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Research Paper Guide

Psychology Research Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Psychology Research Topics - 170+ Ideas for Your Paper

By: Nathan D.

17 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Feb 10, 2023

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

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

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

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

On this Page

How to Choose a Topic?

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

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

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

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Psychology Research Topics For High School Students

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics for College Students

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

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

Research Topics In Psychology For University Students

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

Here are some options to consider:

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

Criminal Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Social Psychology Research Topics

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

Cognitive Psychology Research Topics

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

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Controversial Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Cultural Psychology Research Paper Topics

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

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Abnormal Psychology Research Topics

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

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

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

Child Psychology Research Topics

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

Sports Psychology Research Topics

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

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Experimental Psychology Research Topics

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

Forensic Psychology Research Topics

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

Interesting Psychology Research Topics

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

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

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

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

Tips to Write a Research Paper

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

1. Develop an outline

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

2. Research thoroughly

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

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

3. Develop a thesis statement

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

4. Write a first draft

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

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

5. Use citations

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

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

6. Revise and proofread

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

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

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

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

Let’s sum it up!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Psychology is a vast field that encompasses a wide range of topics and research areas. From the study of cognition and behavior to the exploration of mental health disorders, there are countless avenues for researchers to explore within this field. Whether you are a college student, graduate student, or professional in the field of psychology, selecting a research topic can be a daunting task. To help guide your research endeavors, we have compiled a list of 500+ unique psychology research topic ideas across various subfields of psychology. These research topics range from the study of abnormal psychology and cognitive psychology to military psychology and education. With this extensive list, we hope to provide you with inspiration and ideas to jumpstart your research journey.

Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Psychology Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

The effects of social media on self-esteem in adolescents
The role of parenting styles in shaping children’s personality development
The impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction in adults
The influence of music on mood and emotional regulation
The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning
The relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction
The effects of physical exercise on mental health
The role of culture in shaping social identity and behavior
The impact of peer pressure on decision-making in adolescents
The effects of childhood trauma on adult attachment styles
The influence of personality on romantic relationships
The effects of bullying on mental health in children and adolescents
The role of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders
The impact of positive psychology interventions on well-being
The effects of social support on coping with stress
The relationship between emotional intelligence and academic achievement
The effects of technology use on cognitive functioning
The influence of gender roles on social behavior
The effects of pet ownership on mental health
The role of attachment styles in parent-child relationships
The impact of social comparison on body dissatisfaction in women
The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on chronic pain management
The relationship between personality disorders and criminal behavior
The effects of stereotype threat on academic performance
The influence of self-esteem on romantic relationships
The effects of environmental factors on cognitive development in children
The role of resilience in coping with trauma
The effects of gaming on cognitive functioning and addiction
The impact of mindfulness interventions on workplace productivity
The relationship between social support and physical health.
The relationship between self-compassion and mental health
The impact of cognitive biases on decision-making
The role of attachment styles in romantic relationships
The effects of social isolation on mental health
The influence of cultural values on parenting practices
The relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction
The effects of childhood obesity on mental health and well-being
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on addiction recovery
The role of personality in predicting job performance and success
The effects of sleep quality on academic achievement
The influence of social identity on intergroup conflict
The effects of nature exposure on stress reduction
The impact of meditation on empathy and compassion
The role of emotion regulation in coping with chronic illness
The effects of gratitude interventions on well-being and life satisfaction
The relationship between personality traits and leadership effectiveness
The impact of trauma on brain development in children
The role of social norms in shaping behavior
The effects of mindfulness interventions on eating disorders
The influence of cultural factors on mental health stigma
The effects of emotional intelligence on workplace relationships and team effectiveness
The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement
The impact of exercise on cognitive aging and dementia prevention
The role of empathy in moral decision-making
The effects of social comparison on academic motivation
The influence of cultural factors on the perception of mental illness
The effects of childhood bullying on long-term mental health outcomes
The role of personality in romantic partner selection and satisfaction
The impact of parental divorce on children’s emotional and behavioral outcomes
The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in stressful situations.
The impact of personality disorders on interpersonal relationships
The effects of mindfulness interventions on workplace stress and burnout
The role of emotional intelligence in romantic relationships
The effects of cultural factors on the development of eating disorders
The relationship between attachment styles and emotional regulation
The impact of early childhood education on cognitive development
The effects of exposure to violence on mental health outcomes
The role of motivation in academic achievement and success
The influence of culture on the perception of intelligence and academic achievement
The effects of technology use on social skills and communication
The relationship between self-esteem and social anxiety
The impact of trauma on memory processing and recall
The role of parental involvement in academic achievement
The effects of exercise on mental health outcomes in older adults
The influence of cultural factors on romantic attraction and mate selection
The effects of mindfulness interventions on depression and anxiety
The relationship between personality traits and substance abuse
The impact of environmental factors on child development
The role of motivation in workplace productivity and job satisfaction
The effects of social media use on sleep quality and quantity
The influence of cultural factors on the perception and treatment of addiction
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
The relationship between personality traits and risk-taking behavior
The impact of prenatal stress on child development and behavior
The role of emotional intelligence in leadership effectiveness
The effects of meditation on attention and focus
The influence of cultural factors on mental health treatment-seeking behavior
The effects of traumatic events on personal growth and resilience
The relationship between personality traits and creativity
The impact of mindfulness interventions on emotion dysregulation in children and adolescents.
The effects of social comparison on body dissatisfaction
The impact of parental stress on child behavior and development
The role of mindfulness in stress management during pregnancy
The effects of cultural factors on the development of social anxiety disorder
The relationship between personality traits and procrastination
The impact of trauma on addiction and substance abuse
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health treatment
The effects of exercise on self-esteem and body image
The influence of personality traits on the development of eating disorders
The relationship between childhood trauma and adult mental health outcomes
The impact of meditation on academic performance and focus
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards body image and appearance
The effects of mindfulness interventions on chronic pain management
The relationship between personality traits and moral decision-making
The impact of early childhood attachment on romantic relationships
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards sexuality and sexual behavior
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in older adults
The influence of personality traits on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder
The relationship between childhood bullying and adult mental health outcomes
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on panic disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards substance use and addiction
The effects of mindfulness interventions on insomnia and sleep quality
The relationship between personality traits and social comparison behavior
The impact of parental divorce on romantic relationship outcomes
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards aging and age-related changes
The effects of social support on stress management in college students
The influence of personality traits on the development of anxiety disorders
The relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship outcomes
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards masculinity and femininity
The effects of mindfulness interventions on work-related stress
The relationship between personality traits and forgiveness
The impact of peer pressure on adolescent substance abuse
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health stigma
The effects of social support on stress management in healthcare workers
The influence of personality traits on the development of depression
The relationship between childhood trauma and substance abuse
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards body modification and cosmetic surgery
The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional regulation in adolescents.
The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image in adolescent girls
The impact of parental emotional neglect on adult mental health outcomes
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards gender and sexual orientation identity
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder
The relationship between personality traits and attachment styles in romantic relationships
The impact of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illness
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards disability and ableism
The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional eating and food addiction
The influence of personality traits on the development of borderline personality disorder
The relationship between childhood adversity and adult mental health outcomes
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on generalized anxiety disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards aging and dementia
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain
The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in response to stress
The impact of maternal mental health on child behavior and development
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the workplace
The effects of mindfulness interventions on stress and burnout in healthcare professionals
The influence of personality traits on the development of narcissistic personality disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and sleep disorders
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on bipolar disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards diversity and inclusion
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in refugees and immigrants
The relationship between personality traits and empathy
The impact of social comparison on academic performance and motivation
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the military
The effects of mindfulness interventions on addiction recovery and relapse prevention
The influence of personality traits on the development of antisocial personality disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social skills and communication in autism spectrum disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in the LGBTQ+ community
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with substance use disorder
The relationship between personality traits and creativity in the arts and sciences
The impact of early childhood exposure to violence on adult mental health outcomes
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in rural communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and self-care
The influence of personality traits on the development of schizophrenia
The relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative identity disorder
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety in children and adolescents
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic stress.
The impact of personality traits on job performance and satisfaction
The relationship between childhood trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The effects of exposure therapy on phobias and anxiety disorders
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health in minority communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in caregivers of individuals with chronic illness or disability
The relationship between cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities
The impact of psychoeducation on stigma reduction towards mental illness
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and substance use in college students
The effects of mindfulness interventions on academic performance and stress in college students
The influence of personality traits on the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
The relationship between childhood trauma and depression in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression and anxiety in cancer patients
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and body image in men
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome
The relationship between resilience and post-traumatic growth
The impact of music therapy on mental health outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and motherhood
The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotional regulation and mood disorders in adolescents
The influence of personality traits on the development of hoarding disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and substance use disorder in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on insomnia and sleep disorders
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and masculinity
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic migraines
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness
The impact of group therapy on social skills and communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in urban communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on compassion and empathy in healthcare professionals
The influence of personality traits on the development of postpartum depression
The relationship between childhood trauma and bipolar disorder in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on self-esteem and body image in individuals with eating disorders
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and family dynamics in immigrant families
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic gastrointestinal disorders
The relationship between personality traits and self-compassion
The impact of play therapy on social-emotional development in children with autism spectrum disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and aging in LGBTQ+ communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic pain
The relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder symptoms in adolescence
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms in children and adolescents.
The effects of physical exercise on mood and anxiety in older adults
The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in romantic relationships
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on body dysmorphic disorder symptoms
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality in indigenous communities
The relationship between personality traits and risky behavior in adolescence
The influence of parental bonding on the development of borderline personality disorder in young adults
The impact of mindfulness interventions on stress and burnout in healthcare professionals
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and disability in rural communities
The effects of psychotherapy on self-compassion in individuals with depression
The relationship between childhood trauma and dissociative symptoms in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety disorder in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Asian American communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The influence of family functioning on the development of substance use disorders in adolescents
The impact of expressive writing on emotional processing in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in survivors of domestic violence
The relationship between childhood trauma and disordered eating behaviors in young adults
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on panic disorder symptoms in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community support in refugee populations
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The relationship between personality traits and romantic relationship satisfaction
The influence of childhood attachment on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood
The impact of group therapy on social skills and self-esteem in individuals with social anxiety disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and faith-based support in African American communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on emotion regulation and coping skills in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and anxiety sensitivity in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on health anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic illnesses
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and social stigma in Hispanic/Latino communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic hepatitis C
The relationship between personality traits and decision-making processes
The influence of parent-child communication on the development of eating disorders in adolescents
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on gambling disorder symptoms
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and access to care in rural communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with bipolar disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and rumination in adulthood
The impact of group therapy on self-esteem and assertiveness in individuals with avoidant personality disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native American populations.
The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance and decision-making
The relationship between personality traits and addiction susceptibility
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on hoarding disorder symptoms
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and spirituality in Hispanic/Latino communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis
The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional regulation in adulthood
The influence of social media on body image and self-esteem in adolescents
The impact of mindfulness interventions on impulsivity and self-control in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in LGBTQ+ communities
The effects of cognitive training on cognitive performance and brain structure in older adults
The relationship between personality traits and risk-taking behaviors in college students
The impact of family therapy on communication and conflict resolution in families with a history of domestic violence
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Asian American communities
The relationship between childhood trauma and interpersonal functioning in adulthood
The influence of cultural identity on mental health outcomes in immigrant populations
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on eating disorder symptoms in individuals with type 1 diabetes
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and stigma in Arab American communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in adulthood friendships
The impact of expressive writing on stress and immune function in caregivers of individuals with dementia
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in rural Native American communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain and depression
The relationship between personality traits and emotional intelligence
The influence of parental warmth and discipline on the development of anxiety disorders in children
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on postpartum depression symptoms
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and access to care in South Asian communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The relationship between childhood trauma and resilience in adulthood
The impact of group therapy on social anxiety and loneliness in individuals with hearing loss
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community support in Pacific Islander communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and depression
The relationship between personality traits and leadership styles
The influence of peer relationships on the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on body image and self-esteem in individuals with gender dysphoria
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Middle Eastern communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction
The relationship between childhood trauma and substance use disorders in adulthood
The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and self-esteem in individuals with personality disorders
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in immigrant and refugee communities.
Sure, here are 40 more psychology research topic ideas:
The effects of meditation on creativity and divergent thinking
The relationship between personality traits and career satisfaction
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on sleep disturbances in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Black communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI)
The relationship between childhood trauma and attachment styles in romantic relationships in adulthood
The influence of social norms on substance use behaviors in college students
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Indigenous communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic pain
The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social connectedness in individuals with eating disorders
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in African immigrant communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI)
The relationship between childhood trauma and the development of eating disorders in adulthood
The influence of social identity on stereotype threat and academic performance in college students
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in Southeast Asian communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in individuals with chronic pain
The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social support in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Muslim communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and depression
The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional intelligence in adulthood
The influence of attachment styles on romantic relationship satisfaction in adults
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with social communication disorder (SCD)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in refugee communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with substance use disorders
The relationship between personality traits and resilience in individuals with chronic illnesses
The impact of group therapy on emotion regulation and social skills in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Caribbean communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with fibromyalgia and depression
The influence of social comparison on body dissatisfaction and eating disorder behaviors in adolescents
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native Hawaiian communities
The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
The impact of group therapy on social anxiety symptoms in individuals with intellectual disabilities
The role of social comparison in body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in men
The effects of parental attachment on romantic relationships in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS)
The relationship between cultural values and parenting practices in Latino families
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety
The role of social norms in shaping attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking behaviors in South Asian communities
The influence of personality traits on academic achievement in college students
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction in same-sex couples
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with schizophrenia
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Arab communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic pain and anxiety
The relationship between childhood adversity and substance use disorders in adulthood
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in Latino communities
The effects of social identity on stereotype threat and academic achievement in minority college students
The relationship between personality traits and coping strategies in caregivers of individuals with dementia
The impact of group therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in LGBTQ+ communities
The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction in individuals with chronic illnesses
The influence of personality traits on stress and coping in police officers
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD)
The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in Asian communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression
The relationship between childhood trauma and interpersonal relationships in adulthood
The impact of group therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with social phobia
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Native American communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with postpartum depression
The relationship between personality traits and burnout in healthcare professionals
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on anxiety symptoms in individuals with chronic pain and fibromyalgia
The role of cultural beliefs about mental illness and stigma in African American communities
The effects of social support on mental health outcomes in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and anxiety
The relationship between childhood trauma and emotional regulation in adolescence
The influence of personality traits on well-being and life satisfaction in older adults
The impact of group therapy on depression symptoms in individuals with borderline personality disorder
The role of culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and community resources in Hispanic/Latino communities
The effects of mindfulness interventions on self-compassion and emotional regulation in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The relationship between attachment styles and emotional regulation in individuals with substance use disorders

