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The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology

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

social psychology research topics reddit

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Social Cognition

Violence and aggression, prosocial behavior, prejudice and discrimination.

  • Social Identity

Group Behavior

Social influence, interpersonal relationships.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attitudes and Attitude Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some questions that social psychologists explore include:

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

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

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

Self and Social Identity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social psychologists often look at topics such as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some research questions that social psychologists might explore include:

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

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

A Word From Verywell

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

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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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Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before and during the coronavirus pandemic

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T1 - Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before and during the coronavirus pandemic

AU - Manova, Viktoriya

AU - Grosso, Francesca

AU - Khoury, Bassam

AU - Pagnini, Francesco

N2 - Social media platforms such as Reddit allow users to share information and find support about different topics. The present research investigated the topics, sentiments, and emotions discussed in a subreddit about social anxiety prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to discover latent topics from the data. Sentiment and emotion analyses were performed on the posts and comments associated with each topic. Two-proportions z-tests were computed to investigate whether the percentage of positive, negative, and neutral sentiments expressed in posts and comments for each topic differed between the period prior to and during COVID-19. Thirteen topics about social interactions, coping mechanisms, and physiological and cognitive aspects of social anxiety emerged: (1) Miscellaneous, (2) Interacting with others, (3) Family and time, (4) Medication and receiving help, (5) Physical features and appearance, (6) At work, (7) Physical sensations and cognitive aspects, (8) School activities, (9) Dating, (10) Communicating and asking questions, (11) Social media, (12) Stressful behaviors, and (13) Substances. There was no difference in the sentiment of posts and comments between the two time periods, with the exception of a few topics for which there were more neutral comments and fewer positive comments prior to the pandemic. The three most prominent emotions expressed were anticipation, trust, and fear. These findings inform on the topics discussed in an online community about social anxiety, and on differences in the sentiment expressed about those topics prior to and during the pandemic. Future research can investigate causal associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and online discussions about social anxiety, as well as the clinical implications of interacting in such online communities for individuals struggling with social anxiety.

AB - Social media platforms such as Reddit allow users to share information and find support about different topics. The present research investigated the topics, sentiments, and emotions discussed in a subreddit about social anxiety prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to discover latent topics from the data. Sentiment and emotion analyses were performed on the posts and comments associated with each topic. Two-proportions z-tests were computed to investigate whether the percentage of positive, negative, and neutral sentiments expressed in posts and comments for each topic differed between the period prior to and during COVID-19. Thirteen topics about social interactions, coping mechanisms, and physiological and cognitive aspects of social anxiety emerged: (1) Miscellaneous, (2) Interacting with others, (3) Family and time, (4) Medication and receiving help, (5) Physical features and appearance, (6) At work, (7) Physical sensations and cognitive aspects, (8) School activities, (9) Dating, (10) Communicating and asking questions, (11) Social media, (12) Stressful behaviors, and (13) Substances. There was no difference in the sentiment of posts and comments between the two time periods, with the exception of a few topics for which there were more neutral comments and fewer positive comments prior to the pandemic. The three most prominent emotions expressed were anticipation, trust, and fear. These findings inform on the topics discussed in an online community about social anxiety, and on differences in the sentiment expressed about those topics prior to and during the pandemic. Future research can investigate causal associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and online discussions about social anxiety, as well as the clinical implications of interacting in such online communities for individuals struggling with social anxiety.

KW - Pandemic

KW - Anxiety

UR - http://hdl.handle.net/10807/274234

U2 - 10.1007/s12144-024-05891-z

DO - 10.1007/s12144-024-05891-z

M3 - Article

SN - 1046-1310

JO - Current Psychology

JF - Current Psychology

Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before and during the coronavirus pandemic

  • Published: 11 April 2024

Cite this article

social psychology research topics reddit

  • Viktoriya Manova   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6264-1853 1 ,
  • Francesca Grosso 2 , 3 ,
  • Bassam Khoury 1 &
  • Francesco Pagnini 2  

