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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

• Specific Branches of Psychology
• Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy
• Human Cognition
• Human Development
• Critique of Publications
• Famous Experiments
• Historical Figures
• Specific Careers
• Case Studies
• Literature Reviews
• Your Own Study/Experiment

Are you searching for a great topic for your psychology paper ? Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.

Finding a solid topic is one of the most important steps when writing any type of paper. It can be particularly important when you are writing a psychology research paper or essay. Psychology is such a broad topic, so you want to find a topic that allows you to adequately cover the subject without becoming overwhelmed with information.

I can always tell when a student really cares about the topic they chose; it comes through in the writing. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, so you’ll be more motivated to do thorough research.

In some cases, such as in a general psychology class, you might have the option to select any topic from within psychology's broad reach. Other instances, such as in an  abnormal psychology  course, might require you to write your paper on a specific subject such as a psychological disorder.

As you begin your search for a topic for your psychology paper, it is first important to consider the guidelines established by your instructor.

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

The key to selecting a good topic for your psychology paper is to select something that is narrow enough to allow you to really focus on the subject, but not so narrow that it is difficult to find sources or information to write about.

One approach is to narrow your focus down to a subject within a specific branch of psychology. For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write a paper on some sort of social psychology topic. Next, you might narrow your focus down to how persuasion can be used to influence behavior .

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

• Prejudice and discrimination (i.e., homophobia, sexism, racism)
• Social cognition
• Person perception
• Social control and cults
• Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing
• Attraction, romance, and love
• Nonverbal communication
• Prosocial behavior

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

Exploring a psychological disorder or a specific treatment modality can also be a good topic for a psychology paper. Some potential abnormal psychology topics include specific psychological disorders or particular treatment modalities, including:

• Eating disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Profile a  type of therapy  (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, psychoanalytic therapy)

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:

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

In this area, you might opt to focus on issues pertinent to  early childhood  such as language development, social learning, or childhood attachment or you might instead opt to concentrate on issues that affect older adults such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Some other topics you might consider include:

• Language acquisition
• Media violence and children
• Learning disabilities
• Gender roles
• Child abuse
• Prenatal development
• Parenting styles
• Aspects of the aging process

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

One option is to consider writing a critique paper of a published psychology book or academic journal article. For example, you might write a critical analysis of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams or you might evaluate a more recent book such as Philip Zimbardo's  The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil .

Professional and academic journals are also great places to find materials for a critique paper. Browse through the collection at your university library to find titles devoted to the subject that you are most interested in, then look through recent articles until you find one that grabs your attention.

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

There have been many fascinating and groundbreaking experiments throughout the history of psychology, providing ample material for students looking for an interesting term paper topic. In your paper, you might choose to summarize the experiment, analyze the ethics of the research, or evaluate the implications of the study. Possible experiments that you might consider include:

• The Milgram Obedience Experiment
• The Stanford Prison Experiment
• The Little Albert Experiment
• Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
• The Asch Conformity Experiment
• Harlow's Rhesus Monkey Experiments

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

One of the simplest ways to find a great topic is to choose an interesting person in the  history of psychology  and write a paper about them. Your paper might focus on many different elements of the individual's life, such as their biography, professional history, theories, or influence on psychology.

While this type of paper may be historical in nature, there is no need for this assignment to be dry or boring. Psychology is full of fascinating figures rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes. Consider such famous individuals as Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, Harry Harlow, or one of the many other  eminent psychologists .

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

​Another possible topic, depending on the course in which you are enrolled, is to write about specific career paths within the  field of psychology . This type of paper is especially appropriate if you are exploring different subtopics or considering which area interests you the most.

In your paper, you might opt to explore the typical duties of a psychologist, how much people working in these fields typically earn, and the different employment options that are available.

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

One potentially interesting idea is to write a  psychology case study  of a particular individual or group of people. In this type of paper, you will provide an in-depth analysis of your subject, including a thorough biography.

Generally, you will also assess the person, often using a major psychological theory such as  Piaget's stages of cognitive development  or  Erikson's eight-stage theory of human development . It is also important to note that your paper doesn't necessarily have to be about someone you know personally.

In fact, many professors encourage students to write case studies on historical figures or fictional characters from books, television programs, or films.

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

Another possibility that would work well for a number of psychology courses is to do a literature review of a specific topic within psychology. A literature review involves finding a variety of sources on a particular subject, then summarizing and reporting on what these sources have to say about the topic.

Literature reviews are generally found in the  introduction  of journal articles and other  psychology papers , but this type of analysis also works well for a full-scale psychology term paper.

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

Many psychology courses require students to design an actual psychological study or perform some type of experiment. In some cases, students simply devise the study and then imagine the possible results that might occur. In other situations, you may actually have the opportunity to collect data, analyze your findings, and write up your results.