Psychology Research Topic Ideas College Students

The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on anxiety and phobias among college students
The relationship between attachment styles and romantic relationship satisfaction among college students
The impact of social norms on substance use among college students
The effects of cultural identity on mental health and academic achievement among college students
The role of self-compassion in reducing burnout among college students
The relationship between social media use and FOMO (fear of missing out) among college students
The impact of environmental factors on mental health and well-being among college students
The effects of self-esteem on social anxiety and social skills among college students
The role of positive psychology interventions in promoting well-being and academic success among college students
The relationship between gender identity and mental health outcomes among college students
The impact of parental communication on mental health and academic performance among college students
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms among college students
The relationship between personality traits and academic procrastination among college students
The role of humor in reducing stress and promoting well-being among college students
The impact of social identity on academic motivation and achievement among college students
The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on academic performance and mental health among college students
The relationship between academic stress and substance use among college students
The role of cultural competence in promoting diversity and inclusion on college campuses
The impact of emotional intelligence on academic success and career readiness among college students
The effects of peer mentoring programs on academic motivation and success among college students
The relationship between exercise and cognitive functioning in college students
The role of optimism in promoting resilience and well-being among college students
The impact of music therapy on anxiety and depression among college students
The effects of exposure to nature on mental health and well-being among college students
The relationship between parental involvement and emotional regulation among college students
The role of forgiveness in promoting well-being and interpersonal relationships among college students
The impact of social comparison on body image and self-esteem among college students
The effects of attachment styles on coping with stress among college students
The relationship between academic self-efficacy and academic performance among college students
The role of grit in promoting academic perseverance and achievement among college students
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being among college students
The effects of peer pressure on substance use and risky behaviors among college students
The relationship between social support and academic engagement among college students
The role of cognitive biases in promoting or hindering academic success among college students
The impact of physical activity on mental health and well-being among college students
The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on academic motivation and success among college students
The relationship between perfectionism and academic burnout among college students
The role of parental support in promoting academic resilience and success among college students with disabilities
The impact of diversity education on promoting empathy and reducing prejudice among college students
The effects of assertiveness training on communication skills and interpersonal relationships among college students.

Graduate Psychology Research Topic Ideas

The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in clinical populations
The role of self-compassion in promoting emotional well-being among adults with chronic illness
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms in military veterans
The relationship between sleep quality and cognitive functioning in aging populations
The impact of positive psychology interventions on well-being and resilience among individuals with chronic pain
The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on social anxiety in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The relationship between executive functioning and academic achievement in children with ADHD
The impact of family-based interventions on reducing symptoms of substance use disorders among adolescents
The role of mindfulness in promoting emotional regulation and stress management in healthcare professionals
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia
The relationship between attachment styles and therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy
The impact of cultural factors on the manifestation and treatment of eating disorders
The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in postpartum women
The effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of OCD
The relationship between childhood ADHD and adult executive functioning and academic achievement
The impact of animal-assisted therapy on reducing symptoms of PTSD in veterans
The role of social support in promoting resilience and well-being among individuals with chronic illness
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing negative symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia
The relationship between executive functioning and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of hoarding disorder
The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of burnout among healthcare professionals
The relationship between social support and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis
The impact of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder
The role of mindfulness in promoting well-being and emotional regulation in individuals with chronic pain
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing negative symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder
The relationship between executive functioning and academic achievement in children with learning disabilities
The impact of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder
The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder in adolescents
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of panic disorder
The relationship between social support and depression in individuals with HIV/AIDS
The impact of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing symptoms of ADHD in adults
The role of mindfulness in promoting well-being and emotional regulation in individuals with depression
The effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of substance use disorders in individuals with co-occurring PTSD
The relationship between executive functioning and quality of life in individuals with traumatic brain injury
The impact of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder
The role of emotion regulation in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents with chronic illness
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on reducing cognitive impairment in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

Military Psychology Research Topic Ideas

The impact of military deployment on the mental health and well-being of service members
The role of resilience in promoting posttraumatic growth among military personnel
The effects of combat exposure on emotional regulation and decision-making abilities
The relationship between military leadership styles and team cohesion
The impact of military culture on help-seeking behaviors among service members with mental health concerns
The role of perceived social support in promoting resilience among military spouses during deployment
The effects of military service on identity formation and self-concept
The relationship between deployment-related stress and marital satisfaction among military couples
The impact of military sexual trauma on mental health outcomes and treatment seeking behaviors among service members
The role of mindfulness in reducing symptoms of PTSD among military personnel
The effects of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy on reducing symptoms of PTSD among military veterans
The relationship between military deployment and substance use disorders
The impact of military deployment on parent-child relationships and child outcomes
The role of perceived organizational support in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
The effects of exposure therapy on reducing combat-related nightmares and sleep disturbances among military personnel
The relationship between military service and risk-taking behaviors
The impact of military culture on mental health stigma and treatment seeking behaviors among service members
The role of positive psychology interventions in promoting resilience and well-being among military personnel and their families
The effects of virtual reality exposure therapy on reducing symptoms of specific phobias among military personnel
The relationship between military service and traumatic brain injury
The impact of deployment on career development and job satisfaction among military personnel
The role of cognitive appraisal in the stress and coping process among military personnel
The effects of a peer support program on reducing symptoms of PTSD among military personnel
The relationship between military service and intimate partner violence perpetration and victimization
The impact of military deployment on parenting practices and child outcomes among military families
The role of perceived organizational justice in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
The effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among military personnel
The relationship between military service and suicidal ideation and behavior
The impact of military deployment on social support networks and social integration
The role of perceived unit cohesion in promoting resilience and mental health among military personnel
The effects of cognitive remediation therapy on improving cognitive functioning and job performance among military personnel with traumatic brain injury
The relationship between military service and alcohol misuse and addiction
The impact of military deployment on sibling relationships and family functioning
The role of perceived leadership support in promoting job satisfaction and retention among military personnel
The effects of exposure therapy on reducing symptoms of phobic avoidance among military personnel
The relationship between military service and eating disorders
The impact of military deployment on community reintegration and social support among veterans
The role of perceived control in the stress and coping process among military personnel
The effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among military spouses during deployment
The relationship between military service and personality disorders.

Psychology Research Topic Ideas in Education

The effects of mindfulness practices on student well-being and academic performance
The impact of classroom diversity on student attitudes and academic achievement
The role of parent-teacher communication in promoting student success
The effects of differentiated instruction on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between school climate and student mental health outcomes
The impact of technology integration on student learning outcomes
The role of teacher-student relationships in promoting student engagement and academic success
The effects of social-emotional learning programs on student behavior and academic performance
The relationship between academic self-concept and academic achievement
The impact of peer tutoring on student academic performance
The role of motivation in promoting student academic success
The effects of educational gaming on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between parental involvement and student academic achievement
The impact of teacher expectations on student academic performance
The role of goal-setting in promoting student academic success
The effects of growth mindset interventions on student motivation and academic achievement
The relationship between teacher burnout and student academic outcomes
The impact of teacher diversity on student attitudes and academic achievement
The role of classroom management in promoting student engagement and academic success
The effects of student-centered learning on student academic performance
The relationship between teacher empathy and student academic outcomes
The impact of school-based mental health services on student mental health outcomes and academic achievement
The role of parental involvement in homework on student academic success
The effects of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between student motivation and academic achievement in STEM fields
The impact of teacher professional development on student academic outcomes
The role of teacher feedback in promoting student academic success
The effects of cooperative learning on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between classroom climate and student academic outcomes
The impact of restorative justice practices on student behavior and academic achievement
The role of teacher support in promoting student academic success
The effects of flipped classrooms on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between teacher autonomy and student academic outcomes
The impact of teacher collaboration on student academic performance
The role of metacognition in promoting student academic success
The effects of active learning on student engagement and academic achievement
The relationship between student engagement and academic achievement in language learning
The impact of teacher coaching on student academic outcomes
The role of self-regulated learning in promoting student academic success
The effects of outdoor learning on student engagement and academic achievement.

Cognitive Psychology Research Topic Ideas

The role of attention in perception and memory
The effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning
The relationship between creativity and cognitive flexibility
The cognitive processes involved in decision-making
The impact of stress on cognitive performance
The role of working memory in problem-solving
The cognitive factors involved in language acquisition
The relationship between attention and executive functions
The effect of aging on cognitive abilities
The role of attention in visual perception
The cognitive processes involved in learning and memory
The impact of technology on cognitive development
The relationship between cognition and emotion
The effect of anxiety on cognitive performance
The cognitive processes involved in attentional control
The role of executive functions in decision-making
The effect of mindfulness practices on cognitive functioning
The relationship between language and cognition
The cognitive processes involved in reading comprehension
The impact of nutrition on cognitive development
The role of working memory in language processing
The effect of exercise on cognitive performance
The cognitive processes involved in mental rotation tasks
The relationship between cognitive load and learning
The effect of multitasking on cognitive performance
The cognitive processes involved in problem-solving
The role of executive functions in goal-directed behavior
The impact of cognitive training on cognitive abilities
The relationship between attention and perception
The effect of music on cognitive performance
The cognitive processes involved in decision-making under uncertainty
The role of cognitive control in self-regulation
The impact of bilingualism on cognitive development
The relationship between cognitive biases and decision-making
The effect of caffeine on cognitive performance
The cognitive processes involved in face recognition
The role of cognitive dissonance in attitude change
The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on cognitive functioning
The relationship between cognitive styles and problem-solving
The cognitive processes involved in mental imagery.

Forensic Psychology Research Topic Ideas

The impact of childhood trauma on criminal behavior
The effectiveness of forensic psychological evaluations in court proceedings
The role of mental illness in criminal behavior
The effect of substance abuse on criminal behavior
The impact of eyewitness testimony on legal outcomes
The role of psychopathy in criminal behavior
The effectiveness of restorative justice practices
The relationship between socioeconomic status and criminal behavior
The effect of media coverage on public perceptions of crime
The impact of prison environment on offender rehabilitation
The role of the insanity defense in criminal cases
The effectiveness of sex offender treatment programs
The relationship between domestic violence and homicide
The effect of legal representation on trial outcomes
The impact of juvenile delinquency prevention programs
The role of cultural factors in criminal behavior
The effectiveness of parole and probation programs
The relationship between mental illness and violence
The effect of polygraph testing on legal outcomes
The impact of criminal profiling on law enforcement investigations
The role of victim impact statements in sentencing
The effectiveness of correctional education programs
The relationship between childhood attachment styles and criminal behavior
The effect of cognitive biases in legal decision-making
The impact of witness identification procedures on accuracy
The role of forensic hypnosis in criminal investigations
The effectiveness of drug court programs
The relationship between alcohol use and criminal behavior
The effect of societal stereotypes on criminal sentencing
The impact of prison overcrowding on offender rehabilitation
The role of cultural competence in forensic assessments
The effectiveness of diversion programs for juvenile offenders
The relationship between trauma and criminal behavior in women
The effect of plea bargaining on legal outcomes
The impact of social support on offender rehabilitation
The role of forensic psychology in counterterrorism efforts
The effectiveness of offender reentry programs
The relationship between intellectual disability and criminal behavior
The effect of forensic testimony on jury decision-making.

Abnormal psychology research topic ideas

The effects of childhood trauma on the development of anxiety disorders
The relationship between depression and sleep disturbances
The effectiveness of psychotherapy for borderline personality disorder
The impact of social media on body image and eating disorders
The role of genetics in the development of schizophrenia
The effect of early intervention on the progression of psychosis
The impact of stigma on help-seeking behaviors for mental health disorders
The relationship between substance use disorders and mental health
The effect of exercise on symptoms of depression and anxiety
The impact of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder
The role of attachment styles in the development of personality disorders
The effectiveness of cognitive remediation therapy for schizophrenia
The relationship between childhood ADHD and the development of anxiety disorders
The effect of mindfulness meditation on symptoms of depression and anxiety
The impact of cultural factors on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders
The role of neuroplasticity in the treatment of addiction
The effectiveness of exposure therapy for specific phobias
The effect of stress on the development of mental health disorders
The impact of sleep disturbances on the onset of bipolar disorder
The role of trauma in the development of dissociative disorders
The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
The relationship between childhood abuse and the development of borderline personality disorder
The effect of peer support on the recovery of individuals with mental health disorders
The impact of cultural differences on the presentation of mental health symptoms
The role of cognitive biases in the maintenance of anxiety disorders
The effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy for borderline personality disorder
The relationship between early life stressors and the development of depression
The effect of nutrition on mental health
The impact of virtual reality exposure therapy on phobia treatment
The role of genetics in the development of mood disorders
The effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety disorders
The relationship between childhood trauma and the development of dissociative identity disorder
The effect of stigma on treatment outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders
The impact of childhood adversity on the development of personality disorders
The role of emotional regulation in the treatment of borderline personality disorder
The effectiveness of psychodynamic therapy for depression
The relationship between sleep disturbances and the development of anxiety disorders
The effect of stigma on mental health professionals’ treatment decisions
The impact of cultural factors on the expression of bipolar disorder symptoms.

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Muhammad Hassan

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

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

How To Select Psychology Topics To Research?

Table of Contents

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

200+ Popular Psychology Topics To Research: Category Wise

40+ cognitive psychology topics.

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

40+ Social Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Clinical Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Biological Psychology Research Topics

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

Research Methodology for Psychology Topics

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

Resources for Psychology Research

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

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

Tips for Successful Psychology Topics for Research

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

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

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

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Research Topics

Cutting-edge research into the workings of the human mind

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

Addictive Behaviors

Computational Approaches

Decision Science

Developmental Approaches

Interventions

Learning & Memory

mathematical notations in the shape of a brain

Mathematical Cognition

Meaning & Mental Representation

Motivation & Emotion

Neuroimaging

Plasticity & Change

Psychopathology & Risk

Reasoning & Problem Solving

Self & Identity

Self-Regulation & Control

Social Cognition

Stereotyping & Stereotype Threat

Vision Science

Words & Categories

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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

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

How to choose a psychology research topic

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

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

Focus on a particular area of psychology

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

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

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

Read the latest clinical studies

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

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

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

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

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

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

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

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

61 psychology topics to research in 2024

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

Psychology research topics for university students

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

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

Mental health in post-secondary students

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

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

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

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

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

Clinical psychology research topics

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

Chronic pain and mental health

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

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

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

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

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

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

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

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

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

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

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

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression

Controversial psychology research paper topics

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

The impact of social media and digital platforms

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

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

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

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

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

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

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

Mental health disorder research topics

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

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

Anxiety and depression disorders

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

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

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

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

Bipolar disorder

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

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

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar

Schizoaffective disorder

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

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

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

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

Societal and systematic psychology research topics

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

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

Access to mental health services

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

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

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

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

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

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

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include:

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

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

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

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

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

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

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

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 170 Amazing Topics of Psychology Research For Students

170 Amazing Topics of Psychology Research For Students

Psychology research topics, choosing a topic in psychology research .

Majoring in Psychology, the chances are high that you will often feel lost as you choose suitable topics for Psychology research . The most challenging part is narrowing things down because many interdisciplinary subjects involve healthcare, legislative, business, social, mental health, and socio-cultural issues. Since there are many branches of Psychology that one can research, the trick is to determine what type of research you must conduct. By doing so, you will be able to shape the topic correctly and use correct argumentation as you brainstorm and adjust the possible ideas.

Check your grading rubric twice to see if you must use the case study or work with a particular prompt. Unless you are already provided with a Psychology problem that you must research, consider the list of keywords that relate to your work, thus turning them into a topic. For those embarking on this journey, discovering research essay examples can offer a blueprint for success, guiding you through the intricacies of selecting and proposing a research topic that not only meets academic criteria but also sparks your interest and the interest of your audience.

Good Psychology Research Topics or How to Conduct Psychology Research?

Let's take some time to learn the most basic things to follow when working on a psychology research paper. First, determine what school of thought you must explore and then determine the research type. It will help you continue with the following Psychology research topics work creation checklist:

Determine the main research objective to create a thesis.
Your topic research must be based on at least three keywords that reflect the main subject.
Specify the school of thought in your introduction, as it will help specify the methodology.
Do not immediately start with citations and quotes unless you provide statistical information.
Provide at least 1-2 pieces of evidence when exploring a particular idea.
The golden rule for academic research is to dedicate one paragraph per argument.
Offer counter-arguments to your psychology research with a brief explanation.
Only introduce information or make references within what is included in your topic.
The field of Psychology recommends using only 1-2 citations per page of work.
Always proofread and edit your work twice to increase readability.

Psychology Research Topics for College Students

Even if you are not majoring in Psychology, Nursing, or Healthcare, you may still have to do psychology research, which is why taking a quick look at various Psychology topics will be helpful. As you may already assume, it is possible to talk about the issues close to most college learners or explore the methods used for abuse survivors if that is closer to you. In either case, these psychological concept examples will offer you the starting points:

Anxiety and Depression Origins in College Students.
Social vs. Academic Success: Benefits and Drawbacks.
Privacy Concerns in College Mental Health Training.
Addressing Substance Use Among College Students.
The Role of College Parties in Stress Relief.
Sports Participation and Mental Health in College.
Underreporting of Academic Bullying: Causes and Effects.
Language Barriers and Academic Achievement: A Closer Look.
Entrepreneurial Confidence in College Students.
Psychological Profile of an Exchange Student.
Linking Parenting Styles with College Student Types.
Gender Roles and Perceptions Among College Faculty.
Nature vs. Nurture: Current Academic Perspectives.
Overcoming PTSD and Returning to Academics.
Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy to Achieve Academic Success.
Mental Health's Impact on Academic Performance.
Diet’s Role in Enhancing Academic Achievement.
Cultural Diversity Challenges in Academia.
Boosting Confidence Through Community Service.
Analyzing College Romance: Pros and Cons.
The Dynamics of Student Parenthood.
Lessons from 1970s Student Movements.
Social Cognition Issues in Remote Learning.
College Students’ Prejudices and Stereotypes.
Group Projects: Balancing Group and Individual Efforts.

Psychology Research Topics for Undergraduate Students

The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions.
Self-Esteem in Wealthy University Students and Its Relation to Academic Performance.
Loneliness and Its Association with Depression Symptoms.
Online Gambling Addiction: The Potential Role of Social Media in Assistance.
Social Control Issues Within Contemporary Relationships.
Critical Analysis Paper: “Living Old”
The Benefits of Playing Musical Instruments on Mental Health.
The Influence of Instagram Influencers on Eating Disorders.
Navigating the Challenges of Divorce and Early Parenthood.
The Psychological Consequences of Economic Inequality.

Psychology Research Topics for High School Students

Communication and Conflict Management.
Effective Techniques to Manage Exam Stress.
Navigating the Perils of Cyberbullying: Reporting and Prevention.
Unlocking the Secrets to Teenage Popularity.
Impact of Influential Teen Shows on Adolescents.
Confronting Smartphone Addiction in Teenagers.
The Psychology Behind Role Models and Imitation.
The Interplay of Sports, Friendship, and Competition in High School.
Understanding Autism in Students: Myths and Facts.
Coping with an Abusive Parent: A Guide for Children.

