and go through their stuff. How does it affect the perception of trust in kids?
• Should we reconsider the age restrictions for starting a family? The age when young couples decide to get married and start a family varies from culture to culture. However, sometimes it appears that they are not ready for that. Should we think about implementing some restrictions to protect their mental and physical health?
• What is the optimal age for children to travel without supervision? It is also a matter of personal preference. However, there must be some limits. Up until a specific age, parents are fully responsible for the safety of their children. But kids need some freedom. What should be a solution?
• Where is the line between discipline and child abuse? Unfortunately, some parents don’t know when to stop. It is normal to practice some disciplinary methods, but crossing the line is dangerous. A child’s mental health is on stake. What parents see as a light punishment, may look like an act of hate and abuse for a child. 
• Should fathers spend as much time with their kids as mothers do?
• Choosing the teenagers’ outfits or letting them do it?
• Sharing the records of the students with parents: is it the right decision?
• Limiting the screen time of children and the benefits.
• Who should teach kids how to behave?
• The community approach to building families and raising kids.
• Traveling around as a family: benefits for the relationship between the family members.
• Are parents violating children’s rights by posting pictures of them online?
• Pursuing parents’ dreams: do children have a choice?
• Bribing kids: is it for their sake or to spare a minute of peace for parents?
• The effect of modern culture on childhood.
• No punishment: what is the effect on children?
• Teaching children responsibility without pushing them to do chores.
• Buying your kids expensive technology: is it worth it?
• A life without store-bought toys: the benefits.
• Pros and cons of moving outside the city as a family.
• Is it appropriate for kids to watch horror movies?
• Are there restrictions for Halloween costumes, and what are they?
• Encouraging children without giving them too many trophies.
• How are parents shaping the children’s behavior unconsciously?

👨‍⚕️ Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Health and Nutrition

• What is the role of nutrition in professional sports (e.g., soccer)? We all know professional athletes train a lot. But how important is nutrition in that process? Why do they follow different diets and still get pretty much the same results? Are there specific foods that help them win?
• Are French fries considered a part of your vegetable intake? Most of us probably wish it was true. Well, potatoes are vegetables, frying oils are made of plants as well. What’s the problem? It appears it is not that simple.
• Why are school diets not as healthy as we wish they were? Parents all over the world would surely like to see some nutritious and healthy lunches at schools. But the reality is far from that, especially in the US. Why do only some schools implement healthy diets for school lunches?
• Why is reading the lists of ingredients on the products so important? Unfortunately, most people don’t have a clue about what they eat and where it comes from. The worst part is that it may contribute to their health issues in the future. Reading the labels can save people from consuming harmful foods.
• E-cigarettes and under-aged: should teenagers use them? Maybe e-cigarettes are not as harmful as the usual smoke, but they still carry some risks. Moreover, they increase the chance that people would start smoking tobacco later. So why do we allow teens to use them?
• The age restrictions on alcohol: should the limits be lowered?
• What is the effectiveness of the pictures on the tobacco packs?
• The health risks connected with cosmetic surgeries.
• Are the diets that models follow healthy enough?
• Marijuana and science: what are the effects of this drug on our health?
• Why do looks matter more in our society than being healthy?
• Implementing required drug tests for school students: pros and cons.
• The hidden harm of the regular consumption of energy drinks.
• The phenomenon of binge drinking in the US.
• What are the restrictions on the amount of sugar in soft drinks?
• The methods colleges can implement to reduce the drinking problem among students.
• Distracted driving: is it as serious and drunk driving?
• What is the real importance of not skipping breakfast?
• The issue of texting while driving from the perspective of being illegal.
• The best and healthiest variation of the school lunch.
• Do schools have the right to ban unvaccinated students?
• Legal suicides from the perspective of ethics.
• Terminal diseases: should patients decide how they end their lives?
• Is there a way to prevent teenagers from smoking?
• Why do people keep eating chips even when they know it’s not healthy?

🗳️ Government Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

• Authorities and values: what moral obligations should people with power have? Power doesn’t mean permission to do anything they want. Political leaders are obligated to use it wisely. But what are the standards? Should it be just a common sense of morality or something more?
• Do our political leaders lead us in the right direction? Everybody must have wondered about it at least once. It is undoubtedly hard to trust our leaders without any doubts. They set the course of our lives. But how do we know whether they do it for the good of each and every citizen without exceptions?
• To raise or not to raise: the question of the minimum wage. Many people are struggling with finances, and the rise of the minimum wage would help them out. This research can focus on supporting this idea by presenting strong arguments.
• How achievable is the American dream when you start in the US from scratch? We all heard successful stories about the poor becoming millionaires in the US. But how far is it from reality? What are the real chances of people with low income to become self-made wealthy business owners?
• Global crisis: who is responsible for refugees? It’s not the refugees’ fault that wars have come to their home countries. Just like any other human being, they need our help. But who decides which country should take them? Who is responsible?
• American democracy: how strongly citizens believe in it?
• Politics becoming more friendly and outgoing: pros and cons.
• Are we paying back enough to the veterans?
• Why is the US considered to be the best country?
• Illegal immigrants and education: the rights and responsibilities.
• The new authorities: should the opposition still deny it or become open-minded?
• Immigrants with no documentation: what are the consequences of leaving them in peace? 
• The importance of the first lady nowadays.
• Pay-offs: should we just pay terrorists to free the hostages?
• Why is the current voting system failing?
• Some of the most effective ways to encourage people to vote.
• The morality of spying on fellow countries.
• The most beneficial way to spend the city’s extra budget.
• Knowing the right time: negotiating with opponent countries.
• The most common issues city mayors should address immediately.
• In what situations the military is allowed to use force without doubts?
• How much taxes should millionaires pay?
• Why do governments prefer national safety over our privacy?
• Should all governments allow same-sex marriages?
• Young leaders: at what age should people start pursuing politics?

