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The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology

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

research topics social psychology

Mitchell Funk / Getty Images

Social Cognition

Violence and aggression, prosocial behavior, prejudice and discrimination.

  • Social Identity

Group Behavior

Social influence, interpersonal relationships.

Social psychology is a branch of psychology that studies a wide range of subjects related to social behavior. This includes studying how people interact, factors that affect social perceptions, the formation of attitudes, and how groups influence individuals.

Research in social psychology is often focused on subjects that fall within three broad areas:

  • Social influence : Social influence refers to the ways in which our opinions and behavior are affected by the presence of others. This includes studies on topics such as conformity, obedience, and social pressure.
  • Social perception : Social perception refers to the ways in which we form impressions of other people. This includes research on topics including first impressions, stereotyping, and prejudice.
  • Social interaction : Social interaction refers to the ways in which we interact with other people. This includes research on topics such as communication, aggression, and altruism.

This article discusses some of the major areas of research in social psychology. It also explores some examples of the types of research that social psychologists might conduct within these subject areas.

Social cognition is concerned with the processing, storage, and application of social information. For example, research in this area of social psychology may focus on the development and use of social schemas. 

Schemas are our general ideas about the world, how things are, and how things work. In the case of social schemas, these ideas relate to how we expect people to behave in different situations.

These mental categories allow us to function without constantly stopping to interpret everything around us. We also develop associations between related schemas, which play an important role in the thought process and social behavior.

One area of social cognition research concerns person perception , which is how people form impressions of others. 

First impressions are the judgments we form about someone based on limited information. Studies have shown that first impressions happen within mere milliseconds and are based on several cues, such as facial expressions, body language, voice, and the beliefs held by the observer.  

Understanding how people acquire and process social information allows researchers to better explain how it can affect social interactions and individual behavior.

Attitudes and Attitude Change

Another major research area in social psychology involves the study of attitudes . Social psychologists are interested in the components of attitudes, how attitudes develop, and how attitudes change.

Attitudes are evaluations of people, objects, or issues. They can be positive (e.g., "I like chocolate") or negative (e.g., "I dislike taxes"). Various factors contribute to the development of attitudes, including upbringing and experiences, although genetics also appears to play a role in shaping them.

Researchers have identified three core components of attitude: an affective component, a behavioral component, and a cognitive component. Often referred to as the "ABCs of attitude," these elements describe how we feel, behave, and understand.

Some other characteristics of attitudes that researchers may be interested in include:

  • How they are best measured : Some attitudes can be measured through self-report questionnaires, but others might be better measured using tools like facial expression or arousal levels.
  • Factors that affect their strength : Attitudes can vary considerably in terms of their intensity. The strength of these attitudes directly impacts the degree to which they will guide their actions. Direct experiences and frequent exposure to the attitude can impact its strength.
  • How attitudes affect behavior : Researchers are also interested in understanding how and when these attitudes influence people's actions. For example, social psychologists might explore how attitudes develop through exposure to social media sources and how those attitudes relate to real-world actions.

Attitudes are an important research topic in social psychology because they impact how people view and interact with others.

What causes violence and aggression ? While many different factors play a role, social psychologists are interested in understanding the social influences that shape violent behavior.

Research in this area looks at numerous social factors that may cause aggression, including:

  • Situational variables that might contribute to aggression
  • Non-physical types of aggression such as name-calling or gossiping
  • How aggression is learned via modeling, such as witnessing adults or children engage in aggressive or violent behaviors
  • How violence in the media affects behavior in the real world
  • Strategies that can be effective in the reduction of aggression and violence
  • The role social learning plays in producing aggressive behaviors and actions
  • How public policy can be used to curb violent behavior

Research into the epidemic of gun violence is an example of how social psychologists are trying to understand the variables that contribute to a problem, and then utilize that knowledge to come up with actionable solutions.

Prosocial behavior is another major research area in social psychology. Prosocial behaviors are those that involve helping and cooperating.

Researchers often look at why people help others, as well as why they sometimes refuse to help or cooperate. The bystander effect is an example of a social phenomenon in the subject area of prosocial behavior.

Much of the research in the area of bystander effect was prompted by the murder of a young woman named Kitty Genovese. This case captured national attention when reports suggested that neighbors had witnessed her attack and murder but failed to call the police for help.