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Social media platforms such as Reddit allow users to share information and find support about different topics. The present research investigated the topics, sentiments, and emotions discussed in a subreddit about social anxiety prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to discover latent topics from the data. Sentiment and emotion analyses were performed on the posts and comments associated with each topic. Two-proportions z-tests were computed to investigate whether the percentage of positive, negative, and neutral sentiments expressed in posts and comments for each topic differed between the period prior to and during COVID-19. Thirteen topics about social interactions, coping mechanisms, and physiological and cognitive aspects of social anxiety emerged: (1) Miscellaneous, (2) Interacting with others, (3) Family and time, (4) Medication and receiving help, (5) Physical features and appearance, (6) At work, (7) Physical sensations and cognitive aspects, (8) School activities, (9) Dating, (10) Communicating and asking questions, (11) Social media, (12) Stressful behaviors, and (13) Substances. There was no difference in the sentiment of posts and comments between the two time periods, with the exception of a few topics for which there were more neutral comments and fewer positive comments prior to the pandemic. The three most prominent emotions expressed were anticipation, trust, and fear. These findings inform on the topics discussed in an online community about social anxiety, and on differences in the sentiment expressed about those topics prior to and during the pandemic. Future research can investigate causal associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and online discussions about social anxiety, as well as the clinical implications of interacting in such online communities for individuals struggling with social anxiety.

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The data supporting the findings of this study is publicly available on the Reddit platform and is accessible through Reddit’s Application Programming Interface (API). The data is also available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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Manova, V., Grosso, F., Khoury, B. et al. Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before and during the coronavirus pandemic. Curr Psychol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-05891-z

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Psychology Unlocked

The free online psychology textbook, social psychology research topics.

January 24, 2017 Daniel Edward Blog , Social Psychology 0

social psychology research topics

Whether you’re looking for social psychology research topics for your A-Level or AP Psychology class, or considering a research question to explore for your Psychology PhD, the Psychology Unlocked list of social psychology research topics provides you with a strong list of possible avenues to explore.

Where possible we include links to university departments seeking PhD applications for certain projects. Even if you are not yet considering PhD options, these links may prove useful to you in developing your undergraduate or masters dissertation.

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What social factors are involved with the development of aggressive thoughts and behaviours? Is aggression socially-defined? Do different societies have differing definitions of aggression?

There has recently been a significant amount of research conducted on the influence of video games and television on aggression and violent behaviour.

Some research has been based on high-profile case studies, such as the aggressive murder of Jamie Bulger in 1993 by two children (Robert Thompson and Jon Venables). There is also a significant body  of experimental research.

Attachment and Relationships

This is a huge area of research with lots of crossover into developmental psychology. What draws people together? How do people connect emotionally? What is love? What is friendship? What happens if someone doesn’t form an attachment with a parental figure?

This area includes research on attachment styles (at various stages of life), theories of love, friendship and attraction.

Attitudes and Attitude Change

Attitudes are a relatively enduring and general evaluation of something. Individuals hold attitudes on everything in life, from other people to inanimate objects, groups to ideologies.

Attitudes are thought to involve three components: (1) affective (to do with emotions), (2) behavioural, and (3) cognitive (to do with thoughts).

Research on attitudes can be closely linked to Prejudice (see below).

Authority and Leadership

Perhaps the most famous study of authority is Milgram’s (1961) Obedience to Authority . This research area has grown into a far-reaching and influential topic.

Research considers both positive and negative elements of authority, and applied psychology studies consider the role of authority in a particular social setting, such as advertising, in the workplace, or in a classroom.

The Psychology of Crowds (Le Bon, 1895) paved a path for a fascinating area of social psychology that considers the social group as an active player.

Groups tend to act differently from individuals, and specific individuals will act differently depending on the group they are in.

Social psychology research topics about groups consider group dynamics, leadership (see above), group-think and decision-making, intra-group and inter-group conflict, identities (see below) and prejudices (see below).

Gordon Allport’s (1979) ‘The Nature of Prejudice’ is a seminal piece on group stereotyping and discrimination.

Social psychologists consider what leads to the formation of stereotypes and prejudices. How and why are prejudices used? Why do we maintain inaccurate stereotypes? What are the benefits and costs of prejudice?

This interesting blog post on the BPS Digest Blog may provide some inspiration for research into prejudice and political uncertainty.

Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour

Behaviours are only pro- or anti-social because of social norms that suggest so. Social Psychologists therefore investigate the roots of these behaviours as well as considering what happens when social norms are ignored.

Within this area of social psychology, researchers may consider why people help others (strangers as well as well as known others). Another interesting question regards the factors that might deter an individual from acting pro-socially, even if they are aware that a behaviour is ‘the right thing to do’.

The bystander effect is one such example of social inaction.

Self and Social Identity

Tajfel and Turner (1979) proposed Social Identity Theory and a large body of research has developed out of the concepts of self and social identity (or identities).

Questions in this area include: what is identity? What is the self? Does a social identity remain the same across time and space? What are the contributory factors to an individual’s social identity?

Zimbardo’s (1972)  Stanford Prison Experiment famously considered the role of social identities.

