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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

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?

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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.

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

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Research Paper Guide

Research Paper Topics

Interesting Research Paper Topics for 2024

21 min read

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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Research Topic Ideas

Picking a Topic
Area & Interdisciplinary Studies
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Business, Economics, & Management

Not Sure Which Topic to Choose?

Controversial issues and current events, flint water crisis.

Education & Social Work
Health Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

Look at the "Picking a Topic" tab on this guide for help brainstorming your topic. Also, our Research Process guide can help you throughout your research process.

Research Process by Liz Svoboda Last Updated Apr 26, 2024 7864 views this year
Affirmative Action
Affordable Care Act
Alternative medicine
America's global influence
Artificial intelligence
Assisted suicide
Bilingual education
Black Lives Matter
Border security
Capital punishment
Charter schools
Childhood obesity
Civil rights
Climate change
Concussions in football
COVID restrictions
Cryptocurrency
Cyber bullying
Cybersecurity
Drug legalization
Early voting
Eating disorders
Equal Rights Amendment
Executive order
Factory farming
Foreign aid
Freedom of speech
General Data Protection Regulation
Genetic engineering
Gerrymandering
Green New Deal
Hate speech
Health insurance
Human trafficking
Immigration
Israel-Palestine relations
Judicial activism
Labor unions
Land acknowledgments
#MeToo movement
Minimum wage
Misinformation
Net neutrality
Nuclear energy
Offshore drilling
Online anonymity
Organic food
Outsourcing
Police reform
Political activism
Prescription drug addiction
Racial profiling
Reparations
Russian hacking
Sanctuary city
Screen addiction
Self-driving cars
Sex education
Smart speakers
Social Security reform
Standardized testing
Stimulus packages
Supreme Court confirmation
Syrian civil war
Title IX enforcement
Trade tariffs
Transgender rights
Ukraine and Russia
Urban agriculture
Vaccination mandates
Violence in the media
Voter ID laws
Voting fraud and security
White nationalism
Women's rights
Zero tolerance policies

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URL: https://libguides.umflint.edu/topics

Research Paper Topics: 200 Best Picks

Did you know that the world's largest desert is not the sandy expanse of the Sahara but rather the icy wilderness of Antarctica? It's a captivating fact that challenges our conventional understanding of deserts. While we typically associate deserts with endless dunes and scorching heat, Antarctica, with its bone-chilling cold and vast stretches of barren ice, meets the technical criteria of a desert. This fascinating paradox showcases the complexity of our natural world and serves as a reminder that there's always more to discover, even in the most unexpected places. In much the same way, choosing research paper topics can lead us to unexpected insights and open new intellectual horizons.

Research Paper Topics: Short Description

Are you struggling to find the perfect essay topics that ignite your academic passion? Look no further! Dive into our comprehensive guide, where you'll uncover a curated list of 200 of the best research paper topics spanning across various subjects. Whether your interests lie in the realms of science, humanities, technology, or the arts, we've got you covered. Let this invaluable resource be your compass on your scholarly journey, helping you identify that ideal topic that not only sparks your curiosity but also propels your academic pursuits to new heights.

What Are Good Research Topics

Choosing a research topic is akin to setting off on a thrilling expedition. You want to venture into uncharted territory, but you also need a compass to keep you on track. So, what makes a research topic good? Let's uncover the secrets from our ' write my paper ' experts:

1. Relevance is Key : The best research topics often intersect with real-world issues. They're questions waiting to be answered or problems in need of solutions. For instance, in the realm of environmental science, 'The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems' is a hot topic because it addresses a pressing global concern.

2. Passion Igniters : Good research topic ideas align with your personal interests. If you're fascinated by artificial intelligence, delving into 'Ethical Dilemmas in AI Development' won't feel like a chore; it'll be a captivating journey.

3. Unexplored Avenues : Look for gaps in existing research. The most exciting discoveries often happen where no one has tread before. If everyone's talking about 'The Effects of Climate Change,' maybe you can explore 'Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Vulnerable Communities' - a less explored path with immense potential.

4. Scope Matters : Consider the scope of your project. A topic too broad might lead to superficial research, while one too narrow can be limiting. Strike a balance. Instead of 'The History of World Literature,' try 'The Influence of Japanese Haiku Poetry on Modern American Literature.'

5. Controversy and Debate : Controversial topics can be both intriguing and polarizing. 'Should Genetic Editing in Humans Be Regulated?' is bound to stir passionate discussions, making it an excellent choice for thought-provoking research projects.

6. Fresh Perspectives : Seek topics that allow for diverse viewpoints. 'The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health' can be approached from psychological, sociological, and even technological angles, providing a rich landscape for exploration.

7. Feasibility : Finally, consider the resources and time you have at your disposal. Some interesting research topics might require extensive fieldwork or access to expensive equipment. Opt for a topic that's feasible within your constraints.

Selecting the Right Research Paper Topic

Picking research paper topics can be as easy as pie if you follow these simple steps:

How to Select the Right Research Paper Topic

1. Think About What You Like:

Start by thinking about what you really like or are curious about. It could be anything – from animals to space, movies to history. Imagine writing about something that makes you excited!

2. See What's Already Been Done:

Look around a bit. Find out if others have written about your topic before. This is like checking out the map to see where others have gone. You want to find your own path.

3. Make It More Specific:

Once you know how to research a topic , it's time to narrow down your topic. Instead of talking about 'animals,' you could focus on 'endangered pandas.' This is like choosing a trail in the forest instead of wandering all over.

4. Ask for Help:

Talk to your teacher or friends about your idea. They might have cool suggestions or tips. It's like having buddies on your adventure who know the way.

5. Check Your Tools:

Before you start, make sure you have every tool you need. It's like checking if you have the right gear before going camping. Make sure you have books or internet access for research and enough time to finish.

After settling on a topic, you can buy a research paper easily from our skilled writers, who will expertly manage it on your behalf!

Research Paper Topics on Math

These research papers reflect the diverse and evolving nature of mathematics and its applications in various fields. Researchers in mathematics continue to make significant contributions, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.

Quantum Computing Algorithms: Investigating the development of quantum algorithms for solving complex mathematical problems and their potential impact on cryptography and computational mathematics.
Topological Data Analysis: Exploring the applications of topological methods in data analysis, particularly in fields like neuroscience, biology, and materials science.
Machine Learning and Mathematics: Analyzing the mathematical foundations of machine learning algorithms, including deep learning and neural networks.
Homotopy Type Theory: Investigating the connections between homotopy theory, category theory, and type theory and their role in the foundations of mathematics.
Number Theory and Cryptography: Exploring recent advances in number theory and their applications in modern cryptography, including post-quantum cryptography.
Differential Equations in Epidemiology: Studying the role of differential equations in modeling the spread of infectious diseases, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graph Theory and Network Analysis: Investigating new algorithms and techniques in graph theory for analyzing complex networks, such as social networks and transportation networks.
Mathematics of Machine Vision: Examining the mathematical principles behind computer vision and image processing techniques, including object recognition and image reconstruction.
Algebraic Geometry and Robotics: Exploring the intersections of algebraic geometry and robotics, particularly in the context of robot motion planning and control.
Combinatorial Optimization in Operations Research: Analyzing recent developments in combinatorial optimization algorithms and their applications in solving complex real-world problems in logistics, transportation, and resource allocation.

Research Paper Topics on Science

These are great research paper topics that highlight the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of scientific research, showcasing the ongoing efforts to understand and address complex global challenges.

CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Technology: Investigating recent developments and ethical considerations surrounding CRISPR-based gene editing techniques.
Quantum Computing and Quantum Information: Exploring the latest advancements in quantum computing hardware, algorithms, and their potential applications in fields like cryptography and materials science.
Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery: Analyzing the use of machine learning and AI algorithms for identifying potential drug candidates and accelerating the drug discovery process.
Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life: Discussing recent discoveries related to extremophiles, exoplanets, and the potential for life beyond Earth.
Climate Change and Oceanography: Examining the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems, including rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changes in marine biodiversity.
Neuroscience and Brain-Computer Interfaces: Investigating the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and their applications in healthcare, communication, and assistive technologies.
Particle Physics and the Search for Dark Matter: Discussing recent experiments and theories related to dark matter, one of the most significant mysteries in modern physics.
Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering: Exploring the latest advancements in synthetic biology, including the design of artificial organisms and bioengineering for medical and environmental applications.
Renewable Energy Technologies: Analyzing recent breakthroughs in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and advanced energy storage systems.
Artificial Photosynthesis: Investigating the development of artificial photosynthesis systems for sustainable energy production and carbon dioxide reduction.

Research Paper Topics on Business

These business research paper topics reflect the ever-changing landscape of the business world, where innovation, ethics, and global challenges play significant roles in shaping business practices and strategies.

Sustainability in Business: Examining strategies for integrating sustainability practices into corporate operations and measuring their impact on profitability and social responsibility.
E-commerce and Online Marketplaces: Investigating the growth of e-commerce, including the role of online marketplaces, consumer behavior, and the future of traditional brick-and-mortar retail.
Entrepreneurship and Startup Ecosystems: Analyzing the factors contributing to the success of startup ecosystems, including access to capital, mentorship, and government policies.
Digital Marketing Trends: Exploring recent developments in digital marketing, such as influencer marketing, content marketing, and the use of AI in marketing campaigns.
Global Supply Chain Management: Studying the challenges and opportunities in global supply chains, including risk management, sustainability, and the impact of disruptive events.
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Examining ethical dilemmas in business, corporate governance, and the social responsibility of corporations.
Financial Technology (Fintech): Investigating the impact of fintech innovations, including digital banking, cryptocurrency, and peer-to-peer lending, on traditional financial institutions and markets.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Analyzing the benefits and challenges of fostering diverse and inclusive work environments and their impact on employee performance and organizational success.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence: Exploring the use of data analytics and business intelligence tools to make informed decisions, improve operations, and gain a competitive advantage.
Corporate Innovation and Open Innovation Strategies: Investigating how companies foster innovation by collaborating with external partners, startups, and customers, and the impact of open innovation on corporate success and competitiveness.

Research Paper Topics on Psychology

Explore fascinating subjects like mental health, cognitive processes, and the intricacies of human behavior with these psychology research paper topics:

Mental Health Stigma: Analyzing the impact of stigma on individuals seeking treatment for mental health disorders and strategies to reduce stigma in society.
Social Media and Mental Health: Investigating the relationship between social media use, mental health outcomes, and potential interventions for healthier online behavior.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exploring the latest research on PTSD, including treatment modalities, risk factors, and the neurobiology of trauma.
Positive Psychology and Well-being: Examining the science of well-being, happiness, and positive emotions and their practical applications in therapy and everyday life.
Childhood Development and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Investigating the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences on mental health and strategies for prevention and intervention.
Psychology of Sleep: Analyzing the importance of sleep in mental health, the consequences of sleep disorders, and effective treatments for improving sleep quality.
Substance Abuse and Addiction: Studying the psychological factors contributing to substance abuse, addiction treatment approaches, and the impact of addiction on individuals and society.
Cross-Cultural Psychology: Exploring cultural variations in psychological processes, including cognition, emotion, and behavior, and their implications for mental health and therapy.
Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation: Investigating the brain's ability to adapt and recover after injury, with a focus on rehabilitation techniques for conditions like stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Psychological Resilience: Examining factors that contribute to psychological resilience in the face of adversity, trauma, or stress and interventions to enhance resilience.

Research Paper Topics on Literature

Explore the world of words and uncover the deeper meanings behind the texts with the following topic suggestions:

Postcolonial Literature and Identity: Analyzing the theme of identity and its intersection with postcolonialism in works of literature from former colonies.
Feminism in Classic Literature: Exploring feminist themes, characters, and narratives in classic literature and their relevance in contemporary society.
Dystopian Literature and Social Commentary: Investigating how dystopian literature serves as a commentary on current social, political, and technological issues.
Literature and Environmentalism: Analyzing how literature portrays environmental concerns, climate change, and humanity's relationship with the natural world.
Adaptation of Literature to Film: Examining the challenges and artistic choices involved in adapting literary works into successful films.
Literature of the Harlem Renaissance: Studying the cultural and artistic movement known as the Harlem Renaissance, with a focus on key literary figures and their contributions.
Magical Realism in Latin American Literature: Exploring the use of magical realism in the works of authors like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende.
Literature and Mental Health: Investigating the portrayal of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, in contemporary literature and their impact on stigmatization.
Literature and Technology: Analyzing how literature reflects the influence of technology on society, communication, and human relationships.
Literature and Social Justice: Examining literature's role in advocating for social justice, civil rights, and equity, with a focus on diverse voices and marginalized communities.

Research Paper Topics on Environment

Discover the planet's pressing issues with these critical topics:

Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: Investigating innovative approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, including renewable energy adoption, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable transportation.
Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration: Analyzing conservation efforts to protect endangered species, restore ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity in the face of habitat loss and climate change.
Plastic Pollution and Marine Ecosystems: Exploring the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, ecosystems, and potential solutions for reducing plastic waste in oceans.
Urban Sustainability: Studying sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and policies to create environmentally friendly and resilient cities.
Water Resource Management: Investigating strategies for sustainable water resource management, including groundwater replenishment, watershed protection, and water-efficient technologies.
Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture: Analyzing methods to improve food production while minimizing environmental impacts, such as organic farming, precision agriculture, and alternative protein sources.
Ecosystem Services and Valuation: Exploring the value of ecosystem services (e.g., clean air, water, pollination) and methods to incorporate them into decision-making and policy development.
Land Use Change and Deforestation: Studying the drivers of deforestation, land degradation, and the conservation of forests and natural landscapes.
Environmental Justice: Investigating environmental inequalities, including the disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change on marginalized communities and strategies for achieving environmental justice.
Green Technology and Innovation: Analyzing emerging green technologies, such as sustainable materials, clean energy innovations, and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

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Research Paper Topics on Biology

Let's delve into the fascinating realms of genetics, ecology, and the intricate workings of living organisms:

The Human Microbiome: Exploring the role of the microbiome in human health, including its impact on digestion, immunity, and its potential in treating various diseases.
Evolutionary Adaptations to Climate Change: Analyzing how species are adapting or struggling to adapt to changing environmental conditions due to climate change.
Neurobiology of Addiction: Investigating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and potential targets for treatment and prevention.
Conservation Biology: Analyzing strategies for the conservation of endangered species and ecosystems, with a focus on the role of protected areas and habitat restoration.
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Exploring the biology of newly emerging infectious diseases, their origins, and strategies for prevention and control.
Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement: Investigating genetic engineering and breeding techniques to improve crop yield, resistance to pests, and nutritional content.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's and potential therapeutic approaches.
Synthetic Biology: Analyzing the field of synthetic biology, including the design and construction of novel biological systems and their applications in medicine, energy production, and biotechnology.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: Investigating the relationship between biodiversity and the services ecosystems provide to humanity, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
Epigenetics and Environmental Influences: Exploring the role of epigenetic modifications in gene expression and how environmental factors can impact these modifications, potentially leading to heritable traits or diseases.

Research Paper Topics on Health and Medicine

The following health research paper topics reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the health and medicine field.

Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding and addressing concerns about vaccines.
Telemedicine and Telehealth: The growth of remote healthcare services and their impact on patient care.
Personalized Medicine: Tailoring medical treatments to individual genetics and characteristics.
Cancer Immunotherapy: Advancements in using the immune system to treat cancer.
Antibiotic Resistance: Strategies to combat the growing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics.
Health Disparities: Addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among different populations.
Aging Population: Healthcare challenges and innovations in an aging society.
Nutrition and Obesity: Research on the effects of diet on health and strategies to combat obesity.
Artificial Organs and 3D Printing: Advancements in creating artificial organs and tissues.
Precision Nutrition: Customized dietary recommendations based on an individual's genetics and health status.

Research Paper Topics on Education

Shape the future of learning with these education research paper topics, where you can delve into current challenges, innovations, and strategies in the world of education:

Critical Digital Literacy Education: Exploring the importance of teaching critical digital literacy skills to students, including media literacy, online safety, and ethical online behavior.
Educational Neuroscience and Learning: Studying the intersection of neuroscience and education to better understand how the brain learns and applying this knowledge to improve teaching methods and curriculum design.
Personalized Learning Environments: Analyzing the implementation of personalized learning environments, including adaptive learning platforms and customized learning pathways, to enhance student engagement and achievement.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education: Investigating the use of AI-driven tools and platforms for personalized tutoring, assessment, and content creation in educational settings.
Global Citizenship Education: Exploring strategies for integrating global citizenship education into curricula to promote cross-cultural understanding, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
Homeschooling and Educational Equity: Examining the growth of homeschooling and its potential impact on educational equity, including regulations, resources, and outcomes for homeschooled students.
Teacher Well-being and Burnout: Studying the factors contributing to teacher burnout and stress, along with strategies and policies to improve teacher well-being and retention.
Environmental Education and Sustainability: Analyzing the role of education in fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices, including green curricula and school sustainability initiatives.
Early Career Teacher Support: Investigating mentorship programs, induction strategies, and professional development opportunities to support and retain early career teachers in the education profession.
Education Equity in the Digital Divide Era: Investigating strategies to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology and online resources for all students, particularly in underserved communities.

Research Paper Topics on Sports

Let's dive into the realm of athleticism with the following topics, exploring diverse aspects of sports science.

Concussions in Sports: Analyzing the long-term effects of concussions, prevention strategies, and advances in concussion diagnosis and management in various sports.
The Impact of Sports on Mental Health: Investigating the relationship between sports participation, mental well-being, and strategies to promote mental health among athletes.
Gender Equity in Sports: Exploring gender disparities in sports, including pay gaps, opportunities, and challenges for female athletes, coaches, and administrators.
Sports Psychology and Peak Performance: Studying the psychological factors that influence athletes' performance, including motivation, confidence, and stress management.
Sports and Social Change: Analyzing the role of sports in promoting social justice, diversity, and inclusion, including athlete activism and the impact on broader societal issues.
Youth Sports and Long-Term Development: Investigating the effects of youth sports participation on character development, physical fitness, and future success in sports and life.
Sports Nutrition and Performance: Examining the role of nutrition, dietary supplements, and hydration in optimizing athletic performance and recovery.
Sports and Technology: Exploring the use of technology, including wearables, video analysis, and data analytics, in sports training, performance analysis, and injury prevention.
Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention: Studying the latest advancements in sports medicine, rehabilitation techniques, and injury prevention strategies for athletes.
Sports and Technology Ethics: Investigating ethical issues related to the use of emerging technologies such as genetic enhancements, AI-driven performance analysis, and virtual reality training in sports.

In the world of academia, the journey of selecting a research paper topic is one that should not be taken lightly. It's a voyage that can both fascinate and inspire as your chosen subject becomes a canvas for your curiosity and passion. Remember, our research proposal writing service is here to guide you not only in finding intriguing research paper ideas but also in mastering how to write a reflective essay that captures the essence of your academic exploration!

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Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

100+ Healthcare Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Healthcare-related research topics and ideas

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

Allopathic medicine
Alternative /complementary medicine
Veterinary medicine
Physical therapy/ rehab
Optometry and ophthalmology
Pharmacy and pharmacology
Public health
Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Tops & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
The use of technology in medication management in the USA
The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
The effects of heat waves on public health
The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

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

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

Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

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

Need more help?

If you’re still feeling a bit unsure about how to find a research topic for your healthcare dissertation or thesis, check out Topic Kickstarter service below.

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

15 Comments

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

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Home » Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Research Paper – Structure, Examples and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Research Paper

Definition:

Research Paper is a written document that presents the author’s original research, analysis, and interpretation of a specific topic or issue.

It is typically based on Empirical Evidence, and may involve qualitative or quantitative research methods, or a combination of both. The purpose of a research paper is to contribute new knowledge or insights to a particular field of study, and to demonstrate the author’s understanding of the existing literature and theories related to the topic.

Structure of Research Paper

The structure of a research paper typically follows a standard format, consisting of several sections that convey specific information about the research study. The following is a detailed explanation of the structure of a research paper:

The title page contains the title of the paper, the name(s) of the author(s), and the affiliation(s) of the author(s). It also includes the date of submission and possibly, the name of the journal or conference where the paper is to be published.

The abstract is a brief summary of the research paper, typically ranging from 100 to 250 words. It should include the research question, the methods used, the key findings, and the implications of the results. The abstract should be written in a concise and clear manner to allow readers to quickly grasp the essence of the research.

Introduction

The introduction section of a research paper provides background information about the research problem, the research question, and the research objectives. It also outlines the significance of the research, the research gap that it aims to fill, and the approach taken to address the research question. Finally, the introduction section ends with a clear statement of the research hypothesis or research question.

Literature Review

The literature review section of a research paper provides an overview of the existing literature on the topic of study. It includes a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, highlighting the key concepts, themes, and debates. The literature review should also demonstrate the research gap and how the current study seeks to address it.

The methods section of a research paper describes the research design, the sample selection, the data collection and analysis procedures, and the statistical methods used to analyze the data. This section should provide sufficient detail for other researchers to replicate the study.

The results section presents the findings of the research, using tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate the data. The findings should be presented in a clear and concise manner, with reference to the research question and hypothesis.

The discussion section of a research paper interprets the findings and discusses their implications for the research question, the literature review, and the field of study. It should also address the limitations of the study and suggest future research directions.

The conclusion section summarizes the main findings of the study, restates the research question and hypothesis, and provides a final reflection on the significance of the research.