Finding a topic for your study can be difficult, but there are plenty of great ways to come up with intriguing ideas. Start by considering your own interests as well as subjects you have studied in the past.

Online sources, newspaper articles, books , journal articles, and even your own class textbook are all great places to start searching for topics for your experiments and psychology term papers. Before you begin, learn more about  how to conduct a psychology experiment .

What This Means For You

After looking at this brief list of possible topics for psychology papers, it is easy to see that psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. While this variety makes it possible to find a topic that really catches your interest, it can sometimes make it very difficult for some students to select a good topic.

If you are still stumped by your assignment, ask your instructor for suggestions and consider a few from this list for inspiration.

• Hockenbury, SE & Nolan, SA. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2014.
• Santrock, JW. A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016.

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

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best ap psychology notes to study with.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Note-taking can be tricky, even for the most conscientious high school students. It's hard to sort through a whole year's worth of material, especially in an AP class that covers a wide range of topics and theories.

This article is intended to serve as a one-stop shop for comprehensive notes on all the major topics covered in AP Psychology. Whether you lost your class notes on cognition or just want an easier way to see everything in one place, the links in this article will help make your study process more focused and less stressful!

How to Use These AP Psychology Notes

You can use these notes as study aids for in-class tests or to review for the final AP exam . Supplement them with resources you've gotten from your teacher in class and other notes you've taken throughout the year. If you know that there's an especially great explanation of a certain concept in your textbook, use that to help you review as well.

You might also consider buying a review book if you're looking for more guidance in planning out your studying.

If you're studying for the AP test as a whole , take a diagnostic practice test before diving into these notes . That way you can see where you're making the most mistakes and focus your studying on the appropriate areas. Taking practice tests at regular intervals throughout the study process will give you a better idea of whether or not you're absorbing the material.

Real-time practice tests will also help you get used to managing your time effectively so that you're prepared for the way the final exam is structured. You'll be answering 100 multiple-choice questions in 70 minutes, so appropriate pacing is critical!

In the next section, I'll go through a list of all the topics that are covered in AP Psychology and provide links to online notes for each .

AP Psychology Notes to Use in Your Prep

These are the easiest-to-follow online notes I could find for the material covered in AP Psychology. For each topic area, I've included three types of links :

• Regular notes (including section-specific overviews and more general topic outlines)
• Notes accompanied by video resources
• PowerPoint presentations that show the information in a slightly different form

The WikiNotes links are the most detailed , so you should go over those first. The PowerPoints and general topic outlines provide more of a brief overview of concepts and can serve as a quick review tool. If you think you'd benefit from videos, take a look at those resources as well.

It's likely that your AP Psychology course will be structured roughly in the same order as the topics presented here , so it should be easy to find the information you need to study for in-class tests throughout the year. (Note that the Psych topics  changed slightly in 2020 , so the titles of some of the notes you click on may be different than the unit titles, but they still cover the information you need to know.)

Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology

• General Topic Outline
• Notes With Video Resources

Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior

• Neural Processing and the Endocrine System
• Genetics, Evolutionary Psychology, and Behavior

Unit 3: Sensation and Perception

Unit 4: learning, unit 5: cognitive psychology.

• Thinking, Problem Solving, Creativity, and Language
• Notes With Video Resources ( Part 2 )

Unit 6: Developmental Psychology

Unit 7: motivation, emotion, and personality.

• Emotions, Stress, and Health

Unit 8: Clinical Psychology

• WikiNotes 1
• PowerPoint ( Part 1 and Part 2 )
• General Topic Outline 1
• WikiNotes 2
• PowerPoint 2
• General Topic Outline 2
• Notes With Video Resources ( Part 2)

Unit 9: Social Psychology

Overall ap psychology review sheets.

• Full Test Review
• List of Terms and People to Remember
• Interactive Glossary
• AP Psych Cram Sheet
• Psych Review Packet
• AP Psychology Short Review Packet
• AP Psychology Essential Review Sheet

3 Essential AP Psychology Study Strategies

Learning all this information might be tough if you don't have a game plan. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your AP Psychology prep.

#1: Make Friends With Flashcards

To succeed in AP Psychology, you must have excellent recall of a large library of terms. Some of these are constants of human behavior that you didn't know had official names, and others are more obscure terms for the biological components of psychological responses.

It's critical to be fluent in the terminology surrounding every concept if you want to end up with a high score on the AP exam. You should also know the names of prominent psychologists and understand their contributions to the field.

Quizzing yourself with flashcards is the best way to ensure you're prepared. I 'd recommend Quizlet as a starting point (after you read through the notes and refresh your memory) because it offers many sets of online flashcards you can use for practice.

Of course, you can always write out your own physical flashcards if you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way! This might be more effective since writing down definitions helps to reinforce your memory.

#2: Relate Psych Concepts to Everyday Life

The concepts in the AP Psychology course will show up in your daily life when you make decisions, interact socially, get stressed about schoolwork (very meta!), or really do anything.