Psychology Research Topics on Love

Definition of Sexuality in Sedgewick's Axiomatic.
The Philosophical Concept of Love in Different Cultures.
Comparing Maternal and Paternal Affection Styles.
The Role of Physical Closeness in Childrearing.
Evolving Understandings of Intimacy and Love.
Distinguishing Sexual Attraction from Platonic Affection.
Analyzing Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love.
The Sufficiency of Emotional Intimacy: A Research Debate.
Viewing Commitment Through the Prism of Love.
Psychological Theorists on the Definition of Passion.

Psychology Research Topics for Ph.D.

Abraham Maslow and Humanistic Psychology
Analyzing Gender Differences in Perceptions of Child Abuse.
Childhood Anxiety: The Role of Cultural Influences.
Navigating Gender Roles in Middle Eastern Societies.
Exploring the Microbiological Facets of Post-natal Depression.
Enhancing Cognitive Recognition: A Computational Approach.
Mapping the Symptomology of Depression Over Time.
Challenges in Identifying and Reporting Racism.
Correlating Intelligence in Youth with Physical Fitness.
The Connection Between Motor Neuron Disease and Psychological Disorders.

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

In dealing with developmental psychology, you must discover why something grows, changes, and takes a certain lifespan. As a rule, topics in developmental psychology must be chosen carefully and narrowed down to a particular case study (for statistical purposes) or to cover a specific problem.

External Stressors That Are Unique to Adolescents.
Perceptions of Body Image and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents.
Significance of Early Childhood Development.
Impact of Early Childhood Education Programs on School Readiness.
Observation Paper: Child’s Development.
Developmental Processes, Periods, and Theories.
Human Growth and Development.
Examinations Misrepresent an Individual's Capabilities.
How Augmented Reality Skews Human Development.
Key Distinctions Between Lev Vygotsky's and John Bowlby's Perspectives.

Clinical Psychology Research Topics

Ethics of Religion in Therapy
Utilizing Dolphins in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children.
Comparing Psychoanalytic and Clinical Psychiatry Approaches.
Communicating with Drug Abuse Patients.
Analytical Comparison Between Carl Rogers and Alfred Kinsey.
The Impact of Facebook Addiction and Social Media on Our Lives.
Understanding the Attraction to Abusive Relationships.
Employing Psychodrama to Alleviate Stress and Anxiety.
Correlating Childhood Neurosis with Adult Mental Health Issues.
PTSD Management Through Psychotherapeutic Dialogue Techniques.

Cognitive Psychology Research Topics

Theory of Cognitive Development.
Perceiving Virtual Environments by Humans.
Language Development in Young Children During Travel Experiences.
The Importance of Business Courses for Basic Problem-Solving Skills.
Egoism as a Pillar of Individual Constructivism.
Viewing Life Through the Lens of Social Constructivism and Virtue.
The Waldorf School Education System as a Model of Situated Learning.
Behavioral Patterns and Competition in Tennis.
The Role of Strict Discipline in ADHD Disorders.
Refugee Challenges and Cultural Assimilation.

Psychology Research Topics on Personality Disorders

Understanding Avoidant Personality Disorder.
Fear of Lizards Research Paper.
Objectives of Temperament Research in Personality Analysis.
Choosing a Partner with a Similar Personality to Bolster Weaknesses.
Using Social Learning Perspectives to Address Personality Disorders.
The Psychodynamics of Emotional Fluctuations in Bipolar Disorder.
Reframing Autism Beyond the Scope of Personality Disorders.
An Eclectic Method for Diagnosing Personality Disorders.
Comparing Humanistic and Cognitive Approaches to Personality Disorders.
Distinguishing Between Paranoid and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders.

Abnormal Psychology Research Topics

Origins of Panic Disorder and Phobias in Women.
What is a Monster?
Depression as a Precursor to Anxiety Disorders.
Atypical Behavior Patterns in Elementary School Students.
Normalization of Mood Disorders in Contemporary Society.
Identifying Dissociative Disorders Through Dialogue Techniques.
The Dilemma of Impulse Control Disorders.
Comparing Clinical and Theoretical Approaches in Abnormal Psychology.
Differentiating Schizophrenia from Delusional Disorders.
The Sociocultural Approach to Managing Psychodynamic Changes.

Personality Psychology Research Topics

Attitudes and Personality Paper.
Definition of Emotional Intelligence and Its Importance.
Significance and Application of Maslow's Hierarchy.
Emotional Intelligence: Its Role in Business Management.
Neuroticism Defined as a Personality Trait.
The Paradox of Promoting Positivity Without Practicing It.
Influence of Physical Environment on Personality Traits.
Strategies for Managing Unruly Children.
Analyzing Social Media Through Evolutionary Psychology.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Extraversion.

Educational Psychology Topics

Most students exploring education and teaching will face various psychology research questions as they must implement the concepts psychology specialists use. Here are ten topic ideas that are worth checking:
Impact of Arts Education on Cognitive and Emotional Development in Children
Improving Access to Mental Health Services
Theories of Counseling and Techniques as a School Counselor
Peer Relationships and the Influence of Wealth Among Teenagers.
Comparing Rural and Urban Education: Real-Life Preparedness.
Comparing AI-Based Assistants and Human Teachers in the Classroom.
The Right of Teachers to Show Emotion in Student Interactions.
Utilizing Technology Apps for Children with Learning Disabilities.
Developing Strategic Thinking Through Minecraft in Education.
Divorce as a Catalyst for Student Disengagement and Lack of Motivation.

Social Psychology Research Topics

A Cross-Cultural Study on Prosocial Behavior.
The Influence of Biological Behavior on Everyday Actions.
Exploring the Link Between Video Games and Aggression.
Racial Prejudice: Unpacking a Societal Norm.
The Impact of Social Media on Identity Perception.
Enhancing Group Behavior Skills Through College Group Projects.
The Social Influence of Advertising and Political Messaging.
Attractiveness in the 80s vs. 90s: A Social Perception Study.
Measuring Success: Insights from Premier Newspaper Articles.
The Role of Socio-Cultural Learning in Early Education.

Persuasive Psychology Speech Topics for College

Mental Health Students Deserve Free Professional Support.
Introducing Psychology Courses in Middle School.
Machine Learning's Psychological Advantages in Education.
Demystifying Common Myths About Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Active Games as a Method for Anger Management.
Pets as a Strategy for Anxiety Reduction.
Aging and Adulthood Across Cultures.
Female Psychodynamic Development in Africa.
Understanding Self-Identity Within Complex Social Structures.
Comparing ADHD in Adults and Children.

Persuasive Psychology Speech about Art, Media, and Culture

Misconceptions in Hip-Hop Culture.
Violence in Rap Music: Unpacking the Negativity.
Exploring Personality Disorders Among Renowned Artists.
Celebrity Status and Its Link to Depression.
Nirvana's Legacy and Its Impact on the 90s Generation.
Nightclubs and the Critical Role of Music.
Pencil Drawing: Enhancing Motor and Cognitive Skills.
The Influence of Music on Autistic Children.
Mental Health Disorders: A Cultural Perspective.
Promoting an Alcohol-Free Lifestyle via Sober Celebrities.

Easy and Fun Psychology Research Topics

The Significance of Resilience in Life.
Jane Martin’s Beauty.
Psychologists' Missteps in Films: A Light-hearted Examination.
Why Psychologists Sometimes Need Psychological Help Too.
The Science Behind Comfort Zones and the Quest for Safety.
Feline vs. Canine Psychology: Our Pets' Diverse Minds.
Mastering Calmness: Effective Strategies for Stress Management.

When You Run In Psychology Topic Creation Trouble

Choosing a competitive and credible topic is always challenging regardless of the psychological issues you may be exploring or the prompt you have been provided with. Most researchers will start with a list of keywords related to their work. It helps them to create a sentence that can be used as a topic or an argument for the relevant research. It is exactly how our experts provide you with a list of psychology subject ideas to keep you inspired as you brainstorm.

In case you are still confused and need a helping hand, check our free database of essays sorted according to topics and essay types. As you browse our website, you may discover that we have thousands of topics based on various ideas and scientific fields.

Do not hurry: always take your time as you learn more about formatting, structure, and how citations can be used in your Psychology research. As you look at the free Psychology essay samples, you will get inspired and overcome the initial stress!

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1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas

If you’re at the start of your research journey and are trying to figure out which research topic you want to focus on, you’ve come to the right place. Select your area of interest below to view a comprehensive collection of potential research ideas.

Research Topic FAQs

What (exactly) is a research topic.

A research topic is the subject of a research project or study – for example, a dissertation or thesis. A research topic typically takes the form of a problem to be solved, or a question to be answered.

A good research topic should be specific enough to allow for focused research and analysis. For example, if you are interested in studying the effects of climate change on agriculture, your research topic could focus on how rising temperatures have impacted crop yields in certain regions over time.

To learn more about the basics of developing a research topic, consider our free research topic ideation webinar.

What constitutes a good research topic?

A strong research topic comprises three important qualities : originality, value and feasibility.

Originality – a good topic explores an original area or takes a novel angle on an existing area of study.
Value – a strong research topic provides value and makes a contribution, either academically or practically.
Feasibility – a good research topic needs to be practical and manageable, given the resource constraints you face.

To learn more about what makes for a high-quality research topic, check out this post .

What's the difference between a research topic and research problem?

A research topic and a research problem are two distinct concepts that are often confused. A research topic is a broader label that indicates the focus of the study , while a research problem is an issue or gap in knowledge within the broader field that needs to be addressed.

To illustrate this distinction, consider a student who has chosen “teenage pregnancy in the United Kingdom” as their research topic. This research topic could encompass any number of issues related to teenage pregnancy such as causes, prevention strategies, health outcomes for mothers and babies, etc.

Within this broad category (the research topic) lies potential areas of inquiry that can be explored further – these become the research problems . For example:

What factors contribute to higher rates of teenage pregnancy in certain communities?
How do different types of parenting styles affect teen pregnancy rates?
What interventions have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancies?

Simply put, a key difference between a research topic and a research problem is scope ; the research topic provides an umbrella under which multiple questions can be asked, while the research problem focuses on one specific question or set of questions within that larger context.

How can I find potential research topics for my project?

There are many steps involved in the process of finding and choosing a high-quality research topic for a dissertation or thesis. We cover these steps in detail in this video (also accessible below).

How can I find quality sources for my research topic?

Finding quality sources is an essential step in the topic ideation process. To do this, you should start by researching scholarly journals, books, and other academic publications related to your topic. These sources can provide reliable information on a wide range of topics. Additionally, they may contain data or statistics that can help support your argument or conclusions.

Identifying Relevant Sources

When searching for relevant sources, it’s important to look beyond just published material; try using online databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR to find articles from reputable journals that have been peer-reviewed by experts in the field.

You can also use search engines like Google or Bing to locate websites with useful information about your topic. However, be sure to evaluate any website before citing it as a source—look for evidence of authorship (such as an “About Us” page) and make sure the content is up-to-date and accurate before relying on it.

Evaluating Sources

Once you’ve identified potential sources for your research project, take some time to evaluate them thoroughly before deciding which ones will best serve your purpose. Consider factors such as author credibility (are they an expert in their field?), publication date (is the source current?), objectivity (does the author present both sides of an issue?) and relevance (how closely does this source relate to my specific topic?).