💡 Other Research Paper Topic Ideas

• Fallacies of Afrocentrism.
• Antisemitism in the world today.
• Controversy over children being made into models.
• Money is the root of all evil.
• Corporal punishment.
• The right age for drinking.
• Doping and sports: possible misunderstandings
• Extended breastfeeding: pros and cons.
• Do we have to talk about feminism that much?
• Food safety training and its outcomes.
• U.S. border control: the insights.
• Incest: why is this love forbidden?
• Child advocacy: is it effective enough?
• Child adoption by a gay family. 
• DADT repeal and its importance.
• The minimum wage in your state.
• The impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native communities.
• Native American sovereignty issues.
• The Pledge of Allegiance: was adding “under God” in 1954 to it the right choice?
• The effectiveness of military action against terrorism.
• What isn’t worth going to war for?
• War tax: to pay or to resist?
• You’re allowed to be cast in pornographic movies when you’re 18. But it’s not OK for you to buy alcohol until you’re 21? Where’s the logic?
• Homelessness: whose fault is it?
• Premarital sex: is it a problem in American society?
• Legalized prostitution.
• Tolerance for nudism and naturism.
• Shorter work weeks.
• Video games: leisure, or abuse?
• What’s happening at the zoo? Animal abuse and problems of animals living in captivity.

Research paper writing is not the most complicated academic assignment; and still, it does take a lot of time! Our argumentative essay topic ideas are meant to save your time when you need to choose what to write about.

Also be sure to check out our great article with 50 more argumentative research paper topics – it has a lot of useful ideas for your next amazing essay.

🕵️‍♂️ Choosing an Argumentative Paper Topic

Writing a college argumentative research paper is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. In fact, the difficulties start right from the beginning—choosing the right topic. We may have handed you a great list of argumentative topics, but still it takes a careful eye to pick a topic to write about. If you choose the wrong topic, you might get stuck with your writing and have a hard time moving forward.

But don’t worry! Soon you will have no more questions about how to write an argumentative essay.

Why is that?

There are several essential criteria to be considered when choosing easy topics to write on. And you will discover them right now.

Argumentative Essay: Writing Rules

Here are the basic rules:

• Write about what you know. Although this may seem obvious to some students, you need to have some basic knowledge about the chosen topic. You probably already have some topics you are familiar with, so opting for one of them will save you time and effort. Even research won’t frighten you away because you will know where to start.
• Find things that you’re passionate about and write about them. Essentially, this is a recommendation rather than a rule. The more you like your essay topic, the easier it will be to generate solid and engaging content that your audience will like.
• Don’t choose anything too broad; stay specific. It’s okay to think of some general topics at first, but then you should gradually narrow your topics down to just a few. The last remaining ones will be the ones you feel most comfortable with.
• Make sure your thesis has enough defense. Choosing a wonderful topic that is not protected against potential counterarguments is a common mistake among students. So think twice before making your final choice, and consider the evidence you have available.
• Opt for an argument that will appeal to your audience’s emotions. By making your readers emotionally relate to your words and position, you’ll connect them with what you’re trying to express. You’ll certainly have to include rational arguments in your paper, but choosing a topic that doesn’t trigger any feeling isn’t the best choice.
• Choose a topic that is directly related to your assignment. Before starting to research and write, you’ll need to get closely acquainted with your task instead of just scanning it. Carefully check all the keywords to understand the essence of the assignment. Missing even minor details or instructions can break your paper!
• Stay away from topics that don’t have two sides of the problem. Don’t forget that an argumentative essay is all about the argument. No argument means no argumentative essay. Before you start writing, take some notes: write down your thesis and an opposing thesis or an argument with its counterargument. Thinking carefully and writing it all down will save you time!

📑 Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

Here we’ll explain how to organize your argumentative essay. Keep in mind that your paper structure still has to stay flexible to meet the needs of your purpose and your readers. Our recommendation? Create an argumentative essay outline to make the writing process faster and easier.

Introduction

This part lays a solid foundation for your argumentative paper by providing answers to the reader’s questions:

• What is in front of me?
• Why should I read it?
• What do you want me to do?

Let’s see how these three questions can be answered in the basic steps for how to write an essay introduction:

• Give some background information about the main idea and provide an explanation of the issue and the situation. Your reader should understand the topic, as well as your claims and their support.
• Explain the importance of the main idea. This step will convince the reader to keep reading and really care about the content.
• Describe your thesis/claim with logos, pathos, and ethos . Compose a few sentences that support your position with writer’s logic (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and author’s trustworthiness/credibility (ethos).