As you read the notes, try to think of personal examples that relate to what you're learning. Besides helping you memorize the material, doing this can give you some interesting insight into why you've made certain decisions in your life (or why other people you know might have made certain decisions).

Even outside of your active study time, if you notice a particular behavior, try to relate it to something you've learned in AP Psychology. You probably won't forget a term or concept if you anchor it to a real experience.

#3: Give Yourself Regular Checkups

Don't go over a section of AP Psych notes once, quiz yourself, and then decide you're done with it forever. Every few topic areas, circle back and do a holistic review of everything you've learned so far. Make a point of constantly refreshing your memory so that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. You can use the complete AP Psychology review sheets I've linked at the end of the notes section as resources for these review sessions.

Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of AP Psych Notes

These notes and strategies should help you get started on your AP Psychology review. You can even use the notes on a unit-by-unit basis if you're just studying for a short quiz or test. Just remember to take practice tests to keep yourself on track, and continue consulting any resources you've accumulated throughout the year in class.

I recommend also taking advantage of the information in our other AP Psychology guides, such as our ultimate guide and in-depth review , to get more advice on how to structure your studying and to ensure you earn a high score on the final exam!

What's Next?

Are you concerned about the AP Psychology test? Read this article to decide whether it will be especially challenging for you .

What is Stockholm Syndrome, and how is it viewed in psychology circles? Learn more about this condition and its debated legitimacy in this article .

It's not easy to decide which AP classes to take in high school. Depending on how many options you have, you could structure your schedule in vastly different ways. Check out this guide to learn how many AP classes you should take in high school based on your goals and individual circumstances.

If you want to avoid overwhelming yourself with a ridiculous schedule, it's a good idea to be aware of which AP classes test the most challenging material. Read our article on the hardest AP classes here .

Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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Interested in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes? The AP ® Psychology Exam is a college-level exam administered every year in May upon completion of an Advanced Placement Psychology course taken at your high school. If you score high enough, your  AP score  could earn you  college credit !

Check out our AP Psychology Guide for the essential info you need about the exam:

• Exam Overview

Sections & Question Types

• How to Prepare

What's on the AP Psychology Exam?

The College Board requires your AP teacher to cover certain topics in the AP Psychology course. As you complete your Psych review, make sure you are familiar with the following topics:

• Scientific Foundations of Psychology: Introducing Psychology; Research Methods in Psychology; Defining Psychological Science: The Experimental Method; Selecting a Research Method; Statistical Analysis in Psychology; Ethical Guidelines in Psychology
• Biological Bases of Behavior: Interaction of Hereditary and Environment; The Endocrine System; Overview of the Nervous System and the Neuron; Neural Firing; Influence of Drugs on Neural Firing; The Brain; Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function; The Adaptable Brain; Sleep and Dreaming
• Sensation and Perception: Principles of Sensation; Principles of Perception; Visual Anatomy; Visual Perception; Auditory Sensation and Perception; Chemical Senses; Body Sense
• Learning: Introduction to Learning; Classical Conditioning; Operant Conditioning; Social and Cognitive Factors in Learning
• Cognitive Psychology: Introduction to Memory; Encoding; Storing; Retrieving; Forgetting and Memory Distortion; Biological Bases of Memory; Introduction to Thinking and Problem Solving; Biases and Errors in Thinking; Introduction to Intelligence; Psychometric Principles and Intelligence Testing; Components of Language and Language Acquisition
• Developmental Psychology: The Lifespan and Physical Development in Childhood; Social Development in Childhood; Cognitive Development in Childhood; Adolescent Development; Adulthood and Aging; Moral Development; Gender and Sexual Orientation
• Motivation, Emotion, and Personality: Theories of Motivation; Specific Topics of Motivation; Theories of Emotion; Stress and Coping; Introduction to Personality; Psychoanalytic Theories of Personality; Behaviorism and Social Cognitive Theories of Personality; Humanistic Theories of Personality; Trait Theories of Personality; Measuring Personality
• Clinical Psychology: Introduction to Psychological Disorders; Psychological Perspectives and Etiology of Disorders; Neurodevelopmental and Schizophrenic Spectrum Disorders; Bipolar, Depressive, Anxiety, and Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders; Trauma- and Stressor- Related, Dissociative, and Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders; Feeding and Eating, Substance and Addictive, and Personality Disorders; Introduction to Treatment of Psychological Disorders; Psychological Perspectives and Treatment of Disorders; Treatment of Disorders from the Biological Perspective; Evaluating Strengths, Weaknesses, and Empirical Support for Treatments of Disorders
• Social Psychology: Attribution Theory and Person Perception; Attitude Formation and Attitude Change; Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience; Group Influences on Behavior and Mental Processes; Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination; Altruism and Aggression; Interpersonal Attraction

Read More: Review for the exam with our AP Psychology Crash Courses

The AP Psych exam is 2 hours long and has two sections: a multiple-choice section and a a free-response section. 