The references section provides a list of all the sources cited in the paper, following a specific citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

How to Write Research Paper

You can write Research Paper by the following guide:

Choose a Topic: The first step is to select a topic that interests you and is relevant to your field of study. Brainstorm ideas and narrow down to a research question that is specific and researchable.
Conduct a Literature Review: The literature review helps you identify the gap in the existing research and provides a basis for your research question. It also helps you to develop a theoretical framework and research hypothesis.
Develop a Thesis Statement : The thesis statement is the main argument of your research paper. It should be clear, concise and specific to your research question.
Plan your Research: Develop a research plan that outlines the methods, data sources, and data analysis procedures. This will help you to collect and analyze data effectively.
Collect and Analyze Data: Collect data using various methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments. Analyze data using statistical tools or other qualitative methods.
Organize your Paper : Organize your paper into sections such as Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Ensure that each section is coherent and follows a logical flow.
Write your Paper : Start by writing the introduction, followed by the literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and follows the required formatting and citation styles.
Edit and Proofread your Paper: Review your paper for grammar and spelling errors, and ensure that it is well-structured and easy to read. Ask someone else to review your paper to get feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Cite your Sources: Ensure that you properly cite all sources used in your research paper. This is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism.

Research Paper Example

Note : The below example research paper is for illustrative purposes only and is not an actual research paper. Actual research papers may have different structures, contents, and formats depending on the field of study, research question, data collection and analysis methods, and other factors. Students should always consult with their professors or supervisors for specific guidelines and expectations for their research papers.

Research Paper Example sample for Students:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Young Adults

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults. A literature review was conducted to examine the existing research on the topic. A survey was then administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Introduction: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, particularly among young adults. While social media has many benefits, including increased communication and social connectivity, it has also been associated with negative outcomes, such as addiction, cyberbullying, and mental health problems. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media use on the mental health of young adults.

Literature Review: The literature review highlights the existing research on the impact of social media use on mental health. The review shows that social media use is associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health problems. The review also identifies the factors that contribute to the negative impact of social media, including social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Methods : A survey was administered to 200 university students to collect data on their social media use, mental health status, and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. The survey included questions on social media use, mental health status (measured using the DASS-21), and perceived impact of social media on their mental health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis.

Results : The results showed that social media use is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. The study also found that social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO are significant predictors of mental health problems among young adults.

Discussion : The study’s findings suggest that social media use has a negative impact on the mental health of young adults. The study highlights the need for interventions that address the factors contributing to the negative impact of social media, such as social comparison, cyberbullying, and FOMO.

Conclusion : In conclusion, social media use has a significant impact on the mental health of young adults. The study’s findings underscore the need for interventions that promote healthy social media use and address the negative outcomes associated with social media use. Future research can explore the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health. Additionally, longitudinal studies can investigate the long-term effects of social media use on mental health.

Limitations : The study has some limitations, including the use of self-report measures and a cross-sectional design. The use of self-report measures may result in biased responses, and a cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causality.

Implications: The study’s findings have implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers. Mental health professionals can use the findings to develop interventions that address the negative impact of social media use on mental health. Educators can incorporate social media literacy into their curriculum to promote healthy social media use among young adults. Policymakers can use the findings to develop policies that protect young adults from the negative outcomes associated with social media use.

References :

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2019). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive medicine reports, 15, 100918.
Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Escobar-Viera, C. G., Barrett, E. L., Sidani, J. E., Colditz, J. B., … & James, A. E. (2017). Use of multiple social media platforms and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A nationally-representative study among US young adults. Computers in Human Behavior, 69, 1-9.
Van der Meer, T. G., & Verhoeven, J. W. (2017). Social media and its impact on academic performance of students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research, 16, 383-398.

Appendix : The survey used in this study is provided below.

Social Media and Mental Health Survey

How often do you use social media per day?
Less than 30 minutes
30 minutes to 1 hour
1 to 2 hours
2 to 4 hours
More than 4 hours
Which social media platforms do you use?
Others (Please specify)
How often do you experience the following on social media?
Social comparison (comparing yourself to others)
Cyberbullying
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Have you ever experienced any of the following mental health problems in the past month?
Do you think social media use has a positive or negative impact on your mental health?
Very positive
Somewhat positive
Somewhat negative
Very negative
In your opinion, which factors contribute to the negative impact of social media on mental health?
Social comparison
In your opinion, what interventions could be effective in reducing the negative impact of social media on mental health?
Education on healthy social media use
Counseling for mental health problems caused by social media
Social media detox programs
Regulation of social media use

Thank you for your participation!

Applications of Research Paper

Research papers have several applications in various fields, including:

Advancing knowledge: Research papers contribute to the advancement of knowledge by generating new insights, theories, and findings that can inform future research and practice. They help to answer important questions, clarify existing knowledge, and identify areas that require further investigation.
Informing policy: Research papers can inform policy decisions by providing evidence-based recommendations for policymakers. They can help to identify gaps in current policies, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and inform the development of new policies and regulations.
Improving practice: Research papers can improve practice by providing evidence-based guidance for professionals in various fields, including medicine, education, business, and psychology. They can inform the development of best practices, guidelines, and standards of care that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
Educating students : Research papers are often used as teaching tools in universities and colleges to educate students about research methods, data analysis, and academic writing. They help students to develop critical thinking skills, research skills, and communication skills that are essential for success in many careers.
Fostering collaboration: Research papers can foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. They can facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships that can lead to innovative solutions to complex problems.

When to Write Research Paper

Research papers are typically written when a person has completed a research project or when they have conducted a study and have obtained data or findings that they want to share with the academic or professional community. Research papers are usually written in academic settings, such as universities, but they can also be written in professional settings, such as research organizations, government agencies, or private companies.

Here are some common situations where a person might need to write a research paper:

For academic purposes: Students in universities and colleges are often required to write research papers as part of their coursework, particularly in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. Writing research papers helps students to develop research skills, critical thinking skills, and academic writing skills.
For publication: Researchers often write research papers to publish their findings in academic journals or to present their work at academic conferences. Publishing research papers is an important way to disseminate research findings to the academic community and to establish oneself as an expert in a particular field.
To inform policy or practice : Researchers may write research papers to inform policy decisions or to improve practice in various fields. Research findings can be used to inform the development of policies, guidelines, and best practices that can improve outcomes for individuals and organizations.
To share new insights or ideas: Researchers may write research papers to share new insights or ideas with the academic or professional community. They may present new theories, propose new research methods, or challenge existing paradigms in their field.

Purpose of Research Paper

The purpose of a research paper is to present the results of a study or investigation in a clear, concise, and structured manner. Research papers are written to communicate new knowledge, ideas, or findings to a specific audience, such as researchers, scholars, practitioners, or policymakers. The primary purposes of a research paper are:

To contribute to the body of knowledge : Research papers aim to add new knowledge or insights to a particular field or discipline. They do this by reporting the results of empirical studies, reviewing and synthesizing existing literature, proposing new theories, or providing new perspectives on a topic.
To inform or persuade: Research papers are written to inform or persuade the reader about a particular issue, topic, or phenomenon. They present evidence and arguments to support their claims and seek to persuade the reader of the validity of their findings or recommendations.
To advance the field: Research papers seek to advance the field or discipline by identifying gaps in knowledge, proposing new research questions or approaches, or challenging existing assumptions or paradigms. They aim to contribute to ongoing debates and discussions within a field and to stimulate further research and inquiry.
To demonstrate research skills: Research papers demonstrate the author’s research skills, including their ability to design and conduct a study, collect and analyze data, and interpret and communicate findings. They also demonstrate the author’s ability to critically evaluate existing literature, synthesize information from multiple sources, and write in a clear and structured manner.

Characteristics of Research Paper

Research papers have several characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of academic or professional writing. Here are some common characteristics of research papers:

Evidence-based: Research papers are based on empirical evidence, which is collected through rigorous research methods such as experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews. They rely on objective data and facts to support their claims and conclusions.
Structured and organized: Research papers have a clear and logical structure, with sections such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. They are organized in a way that helps the reader to follow the argument and understand the findings.
Formal and objective: Research papers are written in a formal and objective tone, with an emphasis on clarity, precision, and accuracy. They avoid subjective language or personal opinions and instead rely on objective data and analysis to support their arguments.
Citations and references: Research papers include citations and references to acknowledge the sources of information and ideas used in the paper. They use a specific citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Peer-reviewed: Research papers are often peer-reviewed, which means they are evaluated by other experts in the field before they are published. Peer-review ensures that the research is of high quality, meets ethical standards, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
Objective and unbiased: Research papers strive to be objective and unbiased in their presentation of the findings. They avoid personal biases or preconceptions and instead rely on the data and analysis to draw conclusions.

Advantages of Research Paper

Research papers have many advantages, both for the individual researcher and for the broader academic and professional community. Here are some advantages of research papers:

Contribution to knowledge: Research papers contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field or discipline. They add new information, insights, and perspectives to existing literature and help advance the understanding of a particular phenomenon or issue.
Opportunity for intellectual growth: Research papers provide an opportunity for intellectual growth for the researcher. They require critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which can help develop the researcher’s skills and knowledge.
Career advancement: Research papers can help advance the researcher’s career by demonstrating their expertise and contributions to the field. They can also lead to new research opportunities, collaborations, and funding.
Academic recognition: Research papers can lead to academic recognition in the form of awards, grants, or invitations to speak at conferences or events. They can also contribute to the researcher’s reputation and standing in the field.
Impact on policy and practice: Research papers can have a significant impact on policy and practice. They can inform policy decisions, guide practice, and lead to changes in laws, regulations, or procedures.
Advancement of society: Research papers can contribute to the advancement of society by addressing important issues, identifying solutions to problems, and promoting social justice and equality.

Limitations of Research Paper

Research papers also have some limitations that should be considered when interpreting their findings or implications. Here are some common limitations of research papers:

Limited generalizability: Research findings may not be generalizable to other populations, settings, or contexts. Studies often use specific samples or conditions that may not reflect the broader population or real-world situations.
Potential for bias : Research papers may be biased due to factors such as sample selection, measurement errors, or researcher biases. It is important to evaluate the quality of the research design and methods used to ensure that the findings are valid and reliable.
Ethical concerns: Research papers may raise ethical concerns, such as the use of vulnerable populations or invasive procedures. Researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain informed consent from participants to ensure that the research is conducted in a responsible and respectful manner.
Limitations of methodology: Research papers may be limited by the methodology used to collect and analyze data. For example, certain research methods may not capture the complexity or nuance of a particular phenomenon, or may not be appropriate for certain research questions.
Publication bias: Research papers may be subject to publication bias, where positive or significant findings are more likely to be published than negative or non-significant findings. This can skew the overall findings of a particular area of research.
Time and resource constraints: Research papers may be limited by time and resource constraints, which can affect the quality and scope of the research. Researchers may not have access to certain data or resources, or may be unable to conduct long-term studies due to practical limitations.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Research Paper Format – Types, Examples and...

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Affirmative Action
Age, Generations & Tech
American News Pathways 2020 Project
American Trends Panel
Angela Merkel
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Americans
Atheism & Agnosticism
Audio, Radio & Podcasts
Authoritarianism
Age & Generations
Baby Boomers
Barack Obama
Beliefs & Practices
Bilateral Relations
Bill Clinton
Birth Rate & Fertility
Black Americans
Border Security & Enforcement
Bots & Misinformation
Business & Workplace
Catholicism
Children & Tech
China Global Image
Christianity
Citizenship
Civic Activities Online
Climate, Energy & Environment
Comparison of Age Groups
Comparison of Generations
Comparison of Religions
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 in the News
COVID-19 & Politics
COVID-19 & Science
COVID-19 & Technology
COVID-19 & the Economy
Criminal Justice
Cyberattacks
Data Science
Death & Dying
Death Penalty
Defense & National Security
Demographic Research
Demographics & Politics
Digital Divide
Digital News Landscape
Disasters & Accidents
Discrimination & Prejudice
Donald Trump
Drug Policy
Economic Conditions
Economic Inequality
Economic Policy
Economic Systems
Economics, Work & Gender
Economy & Work
Education & Gender
Education & Learning Online
Education & Politics
Educational Attainment
Election 2002
Election 2004
Election 2006
Election 2008
Election 2010
Election 2012
Election 2014
Election 2016
Election 2018
Election 2020
Election 2022
Election 2024
Election News
Election System & Voting Process
Elections Before 2008
Emerging Technology
Employee Benefits
Entertainment
Environment & Climate
European Union
Evangelicalism
Facts & Fact Checking
Family Caregiving
Family & Relationships
Family Reunification
Federal Government
Food Science
Free Speech & Press
Freedom of the Press
Friendships
Future of the Internet (Project)
Future of Work
Gender Equality & Discrimination
Gender Identity
Gender & Leadership
Gender & LGBTQ
Gender Pay Gap
Gender & Politics
Gender & Religion
Gender Roles
Gender & Tech
Gender & Work
Gene Editing
Generation X
Generation Z
Generations
Generations, Age & Politics
George W. Bush
Gig & Sharing Economies
Global Balance of Power
Global Economy & Trade
Global Health
Global Image of Countries
Global Religious Demographics
Global Tech & Cybersecurity
Global Trade
Government Spending & the Deficit
Greatest Generation
Happiness & Life Satisfaction
Health Care
Health Policy
Healthcare Online
High-Skilled Immigration
Higher Education
Hispanic/Latino Demographics
Hispanic/Latino Identity
Hispanic/Latino Voters
Hispanics/Latinos
Hispanics/Latinos & Income
Hispanics/Latinos & Language
Hispanics/Latinos & Education
Historically Black Protestantism
Homeownership & Renting
Household Structure & Family Roles
Human Enhancement
Human Rights
Immigrant Populations
Immigration Attitudes
Immigration & Economy
Immigration Issues
Immigration & Language Adoption
Immigration & Migration
Immigration Trends
Income & Wages
Income, Wealth & Poverty
Integration & Identity
Interreligious Relations
Intermarriage
International Affairs
International Issues
International Political Values
International Religious Freedom & Restrictions
International Survey Methods
International Technology
International Terrorism
Internet Connectivity
Internet of Things
Internet & Technology
Israel Global Image
Issue Priorities
Journalists
Knowledge & Education
Layoffs & Employment
Legal Immigration
LGBTQ Acceptance
LGBTQ Attitudes & Experiences
Lifestyle & Relationships Online
Mainline Protestantism
Marriage & Divorce
Media Attitudes
Media Industry
Media Layoffs & Employment
Media Polarization
Media & Society
Medicine & Health
Methodological Research
Middle Class
Migration Issues
Military & Veterans
Millennials
Millennials & Other Age Groups
Misinformation
Misinformation Online
More Leaders
More Platforms & Services
More Racial & Ethnic Groups
Motherhood & Fatherhood
Muslim Americans
Muslims Around the World
Narendra Modi
National Conditions
Nationalism
Net Neutrality
News Audience Demographics
News Content Analysis
News Coverage
News Habits & Media
News Knowledge
News Media Trends
News Platforms & Sources
Non-Religion & Secularism
Non-U.S. Governments
Nonprobability Surveys
Nuclear Weapons
Occupational Groups
Older Adults & Aging
Older Adults & Tech
Online Activism
Online Dating
Online Harassment & Bullying
Online Privacy & Security
Online Random Sample Surveys
Online Search
Online Services
Online Surveys
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Orthodox Christianity
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Pentecostalism
Personal Finances
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Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures Project
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Political Polarization
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Politics & Media
Politics Online
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Protestantism
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Race, Ethnicity & Politics
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Racial Bias & Discrimination
Racial & Ethnic Groups
Racial & Ethnic Groups Online
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Racial & Ethnic Shifts
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Religion & LGBTQ Acceptance
Religion & Politics
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Sexual Misconduct & Harassment
Silent Generation
Size & Demographic Characteristics of Religious Groups
Smartphones
Social Media
Social Media & the News
Social Relations & Tech
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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

717 Good Research Paper Topics

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

good and interesting research paper topics

Some examples of common research paper styles include:

Argumentative Research Papers
Persuasive Research Papers
Education Research Papers
Analytical Research Papers
Informative Research Papers

Your research essay topic may also need to be related to the specific class you are taking. For example, an economics class may require a business research paper, while a class on human behavior may call for a psychology research paper.

The requirements for your paper will vary depending on whether you are in high school, college, or a postgraduate student. In high school, you may be able to choose an easy topic and cite five or six sources you found on Google or Yahoo!, but college term papers require more in-depth research from reliable sources, such as scholarly books and peer-reviewed journals.

Do you need some help with brainstorming for topics? Some common research paper topics include abortion, birth control, child abuse, gun control, history, climate change, social media, AI, global warming, health, science, and technology.

But we have many more!

On this page, we have hundreds of good research paper topics across a wide range of subject fields. Each of these topics could be used “as is” to write your paper, or as a starting point to develop your own topic ideas.

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How to Choose Your Research Paper Topic

The first step to developing an interesting research paper is choosing a good topic. Finding a topic can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Finding the Right Research Paper Topic

If you are in a class that allows you to choose your own term paper topic, there are some important areas to consider before you begin your project:

Your Level of Interest: Research papers are time-consuming; you will be spending countless hours researching the topic and related topics, developing several primary and secondary sources, and putting everything together into a paper that is coherent and accomplishes your objectives. If you do not choose a topic you are passionate about, the process will be far more tedious, and the finished product may suffer as a result.

Your Level of Experience: Being interested in a topic is great, but it is even more helpful if you already know something about it. If you can find a topic that you already have some personal and/or professional experience with, it will vastly reduce the amount of research needed and make the whole process much easier.

Available Information on the Topic: Be sure to choose a topic that is not only interesting but also one that has numerous sources available from which to compile your research. A researchable topic with several potential sources gives you access to the level of information you need to become an authority on the subject.

Your Audience: An interesting topic to you may not necessarily be interesting to your professor or whoever is grading your research paper. Before you begin, consider the level of interest of the person(s) who will be reading it. If you are writing a persuasive or argumentative essay, also consider their point of view on the subject matter.

As you begin researching your topic, you may want to revise your thesis statement based on new information you have learned. This is perfectly fine, just have fun and pursue the truth, wherever it leads. If you find that you are not having fun during the research phase, you may want to reconsider the topic you have chosen.

The process of writing the research paper is going to be very time consuming so it’s important to select a topic that is going to sustain your interest for the duration of the project. It is good to select a topic that is relevant to your life since you are going to spend a long time researching and writing about it. Perhaps you are considering starting your own business or pursuing a career in politics. Look through the suggested research paper topics and find one in a category that you can relate to easily. Finding a topic that you have some personal interest in will help make the arduous task a lot easier, and the project will have better results because of your vested interest.

Our List of Research Topics and Issues

Affirmative action, health, pharmacy, medical treatments, interpersonal communication, marketing and advertising, barack obama, discrimination, bill clinton, hilary clinton, computer crimes and security, cosmetic surgery, controversial, criminal justice, donald trump, easy/simple, environment, family violence, foreign policy, gambling and lotteries, the lgbtq community, generational conflict, gun control, hate crimes, immigration, middle east, maternity/paternity leave, natural disasters, police work, population explosion, pornography, prisons and prisoners, prostitution, ronald reagan, student loan debt, teen issues, women, mothers, what, why, and how, relationships.

We compiled an exhaustive list of topics that would make excellent research papers. The topics are specifically organized to help you find one that will work for your project. Broad topics are headed, and then below them are narrowed topics, all to help you find an area to focus on. The way we have organized the topics for research papers can save you lots of time getting prepared to write your research paper.

We have topics that fit into categories that cover such areas as education, environmental sciences, communication and languages, current events, politics, business, criminal justice, art, psychology, economics to name just a few. Simply get started by choosing the category that interests you and peruse through the topics listed in that category and you’ll be well on your way to constructing an excellent research paper.

Be sure to check other topics ideas: persuasive speech topics , argumentative speech topics , policy speech topics . We also have some sample outlines and essay templates .

What limits are responsible?
What limits are realistic?
How to protect abortion doctors, pregnant women, and the protection of abortion clinics vs. the right to protest
Partial birth abortion
Scientific evidence vs. definition of viability
Stem cell research
Unborn victims of violence
Relative equality has been achieved vs. serious inequities continue
Can racial balance in business, education, and the military be achieved without policies that promote Affirmative Action
Reverse discrimination
NOW, National Organization for Women
No government support vs. fairness to parents who pay twice for education
Separation of church and state vs. religion’s contribution to the public good
Placement by age vs. placement by academic ability
Mainstreaming students with disabilities vs. special classrooms for their special needs
Required standardized tests for advancement vs. course requirements only
National standardized tests vs. local control of education
Discrimination in education
Multicultural/bilingual education vs. traditional basics
Teacher competency tests vs. degree requirements only
Teacher’s needs/demands vs. teaching as a service profession
Policing schools
School’s responsibility vs. parental responsibility for school violence
Drug and alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide
Zero tolerance toward violence vs. toughness with flexibility
Permit corporal punishment
Exams often do little more than measure a person’s ability to take exams. Should exams be outlawed in favor of another form of assessment?
Should teens in the U.S. adopt the British custom of taking a “gap year” between high school and college?
In some European schools, fewer than 10% of students get “As”. Is there grade inflation in the U.S.? Why so many “As” for Americans?
Education and funding
Grade inflation
No Child Left Behind Act: Is it working?
Home schooling
Standardized tests
Are children smarter (or more socialized) because of the Internet?
Should the federal government be allowed to regulate information on the internet?
How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
How does a search engine work?
What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana?
How does tobacco use affect the human body?
Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
Should thin people have to pay Medicare and other health costs for the health problems of obese people? Should obese people have higher premiums?
Low carbohydrate vs. low fat diets
Benefits of weight training vs. aerobics
How much weekly exercise is needed to achieve lasting health benefits
Health websites give too much information
Psychological disorders, such as cutting and self-harm, eating disorders, Autism, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, Asperger Syndrome
Are we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity? When is it individual responsibility and when is it appropriate to place blame?
Should companies allow employees to exercise on work time?
Steroids, Antibiotics, Sprays; Are food manufacturers killing us?
Alternative medicine
Alzheimer’s disease
Causes of eating disorders, society’s portrayal of women
Eating disorders statistics
Down’s syndrome
Birth control
Dietary supplements
Exercise and fitness
Heart disease
In vitro fertilization
Attention deficit disorder
Investigate the history and authenticity of ADHD and ADD.
Organic foods
Prescription drugs
Vegetarianism
Learning disabilities
Schizophrenia
Coma recovery: techniques, successes, new strategies.
What are the primary types of cancer, and in what ways are they related?
Investigate the success ratio of holistic and non-medical cancer treatments.
Is Alzheimer’s inevitable? Examine theories regarding its prevention.
What forms of physical degeneracy are seen as linked to aging?
Investigate the connections between emotional stability and physical well-being, and provide evidence as to how the two may be related.
Investigate differences in rates of injury recovery and overcoming illness based on cultural parameters.
Examine the modern history of viral epidemics, researching what is known about the emergence of deadly viruses.
Examine how congenital heart disease may be treated, and how it differs from other forms of heart disease.
Is occasional depression a natural state to an extent, and is society too eager to treat this as a disorder?
Investigate Sociopathy, determine biological and psychological roots, typical patterns, and potentials of treatment.
How are compulsive behaviors determined as such? Explore examples of anal retention and expulsion, OCD, etc., as offering accepted criteria.
Research and analyze the nature of codependency as both a normal state of relations and as an unhealthy extreme.
Investigate the history and practice of electroshock, analyzing how and why this extreme treatment came to be widely used.
Hoarding: symptoms and treatments, causes, types of hoarding
Limits on extraordinary, costly treatments vs. doing everything possible
Nutritional/alternative therapy vs. mainstream medical treatment insurance coverage for alternative treatment?
Government grants for alternative treatment research?
Health superiority of alternative treatments?
Assisted suicide vs. preservation of life
Governmental insurance requirements
Should there be a national database to track controlled substances (i.e., OXYCODONE) or should it be a state issue?
Should parents avoid vaccinating their children?
Decline of communication due to technology
Online social networks and their influence
Impact of texting and cell phones
How do men and women communicate differently using body language, and why does it matter (in dating, the workplace, and social circles)?
Limitations of the media
Marketing to children
Sexual innuendos in marketing
Global marketing trends
Should certain kinds of ads be banned in the interest of health/morality/annoyance – alcohol, cigarettes, prescription meds, etc…?
Children’s programming and advertising
Most controversial political ads
Media response and public outcry to political ads
Campaign funds and their relation to political advertising
Domestic policy
Separation of church and state
Judge nominations and make up of supreme court
Congressional opposition to presidential nominees/filibusters
Affirmative action
Erosion of civil liberties vs. protection against terrorism
Patriot Act One and Two
Most developed nations have universal health coverage. Why doesn’t the U.S., the wealthiest nation, have it?
Tax cut as economic stimulation
Needs of the states vs. needs of the individuals
Budget deficits and deficit spending
Rich vs. poor
Protection of victims vs. freedom of speech/rights of the accused
How to improve race relations
Women still earn only 75 cents for every $1 a man earns. Explain why.
Discrimination in the workplace: analyzing issues for today’s corporations.
Gender discrimination
Interracial marriage
Should government impose restrictions on what kinds of foods can be served in school cafeterias?
Pros and cons of school uniforms.
Do children learn better in boys-only and girls-only schools?
Charter schools
Prayer in schools
Rights of the individual vs. community safety (or campus safety)
Funding for research
U.S. obligation to third world countries
Manufacturing of generic drugs vs. U.S. pharmaceutical companies
How contagious diseases “jump” from animal hosts to human
What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
Right to privacy of a child with AIDS vs. safety of other children
Limits for campus safety vs. personal freedom
Implications on violence and crime
Issues with binge drinking
Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18?
Leniency because of condition vs. community safety
Revoking drivers license vs. being able to attend classes and work
Age discrimination of violators
Animal rights vs. medical research
Should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
Humane treatment of animals vs. factory farms
Animal welfare in slaughter houses
Animal protection vs. business, employment interests
School prestige vs. academic standards
Should shoe companies be able to give away free shoes and equipment to high school athletes?
Should college athletes be paid?
Doping in sports
What are the effects on children whose parents push them in sports?
Steroids: Should they be legalized?
Title IX: Has it helped women’s sports? Has it harmed men’s sports?
Social effects of team sports
Needed in public school library/curriculum?
Needed in entertainment industry?
Needed on the Internet?
Should parents censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?
Parental filters on the Internet. Does censorship actually increase curiosity and use of pornography?
How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
How has United States censorship changed over the decades?
Democratic kingmaker, influence on political succession
Impact of global initiative
Influence on fundraising
Influence as Secretary of State
Foreign policies
Influence on women
ACT or SAT score requirements
Promotional techniques, such as 1st time scholarships
4 year vs. 2 year colleges
College admission policies
College tuition planning
Distance education
Diploma mills
Online porn vs. freedom of speech
Stalking, invasion of privacy vs. reasonable access
Hacking crimes–workable solutions?
What are the latest ways to steal identity and money?
From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
Cyber security
Securing Internet commerce: is it possible in today’s arms’ race of hackers and evolving technology?
Is downloading of media (music, videos, software) infringing on the rights of media producers and causing economic hardships on media creators?
Should media producers prosecute students and individuals that they suspect of downloading copyrighted materials?
Programs such as SPOTIFY and PANDORA
Copyright Law
Age limitations on surgery
Addiction to surgery
Demand for beauty by society
The dangers of breast implants for teenagers
The cost of cosmetic surgery
Plastic surgery
Weight loss surgery
Are surgeons “scissor happy,” and are surgeries widely unnecessarily
Negative texting, instant messaging, email
Is cyber-bullying as bad as face-to-face?
Kinds of punishment for cyber-bullying
Media response
Should the state or federal government put laws into place to prevent bullying?
Is homosexuality a choice, or are people born gay?
Evolution vs. Creationism.
Should “under God” remain in the Pledge of Allegiance?
Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
Fossil fuels vs. alternative energy.
Transgender bathroom policies.
Capitalism vs. socialism.
Should parents be allowed to spank their children?
Should sanctuary cities lose their federal funding?
The pros and cons of gun control.
Should the U.S. continue drone strikes in foreign countries?
Was the U.S. justified in going to war with Iraq?
How to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The pros and cons of animal testing.
Do pro athletes have the right to sit during the national anthem?
Incarceration rates in the U.S.
Technology and the criminal justice system.
Police brutality and minorities.
Should the police wear body cameras?
In what circumstances should the death penalty be allowed?
Should we have stiffer penalties for drunk driving?
Should those who text while driving be put in jail?
White-collar crime and punishment.
Criminalizing protests and activism.
The rise of wrongful convictions.
Mutual consent vs. exploitation
Campuses with “no touch” policy
Drugs associated to Date Rape
Violence and Rape
Government support vs. parental financing
Benefits vs. harmful effects
Trump’s unconventional presidential campaign.
The psychology of Donald Trump.
Who is behind Trump’s political rise?
Donald Trump and evangelical voters.
Donald Trump the businessman.
Trump’s war on the press (aka “fake news”).
The Trump Organization and conflicts of interest.
The border wall and illegal immigration policy.
Global warming and climate change policy.
Trump-Russia collusion.
The rapid rise of “The Resistance.”
Trump’s legislative agenda; e.g., health care, tax policy, deregulation, etc.
Trump’s “America First” trade and foreign policy.
The case for (or against) the Trump presidency.
Punishment vs. treatment
Family reactions
Social acceptance
Community safety vs. legalization
United States military involvement in Colombian drug trade?
Drug legalization
Abstinence Program: Do they work?
Should the federal government legalize the use of marijuana?
What is the true key to happiness?
What is the cause of America’s obesity crisis?
Why sleep is necessary.
Are plastic bottles really bad for you?
How to encourage people to recycle more.
How 3D printers benefit everyone.
How do GPS systems on smartphones work?
How have oil spills impacted the environment?
Verbal vs. nonverbal communication.
The accuracy of lie detector tests.
How Bill Gates and Steve Jobs changed the world.
The pros and cons of hitchhiking.
The PC vs. the Mac.
What causes tornadoes?
Pollution, air, and water
Endangered species
What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
Rain forests
Alternative energy
Alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles
Conservation
Deforestation
Greenhouse effect
Marine pollution
How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
Sustainability of buildings
Recycling programs
Cost of “green” programs
Wind turbines
Landfill issues
Renewable fuels
Radioactive waste disposal
Soil pollution
Wildlife conservation: what efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife?
Excessive burden on industries?
Drilling for oil in Alaska’s ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)
Gasoline consumption vs. SUV’s popularity
Wildlife protection vs. rights of developers
Clean air and water standards–weakened vs. strengthened
What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
Should the use of coal be subjected to stricter environmental regulations than other fuels?
Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
How much is too much noise? What, if anything, should we do to curb it?
Protecting victims vs. rights of the accused
Women who kill abusive husbands vs. punishment for murder
Marital rape?
How to protect children vs. respect for parental rights
Children who kill abusive parents
Child abuse–workable solutions?
Child abuse
Domestic abuse
Organic farming vs. mainline use of chemical sprays
How to best protect the environment; conservation
Family vs. corporate farms
Food production costs
Interventionism?
Third world debt and World Bank/International Monetary Fund
Military support vs. economic development of third world countries
Human rights violations
European Union in competition with the U.S.
Unilateralism
Relevance of the United Nations
Neocon role in foreign policy
Christian right influence on foreign policy
Pentagon vs. State Department
Nation building as a policy
Arms control
Obama’s National Strategy for Counterterrorism
Control of al Qaeda
Drawdown of U.S. Armed Forces in the Middle East
Cats vs. dogs: which makes the better pet?
My pet can live forever: why I love animal clones.
According to my social media profile, my life is perfect.
Football vs. baseball: which sport is America’s favorite pastime?
Starbucks vs. Caribou: whose coffee is better?
What does your dog really think of you?
Why millennials deserve lower pay.
What makes people end up with so many mismatched socks?
How to become a research paper master.
How reading Tuesdays with Morrie can make you wiser.
Easy way to earn revenues vs. social damage
Individual freedom vs. social damage
Do lotteries actually benefit education or is it a scam?
Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
Should there be a constitutional amendment that allows gays and lesbians to legally marry?
Adoption rights?
Need special rights for protection?
College campus response
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender
Gay parenting
Elderly to share in the tax burden vs. government support of elderly
Future of social security
Job discrimination
Child rearing
Employment issues
Generational differences
Community and police safety vs. unrestricted right to bear arms
NRA (National Rifle Association)
2nd Amendment
Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
Community safety vs. freedom of Speech
Punishment inequities
Persecution of alternative lifestyles
Church Arson: Hate crime?
Prevention of hazing
Greek organizations and rituals of hazing
Statistics of death or injury due to Hazing
High Schools and Hazing
What happened during the Salem witch trials?
How did trains and railroads change life in America?
What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt? What did she accomplish during her reign?
What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur?
What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke?
How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
How did the Freedom Riders change society?
What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors?
How did Joan of Arc change history?
What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
Why did Marin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
How did the Roman Empire fall?
How did the black plague affect Europe?
How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam?
Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula?
Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison?
What was the role of African Americans during the Revolutionary War?
What was Britain’s view of India during British rule?
What were the factors in the China-Tibet conflict?
Research and analyze the emergence of the Catholic Church as a political force following the collapse of the Roman Empire.
Investigate Dr. Eileen Powers’ claim that the Roman Empire was lost primarily due to an inability to perceive itself as subject to the change inevitable to all governments, or her “force of nature” theory.
Explore and discuss the actual cooperation occurring through the centuries of Barbarian conquest of Rome.
Examine the differences and similarities between Western and Eastern concepts and practices of kingship.
Investigate and explain the trajectory of ALEXANDER THE GREAT’s empire, with minimal emphasis on personal leadership.
To what extent did commerce first link Eastern and Western cultures, and how did this influence early international relations?
Research and analyze how Japan moved from a feudalistic to a modern state, and how geographic isolation played a role in the process.
Analyze the process and effects of Romanization on the Celtic people of ancient England: benefits, conflicts, influences.
Overview of British dominance of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland! How was this justified in each case, and what motivated the attempts over centuries of rebellion and failure?
Investigate the known consequences of Guttenberg’s printing press within the first 30 years of its invention, and only in regard to the interaction between European nations.
Identify and analyze the point at which the Reformation became fused with European politics and nationalist agendas.
To what extent did Henry VIII promote the Reformation, despite his vigorous persecution of heretics in England?
Trace and discuss the uses of papal power as a military and political device in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Research the city/state of Florence from the 13th to the 16th centuries, discussing how and why it evolved as so fiercely republican.
Compare and contrast the Russian Czarism of Peter, Elizabeth, and Catherine with the monarchies of England and France in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Investigate the enormous significance of Catholic Orthodoxy as the dominant faith in Russia, and its meaning and influence in an empire populated by a minimal aristocracy and predominant serfdom.
To what extent did Philip II’s religious convictions shape European policy and conflict in the 16th century?
Trace the path leading to the convocation of the Estates in France in the late 18th century, leading to the Revolution. Assess political and social errors responsible.
What eventually ended serfdom in Russia, and why were numerous attempts to end it by the Czars in power consistently unsuccessful?
Research and report on how England was transformed in the 19th century by the industrial revolution and the advent of the railroad.
Compare and contrast the consequences of the industrial revolutions in England and America in terms of urbanization.
What were the circumstances leading to World War I, and how might the war have been averted?
Assess the Cold War of the 20th century in an historical context: can any parallels be made between this conflict and other ongoing tensions between major powers in earlier centuries?
Analyze Roosevelt’s decisions in implementing the New Deal, beginning with the closing of the banks. Suggest alternative strategies, or reinforce the rationale of the actions.
What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire?
What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing?
Food programs
Welfare reform
Governmental supplementation
Homeless: urban restrictions vs. needs of the destitute
Workable solutions?
Realistic limits vs. openness toward people in need
English as official language vs. respect for diversity
Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens?
Access to public school and public programs for Illegal Aliens
Policing borders–workable solutions?
Employment and/or taxation for Illegal Aliens
International trade
Democratization
“Shock and awe”
U.S. occupation vs. liberation
Iraqi run vs. U.S. puppet state
Oil and Gas prices-Control of resources
Effective self-government
War on Terrorism
Is America winning or losing the War? What is the measurement of success? Have the benefits outweighed the costs?
Parental leave for both parents
FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act)
Bonding time
Preemptive strike policy
Precision weapons
Intelligence reliability
Afghanistan – a success or stalemate
Should the U.S. have mandatory military conscriptions? For whom?
Governmental support
Preparedness
School emergency plans
Community warning systems
Damage costs
U.S. presidential elections should be decided by the popular vote, rather than the Electoral College.
The minimum wage should be increased to provide a “livable” wage for working families.
There should be stiffer penalties for those who commit animal cruelty.
School vouchers increase competition and create better quality schools.
The corporate tax rate should be lowered to create more jobs.
Social Security should be privatized.
Human torture should be banned in all circumstances.
Affirmative action is still needed to ensure racial and gender equality.
The U.S. dollar should go back on the gold standard.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide should be outlawed.
Police brutality vs. dangers that police face
Racially motivated brutality?
Politician’s right to privacy vs. the public’s right to know
Amount of money going into presidential campaigns
Views on abortion, gay marriage, and other controversial topics
Political debates throughout history
Third-party candidates at presidential debates
Rights of religious citizens vs. freedom from imposition (e.g. prayer in schools)
Religious motivation for political involvement vs. cultural pluralism
Christian Right’s influence on foreign policy
How serious? Causes? Workable solutions?
Funding abortion as a form of birth control in third world countries?
What would happen globally if the demand for natural resources is greater than the supply?
Limitation of social deterioration vs. freedom of speech
Definition of Pornography
Child Pornography
Building prisons vs. alternative sentencing
Adjusted sentencing for lesser crimes
Community service
Diversion Programs for inmates
How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
Prostitution laws in the US and abroad
Benefits and drawbacks to legalizing prostitution
Psychological effect on prostitutes and former prostitutes
Sex slavery, buying and selling
Should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?
What limitations, if any, should be applied to the paparazzi?
What medical information should be confidential? Who, if anybody, should have access to medical records?
Does the public have a right to know about a public figure’s private life?
Privacy rights
Do harsher punishments mean fewer convictions?
Date rape: consent vs. exploitation
Drugs-Rohypnol, GHB, KETAMINE
Legalization of Date Rape Drugs
Recently, a 17-year-old boy was sentenced to 10 years in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl. Are statutory rape laws patronizing to girls and discriminatory to boys?
Acquaintance rape
Is there one true religion?
Freedom of religion
Offer distinct reasons why the Bible should be studied as literature, removed from religious significance.
From Hollywood to the White House: the political rise of Ronald Reagan.
The Great Communicator: how Reagan captured the hearts of Americans.
1981 assassination attempt: bullet wound leaves Reagan inches away from death.
Reagan appoints the first female Supreme Court justice.
The PATCO breakup and decline of the labor unions.
Tax cuts and “Reaganomics.”
The “Iran-Contra” scandal.
Reagan, Gorbachev, and the end of the Cold War.
The final act: Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and long goodbye.
How has airport security intensified since September 11th, 2001?
Identity theft
Homeland Security: Are we safer since the creation of this department?
Should the government use invasive pat-downs and body scans to ensure passenger safety or are there better methods?
Is arming Pilots a good idea?
What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
Student loan scams
How to avoid student loan debt
Managing student loan debt
Driverless cars and the future of transportation.
Breaking the glass ceiling: the impact of the women’s rights movement.
How seniors contribute to societal well-being.
How disabled individuals are viewed by society.
The modern-day civil rights movement.
Has technology made us more detached from society?
The role of religion in society.
In today’s society, are we better off or worse off than previous generations?
Popular music and its impact on the culture.
Class and geographical segregation.
The differences between life in the city, suburbs, and/or rural areas.
Should parents be able to create designer babies?
Should microchips be implanted inside humans for better tracking and security?
Will smart watches eventually replace cell phones?
The pros and cons of being a global citizen.
Progressive vs. flat tax
Excessive taxes vs. worthwhile programs
Is text messaging contributing to teen illiteracy?
How eating disorders impact teens.
Tablets vs. textbooks.
Do standardized tests improve teen education?
Are violent video games contributing to juvenile delinquency?
Is English literature relevant for today’s teens?
Should the HPV vaccine be required for teen girls?
Do teachers inflate grades so students can pass?
Should advertisers be allowed to target teens?
How to encourage teens to stop smoking.
The causes and effects of teen alcohol and drug abuse.
How to prevent teen pregnancy.
Osama Bin Laden
World Trade Center and Pentagon bombings
September 11, 2001
War on terrorism
Afghanistan
Bioterrorism
Al Qaida: Has U.S. policy actually spread terrorism rather than contained it? Will it get better or worse? Why and how?
Can terrorism ever be justified?
What kind of person becomes a suicide bomber?
What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden?
Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
Cell Phones: How have they changed us socially?
Does the Information Age mean we are losing important historical information?
Where did hip-hop music originate?
A day in the life of a Buddhist monk.
How does the brain store and retrieve memories?
What life is like inside an ant colony.
The case for and against the existence of UFOs.
Can virtual reality adequately substitute for actual reality?
Are dreams hidden messages or just hot air?
Why do people collect the most ridiculous things?
When is it time to get out of an abusive relationship?
The art of pretending to care.
Public attitudes toward veterans
Health issues caused by service time
Organizations for veterans
Governmental support for veterans
What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
Iraq War Vets: Are they being cheated on medical benefits?
Is there a glass ceiling?
Obstacles to women running for political office?
Should women be priests, pastors, ministers, and rabbis?
What differences, if any, are there in children who are raised by stay-at-home moms and working moms? Does society today still discriminate against working mothers who wish to have flexible work schedules?
Should stay-at-home moms get a salary from the government?
Why do we sleep?
How do GPS systems work?
Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz?
What was life like for a gladiator?
Are there any effective means of repelling insects?
How is bulletproof clothing made?
How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
What is life like inside of a beehive?
Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk?
How did gunpowder change warfare?
How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
What do historians know about ninjas?
Are humans still evolving?
What is the curse of the pharaohs?
Why was Socrates executed?
How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
How are black holes formed?
How do submarines work?
Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
How does a hybrid car save energy?
What ingredients can be found in a hotdog?
How does a shark hunt?
How does the human brain store and retrieve memories?
How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
What causes tornados?
How does night vision work?
What causes desert mirages, and how do they affect wanderers?
What are sinkholes, and how are they formed?
What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs?
Should we reform laws to make it harder to get a divorce?
Divorce rates
Family relationships
Family values
Race relations
Marriage and Divorce
A view of home life and its effect on child development
How 4 generations in the workplace can work together.
Building positive employee relationships
Modern work environments
Business leadership
Workforce regulations
Small business and taxation
Corporate law
Issues in modern Human Resources: Are today’s corporations patronizing employees or being more responsible for them?
Cultural conflict in globalization: Strategies for successfully establishing a presence in a foreign culture
Corporate abuse: How can executives so successfully manipulate corporations criminally?
Identifying stakeholders in non-public companies: is the corporate responsibility the same as for public offerings?
Devise a new model of leadership for business today, incorporating elements of existing leadership models and theories.
Examine the actual impact of social media as a business promotion instrument.
Devise a scenario in which traditionally unethical business practices may be justified.
Should newspaper reporters be required to reveal their sources?
Do the media (both print and broadcast) report fairly? Do they ever cross the line between reporting the news and creating the news?
Does news coverage favor whites?
What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy?
Media conglomerates/ownership
Minorities in mass media
Portrayal of women
Reality television
Television violence
Media portrayals
Sensationalized media
Examine the issues of responsibility in pharmaceutical companies’ promotion of drugs in the media.
Forensic science technology
What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers?
What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier?
What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy?
Nuclear energy
Clean energy resources
Wind energy: Is wind energy really that inexpensive? Is it effective? Is it practical?
What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power?
Investigate Freud’s contributions to psychology as they exist today: what value remains?
Are there gender foundations to psychology and behavior that are removed from cultural considerations? To what extent does gender actually dictate thought process?
To what extent is sexual orientation dictated by culture, and is there an orientation not subject to social and cultural influences?
Investigate the psychological process in group dynamics with regard to the emergence of leaders and the compliance of others.
Compare and contrast Jung, Freud, and Adler: explore distinctions and commonalities.
What is “normal,” and to what extent is psychology reliant on culture to define this?
Research and assess the effectiveness of radical psychotherapies and unconventional treatments.
Research the concept of human will as both a component of individual psychology and a process or element removed from it.
To what extent is self-image influenced by culture in regard to eating disorders? Are external factors entirely to blame?
How do centuries-old beliefs of madness and dementia relate to modern conceptions of mental illness?
Is psychology itself inevitably a non-science in that virtually any theory may be substantiated, or is there a foundation of science to the subject to which all theorists must conform?
Examine Euripides and gender psychology: what do the Trojan Women and Medea reveal?
Using three characters, explore Chaucer’s insight into human behavior in The Canterbury Tales.
Identify the true relationship between Dante and Virgil in The Divine Comedy, emphasizing Dante’s reliance on the poet.
Research and discuss the English fascination for euphemism and ornate narratives in the 16th century, beginning with John Lyly.
Examine any existing controversies regarding Shakespearean authorship, citing arguments on both sides.
Analyze similarities and differences between Marlowe and Shakespeare in regard to Tamburlaine and Titus Andronicus.
Defend or support Bloom’s assertion of Shakespeare as the “inventor of the human being.”
To what degree are Shakespeare’s plays influenced by, or reflective, of the Elizabethan era? Identify specific cultural and national events linked to at least 3 plays.
Analyze the unusual construction of A Winter’s Tale in regard to transition from comedy to drama. Is this valid? Does the transition benefit or harm the play?
Support the belief that Shakespeare is representing himself as Prospero through evidence, or similarly refute the belief.
Why was extreme violence so popular in English Reformation drama? Cite Marlowe, Kyd, Webster, and Shakespeare.
Analyze the metaphysical in Donne’s poetry: is it spiritual, existential, or both?
What is Shelley seeking to say in Frankenstein? Support your answer with passages from the novel.
Compare and contrast Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina with Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, noting the characters of the heroines.
It is argued that Dickens failed when he turned to serious, romantic narrative in his novels. Using Copperfield, Great Expectations, and Dombey and Son, defend or refute this claim.
Assess Dickens’ stance as a moralist in Bleak House and Hard Times: to what extent does he seek reform, and to what does he comment on the human condition?
Was the Harry Potter phenomenon warranted by quality of storytelling or more a matter of public receptivity at the time combined with media exposure?

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20 thoughts on “717 Good Research Paper Topics”

How has music evolved? How has music effected history? Music of the past vs music of the present. How has the music industry effected the music’s quality?

Do you think abortion is legal? Why they do abortion?

Why are people instinctively afraid of animals that are not mammals?

Should abortion be legalized? Should domestic abuse and child abuse victims be granted clemency for killing their abuser?

Jewish holocaust and its contribution to European History, specifically Germany

What is the most popular college in the United States?

The Black Knight: Space Waste or Alien Satellite? The Moon Landing: Real or Hollywood Hoax? Have We Become Too Politically Correct? Paranormal Research: Real? Fake? Should it be offered in college? Who really was Jack the Ripper? Can a zombie apocalypse truly occur? Who is the best or worst president of the USA? The Men in Black: real or hoax?

Why Marching Band is a sport.

Marching band is not a sport

how did aids start?

Topic : Alternative medicine Research question : Does the alternative medicine is safe and standardized Hypothesis : analyse the quality controle of alternative medicine formulations

Does our nostalgic music/childhood songs affect our present lifestyle, and in what ways?

reverse discriminations is still discrimination so there’s no such thing as that. like reverse racism isn’t a thing because that is still racism

Men on birth control and not women.

You forget the topic Islamophobia 😉

You should add a music section. Is Muzio Clementi overshadowed by Mozart? The Toccata and Fugue in D- really wasn’t written by Bach The use of the “Dies Irae” in cinema Why is modern music so repetitive and simple compared to classical music?

I want to do a research project on Education

I want to research but not get a perfect topic help me give me a best topic about current affairs

Topic: History. Are the Crusades oversimplified? where they justified? If so, how? Topic: Current affairs. Is the term “conspiracy theory” used to discredit any non-mainstream, controversial opinions. Topic: Gun control. Does limiting magazine capacity for firearms have any effect on gun crime? Are high-capacity magazines ever necessary for self-defense? Topic: Economics. Are minimum wage laws necessary to guarantee “decent”, or do the laws of supply and demand automatically ensure that?

Are women funny?

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A Research Guide
Research Paper Topics

40 Social Issues Research Paper Topics

Useful information: Where can I pay someone to write my research paper ?

List of 40 Social Issues Topics for College Students

Religious gatherings and rituals
Country-wide strikes and protest
LGBTQ+ prides
Worldwide flashmobs
Social stratification
Gender discrimination and anti-harassment movements
The issues of orphanage kids
Pornography and AI sex dolls
Sex work or paid rape?
Virtual reality
Information overload: the society is overstressed with the amount of data
Demographic crisis
Beauty standards
Social isolation of people with HIV/AIDS
The fight against animal testing
Internet safety
Humanitarian missions
Fighting racism
The rights of ethnic minorities and native people
Internet safety and cybercrimes
The necessity of the death penalty
Fighting poverty in the world
Access to the drinking water in third world countries
Free education for everyone: shall it be implemented?
National identity versus globalization
Women rights and trans people rights
Obesity as an obstacle in social life. Fatshaming
Civil rights: shall they be expanded?
Abuse and neglect in asylums, orphanages, and care homes
Church and state: shall they remain separate?
The problem of bigotry in modern society
Immigration and resocialization of the immigrants
Sustainable consumption on a worldwide scale
School violence
Legalizing drugs: basic rights to choose or a danger to society?
Social isolation. The hikikomori phenomenon
Bullying at schools and colleges
Kids transitioning: shall it be allowed?
Advertisements: are they becoming too powerful?
The global impact of the third world countries

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USC Libraries
Research Guides

Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

The Research Problem/Question
Purpose of Guide
Design Flaws to Avoid
Independent and Dependent Variables
Glossary of Research Terms
Reading Research Effectively
Narrowing a Topic Idea
Broadening a Topic Idea
Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
Academic Writing Style
Applying Critical Thinking
Choosing a Title
Making an Outline
Paragraph Development
Research Process Video Series
Executive Summary
The C.A.R.S. Model
Background Information
Theoretical Framework
Citation Tracking
Content Alert Services
Evaluating Sources
Primary Sources
Secondary Sources
Tiertiary Sources
Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative Methods
Insiderness
Using Non-Textual Elements
Limitations of the Study
Common Grammar Mistakes
Writing Concisely
Avoiding Plagiarism
Footnotes or Endnotes?
Further Readings
Generative AI and Writing
USC Libraries Tutorials and Other Guides
Bibliography

A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about an area of concern, a condition to be improved upon, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research problem does not state how to do something, offer a vague or broad proposition, or present a value question. In the social and behavioral sciences, studies are most often framed around examining a problem that needs to be understood and resolved in order to improve society and the human condition.

Bryman, Alan. “The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role?” International Journal of Social Research Methodology 10 (2007): 5-20; Guba, Egon G., and Yvonna S. Lincoln. “Competing Paradigms in Qualitative Research.” In Handbook of Qualitative Research . Norman K. Denzin and Yvonna S. Lincoln, editors. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1994), pp. 105-117; Pardede, Parlindungan. “Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem." Research in ELT: Module 4 (October 2018): 1-13; Li, Yanmei, and Sumei Zhang. "Identifying the Research Problem." In Applied Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning . (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2022), pp. 13-21.

Importance of...

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied . The reader is oriented to the significance of the study.
Anchors the research questions, hypotheses, or assumptions to follow . It offers a concise statement about the purpose of your paper.
Place the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated.
Provide the framework for reporting the results and indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how the findings will present this information.

In the social sciences, the research problem establishes the means by which you must answer the "So What?" question. This declarative question refers to a research problem surviving the relevancy test [the quality of a measurement procedure that provides repeatability and accuracy]. Note that answering the "So What?" question requires a commitment on your part to not only show that you have reviewed the literature, but that you have thoroughly considered the significance of the research problem and its implications applied to creating new knowledge and understanding or informing practice.

To survive the "So What" question, problem statements should possess the following attributes:

Clarity and precision [a well-written statement does not make sweeping generalizations and irresponsible pronouncements; it also does include unspecific determinates like "very" or "giant"],
Demonstrate a researchable topic or issue [i.e., feasibility of conducting the study is based upon access to information that can be effectively acquired, gathered, interpreted, synthesized, and understood],
Identification of what would be studied, while avoiding the use of value-laden words and terms,
Identification of an overarching question or small set of questions accompanied by key factors or variables,
Identification of key concepts and terms,
Articulation of the study's conceptual boundaries or parameters or limitations,
Some generalizability in regards to applicability and bringing results into general use,
Conveyance of the study's importance, benefits, and justification [i.e., regardless of the type of research, it is important to demonstrate that the research is not trivial],
Does not have unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentence constructions; and,
Conveyance of more than the mere gathering of descriptive data providing only a snapshot of the issue or phenomenon under investigation.

Bryman, Alan. “The Research Question in Social Research: What is its Role?” International Journal of Social Research Methodology 10 (2007): 5-20; Brown, Perry J., Allen Dyer, and Ross S. Whaley. "Recreation Research—So What?" Journal of Leisure Research 5 (1973): 16-24; Castellanos, Susie. Critical Writing and Thinking. The Writing Center. Dean of the College. Brown University; Ellis, Timothy J. and Yair Levy Nova. "Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem." Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008); Thesis and Purpose Statements. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Selwyn, Neil. "‘So What?’…A Question that Every Journal Article Needs to Answer." Learning, Media, and Technology 39 (2014): 1-5; Shoket, Mohd. "Research Problem: Identification and Formulation." International Journal of Research 1 (May 2014): 512-518.

Structure and Writing Style

I. Types and Content

There are four general conceptualizations of a research problem in the social sciences:

Casuist Research Problem -- this type of problem relates to the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by analyzing moral dilemmas through the application of general rules and the careful distinction of special cases.
Difference Research Problem -- typically asks the question, “Is there a difference between two or more groups or treatments?” This type of problem statement is used when the researcher compares or contrasts two or more phenomena. This a common approach to defining a problem in the clinical social sciences or behavioral sciences.
Descriptive Research Problem -- typically asks the question, "what is...?" with the underlying purpose to describe the significance of a situation, state, or existence of a specific phenomenon. This problem is often associated with revealing hidden or understudied issues.
Relational Research Problem -- suggests a relationship of some sort between two or more variables to be investigated. The underlying purpose is to investigate specific qualities or characteristics that may be connected in some way.

A problem statement in the social sciences should contain :

A lead-in that helps ensure the reader will maintain interest over the study,
A declaration of originality [e.g., mentioning a knowledge void or a lack of clarity about a topic that will be revealed in the literature review of prior research],
An indication of the central focus of the study [establishing the boundaries of analysis], and
An explanation of the study's significance or the benefits to be derived from investigating the research problem.

NOTE : A statement describing the research problem of your paper should not be viewed as a thesis statement that you may be familiar with from high school. Given the content listed above, a description of the research problem is usually a short paragraph in length.

II. Sources of Problems for Investigation

The identification of a problem to study can be challenging, not because there's a lack of issues that could be investigated, but due to the challenge of formulating an academically relevant and researchable problem which is unique and does not simply duplicate the work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem from which to build a research study, consider these sources of inspiration:

Deductions from Theory This relates to deductions made from social philosophy or generalizations embodied in life and in society that the researcher is familiar with. These deductions from human behavior are then placed within an empirical frame of reference through research. From a theory, the researcher can formulate a research problem or hypothesis stating the expected findings in certain empirical situations. The research asks the question: “What relationship between variables will be observed if theory aptly summarizes the state of affairs?” One can then design and carry out a systematic investigation to assess whether empirical data confirm or reject the hypothesis, and hence, the theory.

Interdisciplinary Perspectives Identifying a problem that forms the basis for a research study can come from academic movements and scholarship originating in disciplines outside of your primary area of study. This can be an intellectually stimulating exercise. A review of pertinent literature should include examining research from related disciplines that can reveal new avenues of exploration and analysis. An interdisciplinary approach to selecting a research problem offers an opportunity to construct a more comprehensive understanding of a very complex issue that any single discipline may be able to provide.

Interviewing Practitioners The identification of research problems about particular topics can arise from formal interviews or informal discussions with practitioners who provide insight into new directions for future research and how to make research findings more relevant to practice. Discussions with experts in the field, such as, teachers, social workers, health care providers, lawyers, business leaders, etc., offers the chance to identify practical, “real world” problems that may be understudied or ignored within academic circles. This approach also provides some practical knowledge which may help in the process of designing and conducting your study.

Personal Experience Don't undervalue your everyday experiences or encounters as worthwhile problems for investigation. Think critically about your own experiences and/or frustrations with an issue facing society or related to your community, your neighborhood, your family, or your personal life. This can be derived, for example, from deliberate observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or group or that is out of the ordinary.

Relevant Literature The selection of a research problem can be derived from a thorough review of pertinent research associated with your overall area of interest. This may reveal where gaps exist in understanding a topic or where an issue has been understudied. Research may be conducted to: 1) fill such gaps in knowledge; 2) evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, 3) determine if a similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied in a different context or to different study sample [i.e., different setting or different group of people]. Also, authors frequently conclude their studies by noting implications for further research; read the conclusion of pertinent studies because statements about further research can be a valuable source for identifying new problems to investigate. The fact that a researcher has identified a topic worthy of further exploration validates the fact it is worth pursuing.

III. What Makes a Good Research Statement?

A good problem statement begins by introducing the broad area in which your research is centered, gradually leading the reader to the more specific issues you are investigating. The statement need not be lengthy, but a good research problem should incorporate the following features:

1. Compelling Topic The problem chosen should be one that motivates you to address it but simple curiosity is not a good enough reason to pursue a research study because this does not indicate significance. The problem that you choose to explore must be important to you, but it must also be viewed as important by your readers and to a the larger academic and/or social community that could be impacted by the results of your study. 2. Supports Multiple Perspectives The problem must be phrased in a way that avoids dichotomies and instead supports the generation and exploration of multiple perspectives. A general rule of thumb in the social sciences is that a good research problem is one that would generate a variety of viewpoints from a composite audience made up of reasonable people. 3. Researchability This isn't a real word but it represents an important aspect of creating a good research statement. It seems a bit obvious, but you don't want to find yourself in the midst of investigating a complex research project and realize that you don't have enough prior research to draw from for your analysis. There's nothing inherently wrong with original research, but you must choose research problems that can be supported, in some way, by the resources available to you. If you are not sure if something is researchable, don't assume that it isn't if you don't find information right away--seek help from a librarian !

NOTE: Do not confuse a research problem with a research topic. A topic is something to read and obtain information about, whereas a problem is something to be solved or framed as a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution, or explained as a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation. In short, a research topic is something to be understood; a research problem is something that needs to be investigated.

IV. Asking Analytical Questions about the Research Problem

Research problems in the social and behavioral sciences are often analyzed around critical questions that must be investigated. These questions can be explicitly listed in the introduction [i.e., "This study addresses three research questions about women's psychological recovery from domestic abuse in multi-generational home settings..."], or, the questions are implied in the text as specific areas of study related to the research problem. Explicitly listing your research questions at the end of your introduction can help in designing a clear roadmap of what you plan to address in your study, whereas, implicitly integrating them into the text of the introduction allows you to create a more compelling narrative around the key issues under investigation. Either approach is appropriate.

The number of questions you attempt to address should be based on the complexity of the problem you are investigating and what areas of inquiry you find most critical to study. Practical considerations, such as, the length of the paper you are writing or the availability of resources to analyze the issue can also factor in how many questions to ask. In general, however, there should be no more than four research questions underpinning a single research problem.

Given this, well-developed analytical questions can focus on any of the following:

Highlights a genuine dilemma, area of ambiguity, or point of confusion about a topic open to interpretation by your readers;
Yields an answer that is unexpected and not obvious rather than inevitable and self-evident;
Provokes meaningful thought or discussion;
Raises the visibility of the key ideas or concepts that may be understudied or hidden;
Suggests the need for complex analysis or argument rather than a basic description or summary; and,
Offers a specific path of inquiry that avoids eliciting generalizations about the problem.

NOTE: Questions of how and why concerning a research problem often require more analysis than questions about who, what, where, and when. You should still ask yourself these latter questions, however. Thinking introspectively about the who, what, where, and when of a research problem can help ensure that you have thoroughly considered all aspects of the problem under investigation and helps define the scope of the study in relation to the problem.

V. Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of circular reasoning! Do not state the research problem as simply the absence of the thing you are suggesting. For example, if you propose the following, "The problem in this community is that there is no hospital," this only leads to a research problem where:

The need is for a hospital
The objective is to create a hospital
The method is to plan for building a hospital, and
The evaluation is to measure if there is a hospital or not.

This is an example of a research problem that fails the "So What?" test . In this example, the problem does not reveal the relevance of why you are investigating the fact there is no hospital in the community [e.g., perhaps there's a hospital in the community ten miles away]; it does not elucidate the significance of why one should study the fact there is no hospital in the community [e.g., that hospital in the community ten miles away has no emergency room]; the research problem does not offer an intellectual pathway towards adding new knowledge or clarifying prior knowledge [e.g., the county in which there is no hospital already conducted a study about the need for a hospital, but it was conducted ten years ago]; and, the problem does not offer meaningful outcomes that lead to recommendations that can be generalized for other situations or that could suggest areas for further research [e.g., the challenges of building a new hospital serves as a case study for other communities].

Alvesson, Mats and Jörgen Sandberg. “Generating Research Questions Through Problematization.” Academy of Management Review 36 (April 2011): 247-271 ; Choosing and Refining Topics. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; D'Souza, Victor S. "Use of Induction and Deduction in Research in Social Sciences: An Illustration." Journal of the Indian Law Institute 24 (1982): 655-661; Ellis, Timothy J. and Yair Levy Nova. "Framework of Problem-Based Research: A Guide for Novice Researchers on the Development of a Research-Worthy Problem." Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline 11 (2008); How to Write a Research Question. The Writing Center. George Mason University; Invention: Developing a Thesis Statement. The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Problem Statements PowerPoint Presentation. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Procter, Margaret. Using Thesis Statements. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Shoket, Mohd. "Research Problem: Identification and Formulation." International Journal of Research 1 (May 2014): 512-518; Trochim, William M.K. Problem Formulation. Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006; Thesis and Purpose Statements. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Thesis Statements. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Pardede, Parlindungan. “Identifying and Formulating the Research Problem." Research in ELT: Module 4 (October 2018): 1-13; Walk, Kerry. Asking an Analytical Question. [Class handout or worksheet]. Princeton University; White, Patrick. Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists . New York: Palgrave McMillan, 2009; Li, Yanmei, and Sumei Zhang. "Identifying the Research Problem." In Applied Research Methods in Urban and Regional Planning . (Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2022), pp. 13-21.

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300 Social Issues Research Topics to Impress Your Professor and Get A

Researching social issues holds immense importance in our quest for knowledge and progress. It allows us to delve deeper into the complexities of society, unraveling the underlying causes, impacts, and potential solutions. However, the significance of a good research topic must be considered, which sets the stage for a high-scoring and impactful research endeavor. If you have difficulty finding a good social issue research topic, check out these lists from the experts working with a professional paper writing services provider.

Table of Contents

Comprehensive list of Unique Social Issue Research Topics

Scroll down and go through our list of unique topics and pick one that sparks your interest. Here you go with the first one:

Women’s Social Issues Research Topics

It’s crucial to look into the various aspects of women’s social issues if we want to get a better understanding of gender inequality. Here are some ideas to help you dig deeper into this topic.

Prejudice against women in corporate culture
Problems of pregnant women working in the corporate
Harassment in educational institutes against women
What strategies can governments adopt to ensure equal rights for women?
Raising awareness of the problems of pregnant women
How to develop a respectful attitude towards women and gender minorities in companies?
Ill-treatment of women in the government sector
Writing on essay topics related to problems with Syrian female immigrants
The Role of Women in economic life and the World of Work
Women’s political and electoral training
Women in old homes: Research and Interviews for Problems and Concerns
Toxic Masculinity in the Workplace: what can women do?
Developing a workplace culture for fair treatment of every gender
Role of Government in solving problems related to Women
The economy of the United States: Income inequality in the U.S.
Building a world where women have equal opportunities and fair treatment
Essay Topics Related to Problems of Women in New York
Financial problems for single mothers
Women dealing with social issues in New Mexico
Condition of Mexican immigrant women in the United States
Women’s health: Key performance indicators, problems and obstacles
Securing Women’s Rights with the Help of international law
Education of women: The rights and responsibilities
Better living conditions for older women
A research study of the problems of pregnant women in California
Health and welfare of older people, especially women
Improving the quality of life for single mothers with better opportunities

Children’s Social Issues Research Topics

It’s important to tackle the social issues that affect kids to create a better, more nurturing future for the next generation. Here are some interesting topics on this subject to get started with writing your research paper .

School Bullying and social networks
Problems and issues with children with a single parent
A research study on the problems of children in foster homes
How can we make foster care better and safer for children?
Delinquency trends in children among marginalized communities
modernity and technology at the cost of the destruction of childhood
Issues that children from Mexican households in America have to face
What are the advantages of multiculturalism in kindergarten?
Problems of Assault and Molestation of Children
Why Are Young People Committing Crimes These Days?
Cyberbullying and Toxicity on social media
Violence among children and young people
Rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and improving their lives
Illness and disability among kids living in developing countries
The lack of tolerance among the teenagers
Child labor in developing countries
Psychology of kindergarten education
School is a chance for every kid to learn tolerance and harmony
Children facing with lack of empathy and bullying on social media
The use of new technologies in education and adaptability in children
Problems of immigrant children
Child development and behavior

Social Issues Research Topics About Labor Rights

It’s essential to look into the social issues surrounding workers’ rights and fight for their well-being. Labor rights are the foundation of having fair and decent working conditions. Here are some topics if you want to research such subjects.

The legal responsibility of entrepreneurs
Workplace accident management
Increased flexibility via remote working options
Mental health problems caused by workers after the COVID pandemic
The principle of equality today is related to labor rights
Change wages or salaries
Labor problems caused by the Covid pandemic
Employees having to deal with additional work pressures
Role of labor unions in social justice for Laborers
Mental health problems in the Workplace
What can we do to offer ideas for improvements in labor laws
The desire to maintain a healthy work-life balance
Hate speech and domestic violence against marginalized groups in large companies
Academic paper for immigration disruptions in Canada and USA
The employer’s right to manage employees and the abuse of it
Role of human resources in identifying and solving problems of labor
The job of the government and schools is to offer their members better career prospects
Problems and issues related to a minimum period of employment
The technology skills gap leads to problems with the laborers
Improving the well-being of the company for its members
Change wages or salaries impact and consequences
How the global pandemic and Working from home changed the World
Recruiting methods from passive to active: how to prepare
Global labor shortages: problems and consequences
What are the reasons for the labor shortage?
Writing assignment about laborers dealing with the effects of long Covid
Why is it essential for companies to take a public stand for social issues
Mental health problems for workers in the field
Relevant examples of social issues related to labor and employment
How to empower workers against social injustice?

Social Issues Research Topics for the Environment

It’s important to dig into how social issues and the environment are connected when we’re trying to handle big problems like climate change, running out of resources, etc. Here are some research topics to think about.

Health risks associated with the general environment and their perception and representation
Climate change knowledge and expertise on health risks
Health inequalities resulting from environmental and social factors
What Role can environmental law play in protecting the environment at sea?
Deforestation and chronic pollution are destroying biodiversity
Importance of green energy conversion
The Law of the Environment and sustainable development
The Management of Pollution in Environmental Law
Toward a better understanding of atmospheric pollution
Utilizing environmental technologies and learning about them
Waste and material resources of the World
The destruction of ozone affects the environment and health
Nature’s resources are being destroyed. What can we do as researchers to prevent this?
Is it still imperative to preserve the environment during wartime?
Combating armed conflict while preserving the environment
The tourism industry and pollution management
Environmental factors that affect cancer risk
Cost-benefit analysis of the action based on legal or socioeconomic criteria
Analyzing how different environmental factors contribute to the risk
Investigating a variety of environmental issues and sectors
Regions and specific areas of environmental perception
The effects of climate change and global warming
Factors contributing to a healthy environment
The relationship between human rights and environmental law
In environmental law, pollution management is a constant
Worldwide implementation of sustainable development
How consumption trends and international news can help the environmental cause

Social Issues Research Topics Related to Covid Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how we live and has spotlighted all kinds of social issues that need to be looked into and solved. So, if you would like to research social issues related to the recent pandemic, check out this list for current social issues for research paper:

Social panic caused after the COVID-19 breakdown
Problems and social issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
COVID-19 and financial problems on the rise
Impact of COVID-19 on the people with middle class
Police Procedure and criminal justice during the COVID-19
The aftermath of COVID-19 has resulted in a social dilemma and economic disruption
An influential aspect of the pandemic is mental health
The Impact of social and territorial inequalities on health
The ethical issues raised by the pandemic
Writing research papers on social media’s Role during COVID-19
Children and adolescents’ mental condition during the pandemic
Problems in healthcare and Management of chronic diseases
Disruption in modern society by the COVID-19
How our social media accounts helped us during the darkest hours of covid
Ensuring the delivery of criminal justice during covid
Impact of COVID-19 on family life
Role of the Pandemic in the Promotion of remote education
Avoiding social media addiction during the quarantine

Social Issue Topics Related to American Society

Checking out the social problems in the U.S. gives us a great understanding of how complicated, varied and hard they can be for people and different communities. Here is another list of topics on social issues.

Environment perception in specific areas and regions
Climate change and global warming effects
The factors that contribute to a healthy environment
Cancer risk factors in the environment
Workplace toxic masculinity: what can women do?
The global labor shortage: problems and consequences
Why does the U.S. have a shortage of labor?
Workers dealing with the effects of Covid
Problems related to mental issues among field workers
Law and human rights concerning the environment
Management of pollution is a constant concern in environmental law
Impacts and consequences of changes in wages or salaries
How to prepare for passive to active recruitment
The problem of child labor in developing countries
Kindergarten Education and Psychology
Tolerance and harmony can be learned in school by every child
Lack of empathy and bullying on social media among children
Technology in Education and Children’s Adaptability
Legal or socioeconomic cost-benefit analysis of the action
A major social issue in the modern age is poverty
Government’s Role in solving social problems
Sustainable Development of the World
Trafficking in drugs and Mexican cartels
A culture of fair treatment for all genders in the Workplace
Nature’s resources are being depleted.
Management of pollution in the tourism industry
How can we use social media to improve society and resolve social problems?
A lack of respect for marginalized communities in the professional environment can be seen in several ways.
Understanding social issues and the problems associated with them
Materials and waste from around the World and the Impact they have on the environment
The depletion of ozone is detrimental to the environment and human health
Insights into the political and electoral training of women
Taking a closer look at Women’s Problems and Concerns in old homes: Research and Interviews
Issues and problems related to the minimum period of employment and the minimum wage
The technological skills gap is causing labor shortages shortly
Enhancing the well-being of the members of the company as a whole

Interesting Social Injustice Topics for College Students

As college students, exploring and engaging with interesting social issues topics expands our intellectual horizons and empowers us to become agents of change in our communities and beyond. Particularly when you include social problems examples. Here is another list of interesting topics.

Developing better relationships with public institutions to solve problems
The Role of social work in the Management of health problems
Corporations discriminate against marginalized communities in the U.S.
Sociology of the popular classes
The reasons for the low human development index in African countries
Social issues caused by class differences
Drugs and anarchist behaviors
Religious Differences and biased approaches to employment strategies
Mexican cartels and the problem of drug trafficking
Poverty is one of the most significant social issues in the Modern World
Role of the Government in solving social issues
How can we use social media to improve society and solve social issues?
Prejudice against marginalized communities in the professional environment
Understanding the problems related to social issues
Role of problem-solving and understanding the root cause of social issues
Major social issues in developing countries
Role of Education in ending violence in Society
Class Differences and the Impact on the human development index
Differences in health facilities for different classes
Social Norms and the Role of the Community
Causes and solutions to human trafficking on the Mexican borders
Human development index in India
How to solve the poverty problem?
What is the problem of social media bullying, and how to avoid it?
How does financial illiteracy lead to a lack of development in developing countries?
Impact of Terrorism on Society
How to solve the terrorism problem?
Mafia problems in the USA and how to deal with them
Biased treatment of marginalized communities in the government sector
The increasing problem of drug addiction
Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Emerging social issues
Role of social media in increasing social issues

Police and Social Justice Research Papers Topics

Let’s unveil a curated collection of current social issues for a research paper. Here’s the list:

Children’s safety and protection: The security job is of the utmost importance
School bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed
A few heartrending social issues examples
Using the Internet to disseminate terrorist content: a serious issue related to Cybersecurity
Digital Platform Security Certification – A Guide to Cybersecurity Certifications
The protection of minors in alcohol-serving establishments
Concerns regarding cyber security in the United States
An analysis of the spatial pattern of terrorism in the USA over the past two decades
New York crime analysis, a look at the crime situation in the City
Security technologies face several obstacles when it comes to their implementation
Having the versatility to specialize and the specialization to be versatile in security matters
Investigative requisitions from the judicial police
Relationships between the police and the public: The need for improvement
Conflict Management and Prevention in Communities
The principle of secularism in sports must be respected
Stopping the illicit trade in tobacco products
Towns with small populations and cybersecurity
Taking care of historical monuments
Providing support to victims of aggression
An analysis of the roadside check system in developing countries
The challenges of reception at a police station for public security
A system for protecting housing from illegal encroachment
Anti-abuse and anti-fraud measures
A diversity of expectations and feedback from the inhabitants
Taking public security work seriously in terms of its relational dimension
The issue of external assistance in the area of internal security
Putting social networks to the test in terms of police ethics

As you have reached the conclusion paragraph of the blog post, you must have picked a topic or two to work for your social issue research paper. Most of the lists have focused on social issues today as they could be very interesting for the readers. Plus, there are a plethora of good topics for you to count on. Just remember that a good research subject must be able to answer, what is a social problem, what is a social issue, and more. Still if you are struggling with picking up a good topic, feel free to count on the expertise of our writers .

What is an interesting social issue research topic?

What is research about social issues, how do i choose a social research topic.

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Int J Environ Res Public Health

Mental Health Problems among Young People—A Scoping Review of Help-Seeking

Katrin häggström westberg.

1 School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, SE-301 18 Halmstad, Sweden; [email protected] (M.N.); [email protected] (J.M.N.); [email protected] (P.S.)

2 Affecta Psychiatric Clinic, Sperlingsgatan 5, SE-302 48 Halmstad, Sweden

Maria Nyholm

Jens m. nygren, petra svedberg, associated data.

Documentation on the database searches, the stepped screening process and the thematic analysis are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Young people’s mental health is a public health priority, particularly as mental health problems in this group seem to be increasing. Even in countries with supposedly good access to healthcare, few young people seek support for mental health problems. The aim of this study was twofold, firstly to map the published literature on young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems and secondly to validate whether the Lost in Space model was adaptable as a theoretical model of the help-seeking process described in the included articles in this scoping review. A scoping review was conducted in which we searched for literature on mental health help-seeking with a user perspective published between 2010 and 2020 in different databases. From the 2905 studies identified, we selected 12 articles for inclusion. The review showed how young people experience unfamiliarity and insecurity with regard to issues related to mental health and help-seeking. A strong wish for self-reliance and to safe-guard one’s own health were consistent among young people. Support structures were often regarded as inaccessible and unresponsive. There was a high level of conformity between the model on help-seeking and the analysed articles, reinforcing that help-seeking is a dynamic and psychosocial process.

1. Introduction

Young people’s mental health is a major public health issue. Mental health problems among young people contribute to impaired physical and mental health extending into adulthood [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Promoting young people’s mental health is an integral component in ensuring their development and improving health and social wellbeing across their lifespan [ 3 ]. In light of the high rate of mental health problems among this group, a corresponding high rate of help-seeking and use of support resources might be assumed; however, few young people actually seek and eventually access professional help. Delays in looking for help can be lengthy and are prevalent even in countries with good access to healthcare [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The process of searching for support involves barriers that relate to both individual and social context factors [ 8 , 10 ]. This contributes to the complexity involved in offering interventions to support them and highlights the need to understand the help-seeking process, whether online or in person, for young people with mental health problems.

Help-seeking is usually described as a rational, agency-based process where the individual plans, decides and acts on symptoms [ 11 ]. However, research also describes that help-seeking is not solely an individual act; rather, it is influenced by social factors throughout the process. Societal, organizational support structures set the limits and stipulate the opportunities to seek help [ 12 ]. Help-seeking thus depends both on factors at the individual level and structural resources for young people. Many studies that examine help-seeking for mental health among young people using cross-sectional designs on either the general community, or school populations [ 8 , 13 ] are based on descriptive data that is often generated through surveys, and focus on attitudes, rather than on experiences [ 14 ]. The main focus of previous literature has been on individual factors, such as mental health literacy, and less information can be found on the structural factors involved [ 8 , 13 ]. This calls for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of young people’s mental health help-seeking regarding contextual factors, with particular focus on their experiences and perspectives. An improved understanding of help-seeking for mental health problems can be used to improve practice and service delivery, and ultimately benefit young people’s mental health.

In this study, qualitative research exploring the help-seeking process in Sweden from the perspectives of young people with mental health problems was used as the theoretical point of departure [ 15 ]. Within this previous research, we produced a theoretical model of help-seeking, the Lost in Space model [ 15 ]. It showed how help-seeking was a long, non-sequential and dynamic process. In this research, young people described a process of moving in and out of the three help-seeking phases, Drifting, Navigating and Docking. Drifting was characterized by insecurity and unfamiliarity, with a lack of knowledge of mental health and the support system; Navigating was characterized by structural obstacles, a fragmented support system and wishes for help; while Docking was characterized by experiences of finding help. For the purpose of confirmability and usefulness, it is essential to validate and understand if the model can be applied to other settings and contexts—for example, whether the model is consistent with the experiences of help-seeking by young people in other countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold, firstly to map the published literature on young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems and secondly to validate whether the previously published Lost in Space model was adaptable as a theoretical model of the help-seeking process described in the included articles in this scoping review.

A scoping review was deemed the most preferable approach to responding to this broad area of interest [ 16 ]. Scoping reviews maintain a broad window for inclusion of studies of a range of types and levels of quality [ 17 ]. Our scoping review protocol was developed using the scoping review methodological framework proposed by Arksey and and O’Malley, entailing five framework stages. The framework was further developed by Levac, with a qualitative elaboration of the material [ 17 , 18 ]. These stages provide a clear sequential order in which to identify and collect studies, chart the data and report results, and the scoping review protocol was used for guiding the research.

2.1. Stage 1: Identifying the Research Question

A multidisciplinary research team with experience of health science research, including public health, nursing, and youth research was assembled to discuss and clarify the scope of inquiry and identify research questions. The target population of interest was defined as young people (ages 11–25) with experience of mental health problems, and experience of help-seeking in that regard. Mental health problems were defined as commonly experienced problems of depression or anxiety, as well as behavioural and emotional problems. Considering the concept of help-seeking, the term is used to understand the delay of care and to explore possible pathways for mental health promotion. For this study, help-seeking was defined as seeking and/or accessing professional help for mental health problems. Conceptually, help-seeking was regarded as a process influenced by social, psychological and contextual factors [ 12 ]. The research questions for this study were (1) to map general characteristics of published literature focusing on the young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems, and (2) to explore how the previously published theoretical model Lost in Space could be further refined and complemented via an abductive approach, drawing the final set of categories and themes informed by the papers reviewed in this study.

2.2. Stage 2: Identifying Relevant Studies

A search strategy was developed in collaboration with a librarian to develop search terms using subject heading terms adapted to each of the three included databases: Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO and CINAHL. The search terms for the target population were adolescents, young and emerging adults; for the health outcome, they were mental health, depression, anxiety, and for the concept of interest, the term was help-seeking. Other criteria were limiting searches to studies written in English, and studies being published between 2010 and 2020 due to rapidly evolving research and policy changes in this area as well as the increased rates of mental health problems among young people. The searches were conducted during summer 2020. See Table S1 (Supplementary Materials) for the full search strategy.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated help-seeking among young people with mental health problems aged between 11 and 25. Only studies that specifically investigated young people’s own perspectives of experiencing or having experienced mental health problems and help-seeking were included. Since the intention was to understand help-seeking among young people with common mental health problems, studies on particular target groups or populations were excluded, such as studies on specific treatment interventions. Likewise, studies focusing on help-seeking attitudes or potential help-seeking intentions of general populations without personal experience of mental health help-seeking were excluded. Studies had to specifically focus on adolescents or young people; thus, studies with a more population-based perspective, or encompassing wider age groups, were excluded. Theses were not included as it was assumed that any material within a thesis on help-seeking, that otherwise fitted the inclusion criteria, would appear as published articles. Comments, editorials, consensus statements and other opinion-based papers were excluded, along with studies solely exploring the perspectives of others, other than the help-seekers themselves (e.g., families, helpers, professionals, etc.).

2.3. Stage 3: Study Selection

All identified studies from the searches were imported to the management reference tool EndNote, version 20.1, and duplicates were removed. Screening was carried out with a sequential, stepped approach and an iterative process between the authors of the study [ 18 ]. In the first step of study selection, titles and periodically abstracts were screened by KHW, who discarded obviously irrelevant studies based on the exclusion criteria. In the second step of study selection, abstracts of the remaining studies were screened independently by three of the authors (KHW, PS and MN) to determine eligibility based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Disagreements between the authors were discussed with a fourth author (JN) until consensus was reached. The third step required KHW to examine the full-text of the remaining articles to determine eligibility, subsequently discussing the articles with all authors. A PRISMA diagram ( Figure 1 ) details the screening process with number of papers retrieved and selection of the included studies.

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Article search and selection process—PRISMA diagram.

2.4. Stage 4: Charting the Data

Data charting was conducted in accordance with scoping review standards using a template that was developed for the extraction of information from each study regarding the following: authorship, year of publication, journal, source of origin, design, population and age group, aims of the study, methodology and important results [ 17 ]. A descriptive, numerical summarization was made, presenting the extent, nature and scope of included studies [ 18 ], see Table S2 (Supplementary Materials) for the full bibliographic information of the included studies.

2.5. Stage 5: Collating, Summarizing and Reporting Results

A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to examine and aggregate the findings from the help-seeking process, as depicted in the included studies [ 18 ]. For the thematic analysis, an abductive approach was taken [ 19 ], based on the previous Lost in Space model [ 15 ]. According to such an approach, hypotheses can be explicated through deduction and verified through induction. Abduction thus means that new explanations are based on background theories and, whilst taking empirical material and restrictions into account, may lead to elaborated knowledge [ 19 ].

The analysis began with reading the findings in the included articles several times, then identifying and inductively coding text and quotes [ 20 ] in relation to young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems. In this phase, data were inductively scrutinized to discover experiences, expressions and perspectives, keeping codes close to the data; for example, the text ‘Some young people reported that discussing uncomfortable emotions was unfamiliar’ was coded as the theme Unfamiliarity. The deductive process followed, in which the theoretical model Lost in Space was employed. It describes help-seeking among young people with mental health problems in a Swedish context [ 15 ]. A categorization matrix was developed based on the model, emanating from the original subcategories and categories, the themes within the subcategories and the properties of themes. The deductive process in the analysis involved going back to the data and placing the inductively derived codes into themes and subcategories of the theoretical model. All themes from the original model were found through coding the analysed articles. Codes from the new material that did not match the original theoretical model subcategories contributed with new aspects to existing themes of the model and, in some cases, generated new themes, thereby broadening the understanding of help-seeking. In one instance, the name of one subcategory was altered to reflect new material. KWH performed the data analysis and, to enhance the quality and validity of the analysis, the data analysis was discussed continuously with all authors.

3.1. Mapping the Characteristics of Published Literature

In total, 1540 articles were identified as potentially relevant records, after duplicates were removed through the database searches. After the first screening of title and abstract, 1207 articles were excluded on the basis of age, format type, content (i.e., not dealing with help-seeking), focusing on specific populations or not being based on a user perspective. In the second round of screening, another 243 articles were excluded due to the eligibility criteria. In the third round of screening, the remaining 90 articles were reviewed in full-text and of these 12 articles met the full set of eligibility criteria.

The characteristics of the included studies are described in Table S2 (Supplementary Materials) . Seven articles were published between 2010 and 2015, and five after 2016. The designs were mostly qualitative, with individual interviews ( n = 9) and focus groups ( n = 7). Seven articles employed a combination of methods (for example, mixed methods), and two articles included information from surveys. The focus of articles covered: social and organizational factors impacting help-seeking, functional concerns, attitudes towards computerized mental health support, attitudes to consulting primary care, perceptions and help-seeking behaviours in schools, exploration and identification of barriers and facilitators in general populations with and without previous experience of mental health support, barriers and facilitators in male groups, links between masculinity and help-seeking, comparisons of groups’ help-seeking strategies and descriptions of experiences, self-management and help-seeking. The recruitment of participants varied, utilising educational settings ( n = 4), youth mental health services ( n = 2), community websites ( n = 1), primary care ( n = 1), youth services ( n = 2), previous participation in longitudinal studies ( n = 2) and community samples ( n = 3). Four articles focused specifically on young males, and four on barriers to help-seeking. Three articles were set in the USA, one in Canada, three in Australia and five in Europe. The age range, 11–25, was seen in a variation of age clusters, with the smallest age range being two years (ages 20–22) and the largest 13 years (ages 12–25); the mean age range covered was six years.

3.2. Examination of the Help-Seeking Process from the Perspectives of Young People

The findings from this examination showed a high level of agreement with the theoretical model Lost in Space. Overall, the results showed that help-seeking was a dynamic and psychosocial process without sequentially fixed stages, where young people expressed an unfamiliarity with, insecurity about and lack of knowledge of mental health issues, a longing for self-reliance and, in some contexts, a presence of stigma. Young people did not consider the support structures to be responsive or accessible. Below, Figure 2 outlines the examination of the help-seeking process from the perspectives of young people. It includes confirmed content of the old model, new content derived from the analysed articles, and elaborations according to the abductive method. The ‘number of meaning units’ refers to coded material in the analysed articles. ‘Original’ refers to subcategories and themes from the Lost in Space model, where findings were corroborated by codes from the analysed articles (‘confirmed content’), other elements that emerged showed further dimensions of experiences that contributed to new perspectives of established subcategories in the model (‘new content’), and some themes that emerged in the analysis were not readily encompassed within the subcategories in the original model (‘new’) (see Figure 2 ).

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Examination of the help-seeking process from young people’s perspectives.

3.2.1. Drifting

Drifting, the initial category of the Lost in Space model, encompassed a general feeling of unfamiliarity, lack of knowledge, trivialising oneself and problems due to insecurity often by normalizing and minimizing one’s experiences. Young people’s voices in the analysed articles corroborated Drifting well, through similar expressions and experiences.

Fumbling in Life

In the original model, Fumbling in life encompassed themes of unfamiliarity, insecurity and trivialisation. Likewise, young people in the analysed articles expressed unfamiliarity with both mental health problems and not recognizing oneself. Lack of knowledge was frequently described both with regard to communicating, distinguishing and assessing emotions but also regarding where and when to seek help, leading to a sense of insecurity. Because of this insecurity, young people practised trivialisation, trying to make their problems smaller or unimportant. They also had the impression and fear that their problems would not be sufficient to receive support. In some of the analysed articles, trivialisation was presented as a rational strategy, enabling young people to downplay their problems and rationalizing not actively dealing with them or approaching others for help, whereas, in the original model, trivialisation was carried out due to a sense of insecurity. In this section, no conceptual changes to the original model are suggested.

In the original model, Struggling was characterized by simultaneous descriptions of mental health problems and incessant attempts and strategies to feel better, ambivalence and a longing for self-reliance. These themes re-appeared in the included articles. Mental health problems were described by the participants as emotional problems, panic attacks, sadness, self-harm, anxiety and lack of motivation. Within Struggling in the original model, young people usually referred to mental health problems as being something “within” (internal) rather than originating “outside” (global). However, in several of the analysed articles, the mental health problems were attributed to something “outside”. Hence, young people also related mental health problems to relationships, stress and risk-taking behaviour.

Themes on endeavouring strategies trying to deal with mental health problems were common in the included studies, as was also the case in the Lost in Space model, pointing to the more-or-less continual and relentless attempts and strategies young people performed in order to deal with their problems. Although it was proposed by young people in individual studies that seeking help requires effort, lack of effort was not a dominant issue for young people in either the original model or in most analysed articles. In some articles, an in-depth exploration of the strategies employed was undertaken, according to having an ‘approach’ or ‘avoidant’ character, or gendered differences, adding to the variation in strategies, whereas in the model, an abundance of strategies was ascertained; however, the type of strategy was not explored. Denial was a common strategy in both the original model and in the included articles. In the Lost in Space model, this was described as “shutting off”, with the intent of ignoring feelings and problems. This strategy was directed towards oneself: wanting to manage things, being strong and coping. In some of the analysed articles, denial was presented as relating to a sense of embarrassment, or as being done in order to protect others. Several reasons were attributed to this phenomenon: that young people did not want to trouble others, did not want to burden or alarm others, and did not trust others. In the model, reasons for denial were differentiated by a sense of responsibility, enacted by, for example, not sharing information with family and friends. Withholding information thus seemed to relate to aspects additional to a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.

A frequent theme in both the original model and in the findings from the included articles was self-reliance. Statements of wanting to be strong, trying to cope on one’s own, not sharing information and an elevated sense of responsibility to manage one’s life and mental health problems were evident. Ambivalence as a theme recurred throughout the material, in both the included studies and the original model. Young people expressed simultaneous and contradictory feelings and thoughts towards both themselves and their problems, others and help-seeking per se. They were often hesitant to seek help, whilst at the same time expressing a need and a longing for help.

The analysis of the included articles suggested no major conceptual changes to the original model, although the themes Endavouring strategies and Mental health problems are both elaborated.

Reaching a Point of No Return

Within Reaching a point of no return in the original model, young people expressed deterioration and a reaching out for support, often with the help of others. In Lost in Space, others were called ’catalysts’, showcasing their importance in actually initiating a help-seeking process. Within the analysed articles, important others were consistently brought up by the young people, with examples of others coaching, supporting, guiding and, in some instances, taking control of the help-seeking process. A new perspective in the included articles was a negative perception of control, and how others exerted control over them, compelling them to seek help. While this aspect of negative control did not emerge in the original model, an elaboration of the model may expand on the various functions of the important others, e.g., by dividing them into controllers vs. supporters. The other theme in this subcategory, deterioration, was brought up in several articles, as in the Lost in Space model. This indicated a worsening of symptoms and a decreased ability to function. Young people described not leaving the house, escalated behavioural problems, self-harm and suicide attempts, or ‘having a melt-down’ as triggers for seeking help. Young people also described how their problems were ‘revealed’ and others became aware of their problems, which in turn led to seeking help.

The included articles emphasise that seeking help is often a long process that takes place during a prolonged time-span. Therefore, in this section, a change of title of the subcategory Reaching a point of no return, to Transitioning towards decision, is suggested.

3.2.2. Navigating

The category Navigating depicted attempts of trying to find support, personal reflections, hopes and longings and wrestling with structural barriers. Expressions from young people in the analysed articles conformed well with the subcategories Trying to dock and Wrestling with structure.

Trying to Dock

This subcategory in the Lost in Space model entailed descriptions of personal reflections, hopes, longings and disappointment when trying to seek support. All themes from the original model were exemplified in the included articles. Hopes for help, as well as being safe, noticed and understood, were common in the included articles, as were accounts of the opposite, feeling unsupported. Miscommunication while not being understood or listened to also appeared in both materials as did accounts of being treated like a child and not taken seriously, thus containing references to issues of power. Several analysed articles contained descriptions by young people on how support was perceived as impersonal and instrumental rather than person-centred. This added aspects of negative references to professionalism and reliance on medication. Young people expressed the importance of reframing negative and medical terminology in positive and informal terms. Both materials contained descriptions of young people feeling unsupported, which led to continued and continual efforts of seeking support. A new theme, trust, was identified in the thematic analysis from descriptions of lack of confidence in treatment, and how familiarity facilitated help-seeking. A lack of trust was depicted as arising from limited prior contact, from anxiety about seeking help, from concerns about professional competence and from negative perceptions of professionals. Within the theme of trust in the articles, concerns about confidentiality and parental involvement surfaced, whereas, in the original model, these concerns were interpreted as structural obstacles.

Common themes in the articles were stigma and shame, whereas in the original model, this was not pervasive. The included articles relayed young people’s strong sense of shame about seeking help. They perceived it as a display of weakness. Fear of social consequences, ridicule and a longing to fit in led young people to describe a feeling of shame or embarrassment, and to having thoughts of what others would think and say. They also made efforts to conceal both mental health problems and help-seeking. Articles focusing exclusively on males stressed the gendered aspect of this, claiming that this group was affected by masculine ideals of strength and autonomy, which hindered displays of weakness and prevented help-seeking. In the original model, some findings relating to this theme were described; however, the term stigma was never used. Instead, this was described in the subcategory Wrestling with structure, in relation to seeking support in school, with references of embarrassment and an undesirable show of weakness in front of peers.

In this section, the analysed articles provide more aspects on the Feeling unsupported and Miscommunication themes. The large presence of codes in the new material relating to Stigma and Trust suggests the incorporation of Stigma and Trust as unique themes into the model.

Wrestling with Structure

In both the original model and the analysed articles, there were multiple references to structural obstacles, such as access, waiting times, resources, continuity, inadequate chains of support, and lack of coordination between supporters. Young people voiced feelings of not being met by professionals in an appropriate and timely manner, and concerns about how they were passed on, being referred to other support structures, and how there was a perceived lack of resources, making access difficult. Help-seeking was described as inconsistent, with repeated attempts at initiating and discontinuing help. Young people in several articles, and the original model, expressed that primary care was not an option when seeking support. Primary care was regarded as handling physical health complaints and that its practitioners were not being skilled in mental health issues. Particularly for the ‘younger’ of the young people, expressions that primary care was not directed at their age group were voiced. The inadequate support services theme was thus corroborated by young people in other contexts.

Confidentiality and age issues were concerns for the young people, both within the original model and the thematic analysis, primarily relating to parental control and insight. Both materials contained descriptions of how young people assumed and were concerned that confidential information shared with professional supporters would be communicated to parents. In some articles, this was said to relate to the theme of trust; however, confidentiality was mainly related to being a minor lacking power. Young people also voiced that being a minor was as an obstacle for independently accessing help. Likewise, age was an issue for the ‘older’ young people, who reported feeling out-of-place at youth-specific services. In the original model, a sense of resignation, often related to difficulties accessing support and feeling unsupported, was evident. The included articles provided additional material relating to this, as a sense of powerlessness appeared in several subcategories, and in the process as a whole.

The analysis supported a clearer conceptual division between subcategories Wrestling with structure and Trying to dock in the model. The latter entailed primarily personal accounts and experiences, expressions of hopes, disappointments and recounts of feelings, and the former referred primarily to structural conditions. Recurring references in relation to powerlessness suggest this is elevated to a permeating theme, capturing young people’s experience of seeking help.

3.2.3. Docking

Docking in the original model contained references from young people to the subcategories Finding support and Changing as a person.

Finding Support

All original themes of the subcategory Finding support were found in the thematic analysis. In both the original model and the analysed articles, young people described experiences of being validated, accepted, recognized and listened to. The importance of the comfort of support and initial positive contact was stressed. Descriptions of good and bad supporters and preferences regarding, for example, gender and profession, were evident. Both materials contained descriptions of negative outcomes and unwanted consequences from having sought help; for example, in the original model, this was described as problems being exaggerated and social services becoming involved. In the analysed articles were descriptions of referrals to support services appearing as punitive rather than helpful. This subcategory also contained accounts in both the analysed articles and the original model of young people being disregarded and not being taken seriously.

In this section, no changes to the model are suggested.

Changing as a Person

In the original model, this subcategory described the consequences of successful help-seeking in the form of gaining knowledge and positive personal change. Young people in the original model stressed the positive aspects and changes after having experienced mental health problems. Some references were found in the articles with regard to this subcategory, with personal change depicted as finding a more positive outlook on life through one’s own determination and decisiveness.

In this section, the analysed articles provide more aspects on the theme Changing as a person, but no changes to the model are suggested.

Overall, the findings from the analysis aided in developing an elaborated model of help-seeking, Figure 3 . The overall notion of help-seeking as a fluid and dynamic process with the three categories Drifting, Navigating and Docking was reinforced.

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Elaborated and further developed theoretical model of help-seeking among young people for mental health problems.

4. Discussion

This scoping review aimed to map published literature on young people’s experiences of seeking help for mental health problems, and to validate whether the previously published model Lost in Space was adaptable as a theoretical model of the help-seeking process. A high level of conformity was found between help-seeking as depicted by the original Lost in Space model and the analysed articles of this study. The analysis reinforced that help-seeking is to be regarded as a fluid and psychosocial process, often experienced by users as unfamiliar and obstacle-laden, tainted by feelings of powerlessness [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ].

4.1. Discussion and Implications in Relation to the Original Model Lost in Space

After reviewing up-to-date literature on user perspectives of help-seeking for mental health problems among young people, it is clear that the depiction of the initial stage of help-seeking, as being characterized by a sense of drifting, was, to a large extent, corroborated from young people’s experiences described in the reviewed articles. Regardless of context, young people expressed a general feeling of unfamiliarity and a lack of knowledge, often coupled with a sense of insecurity, and trivialisation of experiences [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. This was also supported by a large number of codes and expressions relating to the endeavouring strategies theme in an effort to be self-reliant [ 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. This points to the more-or-less continual and relentless nature of the efforts of young people to deal with their problems. A strong wish for self-reliance was consistently stressed in the reviewed articles, with a large variation and number of strategies used to implement self-reliance and deal with mental health problems. Incorporating an elaboration regarding the characteristics of strategies—whether positive/negative, destructive/constructive or approach/avoidant strategies—would provide an additional perspective on how mental health is dealt with by young people. The reviewed articles confirmed that reaching a decision to seek help often takes place with the aid of others [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 29 , 31 , 32 ] and distinction between ‘controllers’ and ‘supporters’ in this regard may further elaborate the model. Re-naming of the subcategory Reaching a point of no return into Transitioning towards decision would reflect the transitional nature of the mental health help-seeking process.

The category Navigating, capturing both personal experiences and structural barriers, was well confirmed by the review. Reflections of not being met by professionals in an appropriate and timely manner, and observations of a perceived lack of resources making access difficult, surfaced in both the original model and the included articles [ 23 , 26 , 29 ]. Accounts of not being taken seriously, being treated like a child, not listened to and disregarded, indicating power-issues relating to the experiences of young people, as well as descriptions of inconsistent use of support, repeatedly initiating and discontinuing help, appeared in the original model as well as the included articles [ 22 , 26 , 28 , 29 ]. Stigma and Trust surfaced as new themes, and Stigma in particular appeared with a large number of codes in the analysed articles. Young people described a feeling of shame, embarrassment, thoughts of what others would think and say and various efforts to conceal both mental health problems and their help-seeking [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 31 ]. Several articles dealt exclusively with young men and boys, proposing that the reasons for not seeking help were strongly conditioned by gender, with masculine ideals of strength and autonomy acting as obstacles for help-seeking [ 21 , 23 , 28 , 31 ]. Similar findings emerged in the Lost in Space model, where issues of self-reliance, wanting to be strong, and shunning displays of weakness, were shared between participants, and were not gender specific. Cultural variations may account for this difference between studies and findings. This said, most participants in studies on help-seeking are female and the findings may translate poorly to other populations and contexts. Help-seeking is exceptionally low among boys and young men, which in itself calls for a focus on specific populations with particularly low help-seeking [ 33 , 34 ].

The latter part of the original model, Docking, was not as well corroborated through the analysis. There were few descriptions of actually finding support and even fewer of personal reflections on the effects of finding help [ 21 , 22 , 31 ]. It may be that research on the help-seeking process does not focus on support and is discontinued as soon as support is established, and aspects of this may be found in other literature on service utilization or treatment satisfaction. However, by dividing the help-seeking journey into smaller isolated fractions, focus on the process as a whole could be missed, resulting in a stunted model and less understanding of the help-seeking process. Overall, the included articles reinforced the model of help-seeking as a dynamic and psychosocial process, consisting of different stages but without being sequentially fixed.

4.2. Discussion and Implications in Practice

This review on help-seeking for common mental health problems included young people from the age of 11 to 25, thus also including young adults. The studies described in the included articles were based on varied recruitment strategies from different contexts. No specific patterns according to age or context could be discerned. The concerns voiced in the studies included themes on structural barriers of the support system, an unfamiliarity and lack of knowledge of mental health and the support system, and simultaneously, a wish for self-reliance, suggesting possible strategies for meeting the help-seeking needs of young people. Although this study aimed to include articles focusing on groups that were wide enough to be defined as population-based, the focus of the included articles tended to be on particular populations, stressing the vulnerability and poor help-seeking of one particular group. Thus, the research had ethno-centric tendencies, whereas there were large overlaps and resemblances of experiences by young people in the help-seeking process regardless of contexts. The attribution of non-help-seeking to stigma and cultural norms amongst Black, Latino and Chinese American youth was observed by others, pointing to this being a more general, rather than group-specific phenomenon [ 32 ].

Structural factors, and how young people experience the support system, play an important role in the help-seeking process. Despite different contexts, young people expressed similar concerns relating to issues of availability and accessibility. There were views that waiting times were too long, resources were too few, and in some contexts, that costs and distances posed problems [ 21 , 23 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 29 ]. Other research has shown that there is a perceived inaccessibility of the support system across different groups of young people regarding resources, entry requirements and coordination between services [ 13 ]. Structural obstacles stretch over different geographical and socio-economic backgrounds at the macro level, with high-income countries still showing substantial delays and poor help-seeking rates for young people [ 14 , 35 ]. Thus, even in favourable circumstances, young people perceive structural barriers, pointing to how the support system does not accommodate the fluid and changeable nature of help-seeking. Young people regard mental health as a complex social and relational matter [ 36 ]. They often present with diagnostically confusing symptoms, and support systems that are traditionally organized according to medical specialities may not meet the needs of young people with common mental health problems [ 37 ]. Integrated youth centres, focusing on meeting young people’s needs in one place through multidisciplinary support with consideration of the context, show promising results [ 38 , 39 ]. In comparison to traditional support, which is by definition siloed and often entails entry requirements according to diagnostic thresholds, integrated youth-friendly services seem to increase help-seeking and access to support, even among groups that are usually hard to reach [ 33 , 39 ]. Studies in a Swedish context have pointed out that youth health clinics providing services to build upon with multi-professional teams and expertise on mental health are available throughout Sweden [ 40 ].

Young people reported a lack of knowledge on mental health and the support system, leading to a sense of insecurity and possibly a delay of help-seeking. Improved health literacy among young people may facilitate help-seeking through mechanisms of awareness of service availability and symptom recognition [ 13 ]. However, improved help-seeking and mental health among young people may require more than only improved knowledge. Previous reviews have, for example, shown past positive experiences and outcomes of help-seeking and positive contacts with support professionals to be facilitators for seeking help [ 4 , 8 ]. At the same time, a preference for self-reliance when facing mental health problems is consistently reported, with this being particularly prominent in studies with participants having previous experience of mental health problems and mental health support, contradicting the findings of past experiences facilitating help-seeking [ 8 , 23 ]. Young women in particular seem to have poor expectations regarding therapeutic outcomes, signalling a lack of trust in professional supporters, with treatment being perceived as impersonal and protocol-driven [ 23 ]. The results of this study identified the importance of supporters’ ability to meet young people responsively, using a person-centred approach. Young people felt more comfortable when the supporters did not use medical language and emphasized the importance of using positive and informal terms for improving communication between the young person and the supporter. Other studies have confirmed this finding, underlining the importance of having young staff who are skilled, respectful, welcoming, and allow for participation and shared decision-making [ 39 ].

With this review showing how young people experience mental health help-seeking as a psychosocial and fluid process, often with lack of knowledge and a sense of insecurity, prompt consideration of the organization of present support systems is needed. Young people need to be met in a person-centred and flexible manner. Perhaps, this is where the greatest effort is needed, addressing issues of power from the perspectives of young people, improving opportunities for personal self-reliance and personalized support.

5. Methodological Considerations

This review has some limitations. The choice of databases and keywords was developed in accordance with an experienced health literature librarian; however, making a choice always entails the risk that some information may have been missed. Other databases and different keywords may have produced different results. The criteria for including articles were that they should deal with the direct perspectives of young people who had experienced mental health problems and/or help-seeking. Whilst excluding those who had no experience of help-seeking (thus all articles dealing with intentions to seeking help only) might have been a clear-cut and easy choice, that would also have meant that we excluded those with experience of mental health problems who had not sought help for various reasons; thus, avoidance is also a perspective that is worth taking into consideration.

We aimed to include studies focusing on groups wide enough to be defined as population-based; nevertheless, these still often utilized an ethnocentric perspective, such as having a particular ethnic descent. This automatically raises the issue of generalizability and transferability. It was evident that studies consistently focused on particular populations, stressing the vulnerability and poor help-seeking of this particular group. However, similar claims kept reappearing, regardless of which particular group was being studied. A noteworthy phenomenon is that all included articles were published in Western countries. This also limits the transferability of the findings, as young people around the world may be situated in significantly different contexts.

In order to limit bias, the work was conducted by alternating methods of individual and joint reviews. However, subjectivity is a relevant issue that the authors of this review could not completely avoid.

6. Conclusions and Implication

The field of help-seeking among young people for mental health problems is receiving growing attention in research and academic literature. However, this review shows that there is substantial heterogeneity among studies with regard to methods, populations and how help-seeking is investigated. In qualitative literature exploring user perspectives, help-seeking is depicted as a fluid, dynamic and psychosocial process, validating the theoretical model of Lost in Space. Important findings include the presence of stigma, a lack of knowledge of mental health issues, a longing for self-reliance and a sense of powerlessness expressed by young people in various contexts and countries. Paying attention to these findings would imply acknowledging young people’s sense of feeling lost, making support services more flexible and person-centred.

Acknowledgments

Caroline Karlsson greatly contributed with the graphical model.

Supplementary Materials

The following are available online at https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/ijerph19031430/s1 , Table S1, full search strategy, Table S2, characteristics of included studies.

Author Contributions

All authors (K.H.W., M.N., J.M.N. and P.S.) made significant contributions to the original paper. K.H.W., M.N., J.M.N. and P.S. together identified the research question and designed the study. The data search was conducted by K.H.W., and stepped screening was performed by K.H.W., M.N., J.M.N. and P.S. In addition, K.H.W. drafted the manuscript and M.N., J.M.N. and P.S. provided critical revision of the paper in terms of important intellectual content. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study did not require ethical clearance.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

115 Global Issues Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best global issues topic ideas & essay examples, ✍️ global issues essay topics for college, 📌 good essay topics on global issues, 💡 interesting topics to write about global issues, ❓ global issues questions.

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Global Health Issue Analysis: HIV – A Relatively New Disease Rapid detection and treatment are crucial to limit the spread of HIV and limit the patient’s effects. As the frequency and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person, testing is the only clear way […]
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Cultural Competence in Action: Solutions to Global Health Issues In this paper, the analysis of several case studies about cultural competence will be discussed to clarify how to achieve positive results and reduce the wasting of resources. In the second case, certain attention is […]
Polar Transformations as a Global Warming Issue Changes in vegetation due to global warming will be varying as the regions are covered with three main vegetation types: polar desert, boreal forest, and the tundra.
Project Cost Management’s Global Issues and Challenges The results suggest the lack of identity for the profession on the global scale due to the lack of consensus regarding the common descriptor, the scarcity of common standards, terminology, and bodies of knowledge, and […]
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Examination of a Global Population Issue Economic Issues The economy of South Africa is one of the fastest developing economies in the world. Being the only African country which is a member of the G-20, this country has been seen to […]
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100+ Social Issues Research Paper Topics

Group of people discussing social issues

There are many issues in society to write about, making social issue essay topics some of the most fun. However, choosing a social topic for an essay isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when there are several social essay topics. The secret to choosing the best among the many social topics is knowing what makes the best social topics for an essay, the best.

This article will give you workable tips for choosing a great topic on specific social issues, argumentative essay topics , and social topics. We will also throw in 100 topics on social issues; they can serve as your social topic or inspiration for choosing.

What Are Top Tips for Choosing Social Topics to Write About?

What characterizes the best social issue topics, social issue topics list, fascinating research topics on social issues, interesting social commentary topics, interesting social issues on social media, ideas of social issues essay topics on health, socially significant topics to write on, social issues research topics for a professional paper on the environment, top-rated socially relevant topics, cool social issues to research on criminal justice, social problem topics for college students, issues in america to write about, argumentative essay topics on social issues, unique social issues to write a research paper on.

When it comes to social problems essay topics, the list is endless; there are so many social issues to talk about. However, not all social problem topics will make a great paper, and the wrong social issue topic can reduce your grade. Below are the top practical tips for choosing social issues topics for presentation.

Choose easy social issues to write about – avoid trying to impress your professor by choosing complex social problems topics you can’t do justice to.
Choose social problem topics or social media research topics that your audience can relate to and find interesting.
When choosing from the myriads of social problems to write about, choose those with sufficient information. Also, you don’t want social problem essay topics you’ll have to walk miles to gather information on.
Pick as many good social issues to write about as possible; chances are you will change issues essay topics midway. You don’t have to return to searching for current issues to write about.
Source for articles that address problems in society to write about for an idea on how to write yours.

The “best” social topics, like social commentary essay topics, are those you’re passionate about. It would help if you cared about the social issue ideas you’ve decided to write on to do real justice to the paper. Writing an essay on them will be torture if you don’t care or know anything about social commentary ideas. Also, if your audience is clueless about a particular topic, consider omitting technical and social significance topics.

Interesting social topics are not hard to find if you know where to look. We will give you a social issues topics list here, but you can still find social issues ideas all over the internet. Find our social topics list below containing interesting and uncommon social issues for a distinction-worthy paper.

Political polarization
Racism in modern society’s healthcare
Ageism: the new racism?
The fairness of labor laws
Fat-shaming in the corporate world
Recovering addicts and social injustice
Child pornography
Prisoner rights violations: the types
Making vaccinations mandatory
Online education impact on obesity
Increasing employment: the solution to poverty?
Accessibility of healthcare in mobile clinics
Women empowerment
Social development in developing countries
Overpopulation: a threat?
How social networks impact friendship
Age restriction on Instagram
Social media effect on dependency
Business Facebook accounts and digital ethics
Cancel culture and mental health
Restricting children from social media
How to stay safe on the internet
Freedom of speech on Twitter
High cost of medical procedures
Obesity in developed countries
Abortion: legal or illegal?
Drug addiction
Hospices: should they be free?
Why HIV in seniors remains unrecognized
Dying with dignity
Pro-life movement origins
The social acceptance of autism
Effect of malnourishment on children’s psyche
Impact of fad diets
Discrimination against older adults
Acceptability of homeopathic treatment for children
The scarcity of and state of available healthcare facilities in rural areas
Poverty and health problems
Ensuring global access to drinking water
Implementing sustainable technology in agriculture
Benefits of studying the environment
Urban gardening and food security
Deteriorating environment effect on labor conditions
Religion and nature
Global warming impact on South America
Effect of racial profiling
Prevalence of hate speech
Discrimination against the LGBT community
Modern feminism: the negative impact on society
Pregnancy termination: morality vs. legality
Food culture
Emotional intelligence: impact on family life
Harmful effects of financial illiteracy
The perception of “Defund the police.”
Evidence of structural racism
The internet’s influence on human trafficking
Legalizing prostitution
Civil disobedience goals
The consequences of restoring prisoners to society
Influence of prejudices on criminal justice mechanics
Prominent civil rights violations in developing countries
Gender blindness
Gender dysphoria
The Khmer Rouge
Social media and racist bias
Justification of human rights limitations during a crisis
How governments can secure freedom of speech
Can satire be harmful?
Protection of stateless persons
Can illegal immigrants be pardoned?
War on drugs: the negative side effects
The importance of bipartisan cooperation
College loans: are they worth it?
Fake news: a severe problem?
Charter schools vs. public schools
The Great New Deal: pros and cons
Gentrification in America
Ableism effects in the US
Death penalty: a just punishment?
Healthcare: a fundamental human right?
The right to own a gun
Does history repeat itself?
Commercials in kids’ programs
Fiction vs. nonfiction: which is the better read?
Video games should be a sport
Hot dogs: have they caused more harm than good?
Eating dessert before dinner
Homework: is it too much?
Should gym classes be required?
The essentiality of feminism
Free healthcare for everyone
Exploring space: is it worth it?
Parents’ role in childhood obesity
Woman vs. man: who is more emotional?
The effects of campaign finance reform
Should illegal immigrants be granted residency?

With this list of social topics and others you’ll find on the internet, you can’t be short of social issues to talk about. Choosing the best social issues topics is essential for writing a great research paper,or write dissertation for me ranging from social change topics to social awareness topics. Considering the vast amount of community issues to write about, our tips on choosing from the best social relevance topics will come in handy. If you need professional writing services, you can contact our experts.

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Cultural Relativity and Acceptance of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

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Main Article Content

There is a debate about the ethical implications of using human embryos in stem cell research, which can be influenced by cultural, moral, and social values. This paper argues for an adaptable framework to accommodate diverse cultural and religious perspectives. By using an adaptive ethics model, research protections can reflect various populations and foster growth in stem cell research possibilities.

INTRODUCTION

Stem cell research combines biology, medicine, and technology, promising to alter health care and the understanding of human development. Yet, ethical contention exists because of individuals’ perceptions of using human embryos based on their various cultural, moral, and social values. While these disagreements concerning policy, use, and general acceptance have prompted the development of an international ethics policy, such a uniform approach can overlook the nuanced ethical landscapes between cultures. With diverse viewpoints in public health, a single global policy, especially one reflecting Western ethics or the ethics prevalent in high-income countries, is impractical. This paper argues for a culturally sensitive, adaptable framework for the use of embryonic stem cells. Stem cell policy should accommodate varying ethical viewpoints and promote an effective global dialogue. With an extension of an ethics model that can adapt to various cultures, we recommend localized guidelines that reflect the moral views of the people those guidelines serve.

Stem cells, characterized by their unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, enable the repair or replacement of damaged tissues. Two primary types of stem cells are somatic stem cells (adult stem cells) and embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells exist in developed tissues and maintain the body’s repair processes. [1] Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are remarkably pluripotent or versatile, making them valuable in research. [2] However, the use of ESCs has sparked ethics debates. Considering the potential of embryonic stem cells, research guidelines are essential. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) provides international stem cell research guidelines. They call for “public conversations touching on the scientific significance as well as the societal and ethical issues raised by ESC research.” [3] The ISSCR also publishes updates about culturing human embryos 14 days post fertilization, suggesting local policies and regulations should continue to evolve as ESC research develops. [4] Like the ISSCR, which calls for local law and policy to adapt to developing stem cell research given cultural acceptance, this paper highlights the importance of local social factors such as religion and culture.

I. Global Cultural Perspective of Embryonic Stem Cells

Views on ESCs vary throughout the world. Some countries readily embrace stem cell research and therapies, while others have stricter regulations due to ethical concerns surrounding embryonic stem cells and when an embryo becomes entitled to moral consideration. The philosophical issue of when the “someone” begins to be a human after fertilization, in the morally relevant sense, [5] impacts when an embryo becomes not just worthy of protection but morally entitled to it. The process of creating embryonic stem cell lines involves the destruction of the embryos for research. [6] Consequently, global engagement in ESC research depends on social-cultural acceptability.

a. US and Rights-Based Cultures

In the United States, attitudes toward stem cell therapies are diverse. The ethics and social approaches, which value individualism, [7] trigger debates regarding the destruction of human embryos, creating a complex regulatory environment. For example, the 1996 Dickey-Wicker Amendment prohibited federal funding for the creation of embryos for research and the destruction of embryos for “more than allowed for research on fetuses in utero.” [8] Following suit, in 2001, the Bush Administration heavily restricted stem cell lines for research. However, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 was proposed to help develop ESC research but was ultimately vetoed. [9] Under the Obama administration, in 2009, an executive order lifted restrictions allowing for more development in this field. [10] The flux of research capacity and funding parallels the different cultural perceptions of human dignity of the embryo and how it is socially presented within the country’s research culture. [11]

b. Ubuntu and Collective Cultures

African bioethics differs from Western individualism because of the different traditions and values. African traditions, as described by individuals from South Africa and supported by some studies in other African countries, including Ghana and Kenya, follow the African moral philosophies of Ubuntu or Botho and Ukama , which “advocates for a form of wholeness that comes through one’s relationship and connectedness with other people in the society,” [12] making autonomy a socially collective concept. In this context, for the community to act autonomously, individuals would come together to decide what is best for the collective. Thus, stem cell research would require examining the value of the research to society as a whole and the use of the embryos as a collective societal resource. If society views the source as part of the collective whole, and opposes using stem cells, compromising the cultural values to pursue research may cause social detachment and stunt research growth. [13] Based on local culture and moral philosophy, the permissibility of stem cell research depends on how embryo, stem cell, and cell line therapies relate to the community as a whole . Ubuntu is the expression of humanness, with the person’s identity drawn from the “’I am because we are’” value. [14] The decision in a collectivistic culture becomes one born of cultural context, and individual decisions give deference to others in the society.

Consent differs in cultures where thought and moral philosophy are based on a collective paradigm. So, applying Western bioethical concepts is unrealistic. For one, Africa is a diverse continent with many countries with different belief systems, access to health care, and reliance on traditional or Western medicines. Where traditional medicine is the primary treatment, the “’restrictive focus on biomedically-related bioethics’” [is] problematic in African contexts because it neglects bioethical issues raised by traditional systems.” [15] No single approach applies in all areas or contexts. Rather than evaluating the permissibility of ESC research according to Western concepts such as the four principles approach, different ethics approaches should prevail.

Another consideration is the socio-economic standing of countries. In parts of South Africa, researchers have not focused heavily on contributing to the stem cell discourse, either because it is not considered health care or a health science priority or because resources are unavailable. [16] Each country’s priorities differ given different social, political, and economic factors. In South Africa, for instance, areas such as maternal mortality, non-communicable diseases, telemedicine, and the strength of health systems need improvement and require more focus. [17] Stem cell research could benefit the population, but it also could divert resources from basic medical care. Researchers in South Africa adhere to the National Health Act and Medicines Control Act in South Africa and international guidelines; however, the Act is not strictly enforced, and there is no clear legislation for research conduct or ethical guidelines. [18]

Some parts of Africa condemn stem cell research. For example, 98.2 percent of the Tunisian population is Muslim. [19] Tunisia does not permit stem cell research because of moral conflict with a Fatwa. Religion heavily saturates the regulation and direction of research. [20] Stem cell use became permissible for reproductive purposes only recently, with tight restrictions preventing cells from being used in any research other than procedures concerning ART/IVF. Their use is conditioned on consent, and available only to married couples. [21] The community's receptiveness to stem cell research depends on including communitarian African ethics.

c. Asia

Some Asian countries also have a collective model of ethics and decision making. [22] In China, the ethics model promotes a sincere respect for life or human dignity, [23] based on protective medicine. This model, influenced by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), [24] recognizes Qi as the vital energy delivered via the meridians of the body; it connects illness to body systems, the body’s entire constitution, and the universe for a holistic bond of nature, health, and quality of life. [25] Following a protective ethics model, and traditional customs of wholeness, investment in stem cell research is heavily desired for its applications in regenerative therapies, disease modeling, and protective medicines. In a survey of medical students and healthcare practitioners, 30.8 percent considered stem cell research morally unacceptable while 63.5 percent accepted medical research using human embryonic stem cells. Of these individuals, 89.9 percent supported increased funding for stem cell research. [26] The scientific community might not reflect the overall population. From 1997 to 2019, China spent a total of $576 million (USD) on stem cell research at 8,050 stem cell programs, increased published presence from 0.6 percent to 14.01 percent of total global stem cell publications as of 2014, and made significant strides in cell-based therapies for various medical conditions. [27] However, while China has made substantial investments in stem cell research and achieved notable progress in clinical applications, concerns linger regarding ethical oversight and transparency. [28] For example, the China Biosecurity Law, promoted by the National Health Commission and China Hospital Association, attempted to mitigate risks by introducing an institutional review board (IRB) in the regulatory bodies. 5800 IRBs registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry since 2021. [29] However, issues still need to be addressed in implementing effective IRB review and approval procedures.

The substantial government funding and focus on scientific advancement have sometimes overshadowed considerations of regional cultures, ethnic minorities, and individual perspectives, particularly evident during the one-child policy era. As government policy adapts to promote public stability, such as the change from the one-child to the two-child policy, [30] research ethics should also adapt to ensure respect for the values of its represented peoples.

Japan is also relatively supportive of stem cell research and therapies. Japan has a more transparent regulatory framework, allowing for faster approval of regenerative medicine products, which has led to several advanced clinical trials and therapies. [31] South Korea is also actively engaged in stem cell research and has a history of breakthroughs in cloning and embryonic stem cells. [32] However, the field is controversial, and there are issues of scientific integrity. For example, the Korean FDA fast-tracked products for approval, [33] and in another instance, the oocyte source was unclear and possibly violated ethical standards. [34] Trust is important in research, as it builds collaborative foundations between colleagues, trial participant comfort, open-mindedness for complicated and sensitive discussions, and supports regulatory procedures for stakeholders. There is a need to respect the culture’s interest, engagement, and for research and clinical trials to be transparent and have ethical oversight to promote global research discourse and trust.

d. Middle East

Countries in the Middle East have varying degrees of acceptance of or restrictions to policies related to using embryonic stem cells due to cultural and religious influences. Saudi Arabia has made significant contributions to stem cell research, and conducts research based on international guidelines for ethical conduct and under strict adherence to guidelines in accordance with Islamic principles. Specifically, the Saudi government and people require ESC research to adhere to Sharia law. In addition to umbilical and placental stem cells, [35] Saudi Arabia permits the use of embryonic stem cells as long as they come from miscarriages, therapeutic abortions permissible by Sharia law, or are left over from in vitro fertilization and donated to research. [36] Laws and ethical guidelines for stem cell research allow the development of research institutions such as the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, which has a cord blood bank and a stem cell registry with nearly 10,000 donors. [37] Such volume and acceptance are due to the ethical ‘permissibility’ of the donor sources, which do not conflict with religious pillars. However, some researchers err on the side of caution, choosing not to use embryos or fetal tissue as they feel it is unethical to do so. [38]

Jordan has a positive research ethics culture. [39] However, there is a significant issue of lack of trust in researchers, with 45.23 percent (38.66 percent agreeing and 6.57 percent strongly agreeing) of Jordanians holding a low level of trust in researchers, compared to 81.34 percent of Jordanians agreeing that they feel safe to participate in a research trial. [40] Safety testifies to the feeling of confidence that adequate measures are in place to protect participants from harm, whereas trust in researchers could represent the confidence in researchers to act in the participants’ best interests, adhere to ethical guidelines, provide accurate information, and respect participants’ rights and dignity. One method to improve trust would be to address communication issues relevant to ESC. Legislation surrounding stem cell research has adopted specific language, especially concerning clarification “between ‘stem cells’ and ‘embryonic stem cells’” in translation. [41] Furthermore, legislation “mandates the creation of a national committee… laying out specific regulations for stem-cell banking in accordance with international standards.” [42] This broad regulation opens the door for future global engagement and maintains transparency. However, these regulations may also constrain the influence of research direction, pace, and accessibility of research outcomes.

e. Europe

In the European Union (EU), ethics is also principle-based, but the principles of autonomy, dignity, integrity, and vulnerability are interconnected. [43] As such, the opportunity for cohesion and concessions between individuals’ thoughts and ideals allows for a more adaptable ethics model due to the flexible principles that relate to the human experience The EU has put forth a framework in its Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being allowing member states to take different approaches. Each European state applies these principles to its specific conventions, leading to or reflecting different acceptance levels of stem cell research. [44]

For example, in Germany, Lebenzusammenhang , or the coherence of life, references integrity in the unity of human culture. Namely, the personal sphere “should not be subject to external intervention.” [45] Stem cell interventions could affect this concept of bodily completeness, leading to heavy restrictions. Under the Grundgesetz, human dignity and the right to life with physical integrity are paramount. [46] The Embryo Protection Act of 1991 made producing cell lines illegal. Cell lines can be imported if approved by the Central Ethics Commission for Stem Cell Research only if they were derived before May 2007. [47] Stem cell research respects the integrity of life for the embryo with heavy specifications and intense oversight. This is vastly different in Finland, where the regulatory bodies find research more permissible in IVF excess, but only up to 14 days after fertilization. [48] Spain’s approach differs still, with a comprehensive regulatory framework. [49] Thus, research regulation can be culture-specific due to variations in applied principles. Diverse cultures call for various approaches to ethical permissibility. [50] Only an adaptive-deliberative model can address the cultural constructions of self and achieve positive, culturally sensitive stem cell research practices. [51]

II. Religious Perspectives on ESC

Embryonic stem cell sources are the main consideration within religious contexts. While individuals may not regard their own religious texts as authoritative or factual, religion can shape their foundations or perspectives.

The Qur'an states:

“And indeed We created man from a quintessence of clay. Then We placed within him a small quantity of nutfa (sperm to fertilize) in a safe place. Then We have fashioned the nutfa into an ‘alaqa (clinging clot or cell cluster), then We developed the ‘alaqa into mudgha (a lump of flesh), and We made mudgha into bones, and clothed the bones with flesh, then We brought it into being as a new creation. So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators.” [52]

Many scholars of Islam estimate the time of soul installment, marked by the angel breathing in the soul to bring the individual into creation, as 120 days from conception. [53] Personhood begins at this point, and the value of life would prohibit research or experimentation that could harm the individual. If the fetus is more than 120 days old, the time ensoulment is interpreted to occur according to Islamic law, abortion is no longer permissible. [54] There are a few opposing opinions about early embryos in Islamic traditions. According to some Islamic theologians, there is no ensoulment of the early embryo, which is the source of stem cells for ESC research. [55]

In Buddhism, the stance on stem cell research is not settled. The main tenets, the prohibition against harming or destroying others (ahimsa) and the pursuit of knowledge (prajña) and compassion (karuna), leave Buddhist scholars and communities divided. [56] Some scholars argue stem cell research is in accordance with the Buddhist tenet of seeking knowledge and ending human suffering. Others feel it violates the principle of not harming others. Finding the balance between these two points relies on the karmic burden of Buddhist morality. In trying to prevent ahimsa towards the embryo, Buddhist scholars suggest that to comply with Buddhist tenets, research cannot be done as the embryo has personhood at the moment of conception and would reincarnate immediately, harming the individual's ability to build their karmic burden. [57] On the other hand, the Bodhisattvas, those considered to be on the path to enlightenment or Nirvana, have given organs and flesh to others to help alleviate grieving and to benefit all. [58] Acceptance varies on applied beliefs and interpretations.

Catholicism does not support embryonic stem cell research, as it entails creation or destruction of human embryos. This destruction conflicts with the belief in the sanctity of life. For example, in the Old Testament, Genesis describes humanity as being created in God’s image and multiplying on the Earth, referencing the sacred rights to human conception and the purpose of development and life. In the Ten Commandments, the tenet that one should not kill has numerous interpretations where killing could mean murder or shedding of the sanctity of life, demonstrating the high value of human personhood. In other books, the theological conception of when life begins is interpreted as in utero, [59] highlighting the inviolability of life and its formation in vivo to make a religious point for accepting such research as relatively limited, if at all. [60] The Vatican has released ethical directives to help apply a theological basis to modern-day conflicts. The Magisterium of the Church states that “unless there is a moral certainty of not causing harm,” experimentation on fetuses, fertilized cells, stem cells, or embryos constitutes a crime. [61] Such procedures would not respect the human person who exists at these stages, according to Catholicism. Damages to the embryo are considered gravely immoral and illicit. [62] Although the Catholic Church officially opposes abortion, surveys demonstrate that many Catholic people hold pro-choice views, whether due to the context of conception, stage of pregnancy, threat to the mother’s life, or for other reasons, demonstrating that practicing members can also accept some but not all tenets. [63]

Some major Jewish denominations, such as the Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist movements, are open to supporting ESC use or research as long as it is for saving a life. [64] Within Judaism, the Talmud, or study, gives personhood to the child at birth and emphasizes that life does not begin at conception: [65]

“If she is found pregnant, until the fortieth day it is mere fluid,” [66]

Whereas most religions prioritize the status of human embryos, the Halakah (Jewish religious law) states that to save one life, most other religious laws can be ignored because it is in pursuit of preservation. [67] Stem cell research is accepted due to application of these religious laws.

We recognize that all religions contain subsets and sects. The variety of environmental and cultural differences within religious groups requires further analysis to respect the flexibility of religious thoughts and practices. We make no presumptions that all cultures require notions of autonomy or morality as under the common morality theory , which asserts a set of universal moral norms that all individuals share provides moral reasoning and guides ethical decisions. [68] We only wish to show that the interaction with morality varies between cultures and countries.

III. A Flexible Ethical Approach

The plurality of different moral approaches described above demonstrates that there can be no universally acceptable uniform law for ESC on a global scale. Instead of developing one standard, flexible ethical applications must be continued. We recommend local guidelines that incorporate important cultural and ethical priorities.

While the Declaration of Helsinki is more relevant to people in clinical trials receiving ESC products, in keeping with the tradition of protections for research subjects, consent of the donor is an ethical requirement for ESC donation in many jurisdictions including the US, Canada, and Europe. [69] The Declaration of Helsinki provides a reference point for regulatory standards and could potentially be used as a universal baseline for obtaining consent prior to gamete or embryo donation.

For instance, in Columbia University’s egg donor program for stem cell research, donors followed standard screening protocols and “underwent counseling sessions that included information as to the purpose of oocyte donation for research, what the oocytes would be used for, the risks and benefits of donation, and process of oocyte stimulation” to ensure transparency for consent. [70] The program helped advance stem cell research and provided clear and safe research methods with paid participants. Though paid participation or covering costs of incidental expenses may not be socially acceptable in every culture or context, [71] and creating embryos for ESC research is illegal in many jurisdictions, Columbia’s program was effective because of the clear and honest communications with donors, IRBs, and related stakeholders. This example demonstrates that cultural acceptance of scientific research and of the idea that an egg or embryo does not have personhood is likely behind societal acceptance of donating eggs for ESC research. As noted, many countries do not permit the creation of embryos for research.

Proper communication and education regarding the process and purpose of stem cell research may bolster comprehension and garner more acceptance. “Given the sensitive subject material, a complete consent process can support voluntary participation through trust, understanding, and ethical norms from the cultures and morals participants value. This can be hard for researchers entering countries of different socioeconomic stability, with different languages and different societal values. [72]

An adequate moral foundation in medical ethics is derived from the cultural and religious basis that informs knowledge and actions. [73] Understanding local cultural and religious values and their impact on research could help researchers develop humility and promote inclusion.

IV. Concerns

Some may argue that if researchers all adhere to one ethics standard, protection will be satisfied across all borders, and the global public will trust researchers. However, defining what needs to be protected and how to define such research standards is very specific to the people to which standards are applied. We suggest that applying one uniform guide cannot accurately protect each individual because we all possess our own perceptions and interpretations of social values. [74] Therefore, the issue of not adjusting to the moral pluralism between peoples in applying one standard of ethics can be resolved by building out ethics models that can be adapted to different cultures and religions.

Other concerns include medical tourism, which may promote health inequities. [75] Some countries may develop and approve products derived from ESC research before others, compromising research ethics or drug approval processes. There are also concerns about the sale of unauthorized stem cell treatments, for example, those without FDA approval in the United States. Countries with robust research infrastructures may be tempted to attract medical tourists, and some customers will have false hopes based on aggressive publicity of unproven treatments. [76]

For example, in China, stem cell clinics can market to foreign clients who are not protected under the regulatory regimes. Companies employ a marketing strategy of “ethically friendly” therapies. Specifically, in the case of Beike, China’s leading stem cell tourism company and sprouting network, ethical oversight of administrators or health bureaus at one site has “the unintended consequence of shifting questionable activities to another node in Beike's diffuse network.” [77] In contrast, Jordan is aware of stem cell research’s potential abuse and its own status as a “health-care hub.” Jordan’s expanded regulations include preserving the interests of individuals in clinical trials and banning private companies from ESC research to preserve transparency and the integrity of research practices. [78]

The social priorities of the community are also a concern. The ISSCR explicitly states that guidelines “should be periodically revised to accommodate scientific advances, new challenges, and evolving social priorities.” [79] The adaptable ethics model extends this consideration further by addressing whether research is warranted given the varying degrees of socioeconomic conditions, political stability, and healthcare accessibilities and limitations. An ethical approach would require discussion about resource allocation and appropriate distribution of funds. [80]

While some religions emphasize the sanctity of life from conception, which may lead to public opposition to ESC research, others encourage ESC research due to its potential for healing and alleviating human pain. Many countries have special regulations that balance local views on embryonic personhood, the benefits of research as individual or societal goods, and the protection of human research subjects. To foster understanding and constructive dialogue, global policy frameworks should prioritize the protection of universal human rights, transparency, and informed consent. In addition to these foundational global policies, we recommend tailoring local guidelines to reflect the diverse cultural and religious perspectives of the populations they govern. Ethics models should be adapted to local populations to effectively establish research protections, growth, and possibilities of stem cell research.

For example, in countries with strong beliefs in the moral sanctity of embryos or heavy religious restrictions, an adaptive model can allow for discussion instead of immediate rejection. In countries with limited individual rights and voice in science policy, an adaptive model ensures cultural, moral, and religious views are taken into consideration, thereby building social inclusion. While this ethical consideration by the government may not give a complete voice to every individual, it will help balance policies and maintain the diverse perspectives of those it affects. Embracing an adaptive ethics model of ESC research promotes open-minded dialogue and respect for the importance of human belief and tradition. By actively engaging with cultural and religious values, researchers can better handle disagreements and promote ethical research practices that benefit each society.

This brief exploration of the religious and cultural differences that impact ESC research reveals the nuances of relative ethics and highlights a need for local policymakers to apply a more intense adaptive model.

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[7] Socially, at its core, the Western approach to ethics is widely principle-based, autonomy being one of the key factors to ensure a fundamental respect for persons within research. For information regarding autonomy in research, see: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, & National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research (1978). The Belmont Report. Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research.; For a more in-depth review of autonomy within the US, see: Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (1994). Principles of Biomedical Ethics . Oxford University Press.

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Culturally, autonomy practices follow a relational autonomy approach based on a paternalistic deontological health care model. The adherence to strict international research policies and religious pillars within the regulatory environment is a great foundation for research ethics. However, there is a need to develop locally targeted ethics approaches for research (as called for in Alahmad, G., Aljohani, S., & Najjar, M. F. (2020). Ethical challenges regarding the use of stem cells: interviews with researchers from Saudi Arabia. BMC medical ethics, 21(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-020-00482-6), this decision-making approach may help advise a research decision model. For more on the clinical cultural autonomy approaches, see: Alabdullah, Y. Y., Alzaid, E., Alsaad, S., Alamri, T., Alolayan, S. W., Bah, S., & Aljoudi, A. S. (2022). Autonomy and paternalism in Shared decision‐making in a Saudi Arabian tertiary hospital: A cross‐sectional study. Developing World Bioethics , 23 (3), 260–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/dewb.12355 ; Bukhari, A. A. (2017). Universal Principles of Bioethics and Patient Rights in Saudi Arabia (Doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University). https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/124; Ladha, S., Nakshawani, S. A., Alzaidy, A., & Tarab, B. (2023, October 26). Islam and Bioethics: What We All Need to Know . Columbia University School of Professional Studies. https://sps.columbia.edu/events/islam-and-bioethics-what-we-all-need-know

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[43] The EU’s definition of autonomy relates to the capacity for creating ideas, moral insight, decisions, and actions without constraint, personal responsibility, and informed consent. However, the EU views autonomy as not completely able to protect individuals and depends on other principles, such as dignity, which “expresses the intrinsic worth and fundamental equality of all human beings.” Rendtorff, J.D., Kemp, P. (2019). Four Ethical Principles in European Bioethics and Biolaw: Autonomy, Dignity, Integrity and Vulnerability. In: Valdés, E., Lecaros, J. (eds) Biolaw and Policy in the Twenty-First Century. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 78. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05903-3_3

[44] Council of Europe. Convention for the protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine: Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (ETS No. 164) https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=treaty-detail&treatynum=164 (forbidding the creation of embryos for research purposes only, and suggests embryos in vitro have protections.); Also see Drabiak-Syed B. K. (2013). New President, New Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Policy: Comparative International Perspectives and Embryonic Stem Cell Research Laws in France. Biotechnology Law Report , 32 (6), 349–356. https://doi.org/10.1089/blr.2013.9865

[45] Rendtorff, J.D., Kemp, P. (2019). Four Ethical Principles in European Bioethics and Biolaw: Autonomy, Dignity, Integrity and Vulnerability. In: Valdés, E., Lecaros, J. (eds) Biolaw and Policy in the Twenty-First Century. International Library of Ethics, Law, and the New Medicine, vol 78. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-05903-3_3

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[47] Regulation of Stem Cell Research in Germany . Eurostemcell. (2017, April 26). https://www.eurostemcell.org/regulation-stem-cell-research-germany

[48] Regulation of Stem Cell Research in Finland . Eurostemcell. (2017, April 26). https://www.eurostemcell.org/regulation-stem-cell-research-finland

[49] Regulation of Stem Cell Research in Spain . Eurostemcell. (2017, April 26). https://www.eurostemcell.org/regulation-stem-cell-research-spain

[50] Some sources to consider regarding ethics models or regulatory oversights of other cultures not covered:

Kara MA. Applicability of the principle of respect for autonomy: the perspective of Turkey. J Med Ethics. 2007 Nov;33(11):627-30. doi: 10.1136/jme.2006.017400. PMID: 17971462; PMCID: PMC2598110.

Ugarte, O. N., & Acioly, M. A. (2014). The principle of autonomy in Brazil: one needs to discuss it ... Revista do Colegio Brasileiro de Cirurgioes , 41 (5), 374–377. https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-69912014005013

Bharadwaj, A., & Glasner, P. E. (2012). Local cells, global science: The rise of embryonic stem cell research in India . Routledge.

For further research on specific European countries regarding ethical and regulatory framework, we recommend this database: Regulation of Stem Cell Research in Europe . Eurostemcell. (2017, April 26). https://www.eurostemcell.org/regulation-stem-cell-research-europe

[51] Klitzman, R. (2006). Complications of culture in obtaining informed consent. The American Journal of Bioethics, 6(1), 20–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265160500394671 see also: Ekmekci, P. E., & Arda, B. (2017). Interculturalism and Informed Consent: Respecting Cultural Differences without Breaching Human Rights. Cultura (Iasi, Romania) , 14 (2), 159–172.; For why trust is important in research, see also: Gray, B., Hilder, J., Macdonald, L., Tester, R., Dowell, A., & Stubbe, M. (2017). Are research ethics guidelines culturally competent? Research Ethics , 13 (1), 23-41. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747016116650235

[52] The Qur'an (M. Khattab, Trans.). (1965). Al-Mu’minun, 23: 12-14. https://quran.com/23

[53] Lenfest, Y. (2017, December 8). Islam and the beginning of human life . Bill of Health. https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2017/12/08/islam-and-the-beginning-of-human-life/

[54] Aksoy, S. (2005). Making regulations and drawing up legislation in Islamic countries under conditions of uncertainty, with special reference to embryonic stem cell research. Journal of Medical Ethics , 31: 399-403.; see also: Mahmoud, Azza. "Islamic Bioethics: National Regulations and Guidelines of Human Stem Cell Research in the Muslim World." Master's thesis, Chapman University, 2022. https://doi.org/10.36837/ chapman.000386

[55] Rashid, R. (2022). When does Ensoulment occur in the Human Foetus. Journal of the British Islamic Medical Association , 12 (4). ISSN 2634 8071. https://www.jbima.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2-Ethics-3_-Ensoulment_Rafaqat.pdf.

[56] Sivaraman, M. & Noor, S. (2017). Ethics of embryonic stem cell research according to Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, and Islamic religions: perspective from Malaysia. Asian Biomedicine,8(1) 43-52. https://doi.org/10.5372/1905-7415.0801.260

[57] Jafari, M., Elahi, F., Ozyurt, S. & Wrigley, T. (2007). 4. Religious Perspectives on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. In K. Monroe, R. Miller & J. Tobis (Ed.), Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues (pp. 79-94). Berkeley: University of California Press. https://escholarship.org/content/qt9rj0k7s3/qt9rj0k7s3_noSplash_f9aca2e02c3777c7fb76ea768ba458f0.pdf https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520940994-005

[58] Lecso, P. A. (1991). The Bodhisattva Ideal and Organ Transplantation. Journal of Religion and Health , 30 (1), 35–41. http://www.jstor.org/stable/27510629 ; Bodhisattva, S. (n.d.). The Key of Becoming a Bodhisattva . A Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life. http://www.buddhism.org/Sutras/2/BodhisattvaWay.htm

[59] There is no explicit religious reference to when life begins or how to conduct research that interacts with the concept of life. However, these are relevant verses pertaining to how the fetus is viewed. (( King James Bible . (1999). Oxford University Press. (original work published 1769))

Jerimiah 1: 5 “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee…”

In prophet Jerimiah’s insight, God set him apart as a person known before childbirth, a theme carried within the Psalm of David.

Psalm 139: 13-14 “…Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

These verses demonstrate David’s respect for God as an entity that would know of all man’s thoughts and doings even before birth.

[60] It should be noted that abortion is not supported as well.

[61] The Vatican. (1987, February 22). Instruction on Respect for Human Life in Its Origin and on the Dignity of Procreation Replies to Certain Questions of the Day . Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19870222_respect-for-human-life_en.html

[62] The Vatican. (2000, August 25). Declaration On the Production and the Scientific and Therapeutic Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells . Pontifical Academy for Life. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acdlife/documents/rc_pa_acdlife_doc_20000824_cellule-staminali_en.html ; Ohara, N. (2003). Ethical Consideration of Experimentation Using Living Human Embryos: The Catholic Church’s Position on Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology . Retrieved from https://article.imrpress.com/journal/CEOG/30/2-3/pii/2003018/77-81.pdf.

[63] Smith, G. A. (2022, May 23). Like Americans overall, Catholics vary in their abortion views, with regular mass attenders most opposed . Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/05/23/like-americans-overall-catholics-vary-in-their-abortion-views-with-regular-mass-attenders-most-opposed/

[64] Rosner, F., & Reichman, E. (2002). Embryonic stem cell research in Jewish law. Journal of halacha and contemporary society , (43), 49–68.; Jafari, M., Elahi, F., Ozyurt, S. & Wrigley, T. (2007). 4. Religious Perspectives on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. In K. Monroe, R. Miller & J. Tobis (Ed.), Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues (pp. 79-94). Berkeley: University of California Press. https://escholarship.org/content/qt9rj0k7s3/qt9rj0k7s3_noSplash_f9aca2e02c3777c7fb76ea768ba458f0.pdf https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520940994-005

[65] Schenker J. G. (2008). The beginning of human life: status of embryo. Perspectives in Halakha (Jewish Religious Law). Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics , 25 (6), 271–276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-008-9221-6

[66] Ruttenberg, D. (2020, May 5). The Torah of Abortion Justice (annotated source sheet) . Sefaria. https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/234926.7?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en

[67] Jafari, M., Elahi, F., Ozyurt, S. & Wrigley, T. (2007). 4. Religious Perspectives on Embryonic Stem Cell Research. In K. Monroe, R. Miller & J. Tobis (Ed.), Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical, and Political Issues (pp. 79-94). Berkeley: University of California Press. https://escholarship.org/content/qt9rj0k7s3/qt9rj0k7s3_noSplash_f9aca2e02c3777c7fb76ea768ba458f0.pdf https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520940994-005

[68] Gert, B. (2007). Common morality: Deciding what to do . Oxford Univ. Press.

[69] World Medical Association (2013). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki: ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA , 310(20), 2191–2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053 Declaration of Helsinki – WMA – The World Medical Association .; see also: National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1979). The Belmont report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html

[70] Zakarin Safier, L., Gumer, A., Kline, M., Egli, D., & Sauer, M. V. (2018). Compensating human subjects providing oocytes for stem cell research: 9-year experience and outcomes. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics , 35 (7), 1219–1225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-018-1171-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6063839/ see also: Riordan, N. H., & Paz Rodríguez, J. (2021). Addressing concerns regarding associated costs, transparency, and integrity of research in recent stem cell trial. Stem Cells Translational Medicine , 10 (12), 1715–1716. https://doi.org/10.1002/sctm.21-0234

[71] Klitzman, R., & Sauer, M. V. (2009). Payment of egg donors in stem cell research in the USA. Reproductive biomedicine online , 18 (5), 603–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60002-8

[72] Krosin, M. T., Klitzman, R., Levin, B., Cheng, J., & Ranney, M. L. (2006). Problems in comprehension of informed consent in rural and peri-urban Mali, West Africa. Clinical trials (London, England) , 3 (3), 306–313. https://doi.org/10.1191/1740774506cn150oa

[73] Veatch, Robert M. Hippocratic, Religious, and Secular Medical Ethics: The Points of Conflict . Georgetown University Press, 2012.

[74] Msoroka, M. S., & Amundsen, D. (2018). One size fits not quite all: Universal research ethics with diversity. Research Ethics , 14 (3), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747016117739939

[75] Pirzada, N. (2022). The Expansion of Turkey’s Medical Tourism Industry. Voices in Bioethics , 8 . https://doi.org/10.52214/vib.v8i.9894

[76] Stem Cell Tourism: False Hope for Real Money . Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI). (2023). https://hsci.harvard.edu/stem-cell-tourism , See also: Bissassar, M. (2017). Transnational Stem Cell Tourism: An ethical analysis. Voices in Bioethics , 3 . https://doi.org/10.7916/vib.v3i.6027

[77] Song, P. (2011) The proliferation of stem cell therapies in post-Mao China: problematizing ethical regulation, New Genetics and Society , 30:2, 141-153, DOI: 10.1080/14636778.2011.574375

[78] Dajani, R. (2014). Jordan’s stem-cell law can guide the Middle East. Nature 510, 189. https://doi.org/10.1038/510189a

[79] International Society for Stem Cell Research. (2024). Standards in stem cell research . International Society for Stem Cell Research. https://www.isscr.org/guidelines/5-standards-in-stem-cell-research

[80] Benjamin, R. (2013). People’s science bodies and rights on the Stem Cell Frontier . Stanford University Press.

Mifrah Hayath

SM Candidate Harvard Medical School, MS Biotechnology Johns Hopkins University

Olivia Bowers

MS Bioethics Columbia University (Disclosure: affiliated with Voices in Bioethics)

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Submission on the Climate Change Authority’s 2024 Targets, Pathways and Progress Issues Paper

Submission on the climate change authority's 2024 targets, pathways and progress paper, josh solomonsz.

The Climate Change Authority (the Authority) is reviewing the potential technology transition and emission pathways that will best support Australia’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 for six sectors: agriculture and land, built environment, electricity and energy, industry and waste, resources, and transport.

As part of this process, the Authority has released its 2024 Targets, Pathways and Progress Paper (the Issues Paper) for public consultation. Climateworks Centre believes this paper will facilitate an important national conversation on climate action and values the opportunity to contribute. We support the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and believe the recommendations made in our submission could enhance and enable the ambition outlined in the Issues Paper.

Climateworks has conducted extensive whole-of-economy scenario modelling to determine emissions reduction pathways for Australia compatible with Paris Agreement climate goals. Climateworks’ scenario analysis shows Australia can still achieve an emissions reduction trajectory compatible with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, however it will require an 85 per cent reduction by 2035, based on 2005 levels.

Climateworks has engaged extensively with the Authority’s work to set, track and achieve Australia’s emissions reduction targets. That has included sharing our scenario modelling in previous public and private consultation processes.

Our submission draws on a range of Climateworks’ modelling and research, in particular:

Climateworks Centre decarbonisation scenarios 2023 economy-wide modelling
Pathways to industrial decarbonisation modelling and analysis conducted as part of the Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative
Climate-ready homes: building the case for a renovation wave in Australia modelling on energy performance upgrades to residential homes
Accelerating EV uptake modelling and policy analysis on electric vehicles
Our forthcoming transport decarbonisation modelling report to be published June 2024

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Climateworks centre decarbonisation scenarios 2023: australia can still meet the paris agreement.

Climateworks Centre's latest scenarios show Australia can reduce emissions by 85 per cent by 2035.

Pathways to industrial decarbonisation: Positioning Australian industry to prosper in a net zero global economy

In 2023, there is international accord that urgent action is required to reduce emissions in line with Paris Agreement goals and limit warming to below 2°C, and preferably to 1.5°C.

Climate-ready homes: Building the case for a renovation wave in Australia

Climateworks Centre’s Renovation Pathways research program identifies ways governments and the private sector can enable home energy performance upgrades in a coordinated manner.

Accelerating EV uptake: Policies to realise Australia’s electric vehicle potential

The global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is well underway, but Australia’s EV uptake lags behind this trend.

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FG 2024 Papers: Explore a comprehensive collection of research papers presented at one of the premier conferences on automatic face and gesture recognition. Seamlessly integrate code implementations for better understanding. ⭐ Experience the cutting edge of progress in facial analysis, gesture recognition, and biometrics with this repository!

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FG 2024 Papers: Explore a comprehensive collection of innovative research papers presented at FG 2024 , one of the premier conferences on automatic face and gesture recognition. Seamlessly integrate code implementations for better understanding. ⭐ Experience the cutting edge of progress in facial analysis, gesture recognition, and biometrics with this repository!

👉 * This count includes repositories on GitHub, GitLab, Hugging Face, and distributions on PyPI, while excluding Web Page or GitHub Page links.

The online version of the FG 2024 Conference Program , includes a comprehensive table listing all accepted papers, along with the detailed schedule for Pre- and Post-Workshops, Oral Sessions, Demos, and Poster sessions.

Conference table will be up to date all the time.

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Contributions to improve the completeness of this list are greatly appreciated. If you come across any overlooked papers, please feel free to create pull requests , open issues or contact me via email . Your participation is crucial to making this repository even better.

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DOD Issues Open Announcement for Research Projects Under Defense Industrial Base Consortium OTA; Laura Taylor-Kale Quoted

The Department of Defense has issued an open announcement to solicit white papers on proposed research ideas that could be developed into prototypes as part of a push to accelerate the delivery of critical capabilities to warfighters.

DOD said Tuesday the open announcement released through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium’s other transaction authority is open to companies from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.

The white papers should fall within one or more of the critical sectors and areas of interest and will be evaluated to be considered for Defense Production Act Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment funding.

The critical sectors listed in the announcement are kinetic capabilities, energy storage and batteries, castings and forgings, strategic and critical materials, microelectronics and workforce development.

Additional areas of interest are small unmanned aerial systems, submarine industrial base, space industrial base and emerging manufacturing technology.

“This Open Announcement will solicit new ideas for research or prototype project solutions that will benefit our industrial base,” said Laura Taylor-Kale , assistant secretary of defense for industrial base policy at DOD.

“Expanding sources of supply is a key element of the vision articulated in the National Defense Industrial Strategy to help build resilient supply chains,” added Taylor-Kale.

White papers are due Sept. 30.

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