By researching the current literature on your topic, you can identify potential sources that will help to provide quality information. Once you’ve identified these sources, it’s time to look for a gap in the research and determine what new knowledge could be gained from further study.

How can I find a good research gap?

Finding a strong gap in the literature is an essential step when looking for potential research topics. We explain what research gaps are and how to find them in this post.

How should I evaluate potential research topics/ideas?

When evaluating potential research topics, it is important to consider the factors that make for a strong topic (we discussed these earlier). Specifically:

Originality
Feasibility

So, when you have a list of potential topics or ideas, assess each of them in terms of these three criteria. A good topic should take a unique angle, provide value (either to academia or practitioners), and be practical enough for you to pull off, given your limited resources.

Finally, you should also assess whether this project could lead to potential career opportunities such as internships or job offers down the line. Make sure that you are researching something that is relevant enough so that it can benefit your professional development in some way. Additionally, consider how each research topic aligns with your career goals and interests; researching something that you are passionate about can help keep motivation high throughout the process.

How can I assess the feasibility of a research topic?

When evaluating the feasibility and practicality of a research topic, it is important to consider several factors.

First, you should assess whether or not the research topic is within your area of competence. Of course, when you start out, you are not expected to be the world’s leading expert, but do should at least have some foundational knowledge.

Time commitment

When considering a research topic, you should think about how much time will be required for completion. Depending on your field of study, some topics may require more time than others due to their complexity or scope.

Additionally, if you plan on collaborating with other researchers or institutions in order to complete your project, additional considerations must be taken into account such as coordinating schedules and ensuring that all parties involved have adequate resources available.

Resources needed

It’s also critically important to consider what type of resources are necessary in order to conduct the research successfully. This includes physical materials such as lab equipment and chemicals but can also include intangible items like access to certain databases or software programs which may be necessary depending on the nature of your work. Additionally, if there are costs associated with obtaining these materials then this must also be factored into your evaluation process.

Potential risks

It’s important to consider the inherent potential risks for each potential research topic. These can include ethical risks (challenges getting ethical approval), data risks (not being able to access the data you’ll need), technical risks relating to the equipment you’ll use and funding risks (not securing the necessary financial back to undertake the research).

If you’re looking for more information about how to find, evaluate and select research topics for your dissertation or thesis, check out our free webinar here . Alternatively, if you’d like 1:1 help with the topic ideation process, consider our private coaching services .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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Cheat-Sheet of 100 Psychology Research Topics

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

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

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

In this article:

Psychology Research Paper – Definition & Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics

Below are 10 subcategories with examples of psychology research topics.

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

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Overview of the Scientific Method

8 Finding a Research Topic

Learning objectives.

Learn some common sources of research ideas.
Define the research literature in psychology and give examples of sources that are part of the research literature and sources that are not.
Describe and use several methods for finding previous research on a particular research idea or question.

Good research must begin with a good research question. Yet coming up with good research questions is something that novice researchers often find difficult and stressful. One reason is that this is a creative process that can appear mysterious—even magical—with experienced researchers seeming to pull interesting research questions out of thin air. However, psychological research on creativity has shown that it is neither as mysterious nor as magical as it appears. It is largely the product of ordinary thinking strategies and persistence (Weisberg, 1993) [1] . This section covers some fairly simple strategies for finding general research ideas, turning those ideas into empirically testable research questions, and finally evaluating those questions in terms of how interesting they are and how feasible they would be to answer.

Finding Inspiration

Research questions often begin as more general research ideas—usually focusing on some behavior or psychological characteristic: talkativeness, learning, depression, bungee jumping, and so on. Before looking at how to turn such ideas into empirically testable research questions, it is worth looking at where such ideas come from in the first place. Three of the most common sources of inspiration are informal observations, practical problems, and previous research.

Informal observations include direct observations of our own and others’ behavior as well as secondhand observations from non-scientific sources such as newspapers, books, blogs, and so on. For example, you might notice that you always seem to be in the slowest moving line at the grocery store. Could it be that most people think the same thing? Or you might read in a local newspaper about people donating money and food to a local family whose house has burned down and begin to wonder about who makes such donations and why. Some of the most famous research in psychology has been inspired by informal observations. Stanley Milgram’s famous research on obedience to authority, for example, was inspired in part by journalistic reports of the trials of accused Nazi war criminals—many of whom claimed that they were only obeying orders. This led him to wonder about the extent to which ordinary people will commit immoral acts simply because they are ordered to do so by an authority figure (Milgram, 1963) [2] .

Practical problems can also inspire research ideas, leading directly to applied research in such domains as law, health, education, and sports. Does taking lecture notes by hand improve students’ exam performance? How effective is psychotherapy for depression compared to drug therapy? To what extent do cell phones impair people’s driving ability? How can we teach children to read more efficiently? What is the best mental preparation for running a marathon?

Probably the most common inspiration for new research ideas, however, is previous research. Recall that science is a kind of large-scale collaboration in which many different researchers read and evaluate each other’s work and conduct new studies to build on it. Of course, experienced researchers are familiar with previous research in their area of expertise and probably have a long list of ideas. This suggests that novice researchers can find inspiration by consulting with a more experienced researcher (e.g., students can consult a faculty member). But they can also find inspiration by picking up a copy of almost any professional journal and reading the titles and abstracts. In one typical issue of Psychological Science , for example, you can find articles on the perception of shapes, anti-Semitism, police lineups, the meaning of death, second-language learning, people who seek negative emotional experiences, and many other topics. If you can narrow your interests down to a particular topic (e.g., memory) or domain (e.g., health care), you can also look through more specific journals, such as Memory & Cognition or Health Psychology .

Reviewing the Research Literature

QR code that links to Research Topic video

Once again, one of the most common sources of inspiration is previous research. Therefore, it is important to review the literature early in the research process. The research literature in any field is all the published research in that field. Reviewing the research literature means finding, reading, and summarizing the published research relevant to your topic of interest. In addition to helping you discover new research questions, reviewing the literature early in the research process can help you in several other ways.

It can tell you if a research question has already been answered.
It can help you evaluate the interestingness of a research question.
It can give you ideas for how to conduct your own study.
It can tell you how your study fits into the research literature.

The research literature in psychology is enormous—including millions of scholarly articles and books dating to the beginning of the field—and it continues to grow. Although its boundaries are somewhat fuzzy, the research literature definitely does not include self-help and other pop psychology books, dictionary and encyclopedia entries, websites, and similar sources that are intended mainly for the general public. These are considered unreliable because they are not reviewed by other researchers and are often based on little more than common sense or personal experience. Wikipedia contains much valuable information, but because its authors are anonymous and may not have any formal training or expertise in that subject area, and its content continually changes it is unsuitable as a basis of sound scientific research. For our purposes, it helps to define the research literature as consisting almost entirely of two types of sources: articles in professional journals, and scholarly books in psychology and related fields.

Professional Journals

Professional journals are periodicals that publish original research articles. There are thousands of professional journals that publish research in psychology and related fields. They are usually published monthly or quarterly in individual issues, each of which contains several articles. The issues are organized into volumes, which usually consist of all the issues for a calendar year. Some journals are published in hard copy only, others in both hard copy and electronic form, and still others in electronic form only.

Most articles in professional journals are one of two basic types: empirical research reports and review articles. Empirical research reports describe one or more new empirical studies conducted by the authors. They introduce a research question, explain why it is interesting, review previous research, describe their method and results, and draw their conclusions. Review articles summarize previously published research on a topic and usually present new ways to organize or explain the results. When a review article is devoted primarily to presenting a new theory, it is often referred to as a theoretical article . When a review article provides a statistical summary of all of the previous results it is referred to as a meta-analysis .

Figure 2.2 Small Sample of the Thousands of Professional Journals That Publish Research in Psychology and Related Fields

Most professional journals in psychology undergo a process of double-blind peer review . Researchers who want to publish their work in the journal submit a manuscript to the editor—who is generally an established researcher too—who in turn sends it to two or three experts on the topic. Each reviewer reads the manuscript, writes a critical but constructive review, and sends the review back to the editor along with recommendations about whether the manuscript should be published or not. The editor then decides whether to accept the article for publication, ask the authors to make changes and resubmit it for further consideration, or reject it outright. In any case, the editor forwards the reviewers’ written comments to the researchers so that they can revise their manuscript accordingly. This entire process is double-blind, as the reviewers do not know the identity of the researcher(s) and vice versa. Double-blind peer review is helpful because it ensures that the work meets basic standards of the field before it can enter the research literature. However, in order to increase transparency and accountability, some newer open access journals (e.g., Frontiers in Psychology ) utilize an open peer review process wherein the identities of the reviewers (which remain concealed during the peer review process) are published alongside the journal article.

Scholarly Books

Scholarly books are books written by researchers and practitioners mainly for use by other researchers and practitioners. A monograph is written by a single author or a small group of authors and usually, gives a coherent presentation of a topic much like an extended review article. Edited volumes have an editor or a small group of editors who recruit many authors to write separate chapters on different aspects of the same topic. Although edited volumes can also give a coherent presentation of the topic, it is not unusual for each chapter to take a different perspective or even for the authors of different chapters to openly disagree with each other. In general, scholarly books undergo a peer review process similar to that used by professional journals.

Literature Search Strategies

Using psycinfo and other databases.

The primary method used to search the research literature involves using one or more electronic databases. These include Academic Search Premier, JSTOR, and ProQuest for all academic disciplines, ERIC for education, and PubMed for medicine and related fields. The most important for our purposes, however, is PsycINFO, which is produced by the American Psychological Association (APA). PsycINFO is so comprehensive—covering thousands of professional journals and scholarly books going back more than 100 years—that for most purposes its content is synonymous with the research literature in psychology. Like most such databases, PsycINFO is usually available through your university library.

PsycINFO consists of individual records for each article, book chapter, or book in the database. Each record includes basic publication information, an abstract or summary of the work (like the one presented at the start of this chapter), and a list of other works cited by that work. A computer interface allows entering one or more search terms and returns any records that contain those search terms. (These interfaces are provided by different vendors and therefore can look somewhat different depending on the library you use.) Each record also contains lists of keywords that describe the content of the work and also a list of index terms. The index terms are especially helpful because they are standardized. Research on differences between females and males, for example, is always indexed under “Human Sex Differences.” Research on note-taking is always indexed under the term “Learning Strategies.” If you do not know the appropriate index terms, PsycINFO includes a thesaurus that can help you find them.

Given that there are nearly four million records in PsycINFO, you may have to try a variety of search terms in different combinations and at different levels of specificity before you find what you are looking for. Imagine, for example, that you are interested in the question of whether males and females differ in terms of their ability to recall experiences from when they were very young. If you were to enter the search term “memory,” it would return far too many records to look through individually. This is where the thesaurus helps. Entering “memory” into the thesaurus provides several more specific index terms—one of which is “early memories.” While searching for “early memories” among the index terms still returns too many to look through individually—combining it with “human sex differences” as a second search term returns fewer articles, many of which are highly relevant to the topic.

Depending on the vendor that provides the interface to PsycINFO, you may be able to save, print, or e-mail the relevant PsycINFO records. The records might even contain links to full-text copies of the works themselves. (PsycARTICLES is a database that provides full-text access to articles in all journals published by the APA.) If not, and you want a copy of the work, you will have to find out if your library carries the journal or has the book and the hard copy on the library shelves. Be sure to ask a librarian if you need help.