Multiple-Choice Questions

The AP Psychology multiple-choice questions test the following skills:

• Concept Understanding
• Data Analysis
• Scientific Investigation

Free-Response Questions

The AP Psych FRQs consists of two questions:

• Question 1 is about Concept Application, assessing a student’s ability to explain and apply theories and perspectives in authentic contexts
• Question 2 is about Research Design, assessing a student’s ability to analyze psychological research studies that include quantitative data.

For a comprehensive content review, check out our book,  AP Psychology Premium Prep

What’s a good AP Psychology Score?

AP scores are reported from 1 to 5. Colleges are generally looking for a 4 or 5 on the AP Psychology exam, but some may grant credit for a 3. Here’s how students scored on the May 2020 test:

Source: College Board

How can I prepare?

AP classes are great, but for many students they’re not enough! For a thorough review of AP Psychology content and strategy, pick the  AP prep option  that works best for your goals and learning style. 

• AP Exams  

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AP® Psychology

Correlational study examples: ap® psychology crash course.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Do you remember what a correlational study is? Knowing the main types of psychology research is a key point for the Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology exam as it makes up for 8-10% of the content in the multiple choice and free response questions. However, understanding the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each research method is only half of mastering this subject. The other half is understanding in concrete and practical terms how the research methods have been applied to studies in different fields of psychology. In this AP® Psychology crash course review, we will see three correlational study examples that have contributed to the history of psychology, changing the way we perceive our nature, our personality, and our health.

Review: What is a Correlational Study and why is it Important?

Psychology is a science, and like any other, its knowledge must be scientifically obtained, verified and validated. For this, psychologists conduct three types of research:

• Experimental research – the most empirical type of research, where variables can be manipulated in laboratory conditions and different situations can be studied and compared to establish relations of cause and effect between variables.
• Clinical research – done through case studies under the premise that certain individual characteristics can be generalized to the rest of the population.
• Correlational research – seeks the relationship between two variables. The necessary data is gathered through surveys (questionnaires and interviews), archival research (past studies that present the data) and naturalistic observation (observation of the phenomena as they naturally happen, without intervening). The data is then statistically analyzed to verify the relationship between the variables.

The correlation between the variables is shown through a value that goes from -1.00 to +1.00. This value is called the correlational coefficient . When the correlational coefficient is close to +1.00, there is a positive correlation between the variables. In other words, an increase in X accompanies an increase in Y. When the correlational coefficient is close to -1.00, there is a negative correlation between the variables or an increase in X is followed by a decrease in Y. And when the correlational coefficient is close to 0.00 there is no relationship between the variables. The closer the value is to +1.00 or -1.00, the strongest the relationship is. We will see real examples of this later on this post.

Now, the most important thing to remember about correlational studies is that correlation does not imply causation . For example, let’s say that “marriage” has a negative correlation with “cancer,” meaning that people who are married are less likely to develop cancer throughout their lives than those who remain single. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one causes the other or that marriage directly avoids cancer. Maybe one variable does cause the other, but even if it does, in correlational studies it is not possible to determine the direction of causation or what is causing what. And it could also be that a third unknown variable is what causes the correlation. Keep this in mind as we see the correlational study examples.

You might be wondering: if correlational studies only show this – correlations – why are they important in the first place if you could just conduct an experiment manipulating the relevant variables and getting to more solid conclusions?

Indeed, the disadvantages of correlational studies are that they cannot establish causal relationships nor direction of causal influence, there is no control of the variables, they don’t explain behavior, and they could result in illusory correlations. Illusory correlation is when there is a perceived relationship between variables that does not exist, like “a higher ice cream consumption leads to higher crime rate.”

On the other hand, one of the main advantages of a correlational study is that it is a useful way to describe and analyze data especially in cases where experimental research would lead to ethical issues. Take for instance a research that aims to investigate the relationship between child abuse and coping abilities later in adulthood. You obviously can’t take a random group of healthy children and expose them to abusive or traumatic situations to compare it with a control group. In the earlier stages of psychology, researchers could get away with teaching a phobia to a baby or leading participants to think they had electrocuted someone to death and get away with it in the name of science. Such practices are no longer acceptable, and correlational studies play an important role in developing knowledge in psychology.

Other advantages are that correlational studies are usually less expensive and easier to conduct than experiments and they allow for general predictions. They can also represent the first steps in a new field of research, leading to further studies and advances.

Now that you’ve reviewed the main concepts of correlational studies and why they matter, let’s see three important research examples in different fields of psychology and understand how all of this comes to life!