Research in this area also links with work on groups (see above), social cognition (see below), and prejudices (see above).

Social Cognition

Social cognition regards the way we think and use information. It is the cross-over point between the fields of social and cognitive psychology.

Perhaps the most famous concept in this area is that of schemas – general ideas about the world, which allow us to make sense of new (and old) information quickly.

Social cognition also includes those considering heuristics (mental shortcuts) and some cognitive biases.

Social Influence

This is one of the first areas of social psychology that most students learn. Remember the social conformity work by Asch (1951) on the length of lines?

Other social psychology research topics within this area include persuasion and peer-pressure.

Social Representations

Social Representations (Moscovici, 1961) ‘make something unfamiliar, or unfamiliarity itself, familiar’ (Moscovici, 1984). This is a theory with its academic roots in Durkheim’s theory of collective representations.

Researchers working within this framework consider the social role of knowledge. How does information translate from the scientific realm of expert knowledge to the socially accessible realm of the layperson? How do we make sense of new information? How do we organise separate and distinct facts in a way that make sense to our needs?

One of the most famous studies using Social Representations Theory is Jodelet’s (1991) study of madness.

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11 social psychology research topics to explore in 2024

Last updated

6 March 2024

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Social psychology is a constantly evolving field of study. It explores how our environment and other people influence our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and goals. Social psychology uncovers how social interaction, perception, and influence impact individuals and groups. 

Taking a specific path to follow your interests and learn more about available areas can narrow your focus to find the ideal research project. 

Let’s take a look at current topics in social psychology to inspire your research. 

  • Understanding social psychology research

Psychologists conduct experiments to better understand how different environmental factors and the influence of other people shape feelings and behaviors. 

Research projects explore various topics, from how a position of power can change behavior to the impact of positive social interactions. 

Various research designs allow researchers to develop projects that range from observational to experimental. 

What is an example of social psychology research?

Zimbardo randomly assigned college students the roles of prison guards or prisoners in a simulated prison environment. Despite knowing their roles were random, the guards exhibited increasing cruelty towards the prisoners. 

Researchers halted the study after six days due to extreme psychological distress. It revealed the profound impact of social roles and situations on human behavior, highlighting how people can adopt negative behaviors when given authority, even in a controlled setting.

  • How to choose social psychology research topics

Social psychology is a diverse, highly studied area of science, so developing a unique project on a relevant topic can be challenging. 

When choosing a subject, begin by exploring your interests. After considering questions you'd like answers to and topics that intrigue you, narrow your scope. Explore specific areas of research, research designs, and subtopics. 

Once you've narrowed down your choices, seek literature and past studies on the subject. Consider how past research can raise additional questions about the topic. 

Develop your ideas by determining how to measure and test your research questions. 

Once you have a firm plan for your project, talk to your instructor for advice and approval before launching your studies. 

  • Social psychology research topics

Social psychology has many nuances that influence human beliefs and behavior. Various elements of situations and relationships affect short- and long-term emotions and actions. 

The major research areas in social psychology are an ideal starting point to investigate as part of a psychology research project. 

These key focus areas within social psychology can be compelling psychology research topics:

1. Attitudes and attitude change

Research projects surrounding attitudes generally examine the components of attitudes and how they develop and can be changed. 

The three components of attitude are affective, behavioral, and cognitive. They’re also known as the ABCs. 

We form attitudes through a combination of upbringing, experience, and genetics. People can self-measure them in surveys or through researchers’ observations. 

Attitudes can change due to influence and environmental factors. They hugely affect human behavior, making them an important research topic in social psychology.

2. Attachment and relationships

Social connections shape our lives from the earliest moments, taking various forms that significantly impact our well-being. These connections have numerous advantages, such as heightened happiness and satisfaction. 

Social psychology explores these connections, examining diverse attachment styles to explain love, friendship, and attraction. 

Research in this domain investigates the repercussions of poorly formed social bonds and seeks to answer questions about how relationships influence group behavior. 

Additionally, studies in social psychology dissect the elements contributing to attraction, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape our social bonds and interactions. 

3. Authority and leadership

As revealed in the Stanford Experiment, authority can directly affect behavior. 

However, social psychology can further delve into the dynamics of people interacting with those in leadership roles. 

Milgram's Obedience to Authority study exemplifies this exploration. Stanley Milgram wanted to investigate how easily authority figures could influence people to commit atrocities.

In this study, participants assumed the role of teachers administering electric shocks to learners for incorrect answers. 65% delivered 450 volts of electricity under the directive of an authority figure. 

Research can consider the positive or negative elements of authority based on specific applications, settings, and environments. 