Body paragraphs

Your argumentative essay should have body paragraphs that each look like an inverted pyramid: moving from general to specific. The broadest idea is located at the top, and as you continue writing, you become more concentrated on the main point, eventually coming to specific evidence to support your claim.

Good Argumentative Essay Paragraph

The following four elements are present in a good argumentative essay paragraph (also called TTEB ):

• A transition sentence assures smooth reading by leading from one paragraph to the next.
• A topic sentence explains to the reader what will be discussed in a paragraph.
• Specific evidence and analysis support your claim. They provide more detail than a topic sentence.
• A brief wrap-up (or a warrant) explains to the reader why and in what way this information supports the thesis. Basically, it connects your evidence to your main argument. It also demonstrates how the paragraph is connected to your thesis and assists in defending it.

This part of your essay concludes the discussion in your paper. The conclusion is a generalization and restating of the argument’s main points. It may also include a call to action or suggest further research. Here’s what any conclusion should do:

• Restate the topic.
• Tell why the chosen topic is important.
• Restate the specific thesis/claim.
• Cover opposing points of view.
• Make readers align with the writer’s position.
• Call readers to action or propose further research.

These core elements are the critical final steps in writing an argumentative essay.

Our advice is to discover more tips and ideas for choosing argumentative essay samples to know what exactly argumentative essays look like. You can also get professional help from qualified essay writers from Custom-Writing.org.

Learn more on this topic:

• Top Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
• 97 Inspirational & Motivational Argumentative Essay Topics
• Great Persuasive & Argumentative Essay on Divorce
• Gun Control Essay: How-to Guide + Argumentative Topics
• Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas – Easy and Interesting
• Free Exemplification Essay Examples

✏️ Argumentative Research Paper FAQ

An argumentative research paper is a piece of writing you work on when you need to defend your position. You have an issue, and you have your point of view. All you need to do is to write an essay strong enough to persuade your opponents. There are specific writing steps, too.

Some good argumentative research paper topics would always be related to the theme you feel passionate about. For example, if you think that every life is precious, consider writing about the death penalty. Or if you enjoy promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can write a persuasive statement on youth alcoholism.

A debatable question is such a question that can encourage the start of a debate. Some people would support the issue, while others would disagree because they have doubts. It means that the opposition would try to persuade others. Mostly, such questions are related to moral issues, politics, and gender equality.

Today, the most debated topics are controversial and related to human rights, environmental issues, gender equality, as well as women’s rights. For instance, some people insist that climate change is not the most important problem now. Others would disagree and argue that we need to take action immediately to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem.

• Research Papers | KU Writing Center
• Purdue OWL: Research Papers–Choosing a Topic
• What is a Research Paper? | Online Writing Center
• Project Topics Research Papers – Academia.edu
• 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing – The New York Times
• Thesis Generator | Ashford Writing Center
• Social Media Studies | SAGE Publications Inc
• List of issues Journal of Family Studies – Taylor & Francis Online
• Journal of Child and Family Studies | Home – Springer
• Nutrition | Nutrition Studies Research Group | Stanford Medicine
• American Society for Nutrition – Nutrition Research & Practice
• List of issues Local Government Studies
• Argumentative Paper Format. University of Washington
• Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays. UC Berkeley
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Research topic about TVL, please

The best one!

Hi guys, I’m stuck in the mind of blankness. I have to do a term paper by Monday on Corporate social responsibilities on Shell Corrib Gas and can’t think off my heading or argument. I have a lot of information. Just don’t know where to begin. Please help 🙁

Thank you so much for providing these topics! I have been searching and searching for topics for the English course, which I will be taking for the third time! I am most definitely sure that one of these topics will be suitable! I appreciate it very much! Again, thank you!

:)This is so helpful! I will use this again for sure.

Oh my God, I was searching for all of these. Thank you so… must. Best argumentative topics!

What about the rainforest? I know people have arguments about the trees getting cut down. Why don’t kids have a say in this all too?

Well, you certainly can use that topic – as long as you feel the most comfortable and confident about it. It’s essential to be able to prove your point of view. The ideas which we are offering are just suggestions for possible topics:) We wish you good luck with your argumentative research paper:)

This is amazing! Thank you very much for this list of topics!

University Libraries      University of Nevada, Reno

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General Library Research: Start Your Research

• Find Sources
• Start Your Research
• Advanced Search Strategies
• Get MLA Citation Help
• Get APA Citation Help

Identify Your Topic

Brainstorm ideas.

Selecting a topic can be tricky. Your professor will usually assign a general theme that reflects the course material and your paper will need to focus on some aspect of that theme. Look through lecture notes and assigned readings to find a topic. Start by thinking of a topic you are interested in or curious about. Researching a topic that sparks your interest can be a great motivator.

Create a Concept Map

Once you've selected a general topic, create a concept map. Concept maps help you identify subtopics and topic-related ideas.

Write down your central topic (if you don't have one yet, use the course theme). Around the central topic, write down as many subtopics as you can think of. Continue writing related ideas and subtopics. As you write, think about how the subtopics might interconnect with each other or how they relate. Think of questions you might have about those connections.

Some helpful websites for concept mapping:

Visuwords - an interactive thesaurus and dictionary. Provides related terms, synonyms, broader and narrower terms.

Bubbl - an online concept mapping tool. (3 maps are free)

Find Background Information

Browse information sources.

Once you've identified a topic you'd like to explore further, take the time to get to know more about that topic. This step is called  background research . Background research helps you:

• Gain familiarity with a topic
• Identify differing perspectives of a topic
• Identify the experts, researchers, and scholars familiar with a topic 
• Explore possible research topics
• Identify specialized terms or jargon that can be used for searches later

Here are some sources of background information to consider as you explore your research topic:

• Encyclopedias provide basic information on a wide range of subjects. There are general encyclopedias, such as Encyclopedia Britannica , and subject-specific encyclopedias, such as the Encyclopedia of Social Media and Politics .
• Newspapers and magazines are regular publications of events covering social, political, or cultural interests. They often document the reactions, perspectives and opinions of an event around the time it happened. They can help you learn more about a culture, time period, and provide historical perspective to past events.
• Google - Search engines like Google can lead you to both good and bad information. Be critical of the websites you visit. For more help on evaluating sources go to the "Evaluate Your Sources" section below.
• Wikipedia - Wikipedia is a useful resource to start learning more about a topic, but remember that anyone can edit Wikipedia. Use the References of Further Readings at the end of an entry to verify information within the article. 

For more help, check out the Quick How To page on g enerating a research question .

Narrow Your Topic or Research Question

Identify open vs. close-ended questions.

Close-ended questions can be answered by a simple "yes" or "no," whereas open-ended questions go beyond a simple answer and require mindful, detailed responses.  Your research question should be open-ended. Open-ended questions require more critical thinking and sources of information to answer compared to close-ended questions.   Research questions often start with "how" or "why". Here is an example of a close-ended question modified into an open-ended question: Close-ended : Do many children in the U.S. have allergies? Open-ended : How does country of birth affect a child's chances of developing asthma?

Ask Who? What? When? Where? Why?

Once you have a basic understanding of your topic and the issues surrounding it, narrow your research question by asking the following questions:

• Who? - Are you interested in a specific group of people? Can you narrow your focus to a group or demographic, such as age, gender, ethnicity, location, or socio-economic status?
• What? - What are current issues around this topic? Anything in the news?
• When? - Is your topic current or historical? Was it during a specific time period? Are there any important events surrounding your topic? 
• Where? - Can your topic focus on a specific location? Where, geographically, might this topic be significant?
• Why? - Why is this topic important? Why should others be interested?

It's okay for your research question to change over time as you find more information about your topic, or take out ideas that don't work.

For more help, check out the libraries' Quick How To page on Generating a Research Question .

Refine Your Searches

Use keywords, not sentences.

The  keywords  you use are an important part of your search strategy.  Keywords , or  search words , are words or short phrases that represent the main ideas or concepts in your topic. Identify main concepts by writing down your research question and selecting nouns important to the meaning of your research question. For example, the research question "How is climate change affecting agriculture in Nevada?" has three main concepts:

• climate change
• agriculture

It's important to have additional keywords on hand, in case a search fails or doesn't produce desired results. For each main concept, write a list of related terms, synonyms, broader or narrower ideas. Brainstorm related terms, ask a classmate/professor/librarian for help, use a thesaurus, or continuing reading about your topic.

For more help, check out the Quick How To page on Choosing Keywords .

Evaluate Your Sources

As you search for information you will come across many different types of sources such as websites, journal articles and books, but how do you know if the information is suitable or appropriate for your research assignment? What does it mean for a source to be credible? And why is it important to use credible sources?

To learn more, check out the Quick How To page on Evaluating Sources .

• << Previous: Find Sources
• Next: Advanced Search Strategies >>

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Advancing today's Discoveries, Transforming Tomorrow's Care

• Contact DHR
• Research Themes and Findings

The DHR program funds research that demonstrates how digital healthcare solutions can be designed and implemented to improve healthcare system performance and patient health outcomes. Our funded research focuses on advancing patient safety, care, and shared decision making without placing excessive burden on users, including patients, physicians, and other members of care teams.

This report highlights research stories that showcase significant findings and impact under each theme. The research stories are identified as completed or emerging (newly funded) research.

• Completed research: 29 grants and contracts recently ended.
• Emerging research: 19 grants and contracts recently awarded.

In 2023, the DHR program managed 101 grants and 6 research contracts across the three main themes:

• Engaging and Empowering Patients

Engaging and empowering patients in their own healthcare leads to improvements in safety, quality, and satisfaction of care. Use of digital healthcare tools, like patient portals, smartphones, or mobile apps—often that allow patients to report and monitor their symptoms—can facilitate patient engagement and empower patients and their caregivers to participate more actively in their own health self-management, chronic care management, and wellness at the many points of interaction with the healthcare system.

In 2023, DHR invested $76.3 million in grants and contracts across the lifetime of the projects to help patients, families, and health professionals work together as partners in promoting care improvements over the duration of the projects.

Research Stories by Subtheme

Below are research stories told in the investigator’s own words that focus on engaging and empowering patients.

Technology Solutions to Engage Patients and Their Families in Care

Studying the Accuracy of Symptom-Checker App in Diagnosing Strokes in a Real World Setting

Connecting NICU Parents with Mental Health Support via a Mobile App

Informing the Future Direction of Patient-Centered Clinical Decision Support Research

Advancing Patient-Centered Clinical Decision Support

Using Patient-Reported Outcomes for Chronic Disease Management

ASTHMAXcel Voice Mobile Application to Improve Chronic Disease Management and Patient Outcomes

Additional Research by Subtheme

Creating a mobile application to support care transitions for older adults after surgery has the potential to provide timely post-discharge information and allow for caregiver preparedness, better health outcomes, and improved communications between providers and patients and their care partner.

The use of a cloud-based, multidisciplinary care plan for children with medical complexity is feasible to implement and may improve care coordination for children with medical complexity, providing the foundation for a future digital health intervention to address gaps in care.

Using the BREASTChoice clinical decision support tool improves a patient’s understanding of breast reconstruction options, timing, and possible complications, with the potential to significantly enhance their ability to make informed decisions about their reconstruction surgery based on their preference and risk factors.

Sharing inpatient notes during pediatric oncology hospitalization between parents and clinicians has the potential to enhance parents’ understanding of and empowerment in their child’s care, and may contribute to a safer and more transparent care environment.

By identifying and addressing patient-reported outcomes that matter most to patients, this research has the potential to maximize clinic time spent with patients with HIV and chronic conditions to tailor and improve their care.

An integrated mobile health (mHealth) application for remote monitoring of asthma symptoms enables primary care clinicians and clinical staff to effectively monitor asthma patient-reported outcomes between visits, enhancing patient quality of life by supporting symptom tracking and self-reporting.

A technology-based patient-reported outcome system that uses text messaging to capture these data in real time and delivers motivational messages based on responses decreased frequency of smoking.

Implementing an artificial intelligence–supported tool to collect patient-reported outcomes for patients with diabetes is expected to enable efficient delivery of high-quality patient-centered care and improve clinical outcomes.

Using Digital Healthcare Technology to Support People with Substance Use Disorder

Participating in an immersive virtual reality experience may increase willingness of emergency department patients with opioid use disorder to engage in medication treatments, including buprenorphine and methadone.

The use of the Peer PLUS (People Leveraging Urgent Support) platform is expected to enhance the connection between those with substance use disorder and peer recovery coaches, assisting in the goal of long-term recovery for these individuals so that they may progress along the four dimensions of recovery (i.e., home, health, community, and purpose).

• Optimizing Care Delivery for Clinicians

The DHR program funds research to support clinicians and other healthcare professionals in maximizing their ability to provide high-quality and safe healthcare to patients. This includes research to optimize clinical decision making by delivering the right information to the right people at the right times, so that clinicians can make the best treatment decisions, while also ensuring that technology is designed in a way that supports cognitive work and does not introduce or increase provider burden.

In 2023, the DHR program invested $46.0 million in grants and contracts across the lifetime of the projects to optimize care delivery for clinicians, including research on using effective clinical decision support (CDS) interventions to improve care, using real-time digital healthcare data to improve timely treatment or diagnosis, and technology solutions to improve medication safety.

Below are research stories told in the investigator’s own words that focus on optimizing care delivery for clinicians.

Using Digital Healthcare Solution to Improve Patient Safety

Improving Safety in Postoperative Handoff Communication with Telemedicine and Machine Learning

Improving Emergency Care Through Innovative Digital Healthcare Solutions

An App to Help Rural Paramedics Improve Timeliness to Deliver Life-Saving Care for Patients Experiencing Heart Attacks

Leveraging Technology for Personalized, Evidence-Based Care and Decision Support

Use of EHR-Embedded Tools To Improve Screening for Intimate Partner Violence

Optimizing Patient Safety Using Digital Healthcare Solutions

Creating Meaningful Decision Support to Reduce Drug–Drug Interactions

Using Digital Tools to Support Shared Decision Making and Personalized Care

App Assists Patients Decide if In-Home Hospital-Level Care is Right for Them

Leveraging Machine Learning to Assess Risk

Using Machine Learning for Military Service Members and Veterans at Risk for Suicide

Using Patient-Reported Outcomes to Improve Care Delivery

Integrating the Patient Voice in Patient-Reported Health Outcomes

The development of a research agenda for precision emergency medicine holds promise to promote needed research in using precision medicine in the emergency setting to improve patient outcomes by considering a patient’s genomic, biologic, environmental, and public health data.

The augmented reality cardiopulmonary resuscitation headset has the potential to improve the quality of pediatric chest compressions, save lives, and improve care equity in lower-resource settings.

Using deep learning and predictive analytics, this research has the potential to activate full capacity protocols in emergency departments before overcrowding occurs, thus avoiding overcrowding and its resultant impacts such as poor patient outcomes including morbidity and mortality.

Implementing an electronic STI risk assessment program in pediatric practices increases STI testing.

Clinical decision support may support providers and patients in making personalized decisions regarding diet goal setting among underinsured patients, with the potential to address dietary behavior change and reduce the rate of obesity.

Successful development and implementation of a clinical decision support strategy to promote uptake of influenza vaccine in pediatric acute care settings may lead to improved influenza vaccine rates as well as provide general considerations to guide clinical decision support for pediatric health maintenance interventions in acute care settings.

Digital nursing surveillance tools can enhance meaningful bedside interactions and improve patient care by leveraging the data to optimize nursing workflow, reduce nonnursing tasks, and boost nurse efficiency.

A point-of-care decision support tool for discontinuing disease-modifying therapies in those with multiple sclerosis has the potential to reduce the risk incurred and the financial burden of those patients using these medications.

The use of an evidence-based clinical decision support tool that uses patient data, including patient values and goals, has the potential to shorten the time between a failing treatment and the use of a more efficacious treatment for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 ED return screening tool has the potential to improve morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection by identifying, through machine learning algorithms, patients at highest risk of ED return and associated severe disease and decompensation, prompting earlier hospital admission and higher levels of care in the disease course.

Enhancing electronic health records with screening and needs assessment for oncology patients has the potential to answer unmet needs and improve health status using patient reported outcomes.

The ability to remotely collect and review signs and symptoms of lung cancer recurrence using patient-reported outcomes and results of surveillance imaging, coupled with telehealth visits, may improve surveillance guidelines adherence and reduce barriers and disparities in care.

• Supporting Health Systems in Advancing Care Delivery

DHR-funded research focuses on advancing care delivery at the health systems or organizational level. Efforts to scale effective interventions across different platforms, promote interoperability, and leverage data and technologies can strengthen healthcare systems and the care they deliver.

In 2023, the DHR program invested $39.4 million across the lifetime of projects on research to advance care delivery and to scale effective digital healthcare intervention across healthcare systems.

Below are research stories told in the investigator’s own words that focus on advancing care delivery at the health systems level.

Advancing Health Equity

Machine Learning to Improve Patient Triage in the Emergency Department

Leveraging Telehealthcare to Improve Healthcare Delivery

Improving Access to Care with Telehealth Physiatry Visits for Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Optimizing Data Exchange Through Health Information Exchange

Advancing Public Health with Interoperable Data Exchange

Scaling Effective Digital Healthcare Tools Across Health Systems

Scaling and Dissemination of an Effective Clinical Decision Support Tool for Pneumonia

Displaying Patient Photos in Medical Records Reduces Errors, Improves Patient Safety

A Digital Healthcare Equity Framework supports users and other stakeholders assess whether their healthcare solutions that involve digital technologies are equitable at every phase of the digital healthcare lifecycle, including planning, development, acquisition, implementation, and monitoring.

By developing and disseminating recommendations around evidence based telehealth guidelines, policies for reimbursement, equitable access, licensure, and practical solutions, this grant may improve telehealth access and quality in Michigan and can serve as an adaptable roadmap for other states seeking to improve telehealth delivery.

Using a nationwide information system of telehealth services and insurance claims to analyze the response and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may help to improve the healthcare system’s readiness for future public health emergencies.

Evaluation of the rapid transition to telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic will inform patient care post–COVID-19 to ensure equal access and high-quality care.

Asynchronous telepsychiatry has the potential to provide quality psychiatric care for elderly patients in skilled nursing facilities by leveraging nursing facility staff and using telemedicine.

Enhancements in matching patient data across disparate health data sources will expand the integration of data, better research data, and give those caring for patients more comprehensive patient health information improving the quality and safety of patient care.

Improving interoperability of electronic health records through health information exchange has the potential to facilitate care coordination throughout the transfer process and improve patient outcomes.

Routine capture of PROMs in surgical patients is feasible and can be effectively scaled across the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

This research has the potential to reduce drug–drug interactions involving anticoagulants through a novel shared decision making tool that visually displays, to patients and providers, information on the potential interaction risks from anticoagulants, taking into account a patient’s unique attributes and current medication list.

By making evidence repositories more FAIR—findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—through technologies such as application programming interfaces, CEDAR helped health information technology developers design new and exciting ways to make the information available where, when, and how stakeholders need it most.

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Finding Joy as a Manager — Even on Bad Days

• Daisy Auger-Domínguez

Four strategies to instill hope, curiosity, and meaning back into your workday.

When work and life are overwhelming, it can be difficult to reclaim a sense of joy at work. Research has shown the benefits of incorporating joy, hope, and optimism into the workplace to combat burnout and improve well-being. The author recommends four strategies to reconnect with joy at work on your toughest days: 1) Find your why: Reconnect with your passion and purpose by aligning your work with what brings you joy, what you are good at, and what the world needs. 2) Embrace a beginner’s mindset: Approach challenges with curiosity and openness, fostering a sense of wonder. 3) Sprinkle gratitude and joy like confetti: Actively recognize and celebrate contributions to build a supportive and cohesive team culture. 4) Fuel your joy: Maintain positive reminders and practice self-compassion to sustain energy and enthusiasm in your role.