Using Other Search Techniques

In addition to entering search terms into PsycINFO and other databases, there are several other techniques you can use to search the research literature. First, if you have one good article or book chapter on your topic—a recent review article is best—you can look through the reference list of that article for other relevant articles, books, and book chapters. In fact, you should do this with any relevant article or book chapter you find. You can also start with a classic article or book chapter on your topic, find its record in PsycINFO (by entering the author’s name or article’s title as a search term), and link from there to a list of other works in PsycINFO that cite that classic article. This works because other researchers working on your topic are likely to be aware of the classic article and cite it in their own work. You can also do a general Internet search using search terms related to your topic or the name of a researcher who conducts research on your topic. This might lead you directly to works that are part of the research literature (e.g., articles in open-access journals or posted on researchers’ own websites). The search engine Google Scholar is especially useful for this purpose. A general Internet search might also lead you to websites that are not part of the research literature but might provide references to works that are. Finally, you can talk to people (e.g., your instructor or other faculty members in psychology) who know something about your topic and can suggest relevant articles and book chapters.

What to Search For

QR code that links to Google Scholar video

When you do a literature review, you need to be selective. Not every article, book chapter, and book that relates to your research idea or question will be worth obtaining, reading, and integrating into your review. Instead, you want to focus on sources that help you do four basic things: (a) refine your research question, (b) identify appropriate research methods, (c) place your research in the context of previous research, and (d) write an effective research report. Several basic principles can help you find the most useful sources.

First, it is best to focus on recent research, keeping in mind that what counts as recent depends on the topic. For newer topics that are actively being studied, “recent” might mean published in the past year or two. For older topics that are receiving less attention right now, “recent” might mean within the past 10 years. You will get a feel for what counts as recent for your topic when you start your literature search. A good general rule, however, is to start with sources published in the past five years. The main exception to this rule would be classic articles that turn up in the reference list of nearly every other source. If other researchers think that this work is important, even though it is old, then, by all means, you should include it in your review.

Second, you should look for review articles on your topic because they will provide a useful overview of it—often discussing important definitions, results, theories, trends, and controversies—giving you a good sense of where your own research fits into the literature. You should also look for empirical research reports addressing your question or similar questions, which can give you ideas about how to measure your variables and collect your data. As a general rule, it is good to use methods that others have already used successfully unless you have good reasons not to. Finally, you should look for sources that provide information that can help you argue for the interestingness of your research question. For a study on the effects of cell phone use on driving ability, for example, you might look for information about how widespread cell phone use is, how frequent and costly motor vehicle crashes are, and so on.

How many sources are enough for your literature review? This is a difficult question because it depends on how extensively your topic has been studied and also on your own goals. One study found that across a variety of professional journals in psychology, the average number of sources cited per article was about 50 (Adair & Vohra, 2003) [3] . This gives a rough idea of what professional researchers consider to be adequate. As a student, you might be assigned a much lower minimum number of references to include, but the principles for selecting the most useful ones remain the same.

Video Attributions

“ How to Develop a Good Research Topic ” by KStateLibraries . CC BY (Attribution)
“ Sample PsycINFO Search on EBSCOhost ” by APA Publishing Training . Standard YouTube Licence.
“ Using Google Scholar (CLIP) ” by clipinfolit . CC BY (Attribution)
Weisberg, R. W. (1993). Creativity: Beyond the myth of genius . New York, NY: Freeman. ↵
Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67 , 371–378. ↵
Adair, J. G., & Vohra, N. (2003). The explosion of knowledge, references, and citations: Psychology’s unique response to a crisis. American Psychologist, 58 , 15–23. ↵

All the published research in that field.

Are periodicals that publish original research articles.

Research reports that describe one or more new empirical studies conducted by the authors.

Articles that summarize previously published research on a topic and usually present new ways to organize or explain the results.

A review article that is devoted primarily to presenting a new theory.

A review article that provides a statistical summary of all of the previous results.

A process in which the reviewers of a research article do not know the identity of the researcher(s) and vice versa.

Books written by researchers and practitioners mainly for use by other researchers and practitioners.

A coherent written presentation of a topic much like an extended review article written by a single author or a small group of authors.

Books that are collections of chapters written by different authors on different aspects of the same topic, and overseen by one or more editors.

A comprehensive electronic database covering thousands of professional journals and scholarly books going back more than 100 years—that for most purposes its content is synonymous with the research literature in psychology.

Research Methods in Psychology Copyright © 2019 by Rajiv S. Jhangiani, I-Chant A. Chiang, Carrie Cuttler, & Dana C. Leighton is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Case Study Research Method in Psychology

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Case studies are in-depth investigations of a person, group, event, or community. Typically, data is gathered from various sources using several methods (e.g., observations & interviews).

The case study research method originated in clinical medicine (the case history, i.e., the patient’s personal history). In psychology, case studies are often confined to the study of a particular individual.

The information is mainly biographical and relates to events in the individual’s past (i.e., retrospective), as well as to significant events that are currently occurring in his or her everyday life.

The case study is not a research method, but researchers select methods of data collection and analysis that will generate material suitable for case studies.

Freud (1909a, 1909b) conducted very detailed investigations into the private lives of his patients in an attempt to both understand and help them overcome their illnesses.

This makes it clear that the case study is a method that should only be used by a psychologist, therapist, or psychiatrist, i.e., someone with a professional qualification.

There is an ethical issue of competence. Only someone qualified to diagnose and treat a person can conduct a formal case study relating to atypical (i.e., abnormal) behavior or atypical development.

Famous Case Studies

Anna O – One of the most famous case studies, documenting psychoanalyst Josef Breuer’s treatment of “Anna O” (real name Bertha Pappenheim) for hysteria in the late 1800s using early psychoanalytic theory.
Little Hans – A child psychoanalysis case study published by Sigmund Freud in 1909 analyzing his five-year-old patient Herbert Graf’s house phobia as related to the Oedipus complex.
Bruce/Brenda – Gender identity case of the boy (Bruce) whose botched circumcision led psychologist John Money to advise gender reassignment and raise him as a girl (Brenda) in the 1960s.
Genie Wiley – Linguistics/psychological development case of the victim of extreme isolation abuse who was studied in 1970s California for effects of early language deprivation on acquiring speech later in life.
Phineas Gage – One of the most famous neuropsychology case studies analyzes personality changes in railroad worker Phineas Gage after an 1848 brain injury involving a tamping iron piercing his skull.

Clinical Case Studies

Studying the effectiveness of psychotherapy approaches with an individual patient
Assessing and treating mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD
Neuropsychological cases investigating brain injuries or disorders

Child Psychology Case Studies

Studying psychological development from birth through adolescence
Cases of learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD
Effects of trauma, abuse, deprivation on development

Types of Case Studies

Explanatory case studies : Used to explore causation in order to find underlying principles. Helpful for doing qualitative analysis to explain presumed causal links.
Exploratory case studies : Used to explore situations where an intervention being evaluated has no clear set of outcomes. It helps define questions and hypotheses for future research.
Descriptive case studies : Describe an intervention or phenomenon and the real-life context in which it occurred. It is helpful for illustrating certain topics within an evaluation.
Multiple-case studies : Used to explore differences between cases and replicate findings across cases. Helpful for comparing and contrasting specific cases.
Intrinsic : Used to gain a better understanding of a particular case. Helpful for capturing the complexity of a single case.
Collective : Used to explore a general phenomenon using multiple case studies. Helpful for jointly studying a group of cases in order to inquire into the phenomenon.

Where Do You Find Data for a Case Study?

There are several places to find data for a case study. The key is to gather data from multiple sources to get a complete picture of the case and corroborate facts or findings through triangulation of evidence. Most of this information is likely qualitative (i.e., verbal description rather than measurement), but the psychologist might also collect numerical data.

1. Primary sources

Interviews – Interviewing key people related to the case to get their perspectives and insights. The interview is an extremely effective procedure for obtaining information about an individual, and it may be used to collect comments from the person’s friends, parents, employer, workmates, and others who have a good knowledge of the person, as well as to obtain facts from the person him or herself.
Observations – Observing behaviors, interactions, processes, etc., related to the case as they unfold in real-time.
Documents & Records – Reviewing private documents, diaries, public records, correspondence, meeting minutes, etc., relevant to the case.

2. Secondary sources

News/Media – News coverage of events related to the case study.
Academic articles – Journal articles, dissertations etc. that discuss the case.
Government reports – Official data and records related to the case context.
Books/films – Books, documentaries or films discussing the case.

3. Archival records

Searching historical archives, museum collections and databases to find relevant documents, visual/audio records related to the case history and context.

Public archives like newspapers, organizational records, photographic collections could all include potentially relevant pieces of information to shed light on attitudes, cultural perspectives, common practices and historical contexts related to psychology.

4. Organizational records

Organizational records offer the advantage of often having large datasets collected over time that can reveal or confirm psychological insights.

Of course, privacy and ethical concerns regarding confidential data must be navigated carefully.

However, with proper protocols, organizational records can provide invaluable context and empirical depth to qualitative case studies exploring the intersection of psychology and organizations.

Organizational/industrial psychology research : Organizational records like employee surveys, turnover/retention data, policies, incident reports etc. may provide insight into topics like job satisfaction, workplace culture and dynamics, leadership issues, employee behaviors etc.
Clinical psychology : Therapists/hospitals may grant access to anonymized medical records to study aspects like assessments, diagnoses, treatment plans etc. This could shed light on clinical practices.
School psychology : Studies could utilize anonymized student records like test scores, grades, disciplinary issues, and counseling referrals to study child development, learning barriers, effectiveness of support programs, and more.

How do I Write a Case Study in Psychology?

Follow specified case study guidelines provided by a journal or your psychology tutor. General components of clinical case studies include: background, symptoms, assessments, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Interpreting the information means the researcher decides what to include or leave out. A good case study should always clarify which information is the factual description and which is an inference or the researcher’s opinion.

1. Introduction

Provide background on the case context and why it is of interest, presenting background information like demographics, relevant history, and presenting problem.
Compare briefly to similar published cases if applicable. Clearly state the focus/importance of the case.

2. Case Presentation

Describe the presenting problem in detail, including symptoms, duration,and impact on daily life.
Include client demographics like age and gender, information about social relationships, and mental health history.
Describe all physical, emotional, and/or sensory symptoms reported by the client.
Use patient quotes to describe the initial complaint verbatim. Follow with full-sentence summaries of relevant history details gathered, including key components that led to a working diagnosis.
Summarize clinical exam results, namely orthopedic/neurological tests, imaging, lab tests, etc. Note actual results rather than subjective conclusions. Provide images if clearly reproducible/anonymized.
Clearly state the working diagnosis or clinical impression before transitioning to management.

3. Management and Outcome

Indicate the total duration of care and number of treatments given over what timeframe. Use specific names/descriptions for any therapies/interventions applied.
Present the results of the intervention,including any quantitative or qualitative data collected.
For outcomes, utilize visual analog scales for pain, medication usage logs, etc., if possible. Include patient self-reports of improvement/worsening of symptoms. Note the reason for discharge/end of care.

4. Discussion

Analyze the case, exploring contributing factors, limitations of the study, and connections to existing research.
Analyze the effectiveness of the intervention,considering factors like participant adherence, limitations of the study, and potential alternative explanations for the results.
Identify any questions raised in the case analysis and relate insights to established theories and current research if applicable. Avoid definitive claims about physiological explanations.
Offer clinical implications, and suggest future research directions.