For example, we might consider obedience to authority positive in the workplace or classroom.

Social psychology research about groups delves into how behavior changes in group settings. 

Groups form for various reasons, and everything from leadership to group dynamics can impact how people behave. These behavioral changes can be beneficial or harmful. 

Research into group behavior can focus on decision-making, internal conflicts, conflicts with other groups, how groups affect individual identities, and much more. 

Studies can also investigate how positive group behaviors can influence someone. 

5. Prejudice

Prejudice and discrimination take different forms, which people may not be aware of. The origin and consequences of prejudice present many topics of study for researchers. 

Topics related to how prejudices form and why people maintain inaccurate stereotypes can uncover why people depend on stereotypes to make decisions. 

Many studies focus on the effects of discrimination and how to reduce prejudice. 

Research in this category can overlap with many other categories. For instance, group behavior and social influences can contribute to the formation of stereotypes and social categorization. 

6. Self and social identity

Many elements form the human perception of self. How we perceive ourselves may be substantially different from the viewpoint of others. 

Social psychologists are interested in learning how a person’s self-perception can influence factors like behavior and internal feelings like confidence. 

Our concept of self derives from various sources, such as abilities, social comparisons, interactions with others, and status. 

Researching how the perception of the inner self impacts social behaviors can unveil how social factors influence critical feelings like self-esteem. 

7. Pro- and anti-social behavior

How people’s social surroundings impact the way they respond to certain situations is defined as pro- or anti-social behavior. 

Positive and negative behaviors are based on accepted social norms. How someone responds during a specific event can reinforce or undermine those norms. 

For example, helping a stranger is prosocial, while vandalism is antisocial behavior. 

Studies have shown that prosocial behavior is contagious: Those who experience or observe it are more likely to help others. 

Antisocial behavior can have a similar effect but in a negative direction. Observing seemingly harmless acts, like littering and graffiti, can weaken social norms. This potentially invites more dangerous antisocial behavior.

Researchers can elaborate on this knowledge to consider why people help others without considering personal costs. They can also dig into what deters someone from taking an action they know is "the right thing to do." 

Exploring how society impacts positive and negative behaviors can shed light on ways to reduce negative behavior.

8. Social influence

Persuasion, peer pressure, obedience, and conformity are all forms of social influence. Like other areas of social psychology, these influences can be positive or negative. 

One of the earliest studies on social influence was Soloman Asch’s Conformity Line Experiment . 

Researchers put a participant in a test with seven conformists without knowing the conformists weren't true participants. Researchers asked them to compare the image of a target line with lines A, B, and C on another image. 

Early in the experiment, all conformists answered correctly, followed by the participant, who was always last. 

After a few rounds, the conformists began to provide wrong answers unanimously. On average, about a third of participants followed along with conformists to confirm clearly incorrect answers. 75% of participants confirmed at least one wrong answer. 

The control group had no conformists. Less than 1% of participants gave the wrong answer. 

Doctor and author Robert Cialdini takes the concept of influence further. He identified six universal principles of influence and persuasion to help people defend against dishonest influences. 

His studies conclude that these influences can sway people:

Reciprocation: The feeling we should repay what someone has provided

Social proof: When unsure about a decision, we follow the actions of others 

Liking: We generally agree with people we like and want them to agree with us

Authority: We are more likely to say yes to authority figures

Scarcity: We want more of what is less available

Commitment and consistency: Once we make a choice, we follow it with corresponding actions to justify the decision (even if we no longer believe in the choice)

Researchers can study how social influence guides the decision-making process and explore the positive and negative effects of conformity. Other experiments can explore the consequences of peer pressure and whether it can be beneficial. 

9. Social cognition

In the most basic sense, cognition is the brain gathering and understanding knowledge through sensations, thoughts, and experiences. It allows us to make sense of new information. 

Social cognition is how the brain processes information about individuals and groups of people. It includes the role of heuristics . These mental shortcuts enable us to function without constantly stopping to interpret everything in the environment. 

Research under the umbrella of social cognition can explore first impressions, how appearance affects our judgment, and how social interactions affect behavior. 

These studies can help psychologists understand how someone’s perception of social norms affects their self-image and behavior.

10. Violence and aggression

Exploration into violence and aggression attempts to better understand the factors and situations that cause aggression and how it impacts behaviors. 

Several types of aggressive behavior exist, ranging from gossiping to physical violence. Studies in this area examine the different types of aggression and the variables contributing to aggressive behavior. 

For instance, a pattern of aggression may relate to witnessing the behavior of a family member or traumatic experiences. Conversely, situational variables may trigger a single incidence of aggression.