Later reviews of the case indicate that few (if any) of the neighbors had a clear view of the scene and were unaware of what was happening. Nevertheless, the case became mythologized in psychology textbooks and prompted a surge of interest in prosocial behaviors.

Research inspired by the Genovese case produced a great deal of information on prosocial behavior and how and why people choose—or sometimes refuse—to help others.

Prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes exist in any social group. Social psychologists are interested in the origins, causes, and effects of these attitudes and social categorizations.

Some questions that social psychologists explore include:

  • How does prejudice develop?
  • Why are stereotypes maintained in the face of contrary evidence?
  • How can prejudice be measured?
  • What factors contribute to the formation of prejudice and discrimination?
  • Are there effective ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination?

For example, researchers have found that several factors contribute to the development of prejudice, including stereotypes, social categorization, and social influences. Another factor that plays a part is the outgroup homogeneity bias, or the tendency to view people outside of our social group as being more homogenous than members of our own group.

By learning more about the psychology of prejudice and discrimination, researchers can look for solutions to help help prevent it from happening.

Self and Social Identity

Our perceptions of social identities and ourselves are another important research area in social psychology. Some of the questions that researchers explore include:

  • How do people come to know and understand themselves?
  • How do these self-perceptions affect our social interactions?
  • How does belonging to different social groups shape individual identity?
  • How do intersecting group members influence self-perception and self-identity?

Social psychologists are interested in learning more about how this inner life influences our outer lives and social world. Self-awareness, self-esteem, self-concept , and self-expression are only a few factors that influence our social experience.

For example, social comparison is a process that can impact how people view themselves. Upward social comparison involves comparing the self to others who are perceived as higher in status and ability, while downward social comparison focuses on making comparisons to those who are lower in status or ability.

Upward comparisons can leave people feeling like they don't measure up, damaging self-esteem. Downward comparisons, on the other hand, can help enhance self-esteem.

By learning more about how social identities and self-perceptions interact, social psychologists are better able to understand how social factors can influence how individuals feel about themselves and their identities.

Group behavior is defined as the actions, feelings, or thoughts of a collective of people. Such groups involve two or more people who share something in common such as identity, purpose, and belief.

The behavior of groups is one of the largest research areas in social psychology. Most people realize that groups tend to behave differently than individuals. These group behaviors are sometimes beneficial but can also be detrimental.

Social psychologists often look at topics such as:

  • Group dynamics
  • Group decision making
  • Cooperation
  • Group influence

Norms are an example of an aspect of group behavior that can guide how group members think, behave, or act. Norms are standards that emerge and guide how another member judge one another.

Social psychologists are also interested in the role of social influence on behavior and decision-making. Topics such as the psychology of persuasion , peer pressure, conformity , and obedience are only a few of those studied in this area of social psychology.

One example of research in this area of social psychology was Milgram's obedience studies conducted during the 1960s. The experiments found that when ordered by an authority figure, participants were willing to deliver what they believed were dangerous and painful electrical shocks to another person. While the shocks were staged, the research suggested that many people were willing to go to great lengths to obey authority.

Research has helped reveal the power of social influence and has uncovered ways to help people resist influence.

Social relationships play a major role in shaping behavior, attitudes, feelings, and thoughts. Social psychologists study how these interpersonal relationships affect people by looking at attachment , liking , love , and attraction.

Some research questions that social psychologists might explore include:

  • How important are interpersonal relationships to individual well-being?
  • What factors play a role in attraction?
  • How do interpersonal relationships influence helping behaviors in groups?
  • How do close relationships affect individuals?

Close relationships are relationships in which we feel a strong sense of connection and intimacy with another person. Studies on close relationships have shown that they are associated with many benefits, such as increased happiness and satisfaction with life.

A Word From Verywell

Social psychology is a rich subject that explores how social perception, social interaction, and social influence affect both groups and individuals. Researchers in this field are interested in various topics, including attitudes, attraction, close relationships, and helping behavior. By learning more about these subjects, social psychologists can add to our understanding of social behavior and its effect on individual well-being.

Venta A, Hatkevich C, Mellick W, Vanwoerden S, Sharp C. Social cognition mediates the relation between attachment schemas and posttraumatic stress disorder . Psychol Trauma. 2017;9(1):88-95. doi:10.1037/tra0000165

Stolier RM, Hehman E, Keller MD, Walker M, Freeman JB. The conceptual structure of face impressions . Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A . 2018;115(37):9210-9215. doi:10.1073/pnas.1807222115

Markovitch N, Netzer L, Tamir M. Will you touch a dirty diaper? Attitudes towards disgust and behaviour [published correction appears in Cogn Emot . 2016;30(3):i].  Cogn Emot . 2016;30(3):592–602. doi:10.1080/02699931.2015.1020049

Olson JM, Vernon PA, Harris JA, Jang KL. The heritability of attitudes: A study of twins . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2001;80(6):845-60. PMID: 11414369.

Van Ryzin MJ, Dishion TJ. From antisocial behavior to violence: a model for the amplifying role of coercive joining in adolescent friendships .  J Child Psychol Psychiatry . 2013;54(6):661–669. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12017

Kassin SM. The killing of Kitty Genovese: What else does this case tell us?   Perspect Psychol Sci . 2017;12(3):374–381. doi:10.1177/1745691616679465

Rhodes M, Mandalaywala TM. The development and developmental consequences of social essentialism .  Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci . 2017;8(4):10.1002/wcs.1437. doi:10.1002/wcs.1437

Hjerm M, Eger M, Danell R.  Peer attitudes and the development of prejudice in adolescence .  Socius Sociolog Res Dynamic World . 2018;4:1-11. doi:10.1177/2378023118763187

American Psychological Association.  Outgroup homogeneity bias .

Drury J, Carter H, Cocking C, Ntontis E, Tekin Guven S, Amlôt R. Facilitating collective psychosocial resilience in the public in emergencies: Twelve recommendations based on the social identity approach [published correction appears in Front Public Health . 2019 Jun 27;7:181].  Front Public Health . 2019;7:141. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00141

Rahman T. Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: How Violent Extremist Beliefs Become "Normalized" .  Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(1):10. doi:10.3390/bs8010010

Russell NJC.  Milgram's obedience to authority experiments: Origins and early evolution .  Br J Soc Psychol . 2011;50:140-162. doi:10.1348/014466610X492205

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

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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

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

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

  • How to choose a psychology research topic

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

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

Focus on a particular area of psychology

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

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

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

Read the latest clinical studies

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

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

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

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

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

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

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

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

  • 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

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

  • Psychology research topics for university students

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

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

Mental health in post-secondary students

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

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

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

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

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

  • Clinical psychology research topics

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

Chronic pain and mental health

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

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

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

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

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

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

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

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

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

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

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

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

  • Controversial psychology research paper topics

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

The impact of social media and digital platforms

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

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

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

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

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

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

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

  • Mental health disorder research topics

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

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

Anxiety and depression disorders

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

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

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

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

Bipolar disorder

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

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

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

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

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

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

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

  • Societal and systematic psychology research topics

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

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

Access to mental health services

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

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

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

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

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

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

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

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

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

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

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

  • Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

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

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150 Social Psychology Topics for 2023

social psychology topics

Choosing a good research paper topic is one of the more important phases of writing a great academic assignment. As the first step, it will determine the rest of the phases of the researching and writing process. This list of 150 topics for social psychology research paper may inspire you or give you ideas of your own.

Social Psychology Project Topics for Middle School

Many young students find this area of study interesting. So, we have gathered several topics on social psychology that will inspire them to explore the field further without being too overwhelming:

  • How do attitudes develop in children?
  • What causes racism in young people?
  • How do prejudices against specific groups develop?
  • How do children develop nonverbal communication skills?
  • How does prosocial behavior affect development?
  • Can young people feel love?
  • How do young people react to their parents’ acts of affection?
  • In what ways does television advertisement affect consumers?
  • Are young people prone to eating disorders?
  • What are the early signs of schizophrenia?
  • What impact does seasonal affective disorder have on children?
  • How do children develop phobias?
  • What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?
  • How can parents prevent their kids from bullying others?
  • What impact does bullying have on children?

The social psychology topics can be easily researched using online and print resources. But any student that chooses any of these topics must be sure to do the work and search for sources that are reliable and trustworthy.