Several months into the pandemic, I found myself feeling persistently down as the new leader of a global team. Each day, I faced a wave of challenges for colleagues I’d never met and planned strategies for offices I had never seen. The rising tide of crushing workloads and interpersonal tensions threatened to pull us under. At the same time, the lack of face-to-face interactions left me yearning for the teamwork that could sustain us through difficult times. With uncertainty and fear everywhere, finding inspiration felt nearly impossible.

• DA Daisy Auger-Domínguez is a Chief People Officer, workplace strategist, speaker, and author on future readying the workforce and building high-performing teams that deliver a competitive advantage without burning out. Daisy serves on the Board of Trustees of Bucknell University, her alma mater, was named one of Hispanic Executive’s Top 10 Leaders, and lives in Brooklyn, NY.

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U.S.–Finland Team Receives Bilateral Academic Research Award to Advance Future Information Architecture for IoT

The Department of Defense today announced the selection of a team of American and Finnish academic researchers to investigate the fundamental questions that may give rise to revolutionary advances in future communication systems.

Awarded through the Bilateral Academic Research Initiative (BARI), the "Self-Programmable Metasurface Networks for Wireless Communications and IoT (internet of things)," project is led by professor Andrea Alu at the City University in New York and professor Sergei Tretyakov at Aalto University in Finland. The team also includes researchers from Northeastern University in Boston, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Helsinki.

The BARI program allows academic teams from the United States and partner countries to merge their unique skill sets and resources to pursue high-risk basic research. During the U.S.-Finland project's four-year period of performance, the U.S. research team will receive up to $4 million from the Basic Research Office within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering while the Finnish team will receive up to €3 million (about $3.3 million) from the Research Council of Finland.

"The BARI program showcases the remarkable potential of international collaboration. By combining the diverse perspectives and expertise of leading scientists from the U.S. and Finland, this initiative will drive important advancements in scientific fields of mutual interest to both nations," said Dr. Bindu Nair, director for basic research at R&E.

"It is wonderful that our first bilateral joint call with the U.S. Department of Defense has proven to be a great success, enabling cutting-edge collaborative research efforts where teams from Finland and the United States combine unique expertise to provide rapid advances in fundamental science," said professor Paula Eerola, president of the Research Council of Finland.

This project, which is jointly sponsored by the OUSD(R&E) Basic Research Office and the Research Council of Finland, seeks to explore materials and devices, network science and embedded intelligence, and human interactions.

For more information on the Basic Research Office, please visit:  http://basicresearch.defense.gov/

About USD(R&E)

The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) is the Chief Technology Officer of the Department of Defense. The USD(R&E) champions research, science, technology, engineering, and innovation to maintain the U.S. military's technological advantage. Learn more at  www.cto.mil  or visit us on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ousdre .

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• Turkey’s asset-price boom is good for some but terrible for most

The rich are getting richer

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O n a weekday afternoon the boutiques of Istanbul’s Istinye Park shopping centre are elegantly buzzing. The city’s Michelin-starred restaurants are booked out for months, and the yacht marinas are full. Signs of an astounding wealth boom are everywhere in Turkey’s biggest city, as the consumption of luxury goods surges. The rich are getting richer: the number of ultra-high net worth individuals (those with a value of $30m or more) in Turkey rose by 10% between 2022 and 2023. Yet ask the average Turk whether they feel they are getting wealthier, and the answer will almost certainly be no.

The figures are astonishing. According to a report from UBS , a bank, average wealth (financial and property assets minus debts) per Turkish adult increased by 158% in terms of the lira, Turkey’s currency, between 2022 and 2023—the highest rise by far of any country. Turkey’s inflation rate, which stood at 61.8% annually in July, is far outpacing the devaluation of the lira, which fell by 19% against the dollar in the same period. One result is that property prices are soaring even in dollar terms, as Turks scramble to invest their savings in assets that they hope will hold their value. Those who have had access to credit have often been able to get wealthier by taking out a loan at deeply negative real rates.

Well-off asset-holders may be watching their stash balloon. But for average people, the effect is less pleasant. Although whatever wealth they have is rising on paper, in the supermarkets their purchasing power has cratered; nominal average wages actually fell between 2022 and 2023. Turkey’s new treasury team, led by Mehmet Simsek since last year’s election, is seeking to rein in inflation by bringing orthodoxy back to an economy that was scrambled by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s years-long insistence on low interest rates and easy credit.

Thus the central bank has held the base rate at 50% since March, following a series of big rises, and banks are slashing credit limits. Big nominal increases in the minimum wage have been discontinued; there was no mid-year rise in July, as there had been in the previous two years. Turks who do not own their homes are being slammed by rents that are rising with inflation.

“Those who can hedge get richer, and those who can’t get poorer,” says Murat Ucer, an economist and former adviser to Turkey’s economy minister. The new money is being splurged in the fashionable neighbourhoods of Istanbul and the celebrity-packed resorts of Bodrum. A burgeoning domestic wealth-management industry has also emerged to serve the country’s new super-rich: the value of Turkish assets under management is predicted to hit $123bn by the end of this year. Much of that is in the hands of dynasties; 95% of businesses in Turkey are family-owned, but wealth is often lost between the generations if it is not guarded carefully.