A greater understanding of the role of social learning in aggressive behavior can lead to research about how social norms and public policy can decrease violent behavior. 

Learning more about the variables contributing to aggression and violence means researchers can use new knowledge to work toward solutions. 

11. Social representations

Social representations are a form of heuristics: a set of beliefs that make something unfamiliar easily understood. They allow people to apply specific bits of evidence-based data to individuals’ or groups’ actions to make ideas more familiar. 

Researchers may study the role of social representations in making new psychological or scientific information accessible to the average person. Studies may explore how we make sense of new information and how people organize and separate facts for rapid learning.

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300+ Social Media Research Topics

Social Media Research Topics

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it has transformed the way we communicate, share information, and interact with each other. As social media platforms continue to evolve and gain popularity, they have also become a rich source of data for researchers. Social media research is a rapidly growing field that encompasses a wide range of topics , from understanding the psychological and social effects of social media to analyzing patterns of user behavior and identifying trends in online conversations. In this era of data-driven decision-making, social media research is more important than ever, as it provides insights into how we use and are influenced by social media. In this post, we will explore some of the most fascinating and relevant social media research topics that are shaping our understanding of this powerful medium.

Social Media Research Topics

Social Media Research Topics are as follows:

  • The effects of social media on mental health
  • The role of social media in political polarization
  • The impact of social media on relationships
  • The use of social media by businesses for marketing
  • The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem
  • The influence of social media on consumer behavior
  • The use of social media for education
  • The effects of social media on language use and grammar
  • The impact of social media on news consumption
  • The role of social media in activism and social change
  • The use of social media for job seeking and career development
  • The effects of social media on sleep patterns
  • The influence of social media on adolescent behavior
  • The impact of social media on the spread of misinformation
  • The use of social media for personal branding
  • The effects of social media on political participation
  • The influence of social media on fashion trends
  • The impact of social media on sports fandom
  • The use of social media for mental health support
  • The effects of social media on creativity
  • The role of social media in cultural exchange
  • The impact of social media on language learning
  • The use of social media for crisis communication
  • The effects of social media on privacy and security
  • The influence of social media on diet and exercise behavior
  • The impact of social media on travel behavior
  • The use of social media for citizen journalism
  • The effects of social media on political accountability
  • The role of social media in peer pressure
  • The impact of social media on romantic relationships
  • The use of social media for community building
  • The effects of social media on gender identity
  • The influence of social media on music consumption
  • The impact of social media on academic performance
  • The use of social media for social support
  • The effects of social media on social skills
  • The role of social media in disaster response
  • The impact of social media on nostalgia and memory
  • The use of social media for charity and philanthropy
  • The effects of social media on political polarization in developing countries
  • The influence of social media on literary consumption
  • The impact of social media on family relationships
  • The use of social media for citizen science
  • The effects of social media on cultural identity
  • The role of social media in promoting healthy behaviors
  • The impact of social media on language diversity
  • The use of social media for environmental activism
  • The effects of social media on attention span
  • The influence of social media on art consumption
  • The impact of social media on cultural values and norms.
  • The impact of social media on mental health
  • The impact of social media on mental health.
  • The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem.
  • The use of social media for political activism and social justice movements.
  • The role of social media in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity.
  • The impact of social media on romantic relationships and dating.
  • The use of social media for customer service and support.
  • The impact of social media on mental health and well-being among young adults.
  • The impact of social media on political polarization and partisanship.
  • The use of social media for health communication and behavior change.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards vaccination.
  • The impact of social media on political participation and civic engagement.
  • The impact of social media on political polarization and echo chambers.
  • The use of social media for political campaigning and the manipulation of public opinion.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards vaccination and public health.
  • The impact of social media on news consumption and trust in journalism.
  • The use of social media for promoting sustainable fashion practices and ethical consumption.
  • The role of social media in influencing beauty standards and body image.
  • The impact of social media on the music industry and the role of social media influencers.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among healthcare professionals.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards gun violence and gun control policies.
  • The impact of social media on social activism and advocacy.
  • The use of social media for promoting cross-cultural communication and intercultural understanding.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards climate change and environmental policies.
  • The impact of social media on public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The use of social media for promoting financial literacy and access to financial services for low-income individuals.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards immigration policies and refugee crises.
  • The impact of social media on political activism and social movements.
  • The use of social media for promoting digital literacy and technology education in developing countries.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards gender and sexual orientation.