Good Social Psychology Research Topics for High School

These social psychology issues topics are tougher and are designed for students that have learned the fundamentals of conducting good background research using both online and print resources. They are great for students at a high school level because they are challenging but not overwhelming:

  • What impact does depression have on social behavior?
  • How are eating disorders formed in young adults?
  • How does social pressure lead to eating disorders in teenagers?
  • Why do young adults develop personality disorders?
  • Why do teenagers become antisocial?
  • How do dreams influence daily behavior?
  • How does social behavior affect a student’s academic performance?
  • Do sports help students with anti-social behaviors?
  • What are the most effective ways of dealing with social depression?
  • Are modern counselors trained to deal with current depressive disorders?
  • What causes homophobia in young adults?
  • What effects does racism have on high school students?
  • How do young people react to homophobia?
  • What are the best ways to deal with social anxiety?
  • What impact do marital fights have on young people?

Social Psychology Research Topics for College Students

As soon as students have developed a firm grasp of researching and writing methods, they will be required to take on bigger academic challenges. These social psychology term paper topics fit the bill perfectly. There are a lot of sources available online and in libraries:

  • In what ways does the loss of a family pet affect children?
  • How does the loss of a relative impact children?
  • What cultural influences affect how families deal with death?
  • How does divorce impact a child’s social relationships?
  • Should teachers get to know their students more closely?
  • How does placement in a special education class affect a child’s confidence?
  • How do team sports help with a child’s social behavior?
  • How is social cognition affected by depression?
  • What impact does media violence have on a child’s development?
  • How do gender roles on television affect young person’s relationships with others?
  • How does child abuse lead to further violence in adults?
  • How do compliments and appraisals affect a child’s development?
  • What effect does parental affection have on a child’s confidence?
  • How do different parenting styles affect children?
  • How do children learn to respect the advice of their elders?

All of these social psychology research topics can be revised to fit a specific assignment. Be sure you organize your notes and choose the best arguments to structure and support your main point.

Thesis Topics in Social Psychology for Grad Students

Many issues have been debated since the start of this field of science. This is a list of major topics in social psychology perfect for graduate students seeking a degree in psychology:

  • How do group sports help with depression?
  • Does running or jogging with others help with weight loss?
  • Are people more likely to stick with a healthy lifestyle if they join a gym?
  • What effect does alcohol have on dating?
  • How has the internet changed the way people interact?
  • How do people come to know and understand themselves?
  • How does divorce impact a child’s development?
  • In what ways does self-esteem affect the way people behave in public?
  • Does fashion sense elevate a person’s sense of worth?
  • How does wealth affect the ways people interact with one another?
  • How does professional therapy help keep couples together?
  • Does dealing with reconciliation issues help couples after separation?
  • How do genetics affect the way people form relationships?
  • How do families deal with alcohol abuse by a member of that family?
  • Can therapy help families that have experienced the death of a child?

The above research topic in social psychology ideas covers a wide range of areas that can pique the interest of diverse audiences. Choose something that explores a new field of study or challenges an existing theory. Our media dissertation topics may come in handy here.

Social Psychology Literature Review Topics

When it comes to social psychology essay topics, you should always turn to those that you are genuinely interested in. Just be sure you conduct ample research to ensure you present the most current information:

  • How is social cognition with a family affected by outside factors?
  • What roles do aggressive behaviors play in social psychology?
  • What social influences can affect the way a person sees religion?
  • Do city nightlights affect the way people interact in public?
  • What effect has the Covid-19 pandemic had on people’s mental health?
  • What is the bystander effect and what influence does it have in psychology?
  • What are the biggest influences on child development?
  • What impact do holiday gatherings have on family relationships?
  • What effect does distancing oneself from the public have on his or her well-being?
  • How does leadership impact the way employees work?
  • What effect do company retreats have on work productivity?
  • What is the most effective way to deal with physical illnesses?
  • What are the social pressures that most affect adolescence?
  • Is sex education bringing unwanted stress upon teenagers?
  • How does one deal with affluenza?

Interesting Social Psychology Topics

Social psychology topics for research can be difficult to brainstorm. Students could struggle to find interesting ideas that meet the requirements of an assignment. You may find the following list helpful and inspiring:

  • What impact did Albert Bandura have on social learning?
  • What are the short-term effects alcohol has on human interaction?
  • How does the kind of music one listens to affect his/her relationships with others?
  • What is the difference bet altruism and prosocial behavior?
  • How does climate emergency affect the way people behave?
  • What impact does the change of terms from “climate change” to “climate emergency” have?
  • How does war impact civilian behavior?
  • What kind of social-psychological factors contribute to youth delinquency?
  • How does cultural adaptation impact a person’s psychology?
  • How has the culture of fear impacted how people interact?
  • Why do people feel safe joining religious cults?
  • What is the easiest way of adapting to a foreign culture?
  • How does teamwork affect employee productivity?
  • Should employees become friends outside of the workplace?
  • How does weather affect the way people interact?