“The biggest families are already well looked-after, but there are now others,” says Ozge Dogan, the founder of Karman Beyond, Turkey’s first multi-family private office firm, and herself someone from second-generation wealth. “We are more conservative with our wealth, but the understanding is developing.”

The central bank thinks that annualised inflation will fall to 38% by the end of 2024: good news for ordinary Turks. Meanwhile Ms Dogan’s clients are looking outside Turkey for longer term investment options. Her own family, as it happens, is buying properties in London. ■

To stay on top of the biggest European stories, sign up to  Café Europa , our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.

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This article appeared in the Europe section of the print edition under the headline “Gold rush”

Europe August 24th 2024

The mysterious middlemen helping russia’s war machine, the kremlin is close to crushing pokrovsk, a vital ukrainian town, how italy’s mezzogiorno is benefiting from a flood of eu aid, after decades of decline, poland’s population seems to be increasing, the rebuilding of berlin’s pergamon museum is 40 years behind schedule, what europe’s comeback politicians can teach american voters.

From the August 24th 2024 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

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It can’t spend it fast enough

Immigration and the war are the reasons

It’s yet another German construction debacle

A second shot at power can mean too much of the same

Even as Ukraine raids Russia, it is losing another key battle

Sanctions are as watertight as a sieve

What makes a story successful? Researchers have figured out a way to predict it

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Narrative reversals, or changes in fortune that take characters from heights to depths and vice versa, are a good predictor for how successful a movie, TV show or book will be, Northeastern marketing researchers say.

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There are very few universal truths about humanity, but one thing is for certain: We love stories.

Whether it’s movies, TV shows, books, political campaigns or even advertisements, people are constantly being told or telling stories every day. Entire industries are built around storytelling and understanding which stories connect with people the most.

It’s why a group of researchers at Northeastern University have tried to crack the code and answer one question: What makes a story successful?

“If you watch ‘Mad Men,’ you see it’s more of an art form, having an inspiration of how to tell a beautiful story and everything falls in place and it just magically works,” says Yakov Bart , a professor of marketing at Northeastern. “But lately a lot of people have been thinking maybe it’s not just art –– maybe there’s some science to this as well.”

By applying advanced quantitative analysis and statistical techniques to tens of thousands of movies, TV shows, books and even fundraising pitches, the researchers found one core element of storytelling that helped predict a story’s success with audiences: narrative reversals. 

Most people are familiar with what a narrative reversal is, even if they don’t know it by name. Something is going well for a character –– Romeo falls in love with Juliet –– only for something bad to happen to that character –– Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, is enraged and tries to kill Romeo. Or a character is down in the dumps and has a positive experience that changes things for the better.

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“We develop a way, using these advanced text analysis techniques, to quantify and try to measure the frequency and intensity of narrative reversals across a wide set of storytelling contexts,” says Samsun Knight, a research affiliate at Northeastern’s DATA Initiative and published author. “We show that this does indeed predict which stories tend to be more successful. This holds even if you look in a given TV show which episodes are more successful.”

Using a collection of 30,000 texts, which included TV shows, movies, books and fundraising pitches, the researchers analyzed them based on how positive or negative the language in a given section was. Based on that, they were able to measure how well things are going for the characters in a given story and when that situation changed, or reversed.

They counted the number of reversals that took place in each story, also measuring the frequency and intensity of each reversal and discovered it’s a fairly accurate predictor of how well a story will connect with people. In this case, that meant a movie or TV show’s audience rating on IMDb, how frequently people downloaded a book and how much money a fundraising pitch earned.

“It’s not the sole determiner of how successful a story is, but we were impressed with its consistency and the fact that it’s so simple,” Matt Rocklage , an assistant professor of marketing at Northeastern says. “The more of those reversals there are, the more successful these stories are, and the bigger these reversals are, the more successful these stories are.”

Knight says this research isn’t meant to create a formula for writers to tell their stories, but he hopes it can help writers avoid easy pitfalls when charting their story.

“In the most intuitive sense, people tend not to respond to places where nothing is getting better and nothing is getting worse,” Knight says. “You don’t want these sags in your story. … I love Samuel Beckett –– there are exceptions to every rule –– but broadly speaking, this type of unit of narrative propulsion tends to be exceptionally important. Leon Katz, a prominent dramaturg at the Yale School of Drama, called such narrative reversals the ‘formal unit’ of plot. In the same way that paragraphs are constructed out of sentences, a plot will tend to be structured out of reversals.”

Beyond people who are intent on writing the next Oscar-winning screenplay or bestselling novel, Knight says this research highlights how narrative reversals can be a useful tool in more practical contexts too. For those writing a cover letter to apply to their dream job or working up a fundraising pitch to sell people on their business concept, “tell it like a story,” reversals and all, Knight says.

“Tell us where the reversal came in where now you’re actually needing to ask for help or tell us where things could maybe come back up if you were to receive that help,” Knight says. “Structuring your communications with this rule of thumb in mind might help get your point across and just engage people more successfully.”

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