  • The impact of social media on consumer behavior in the food and beverage industry.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among first responders.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards racial justice and police brutality.
  • The impact of social media on privacy concerns and data security.
  • The use of social media for promoting interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards income inequality and economic justice.
  • The impact of social media on the film and television industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among military personnel.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards privacy and data security.
  • The impact of social media on the hospitality industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting intergenerational communication and understanding.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards animal welfare and animal rights.
  • The impact of social media on the gaming industry and gamer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting digital literacy and technology skills among seniors.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards renewable energy and sustainability.
  • The impact of social media on the advertising industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among children and adolescents.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards online privacy and security.
  • The impact of social media on the beauty industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting cultural preservation and heritage tourism.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards criminal justice reform.
  • The impact of social media on the automotive industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among marginalized communities.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards sustainable development goals.
  • The impact of social media on the fashion industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting intercultural communication in the workplace.
  • The role of social media in shaping public attitudes towards mental health policies.
  • The impact of social media on the travel industry and sustainable tourism practices.
  • The use of social media for health information seeking and patient empowerment.
  • The role of social media in promoting environmental activism and sustainable practices.
  • The impact of social media on consumer behavior and brand loyalty.
  • The use of social media for promoting education and lifelong learning.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards mental health issues.
  • The impact of social media on the fashion industry and fast fashion practices.
  • The use of social media for promoting social entrepreneurship and social innovation.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards gun control.
  • The impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of adolescents.
  • The use of social media for promoting intercultural exchange and understanding.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards climate change.
  • The impact of social media on political advertising and campaign strategies.
  • The use of social media for promoting healthy relationships and communication skills.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards police brutality and racial justice.
  • The use of social media for promoting financial literacy and personal finance management.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.
  • The impact of social media on the music industry and fan engagement.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among marginalized populations.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards immigration and border policies.
  • The impact of social media on the professional development and networking of journalists.
  • The use of social media for promoting community building and social cohesion.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards healthcare policies.
  • The impact of social media on the food industry and consumer behavior.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards gender equality.
  • The impact of social media on the sports industry and athlete-fan interactions.
  • The use of social media for promoting financial inclusion and access to banking services.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards animal welfare.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among college students.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards privacy and data security.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards income inequality and poverty.
  • The use of social media for promoting digital literacy and technology skills.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards renewable energy.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among elderly populations.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards online privacy and security.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards criminal justice reform.
  • The impact of social media on online activism and social movements.
  • The use of social media for business-to-business communication and networking.
  • The role of social media in promoting civic education and engagement.
  • The impact of social media on the fashion industry and sustainable fashion practices.
  • The use of social media for promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards police reform.
  • The impact of social media on the mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers.
  • The use of social media for promoting financial literacy and investment education.
  • The role of social media in promoting environmental sustainability and conservation.
  • The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem among adolescent girls.
  • The use of social media for promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards immigration policies and refugees.
  • The impact of social media on the professional development and networking of healthcare professionals.
  • The use of social media for promoting community resilience and disaster preparedness.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • The impact of social media on the music industry and artist-fan interactions.
  • The use of social media for promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education.
  • The role of social media in promoting mental health and well-being among college students.
  • The impact of social media on the entertainment industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting workplace diversity and inclusion.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards climate change policies.
  • The impact of social media on the travel industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting mental health and well-being among military veterans.
  • The role of social media in promoting intergenerational dialogue and understanding.