5. Additional Items

Thank specific assistants for writing support only. No patient acknowledgments.
References should directly support any key claims or quotes included.
Use tables/figures/images only if substantially informative. Include permissions and legends/explanatory notes.
Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information.
Provides insight for further research.
Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations.

Case studies allow a researcher to investigate a topic in far more detail than might be possible if they were trying to deal with a large number of research participants (nomothetic approach) with the aim of ‘averaging’.

Because of their in-depth, multi-sided approach, case studies often shed light on aspects of human thinking and behavior that would be unethical or impractical to study in other ways.

Research that only looks into the measurable aspects of human behavior is not likely to give us insights into the subjective dimension of experience, which is important to psychoanalytic and humanistic psychologists.

Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that might be tested by other methods). They are an important way of illustrating theories and can help show how different aspects of a person’s life are related to each other.

The method is, therefore, important for psychologists who adopt a holistic point of view (i.e., humanistic psychologists ).

Limitations

Lacking scientific rigor and providing little basis for generalization of results to the wider population.
Researchers’ own subjective feelings may influence the case study (researcher bias).
Difficult to replicate.
Time-consuming and expensive.
The volume of data, together with the time restrictions in place, impacted the depth of analysis that was possible within the available resources.

Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group, we can never be sure if the case study investigated is representative of the wider body of “similar” instances. This means the conclusions drawn from a particular case may not be transferable to other settings.

Because case studies are based on the analysis of qualitative (i.e., descriptive) data , a lot depends on the psychologist’s interpretation of the information she has acquired.

This means that there is a lot of scope for Anna O , and it could be that the subjective opinions of the psychologist intrude in the assessment of what the data means.

For example, Freud has been criticized for producing case studies in which the information was sometimes distorted to fit particular behavioral theories (e.g., Little Hans ).

This is also true of Money’s interpretation of the Bruce/Brenda case study (Diamond, 1997) when he ignored evidence that went against his theory.

Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1895). Studies on hysteria . Standard Edition 2: London.

Curtiss, S. (1981). Genie: The case of a modern wild child .

Diamond, M., & Sigmundson, K. (1997). Sex Reassignment at Birth: Long-term Review and Clinical Implications. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine , 151(3), 298-304

Freud, S. (1909a). Analysis of a phobia of a five year old boy. In The Pelican Freud Library (1977), Vol 8, Case Histories 1, pages 169-306

Freud, S. (1909b). Bemerkungen über einen Fall von Zwangsneurose (Der “Rattenmann”). Jb. psychoanal. psychopathol. Forsch ., I, p. 357-421; GW, VII, p. 379-463; Notes upon a case of obsessional neurosis, SE , 10: 151-318.

Harlow J. M. (1848). Passage of an iron rod through the head. Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, 39 , 389–393.

Harlow, J. M. (1868). Recovery from the Passage of an Iron Bar through the Head . Publications of the Massachusetts Medical Society. 2 (3), 327-347.

Money, J., & Ehrhardt, A. A. (1972). Man & Woman, Boy & Girl : The Differentiation and Dimorphism of Gender Identity from Conception to Maturity. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Money, J., & Tucker, P. (1975). Sexual signatures: On being a man or a woman.

Further Information

Case Study Approach
Case Study Method
Enhancing the Quality of Case Studies in Health Services Research
“We do things together” A case study of “couplehood” in dementia
Using mixed methods for evaluating an integrative approach to cancer care: a case study

Research Methodology

Qualitative Data Coding

What Is a Focus Group?

Cross-Cultural Research Methodology In Psychology

What Is Internal Validity In Research?

Research Methodology , Statistics

What Is Face Validity In Research? Importance & How To Measure

Criterion Validity: Definition & Examples

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Cognitive consistency in social cognition.

Skylar M. Brannon Skylar M. Brannon Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
and Bertram Gawronski Bertram Gawronski Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190236557.013.314
Published online: 28 March 2018

The desire to maintain consistency between cognitions has been recognized by many psychologists as an important human motive. Research on this topic has been highly influential in a variety of areas of social cognition, including attitudes, person perception, prejudice and stereotyping, and self-evaluation. In his seminal work on cognitive dissonance, Leon Festinger noted that inconsistencies between cognitions result in negative affect. Further, he argued that the motivation to maintain consistency is a basic motive that is intrinsically important. Subsequent theorists posed revisions to Festinger’s original theory, suggesting that consistency is only important to the extent that it allows one to maintain a desired self-view or to communicate traits to others. According to these theorists, the motivation to maintain consistency serves as a means toward a superordinate motive, not as an end in itself. Building on this argument, more recent perspectives suggest that consistency is important for the execution of context-appropriate action and the acquisition and validation of knowledge.

Several important lines of research grew out of the idea that cognitive consistency plays a central role in social information processing. One dominant line of research has aimed toward understanding how people deal with inconsistencies between their attitudes and their behaviors. Other research has investigated how individuals maintain their beliefs either by (1) avoiding exposure to contradictory information or (2) engaging in cognitive processes aimed toward reconciling an inconsistency after being exposed to contradictory information. Cognitive consistency perspectives have also been leveraged to understand (1) the conditions under which explicit and implicit evaluations correlate with one another, (2) when change in one type of evaluation corresponds with change in the other, and (3) the roles of distinct types of consistency principles underlying explicit and implicit evaluations.

Expanding on these works, newer lines of research have provided important revisions and extensions to early research on cognitive consistency, focusing on (1) the identification of inconsistency, (2) the elicitation of negative affect in response to inconsistency, and (3) behavioral responses aimed to restore inconsistency or mitigate the negative feelings arising from inconsistency. For example, some research has suggested that, instead of following the rules of formal logic, perceptions of (in)consistency are driven by “psycho-logic” in that individuals may perceive inconsistency when there is logical consistency, and vice versa. Further, reconciling conflicting research on the affective responses to inconsistency, recent work suggests that all inconsistencies first elicit negative affect, but immediate affective reactions may change in line with the hedonic experience of the event when an individual has time to make sense of the inconsistency. Finally, new frameworks have been proposed to unite a broad range of phenomena under one unifying umbrella, using the concept of cognitive consistency as a common denominator.

cognitive consistency
social cognition

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Understanding Naturalistic Observation in Research

This essay is about naturalistic observation, a research method used to observe subjects in their natural environment without interference. It discusses the advantages of this method, such as providing rich, qualitative insights into behavior, and the challenges, including observer bias and lack of control over variables. The essay also touches on ethical considerations and the impact of technological advancements on the effectiveness of naturalistic observation. Examples from various fields like anthropology, ecology, and psychology illustrate the method’s versatility and significance in understanding authentic behaviors in real-world settings.

How it works

Naturalistic observation emerges as a method frequently employed in psychology and the social sciences. This methodology entails the observation of subjects in their native habitat devoid of any manipulation or intrusion by the investigator. The primary objective is to amass data on the behavioral patterns of subjects within authentic settings, proffering insights that may elude capture within a more regimented laboratory milieu. By affording behaviors the latitude to manifest organically, researchers can glean genuine reactions and interchanges, rendering this method invaluable for certain types of inquiries.

An eminent advantage of naturalistic observation lies in its capacity to furnish a nuanced, qualitative comprehension of behavior. For instance, through the observation of juveniles at a recreational area, an investigator can discern not only their play dynamics but also their social dynamics, conflict resolution strategies, and the evolution of their play over time. These observations can subsequently underpin deductions regarding social maturation, aggression, collaboration, and other facets of behavior. Such profundity of insight often eludes attainment through alternative methodologies such as surveys or experiments, wherein the contrived nature of the milieu may exert a sway over the behavior under observation.

Nevertheless, naturalistic observation is not devoid of impediments. One of the principal challenges pertains to the specter of observer partiality. Since the investigator is actively monitoring and documenting behaviors, their own presumptions or convictions may inadvertently color their perceptions and interpretations. To counteract this tendency, researchers frequently deploy strategies such as inter-observer concordance, whereby multiple observers independently record the same occurrence and subsequently compare findings to ascertain congruity. Furthermore, meticulous protocols and training can aid observers in preserving objectivity to the fullest extent feasible.

Another hurdle is the paucity of dominion over extraneous variables. Within a natural setting, myriad factors may influence behavior, ranging from meteorological conditions to the presence of bystanders. This renders the establishment of causal relationships a daunting task. For instance, if an investigator is scrutinizing responses to public art installations, discerning whether reactions stem from the art per se or from ancillary factors such as temporal considerations or pedestrian traffic patterns may prove challenging. Despite these constraints, the concession is often warranted for the genuine, ecological validity that naturalistic observation affords.

Ethical considerations likewise loom large in naturalistic observation. Researchers must strike a delicate equilibrium between the exigencies of unobtrusive observation and the entitlements of the subjects under observation. Frequently, this entails safeguarding the anonymity of subjects and refraining from documenting their conduct without their explicit consent, particularly within private domains. Public settings, wherein individuals lack a reasonable expectation of privacy, typically afford greater latitude for naturalistic observation. Nevertheless, ethical precepts must be rigorously adhered to in order to uphold the dignity and rights of all implicated subjects.

Naturalistic observation has made substantial inroads across various domains of inquiry. In anthropology, it has served as a lens through which to explore cultural customs and social configurations across disparate communities. In ecology, scientists engage in the observation of fauna within their native habitats to fathom behaviors germane to survival, procreation, and social dynamics. In psychology, it has proven instrumental in elucidating human behaviors spanning from the genesis of adolescence to social dynamics and psychological well-being. The method’s malleability renders it adaptable to a panoply of research queries and contexts, endowing it with a versatile utility in the researcher’s repertoire.

Technological strides have further augmented the efficacy of naturalistic observation. Contemporary tools such as video recording apparatuses, mobile devices, and even unmanned aerial vehicles can expedite data collection while minimizing interference. These innovations facilitate more granular and precise observations, which can be reviewed iteratively for analysis. Moreover, analytic software can aid in discerning patterns and drawing inferences from voluminous troves of observational data, thereby engendering a more rigorous and methodical analytical process.

In summation, naturalistic observation emerges as a potent means of dissecting behavior within its native milieu. Despite its impediments, including observer partiality, variable control constraints, and ethical quandaries, it furnishes unparalleled insights into the interplay between subjects and their surroundings. By abstaining from intervention, researchers can procure data that is both authentic and germane to real-world contexts. As technological progress marches onward, the potential for naturalistic observation to enrich our comprehension of intricate behaviors is poised to burgeon, cementing its status as a cornerstone of research methodologies. Recall, this exposition serves as a springboard for contemplation and further exploration. For bespoke guidance and to ensure adherence to scholarly standards, contemplate engaging the services of professionals at EduBirdie.

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Psychology professor takes students to conference in s.f., thanks to donation, fundraising, may 16, 2024.

WNC Professor of Psychology Dr. Rebecca Bevans and Psychology Instructor Jolene Coverston recently took six students to the Western Psychological Association Convention in San Francisco.

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Sometimes it takes a trip outside the classroom to enlighten students and make them aware of career possibilities and motivate them in their chosen field.

For Western Nevada College Professor Psychology Dr. Rebecca Bevans and six of her students, a field trip to San Francisco during the end of spring semester accomplished this purpose.

They attended the four-day Western Psychological Association Convention, learning that scientific research isn’t so boring after all and there are topics and issues that can shape their course of study in the future.