Applied Social Psychology Topics

You may not have known but there are social psychology topics for research paper in the field of applied practices. If you are interested in this field you should be prepared to conduct a lot of research before delving into any of the topics listed above:

  • How do peace and conflict affect the human psyche?
  • What social forces affect the way students perform academically?
  • How does diversity in the workplace improve morale?
  • What impact do school clubs have on a teenager’s mental health?
  • How does crowding impact task performance?
  • What happens to a person’s emotional state when criticized?
  • What are the benefits of asking for help in the workplace?
  • How does job satisfaction affect life satisfaction?
  • Does the promise of financial compensation motivate workers?
  • How do romantic relationships at work affect productivity?
  • Does recognition affect the way a student performs academically?
  • What happens to employee productivity after a promotion?
  • What do SES indexes measure in people?
  • What makes some people more attractive than others?
  • Why are people attracted to celebrities?

Social Psychology Experiment Topics

If you want to push the boundaries of experimentation in this area of study, this list of social psychology research topics should inspire academic research that is original and interesting:

  • How does sleep impact the way people behave in public?
  • Does public transportation improve trust in people?
  • How do political demonstrations divide people?
  • Do public protests unify or divide our societies?
  • How do people respond to pornography on the screen?
  • What impact do racially-based crimes have on societies?
  • How are people responding to police killings in the U.S.?
  • What are the major approaches to social problems?
  • How does metaphor in politics affect opinions?
  • How does marital satisfaction impact validation approach?
  • How do teacher-student relationships impact academic growth?
  • Does inclusion help students succeed academically?
  • How does parental inclusion help a student’s grades?
  • How do juvenile correction institutions affect youth?
  • How is social-emotional behavior impact sex differences?

More Social Psychology Paper Topics

One of the easiest ways of earning a good grade on a writing assignment is to choose a unique social psychology research topic to write about. The following topics in social psychology provide you with numerous ideas that span a wide area of subjects that fit your interests:

  • How does police violence impact our trust in the legal system?
  • How has the growing number of mass shootings affected society?
  • How does attractiveness help people make friends?
  • Do people who are defined as attractive have more professional success?
  • What are the reasons behind the halo effect?
  • What impact does educational level have on relationships?
  • How does the use of foul language impact the way we view others?
  • Are people who have positive personalities more likely to make friends?
  • What does it mean to have a close circle of friends?
  • Is attractiveness linked to friendliness?
  • How do television advertisements affect consumerism?
  • What causes sleep paralysis in adults?
  • Does the use of foul language make someone seem more aggressive?
  • How do people respond when social norms are violated?
  • What impact do professional sports have on a city?

Social Psychology Topics to Write About

This last set of social psychology research paper topics can be used across numerous disciplines and academic levels. Modify them to suit your specific needs and don’t forget to conduct ample research before you start writing:

  • What are the implications of discrimination against specific races?
  • What occurs to people that have been discriminated against?
  • How does community interaction establish trust?
  • Do violent films make teenagers more likely to commit crimes?
  • Is homophobia a type of religious prejudice?
  • What does psychological bullying do to teenagers?
  • What role does bullying play in violent adults?
  • Does being the victim of bullying make a person prone to violence?
  • Why do so many people avoid taking action when they see violent behavior?
  • How do our social actions affect the way others see us?
  • What impact do violent video games have on teenagers?
  • How does leadership affect the way people work?
  • What does prosocial behavior do the way people respond to politicians?
  • What does it mean to be a good neighbor?
  • How do humans process and store information they gather from their surroundings?

The above topics in social psychology research can be revised to fit numerous academic projects. Still, if you require more social psychology topics for research papers, UK Assignment Help has a team of academic experts that could create custom lists to suit your specific needs. Our customer support team is available 24/7 and can connect you with an expert that specializes in this discipline. And if you need topics in other areas, we can help with that too. We look forward to hearing from you.

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