  • The impact of social media on the professional development and networking of educators.
  • The use of social media for promoting animal welfare and advocacy.
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards reproductive rights.
  • The impact of social media on the sports industry and fan behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting financial inclusion and literacy among underprivileged populations.
  • The role of social media in promoting mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ populations.
  • The impact of social media on the food and beverage industry and consumer behavior.
  • The use of social media for promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
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  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion and attitudes towards gun violence prevention.
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  • The relationship between social media use and academic performance.
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  • The use of social media for online learning and education.
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  • The impact of social media on privacy and security.
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  • The role of social media in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
  • The impact of social media on youth culture and identity formation.
  • The use of social media for travel and tourism marketing.
  • The impact of social media on consumer behavior and decision-making.
  • The role of social media in shaping beauty standards and body positivity.
  • The use of social media for crisis communication and disaster response.
  • The impact of social media on the music industry.
  • The use of social media for fundraising and philanthropy.
  • The role of social media in promoting healthy lifestyles and wellness.
  • The impact of social media on sports fandom and fan behavior.
  • The use of social media for political lobbying and advocacy.
  • The impact of social media on the entertainment industry.
  • The use of social media for healthcare communication and patient engagement.
  • The role of social media in promoting gender equality and feminism.
  • The impact of social media on the restaurant and food industry.
  • The use of social media for volunteerism and community service.
  • The role of social media in promoting religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue.
  • The impact of social media on the art industry.
  • The use of social media for political satire and humor.
  • The role of social media in promoting disability awareness and advocacy.
  • The impact of social media on the real estate industry.
  • The use of social media for legal advocacy and justice reform.
  • The role of social media in promoting intercultural communication and understanding.
  • The impact of social media on the automotive industry.
  • The use of social media for pet adoption and animal welfare advocacy.
  • The role of social media in promoting mental health and wellness for marginalized communities.
  • The impact of social media on the retail industry.
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  • The impact of social media on the film and television industry.
  • The use of social media for fashion and style inspiration.
  • The role of social media in promoting activism for human rights and social issues.
  • The effectiveness of social media for political campaigns.
  • The role of social media in promoting fake news and misinformation.
  • The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image.
  • The impact of social media on romantic relationships.
  • The use of social media for online activism and social justice movements.
  • The impact of social media on traditional news media.
  • The impact of social media on interpersonal communication skills.
  • The impact of social media on the fashion industry.
  • The use of social media for social support and mental health awareness.
  • The use of social media for political lobbying and activism.
  • The impact of social media on travel and tourism behavior.
  • The use of social media for customer feedback and market research.
  • The impact of social media on the restaurant industry.
  • The role of social media in political activism
  • The effect of social media on interpersonal communication
  • The relationship between social media use and body image concerns
  • The impact of social media on self-esteem
  • The role of social media in shaping cultural norms and values
  • The use of social media by celebrities and its impact on their image
  • The role of social media in building and maintaining personal relationships
  • The use of social media for job searching and recruitment
  • The impact of social media on children and adolescents
  • The use of social media by political candidates during election campaigns
  • The role of social media in education
  • The impact of social media on political polarization
  • The use of social media for news consumption
  • The effect of social media on sleep habits
  • The use of social media by non-profit organizations for fundraising
  • The role of social media in shaping public opinion
  • The influence of social media on language and communication patterns
  • The use of social media in crisis communication and emergency management
  • The role of social media in promoting environmental awareness
  • The influence of social media on music preferences
  • The impact of social media on body positivity movements
  • The role of social media in shaping beauty standards
  • The influence of social media on sports fandom
  • The use of social media for health promotion and education
  • The impact of social media on political participation
  • The role of social media in shaping parenting practices
  • The influence of social media on food preferences and eating habits
  • The use of social media for peer support and mental health advocacy
  • The role of social media in shaping religious beliefs and practices
  • The influence of social media on humor and comedy
  • The use of social media for online activism and social justice advocacy
  • The impact of social media on public health awareness campaigns
  • The role of social media in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion
  • The influence of social media on travel behavior and decision-making
  • The use of social media for international diplomacy and relations
  • The impact of social media on job satisfaction and employee engagement
  • The role of social media in shaping romantic preferences and dating behavior
  • The influence of social media on language learning and language use
  • The use of social media for political satire and humor
  • The impact of social media on social capital and community building
  • The role of social media in shaping gender identity and expression
  • The influence of social media on fashion and beauty advertising.