“They were all bitten by the research bug and I could not be happier,” Dr. Bevans said. “Do you know how hard it is to get students interested in research? Let's just say that research is not exciting to everyone. But now I have a team of researchers, and we will be working out our plans this summer, and conducting some research this coming fall.”

The educational trip was made possible because of the WNC Psychology Club’s fundraising efforts which were matched by a generous WNC Foundation donor.

Dr. Bevans first attended the conference as a graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, but her obligation as a presenter kept her from enjoying the full experience of the conference.

“As a professor, I knew that taking some of our students to a conference could be life-changing,” she said. “Every time I attend the Western Psychological Association conference, I am left with a head full of the newest research in psychology. It is an amazing experience and one that I knew would be life changing for some of our students who are just beginning their journey into psychology.”

For the half-dozen students who accompanied Dr. Bevans and instructor Jolene Coverston to San Francisco, it was an opportunity to see what the psychology field has to offer them in the future.

“To me, one of the most important things that I learned was how vast the world of psychology truly is,” psychology student Thomas Shumway said. “Getting to learn the specific details of how research works in many of those varying parts of psychology was very informative for me and was just incredibly interesting.”

Added student Will Webster, “During this trip, I got to learn about positive psychology, consenting non-monogamous relationships, the retold story about the Stanford prison experiment, and many more. All the speakers went into pretty great detail of all their studies and experiments. While Mrs. Bevans was extremely helpful in explaining any parts that confused me.”

Shumway and Webster shared these experiences with other conference attendees from WNC, including students Yamaa Daoudi, Michael Marketti, Lilly Bacon and Angel Polvorosa.

“That experience of bonding with people who are equally and even more passionate about psychology was so refreshing to me,” Shumway said. “Listening and talking to people who are passionate about similar topics to me helped me understand topics I couldn't quite wrap my head around before; it also challenged me quite a bit.”

Webster said that their professor’s presence provided them with a better understanding of the conference, including the studies and experiments.

“It was amazing; I loved the experience the entire time,” Webster said. ‘Having Dr. Bevans there, being able to explain the confusing parts, and to be able to learn more from people who share the same passion will be an experience I will never forget. You could really tell that Dr. Bevans was taking the time to explain studies, experiments and other psychology related material along the way.”

Their interest and views about research changed 180 degrees during the conference.

“All of us became interested in research because we were given the chance to meet the people behind said research,” Shumway said. “Meeting them helped us put research into a new perspective I think, and to me at least, that new perspective made me much more intrigued by the research topics we had discussed.”

To learn more about WNC’s psychology program, email Dr. Bevans at [email protected] .

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Health Psychology Topics

Ideas for Your Next Health Psychology Paper or Project

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

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Heath psychology topics can look at a range of issues related to health, illness, and healthcare. It may include such things as eating disorders, weight management, diet, exercise, stress coping, women's health, and more.

Health psychology, also known as medical psychology or behavioral medicine, focuses on how biology, psychology, behavior, and social factors influence health and well-being. It's a diverse and rich field worth exploring if you're studying to be a health professional.

At a Glance

Health psychology is a field focused on promoting wellness and understanding how physical health and illness impact mental well-being. Health psychology topics you might want to explore include stress management, behavior change, weight management, nutrition, eating disorders, exercise, illness prevention, managing chronic conditions, and much more.

Health Psychology Research and Paper Topic Ideas

The next time you're looking for a research topic for your studies and would like to focus on health psychology , consider the following suggestions. These can inspire an experiment , a research paper, or any other type of class project.

Exercise and Eating Behavior Topic Ideas

Health behaviors, including exercise and diet, are a major topic within the field of health psychology. Some areas you might opt to explore include:

Weight Management Strategies

Explore some of the psychological strategies that can help people stick to a diet and exercise program. Is there any singular strategy that is more effective than others?

Eating Disorders

Analyze how media depictions of "ideal" bodies influence anorexia and bulimia. Is there a link between exposure to these images and eating disorders?

Social Media and Body Image

Look at how exposure to social media affects body image. Do young people who spend more time on social media have worse body image than those who use these apps and websites less frequently? What type of content has the most significant impact on body image?

Family Health and Safety Topic Ideas

Factors that influence family health and safety are another health psychology topic you might consider. Examples include:

Safe Sleep Practices

Explore how increased public awareness of infant safety, such as placing an infant on their back to sleep, or removing pillows and other objects from the sleeping area, have influenced the occurrence of SIDS, or "crib death." Has the number of SIDS-related deaths gone down? Why do some parents ignore these sleep safety guidelines?

Childhood Immunizations

Assess current approaches to childhood immunizations. Why do some parents choose not to immunize their children? How does this impact public health? What can health professionals do to increase the likelihood that kids are immunized?

Teen Suicide

Explore the factors that contribute to teen suicide . How effective are suicide prevention programs? Which strategies are the most effective?

Effects of Caregiving

Look at the emotional, social, and psychological impact of caregiving, such as taking care of an aging parent, a family member with AIDS, or a spouse diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Public Health Topic Ideas

Individual health is important, but health psychology are also interested in learning more about things that can have an effect on overall public health. Some examples include:>

Trauma Coping

What can mental health and medical professionals do to help people cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster? Are there any strategies that result in better long-term outcomes?

PTSD in Veterans

Research the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans. What factors contribute to whether an individual veteran experiences PTSD? Which mental health interventions are most effective in treating this disorder?

Coping with Chronic Pain

Evaluate how stress management techniques and relaxation methods can help patients experiencing chronic pain. How effective are these tactics? How do they compare to traditional pharmacological approaches to pain management?

Smoking Cessation

Compare and contrast different approaches to quitting smoking. Which strategies are the most effective?

Safety Equipment Use

Look at different techniques that can be used to increase the likelihood that people will use safety equipment such as seat belts and bicycle helmets. What type of public safety program would you devise to encourage the use of these products?

A few areas you might want to explore in your research include exercise, eating behaviors, family health, safety, and public health. Such areas provide a wealth of health psychology topics to choose from.

Tips Before You Get Started

Before you begin, make sure the topic you're interested in matches the specific assignment. Even if your instructor doesn't require you to get approval for your intended topic, it's always a good idea to run it by them before you delve too deeply into your research.

Of course, make sure you've chosen a subject that you know you'll be able to find appropriate sources for. You wouldn't want to commit to a project only to find insufficient existing information to work with. Again, input from your instructor can prevent you from wasting time on a topic that offers little to go on.

What This Means For You

Health psychology focuses on understanding how social, environmental, biological, psychological, and cultural factors influence health and illness. If you are looking for a great topic to explore, consider picking a broad area of interest (like stress, exercise, safety, illness, etc.), and then narrowing down your focus to more specific questions of interest.

Ian Lubek, Monica Ghabrial, Naomi Ennis, et al. Notes on the development of health psychology and behavioral medicine in the United States. J Health Psychol. 2018;23(3):492-505. doi:10.1177/1359105318755156

Sanderson CA. Health Psychology: Understanding the Mind-Body Connection . SAGE Publications.

Naumann E, Tuschen-Caffier B, Voderholzer U, Schäfer J, Svaldi J. Effects of emotional acceptance and rumination on media-induced body dissatisfaction in anorexia and bulimia nervosa . J Psychiatr Res . 2016;82:119-125. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.07.021

McNeil DA, Mueller M, MacDonald S, et al. Maternal perceptions of childhood vaccination: Explanations of reasons for and against vaccination. BMC Public Health . 2019;19(1):49. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6338-0

Shen S, Cheng C, Yang J, Yang S. Visualized analysis of developing trends and hot topics in natural disaster research. PLoS One . 2018;13(1):e0191250. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0191250

Renshaw KD. An integrated model of risk and protective factors for post-deployment PTSD symptoms in OEF/OIF era combat veterans. J Affect Disord . 2011;128(3):321-326. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2010.07.022

American Psychological Association. Health psychology promotes wellness .

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

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers
Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition. Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include: Dreams. False memories. Attention. Perception.
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Psychology Research Topics for College Students. If you are a psychology student struggling to develop a topic for your research, the following ideas will be helpful. The professional writers of 5StarEssays.com have gathered some exceptional topics to help college students draft compelling papers. The social identity theory of Tajfel and Turner.
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If you're starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you'll face is finding a solid research topic.In this post, we'll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines.We'll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to ...
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Cutting-edge research into the workings of the human mind. Our faculty conducts scientific research on topics that span across all areas of psychology. Some themes of research concentration are listed below. Click the topics to see the list of department faculty associated with each theme.
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Recently published articles from subdisciplines of psychology covered by more than 90 APA Journals™ publications. For additional free resources (such as article summaries, podcasts, and more), please visit the Highlights in Psychological Research page. Browse and read free articles from APA Journals across the field of psychology, selected by ...
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Psychology Research Topics for Ph.D. Abraham Maslow and Humanistic Psychology. Analyzing Gender Differences in Perceptions of Child Abuse. Childhood Anxiety: The Role of Cultural Influences. Navigating Gender Roles in Middle Eastern Societies. Exploring the Microbiological Facets of Post-natal Depression.
100 Great Psychology Research Paper Topics With Research Links
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and mental illness? 2. How can mental illness change as a person ages? 3. Does mental illness cause dementia? 4. What is the best treatment for older people with mental illness and dementia? 5. Can you distinguish between symptoms of dementia and other mental illnesses?
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Psychology topics Psychology is a diverse discipline grounded in science, but with nearly boundless applications in everyday life. Scientific research conducted by psychologists can inform and guide those seeking help with issues that affect their professional lives, family relationships, and emotional wellness.
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1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas. If you're at the start of your research journey and are trying to figure out which research topic you want to focus on, you've come to the right place. Select your area of interest below to view a comprehensive collection of potential research ideas. AI & Machine Learning. Blockchain & Cryptocurrency.
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Finding a Research Topic
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Case studies are in-depth investigations of a person, group, event, or community. Typically, data is gathered from various sources using several methods (e.g., observations & interviews). The case study research method originated in clinical medicine (the case history, i.e., the patient's personal history). In psychology, case studies are ...
Great Ideas for Psychology Experiments to Explore
Piano stairs experiment. Cognitive dissonance experiments. False memory experiments. You might not be able to replicate an experiment exactly (lots of classic psychology experiments have ethical issues that would preclude conducting them today), but you can use well-known studies as a basis for inspiration.
Cognitive Consistency in Social Cognition
Research on this topic has been highly influential in a variety of areas of social cognition, including attitudes, person perception, prejudice and stereotyping, and self-evaluation. ... For example, some research has suggested that, instead of following the rules of formal logic, perceptions of (in)consistency are driven by "psycho-logic ...
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Understanding Naturalistic Observation in Research
Naturalistic observation emerges as a method frequently employed in psychology and the social sciences. This methodology entails the observation of subjects in their native habitat devoid of any manipulation or intrusion by the investigator. The primary objective is to amass data on the behavioral patterns of subjects within authentic settings ...
Misinformation and disinformation
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Psychology Professor Takes Students to Conference in S.F., Thanks to
For Western Nevada College Professor Psychology Dr. Rebecca Bevans and six of her students, a field trip to San Francisco during the end of spring semester accomplished this purpose. They attended the four-day Western Psychological Association Convention, learning that scientific research isn't so boring after all and there are topics and ...
Health Psychology Topics: Research Ideas
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