Study #1: Biological Basis of Behavior – A Debate on Nature Versus Nurture

We can easily think of how our genetics influence physical traits like height, hair and eye color. But have you ever considered that your genetics might also play a big role on psychological traits like personality and interests? In 1990 psychologists Thomas Bouchard, David Lykken, and their associates investigated the influence our genes have in psychological attributes. This was hard research to accept at the time considering that for the past fifty years, psychology was mainly focused on behaviorism and how the environment determines behavior. Bouchard and Lykken’s study brought the debate of nature versus nurture back to the spotlight, determined to clarify the genes’ and the environment’s role in who we are.

For this, Bouchard and Lykken conducted a study with monozygotic twins (identical twins) who had been separated at birth and raised in different environments and compared the results with identical twins who had been raised together. Note that this is a study in which one couldn’t simply replicate the situation in laboratory conditions, so a correlational study was the best way to analyze the data of real individuals in this situation.

Bouchard and Lykken gathered a huge amount of data from each pair of twins. They used a variety of personality trait scales, aptitude and occupational interest inventories, intelligence tests, family environment scales and interviews. At the end of the first part of the research, Bouchard and Lykken had information concerning the twins’ physiological traits, intelligence, personality, psychological interests and social attitudes. Next, Bouchard and Lykken analyzed the correlation between the twins in all these fields.

The results were surprising. If the environment were responsible for individual differences, identical twins reared together should be more similar than identical twins reared apart. However, that was not what the results showed. Both categories of twins had a very similar correlational coefficient that neared +1.00. This means that regardless of having being raised in the same or different environments, each person was very similar to his twin in all traits.

Based on this we can say that genetic factors strongly influence human behavior in a variety of ways, both physiological and psychological. This could be seen as a problematic conclusion since we like to put so much importance on environmental factors like education and parenting as if that alone determined who we grow to be, what interests we develop, what careers we choose and so on. However, it is not the case for giving up on all our efforts in life thinking that eventually the genes will just take over and determine our fate.

Bouchard and Lykken emphasize that although intelligence is mainly determined by genetic factors, it can still be enhanced by experiences. Approximately 70% of intelligence is genetically determined, which means there is still 30% that can be worked on or ignored in the environment, either at home with parents or at school with teachers and mentors.

The same can be applied to the other traits. For example, even if your genes hold a natural strength towards communication skills, none of it will matter if you don’t get an opportunity in your environment to make that skill emerge and develop. Recent research on identical twins shows that the older the twins, the more similar they are. Another way to say this is that the more experiences you have, the more your genes can be expressed.

As human beings, we are determined by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. We are nature and nurture. Genes don’t mean destiny, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore their influences on our physiological and psychological characteristics. Let’s truly understand the components of our behavior and overcome the genes versus environment dichotomy.

Study #2: Personality – Who is in Control of Your Life?

Do you think your actions are what matter the most for the outcome of your life? Or do you think that external forces like fate and luck have a major influence in the paths you take? This kind of personal belief, called  locus of control , is associated with all sorts of behaviors we show in different areas of life. The locus of control and its influence on behavior was first studied by the influential psychologist and behaviorist  Julian Rotter in 1966.

Rotter proposed that the way individuals interpret what happens to them and where they put the responsibility for the events in their lives is an important part of the personality that can be used to predict tendencies in certain behaviors. When a person attributes the consequences of their behavior to factors such as luck, fate, and other greater forces, this person believes in an external locus of control . On the other hand, a person that identifies the consequences of her behavior to her own actions believes in an  internal locus of control .

To measure locus of control, Rotter developed a scale called I-E Scale, where “I” stands for “Internal” and “E” for “External.” The scale contains many pairs of statements, and the participant must choose the one that best fits his beliefs. A few examples of the pair of statements are “Many of the unhappy things in people’s lives are partly due to bad luck” versus “People’s misfortunes result from the mistakes they make,” and “Becoming a success is a matter of hard work; luck has little or nothing to do with it” versus “Getting a good job depends mainly on being in the right place at the right time.”

After measuring the locus of control of a relevant quantity of participants, Rotter analyzed the correlation between internal or external locus of control and behaviors such as gambling, persuasion, smoking and achievement motivation. His findings demonstrated that:

• External individuals are more likely to gamble on risky bets while internal individuals prefer “sure things” and moderate odds on the long run.

• Internal individuals are more efficient on persuading peers to change their attitudes and more resistant to manipulation than external individuals.

• Because an internal locus of control is related to self-control, smokers tend to be significantly more external oriented. Those who successfully quit smoking are more internally oriented.

• Internal individuals are more motivated to achieve success than those who believe their lives are ruled by forces outside of their control. Examples of achievements included plans to attend college and time spent on homework.

So translating into terms of correlational studies, there was, for example, a strong correlation between “internal locus of control” and “achievement motivation,” as the correlation coefficient between these two variables neared +1.00.

Furthermore, Rotter identified three sources for the development of an external or internal locus of control: cultural differences, socioeconomic differences, and parenting style. In conclusion, Rotter proposed that locus of control is an important component of personality that explains the differences in behavior between two people who are faced with the same situation. This belief determines the way we interpret the consequences of our behavior and influences the actions we take in our lives.

Study #3: Motivation and Emotion – The Effects of Stress on Our Health

Nowadays it’s almost common sense that stress has an impact on our health, but this was not always an easily accepted idea. In 1967, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe  studied the correlation between stress and illness. This was a psychosomatic  research because it studied the connection between psychological factors and physical problems.

Since it wouldn’t be ethical to put people under stressful situations to study whether or not they developed more health problems than a comfortable control group, this research was made using the correlational method. First, Holmes and Rahe designed a scale to measure stress in a variety of life situations, which included both happy and unhappy events, like Christmas and death of a spouse. This was because, according to Holmes and Rahe, stress happens in any situation where there is a need for psychological readjustment. This scale was called the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). After having a huge amount of participants answer the scale, Holmes and Rahe studied the correlations between high levels of stress and illnesses.

As you may have already predicted, a strong positive correlation between stress and illness was found. The participants who had had a low level of stress in the past six months reported an average of 1.4 illnesses for the same period. A medium level of stress had an average of 1.9 illnesses and a high level of stress, 2.1 illnesses.

However, we also know that stress is only one component that influences health, and the connection between stress and illness is way more complex than a correlational study can show. Aware of that, Holmes and Rahe cited other factors that must be taken into consideration to help predict psychosomatic problems. They are:

• Your experience with stressful events

• Your coping skills

• The strength of your immune system

• Your way of dealing with health problems when they occur

Psychologists and doctors now recognize that the vast majority of illnesses are influenced by psychological factors, either at their development or in the way they are treated. This puts an end to Descartes’ classical view of split mind and body. Humans are complex beings, who must be understood and treated in their wholeness for an efficient prevention of illness and promotion of health.

So what do you think of each of these correlational study examples? They are in different areas of psychology (Biological Bases of Behavior, Personality, and Motivation and Emotion), so you can encounter this type of research in many questions of the AP® Psychology exam. How do you understand the influence of genetics on your behavior? Is your locus of control more internal or external? What examples of psychosomatic problems have you seen in your day to day experience? Share in the comments below!

Let’s put everything into practice. Try this AP® Psychology practice question:

Looking for more AP® Psychology practice?

Check out our other articles on  AP® Psychology .

You can also find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery of AP Psychology.

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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.

Get started today

Go from raw data to valuable insights with a flexible research platform

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Navigating AP Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're interested in unraveling the complexities of the human mind and behavior, Advanced Placement (AP) Psychology might be the perfect subject for you!

In this blog post, we'll dive into AP Psychology , covering everything from the course overview to exam scores and preparation strategies.

AP Subject Overview

AP Psychology is a captivating course that focuses on the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Through this course, you will explore various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods.

Before taking the exam, you are expected to have a solid grasp of fundamental psychological concepts such as research methods, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, and motivation.

The AP Psychology course content is as follows:

• Unit 1: Scientific Foundations of Psychology
• Unit 2: Biological Bases of Behavior
• Unit 3: Sensation and Perception
• Unit 4: Learning
• Unit 5: Cognitive Psychology
• Unit 6: Developmental Psychology
• Unit 7: Motivation, Emotion, and Personality
• Unit 8: Clinical Psychology
• Unit 9: Social Psychology

If you're looking to enhance your understanding of these topics, consider enrolling in the AP Psychology class offered by Crimson Global Academy .

Exam Overview

The AP Psychology exam is a rigorous assessment designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of psychological principles. The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice and free-response.

Exam Structure

Special rules and policies for the exam include restrictions on calculators and equation sheets . It's essential for students to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to avoid any discrepancies during the exam.

Exam Scoring

The AP Psychology exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score . Many U.S. colleges grant credit and/or advanced placement for scores of 3 and above, allowing you to skip the equivalent course once you get to college. It's important to familiarize yourself with your school's policy regarding AP credit eligibility.

The scoring breakdown is as follows:

Below is the 2023 AP Psychology exam score distribution :

How to Prepare for the Exam

Preparing for the AP Psychology exam requires a strategic approach and consistent effort. Here are some expert tips to help you excel:

• Understand the Course Content : Gain a deep grasp of the curriculum and ensure a solid understanding of key concepts and theories.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Take advantage of practice tests and previous test questions . Review materials in depth to gauge your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
• Utilize Resources : Explore online resources, textbooks, and review books to supplement your learning and reinforce key concepts.
• Seek Support : Consider enrolling in AP online tutoring services, such as those offered by Crimson , to receive personalized guidance and support from experienced tutors.

By following these tips and dedicating yourself to consistent study, you'll be well-prepared to tackle AP exams with confidence.

AP Psychology offers a captivating exploration of human behavior and mental processes . Broken into nine units, the course explores various psychological concepts, theories, and research methods.

With dedication to understanding the course content and strategic exam preparation, students can confidently approach the AP Psychology exam.

Whether pursuing a career in psychology or simply fascinated by the workings of the mind, AP Psychology provides an excellent opportunity to explore the field and showcase your academic prowess.

Similar Guides

• AP US History
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Physics 1

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189+ Best AP Seminar Research Topics For Students [2024 Updated]

Before knowing about the Best AP seminar research topics, first you know what is an AP Seminar. It is a high school class that teaches students how to do research projects and give presentations. Students get to pick their own topics to study about. Doing their own research project helps teach them important skills. 

Some good questions for students to ask are: How is technology changing the way people think or live? What problems are happening in our country that need to be fixed? What helps students learn better and be happier in school? There are so many interesting ideas that students could research more about. Finding answers takes time and effort. However, good research helps students learn about real-world issues. It also helps them practice thinking critically, gathering facts, and making arguments. 

Students may discover they care a lot about good qualitative research topics like climate change, fake news, poverty, or mental health challenges. Their research projects can create positive change in their school or neighborhood. In the end, letting students study a research problem that matters to them gets them excited about learning.

Table of Contents

What Are The Best Ap Seminar Research Topics?

AP Research is the second course in the AP Capstone program. In AP Research, students choose an independent research question on a topic of personal interest to them. The goal is to conduct scholarly academic research on that question, analyze perspectives and evidence about it, and develop their own arguments or solutions to contribute to academic understanding. 

Strong AP Research topics reflect issues, theories, trends, policies, frameworks, or concepts that have significance in academic fields or the real world. The objective is for students to perform at an introductory college research level as they investigate meaningful scholarly problems and communicate evidence-based conclusions. In the end, AP Research allows students to gain transferable critical thinking abilities while producing original research on compelling topics.

How To Write A Good AP Research Paper?

Here are some key tips for writing a strong AP Research academic paper:

1. Choosing a Research Topic

Choose a focused, complex research question that offers perspective. Avoid broad, generalized topics. Your analysis should work towards answering some central tension. Build on academic understanding in a discipline but analyze the issue through your own curious lens.

2. Research, Analysis and Evaluation

Convey extensive, balanced research with proper source citations. Thoroughly analyze credible scholarly sources reflecting varied perspectives to develop nuanced insight into your problem’s dimensions. Synthesize connections and contradictions in detailed notes.

3. Establishing Logical Flow

Establish a logical, coherent flow between the central research question, investigative process, evidence gathered, your analysis of patterns/integral relationships, and the conclusions your reasoning supports. Each section preempts the next.

4. Constructing a Persuasive Argument

Craft an authentic argument that takes a perspective. Your distinct voice and position should emerge from the evidence’s logical implications. Offer personal interpretation, evaluation, explanation, and future questions.

5. Academic Writing Style and Conventions

Use proper academic writing tone, genre moves, transitions, terminology, and attribution. Strive for precision balanced with comprehensibility when defining concepts. Introduce scholars contextually. Design visual, quantitative, and qualitative elements like graphs, survey data, interview excerpts, or images to make salient points and diversify evidence types for legitimacy. Tables/figures should supplement the text.

6. Impact and Implications

Demonstrate deep analytical insight through discussion, not just description. Comment on research limitations. Address counter positions fairly. Conclude with significance beyond the paper. How might your inquiry change research or real-world understandings? What next investigative steps could advance the field?

List of Best AP Seminar Research Topics For Students

These are the Best AP Seminar Research Topics For Students:

Best AP Seminar Research Topics

Here are some compelling and contemporary AP Seminar group research topics:

Technology and Society

• Digital Privacy vs Security: Evaluating Data Collection Laws
• Assessing Solutions for the Digital Divide’s Educational Impacts

Health and Equity

• Reforming Incarceration Policies to Advance Rehabilitation
• Examining Causes and Remedies for Medical Bias against Minorities

Politics and Media

• Evaluating Factors Driving Youth Political Engagement
• Mitigating Media Bias and Partisan Selective Exposure

Sustainability and Innovation

• Advancing Renewable Energy Adoption Through Public Initiatives

Transforming Food Systems for Planetary and Public Health

• Improving Representation in Arts Institutions and Public Spaces
• Making Workplaces More Inclusive for People with Disabilities

Economics and Equality

• Tackling Homelessness: Social, Economic and Policy Dimensions
• Alternatives to Standardized Testing for College Admissions

Good AP Seminar Research Topics For Students

Here are some additional examples of good AP Seminar group research topics:

• Evaluating media literacy solutions to combat online misinformation
• Assessing criminal justice reforms to address biases and mass incarceration
• Improving access, diversity, and affordability in higher education
• Tackling mental health challenges increased by social media pressures
• Preserving digital privacy rights while investigating cyber threats
• Promoting equitable access to emerging technologies like AI and genomics
• Empowering voters through election transparency and accessibility laws
• Advancing renewable energy through public-private adoption initiatives
• Making cities more habitable and connected via smart transportation
• Supporting sustainable local food systems and urban farming enterprises
• Protecting consumers, workers from abusive practices by tech giants
• Mitigating partisan selective exposure through balanced news algorithms
• Safeguarding creative arts funding despite economic constraints
• Enhancing workplace accommodations and inclusivity for disabled people
• Addressing root societal causes behind “deaths of despair” in marginalized demographics

AP Capstone Research Topics

Here are some thought-provoking AP Capstone research topics that allow for in-depth critical analysis:

• Assessing algorithmic bias – analyzing emergent AI ethics issues around data, automation, and inequality
• Evaluating media literacy solutions to combat political tribalism and fake news proliferation
• Examining criminal justice policy reforms to make the system more equitable and rehabilitative
• Questioning the economics, accessibility, and outcomes of higher education and student debt
• Balancing digital privacy rights with national security in government surveillance policy
• Ensuring equitable access to genetic technologies and precision medicine breakthroughs
• Empowering voter participation through election system transparency and security upgrades
• Accelerating renewable energy innovation and infrastructure through public-private partnerships
• Rethinking urban design and smart cities to promote connected, sustainable communities
• Transforming unjust traditional food production models via urban agriculture and permaculture
• Evaluating the societal impacts of increasing automation and the future of work
• Safeguarding creative arts, humanities, and culture funding in economically driven climates
• Promoting inclusion, access, and lead user innovation for Americans with disabilities

Current AP Seminar Research Topics For Students

Here are some current, relevant AP Seminar group research topics that allow students to analyze interesting real-world issues:

• Evaluating solutions for balancing student mental health and academic pressure
• Assessing how social media algorithms radicalize users through confirmation bias
• Analyzing police reform efforts focused on de-escalation training and accountability
• Questioning the effectiveness of COVID-19 public Health messaging across media formats
• Protecting privacy rights regarding facial recognition and surveillance technologies
• Ensuring equitable access to digital connectivity and emerging web3 platforms
• Empowering youth voter turnout through election engagement initiatives
• Accelerating renewable energy adoption via community microgrid projects
• Rethinking urban planning through sustainability and green space lenses
• Transforming inequitable healthcare systems exacerbating health disparities
• Evaluating artist/musician compensation models in the streaming economy
• Promoting inclusion for neurodiverse students through Universal Design for Learning
• Understanding causes/solutions around increasing youth isolation/radicalization
• Assessing corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting integrity

Science AP Seminar Research Topics

Here are some compelling science-related AP Seminar group research topics:

• Assessing solutions for reducing implicit gender biases in STEM fields
• Evaluating the effectiveness of varied science communication methods to improve public understanding
• Exploring controversies around data transparency in public health modeling research
• Analyzing privacy vs. innovation tensions in genomics technology and testing services
• Investigating more equitable machine learning development through inclusive coding
• Promoting biodiversity conservation through community citizen science initiatives
• Evaluating controversies surrounding GMO safety regulation and labeling
• Enhancing resilience of marine ecosystems through sustainable fishing reforms
• Assessing renewable energy storage solutions to stabilize clean power grids
• Understanding public skepticism of science and proposed remedies
• Balancing open access to research while protecting intellectual property
• Inspiring girls’ pursuit of STEM careers through media representation
• Preparing society for potential ethical issues arising in human enhancement technologies
• Exploring approaches for making chemistry “green” and environmentally sustainable

Simple AP Research Paper Topics

Ap research ideas for social media, interesting ap seminar topics for students, great ap seminar research questions, good ap seminar topics, most leading ap research paper topics, ap environmental science research topics, hot ap psychology research topics, ap microeconomics topic ideas, our latest ap research paper topics, ap us history research paper topics, top ap capstone research topics, ap chemistry research topics, ap world history research paper topics, ap computer science topics:, complex ap seminar research topics:, ap biology research topics:.

In the end, these research topics cover many different subjects for AP Seminar. They let students explore important things happening in our world. Some Best AP Seminar Research Topics are about computers and how they’re changing, like artificial intelligence and keeping things safe online. Others are more complicated, talking about big issues in society, like how different cultures work together or the problems we face globally.

If you’re interested in computers, you can look at how smart technology affects our lives or how we keep our information safe. If you prefer big-picture ideas, you might explore how different countries talk to each other or how our environment is changing.

In biology, you could learn about genes and why some illnesses happen or how our environment affects animals and plants.

All these topics are like doors to open and learn new things. They’re not just about school – they’re about understanding our world better. So, when you pick a topic, you’re not just doing homework; you’re becoming someone who knows more about the world and can think about important things in a smart way.

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