About the author

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Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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COMMENTS

  1. What are some new and exciting research areas in social ...

    A place to share and discuss articles/issues related to all fields of psychology. The discussions in this reddit should be of an academic nature, and should avoid "pop psychology." This is also a place to talk about your own psychology research, methods, and career in order to gain input from our vast psychology community.

  2. Suggestions on how to decide a research topic? : r ...

    Hi guys, I'm a 1st year Master's student in psychology. As I want to gain research experience, my professor advised me to do preliminary research for a topic of my choice. I have broad interests in social, personality and cross cultural psychology, but I'm having trouble figuring out a specific topic to study.

  3. How do you come up with research ideas? : r/psychologystudents

    First off, 99.99% of people will never come up with something groundbreaking. They will build off of prior work, bringing small changes, and inching the field forward. That's how science works most of the time and that's the standard you should set for yourself. Second, we can imagine research as a hierarchy. Almost like the evolutionary tree.

  4. Tips on studying social psychology : r/psychologystudents

    Social Psychology. Social psychology is the study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. It also examines several topics in psychology in a social context. Whereas the discipline of sociology looks more at social behaviors at the group level, social psychology examines the individual within the group.

  5. Social Psychology

    Hey all! I'm taking a social psych class this term, (psych major) and my final (due tomorrow) project is a movie review from a social psych perspective. So what part of soc psych is portrayed in the movie. The only thing I can come up with is social cognition, because Lars has schizoid but I'm struggling with this.

  6. How to manage the writing process with multiple theories on ...

    A place to share and discuss articles/issues related to all fields of psychology. The discussions in this reddit should be of an academic nature, and should avoid "pop psychology." This is also a place to talk about your own psychology research, methods, and career in order to gain input from our vast psychology community.

  7. Monday Reading and Research

    MONDAY RESEARCH AND READING: Monday Reading and Research will focus on exactly that: the history you have been reading this week and the research you've been working on. It's also the prime thread for requesting books or articles on a particular subject. As with all our weekly features (Theory Wednesdays and Friday Free-For-Alls are the others ...

  8. Social Psychology Research Topics

    Choose a Sub-Topic. Social psychologists are interested in all aspects of social behavior. Some of the main areas of interest within the field include social cognition, social influence, and social relationships investigating subtopics such as conformity, groupthink, attitude formation, obedience, prejudice, and so on.

  9. The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology

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

  10. Subjects Needed for Study on Treatment of Anxiety

    Mainly for collaboration, and discussing papers and articles within a research and psychology framework. This is a sub open to both psychology students and those who work in the field. Feel free to share and ask questions related to research/ study, projects and issues, related to all fields in both academia and in the profession.

  11. Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before and during

    Social media platforms such as Reddit allow users to share information and find support about different topics. The present research investigated the topics, sentiments, and emotions discussed in a subreddit about social anxiety prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Current Psychology, 2024, p. 1-10. Research output: Contribution to ...

  12. Social anxiety: topics and emotions shared on Reddit before ...

    Social media platforms such as Reddit allow users to share information and find support about different topics. The present research investigated the topics, sentiments, and emotions discussed in a subreddit about social anxiety prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) was used to discover latent topics from the data. Sentiment and emotion analyses were ...

  13. Studying Reddit: A Systematic Overview of Disciplines, Approaches

    SOCIAL SCIENCE (76) Sociology (27) Psychology (17) ... Open science is a laudable goal, particularly in the wake of concerns over a reproducibility crisis in social science research (Baker, ... The topics being studied using Reddit data vary widely, and at times, researchers are drawing data from communities on Reddit that may include ...

  14. Social Psychology Research Topics

    Other social psychology research topics within this area include persuasion and peer-pressure. Social Representations. Social Representations (Moscovici, 1961) 'make something unfamiliar, or unfamiliarity itself, familiar' (Moscovici, 1984). This is a theory with its academic roots in Durkheim's theory of collective representations.

  15. Steriotypes/innacuracy in classical Big 5 personality concepts ...

    However, the Big 5 overlooks the significance of traits commonly found in men, such as low openness to experience, and its potential impact on non-normatively associated mental health issues. For example, low openness to experience is often associated with rigid thought patterns, closed-mindedness, and increased propensity for anger, which I ...

  16. Social Psychology Research Topics For College Students In 2024

    These key focus areas within social psychology can be compelling psychology research topics: 1. Attitudes and attitude change. Research projects surrounding attitudes generally examine the components of attitudes and how they develop and can be changed. The three components of attitude are affective, behavioral, and cognitive.

  17. Studying Reddit: A Systematic Overview of Disciplines, Approaches

    the subreddits and topics being studied, the kinds of analysis and methods researchers are engaging in, and the emerging ... social media, Reddit, systematic review, research ethics, online research. 2 Social Media + Society presents a systematic overview of 727 research studies that used Reddit data published between 2010 and May of 2020. The ...

  18. Frontiers in Social Psychology

    Richard P Eibach. Scott Eidelman. Justin Friesen. 2,396 views. 2 articles. A broad-scope, multidisciplinary journal covering the spectrum of social psychology, exploring how human behavior and development is affected by social interactions.

  19. Do you need a masters before PhD in Social Psychology (got an ...

    A place to share and discuss articles/issues related to all fields of psychology. The discussions in this reddit should be of an academic nature, and should avoid "pop psychology." This is also a place to talk about your own psychology research, methods, and career in order to gain input from our vast psychology community.

  20. Why are government conspiracies so prevalent among an array of ...

    Is it a byproduct of the paranoia? My (very ill informed) assumption is that the paranoia paired with the government being a very strong, and in all…

  21. 300+ Social Media Research Topics

    Social Media Research Topics are as follows: The effects of social media on mental health. The role of social media in political polarization. The impact of social media on relationships. The use of social media by businesses for marketing. The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem.