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Social Psychology Topics

Social psychology is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field that delves into the intricate interplay between individuals and their social environments. It seeks to unravel the mysteries of human behavior by exploring how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are shaped by the presence and influence of others. In this introduction, we will define social psychology, emphasize its profound significance, and provide an overview of the diverse range of topics it encompasses. Furthermore, we will present a thesis statement that underscores the paramount importance of comprehending social psychology topics for fostering a deeper understanding of human nature and facilitating positive social change.

Definition of Social Psychology and Its Significance

Social psychology can be defined as the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. It scrutinizes the intricate web of social interactions, exploring how individuals perceive themselves and others, form attitudes, make decisions, and navigate the complexities of human relationships. At its core, social psychology seeks to unravel the underlying mechanisms that govern our social world, shedding light on the often subtle and nuanced factors that drive human behavior.

The significance of social psychology lies in its ability to provide profound insights into the fundamental aspects of human existence. By examining the ways in which individuals are influenced by their social surroundings, it offers a lens through which we can comprehend societal phenomena, from prejudice and discrimination to cooperation and altruism. Social psychology equips us with the tools to decipher the mysteries of interpersonal dynamics, group behavior, and the intricacies of communication. As we explore the diverse topics within this field, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the profound impact of social influences on our lives.

Overview of the Diversity of Topics within Social Psychology

Social psychology is a vast and multifaceted discipline, encompassing an array of topics that illuminate the complexities of human behavior. These topics span the breadth of human interactions, attitudes, and group dynamics, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of our social world. Some of the key areas of focus within social psychology include:

  • Attitudes and Attitude Change: Exploring the formation, modification, and influence of attitudes on behavior.
  • Social Influence and Conformity: Investigating how individuals are shaped by the pressures of conformity and obedience to authority figures.
  • Prejudice and Discrimination: Analyzing the origins and consequences of prejudice, stereotyping, and discriminatory behavior.
  • Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Examining the dynamics of group behavior, cohesion, leadership, and decision-making processes.
  • Social Cognition and Perception: Uncovering the cognitive processes that underlie social judgments, biases, and heuristics.
  • Interpersonal Relationships: Delving into the complexities of attraction, love, relationship maintenance, and dissolution.
  • Aggression and Prosocial Behavior: Studying the roots of aggressive behavior, as well as factors promoting empathy, cooperation, and altruism.
  • Social Psychology in the Digital Age: Exploring the impact of technology and social media on social behavior, identity, and communication.

As we navigate the rich tapestry of social psychology topics, we gain valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms that govern our social interactions. These insights not only enhance our comprehension of human behavior but also empower us to address pressing societal challenges, foster positive relationships, and promote greater social harmony.

In an increasingly interconnected world, a comprehensive understanding of social psychology topics is indispensable for unraveling the mysteries of human behavior, promoting empathy and tolerance, and fostering positive social change. By delving into the depths of social psychology, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of our social world, challenge ingrained prejudices, and build more compassionate and inclusive societies. As we embark on this exploration of social psychology topics, we will uncover the profound ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and actions are intertwined with the social tapestry that surrounds us, ultimately enhancing our capacity for empathy and transforming the world we inhabit.

Social Psychology Research Topics List

This list of social psychology topics performs two functions. One, the headings alone describe, at a broad level, the kinds of topics covered in the field of social psychology. Looking at the overarching categories, one can see that social psychology studies cognition (thought) and action, helpful and hurtful behaviors, emotions and decisions, culture and evolution, the self and social relationships, as well as health and problematic behaviors. That’s quite a range of topics! The second purpose of the list of social psychology research topics is related to the first in that it helps readers who are already interested in a topic find new topics that may be of interest. In this way, the list provides links among topics.

  • Antisocial Behavior Topics
  • Attitudes Topics
  • Control Topics
  • Decision Making Topics
  • Emotions Topics
  • Groups Topics
  • Interpersonal Relationships Topics
  • Personality Topics
  • Prejudice Topics
  • Prosocial Behavior Topics
  • Self Topics
  • Social Cognition Topics
  • Social Influence Topics

Social Psychology

Social psychology, as a scientific discipline, is dedicated to the exploration of how individuals think about, influence, and interact with one another. In this pursuit, social psychologists delve into various dimensions of human behavior and cognition. They scrutinize the intricacies of social thinking to unravel how we perceive ourselves and those around us. Their examination of social influence delves into the subtle forces at play in conformity, persuasion, and group dynamics. Additionally, social psychologists investigate the complex realm of social relations, seeking to understand the origins of both animosity and empathy among individuals.

Positioned at the intersection of personality psychology and sociology, social psychology occupies a unique niche. To draw a metaphor, while personality psychologists focus on the attributes of individual “boats,” and sociologists navigate the broader “ocean,” social psychologists are primarily concerned with comprehending how these “boats” maneuver within their environment. They investigate the impact of situational factors and social forces on individual behavior and cognition. When an individual, symbolized as a “boat,” encounters a particular environment, analogous to an “ocean,” social psychologists endeavor to discern how external factors, akin to winds and currents, shape their actions and decisions.

While social psychology shares some common inquiries with sociology, it leans toward answers that illuminate the roles of individual actors and their perceptions within social contexts. Rather than concentrating solely on group-level phenomena like poverty or family cohesion, social psychology hones in on the intricacies of individual responses to social situations. Although distinct from personality psychology, which primarily concerns itself with individual differences, social psychology does consider how such differences interact with situational factors. For instance, it might explore how a person with high self-esteem reacts to a threat in their relationship by developing a stronger affinity for their partner.

The practical applications of social psychological research are wide-ranging and have found utility in numerous real-world domains. Researchers have harnessed social psychology to gain insights into health behaviors, such as smoking and condom use, resulting in valuable advancements. For instance, they have played a pivotal role in implementing graphic warnings, like decayed teeth and lungs, on cigarette packaging in Canada to dissuade smoking. In the realm of political psychology, scholars have examined models of persuasion and attitude formation, contributing to our understanding of political behavior. Furthermore, organizational psychologists have applied social psychological theories concerning group dynamics, job satisfaction, and workplace engagement to enhance the functioning of work environments.

The legal arena has also seen the extensive application of social psychological research. In the domain of law, social psychology has exposed the fallibility of eyewitness identification, a crucial element of legal evidence. This research has unveiled the challenges individuals face in accurately identifying those they have witnessed, even after a prolonged observation. Consequently, efforts have been made to refine identification lineup procedures to minimize false positives. For instance, witnesses are now informed that the suspect may or may not be present in the lineup, reducing the likelihood of misidentifications.

Moreover, social psychologists have actively participated in contentious debates surrounding the accuracy of “recovered memories”—recollections of past trauma that individuals believe they have rediscovered later in life. While some of these cases may indeed be genuine, research has demonstrated that false memories can be implanted in individuals. This underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny when evaluating the validity of such memories and highlights the pivotal role of social psychology in shaping the discourse on this topic.

Social Psychology in the Digital Age

The advent of the digital age has ushered in a transformative era in which technology and social media have become integral aspects of our daily lives. This paradigm shift has not only redefined how we communicate and connect but has also had a profound impact on the field of social psychology. In this discussion, we will explore the multifaceted implications of the digital age on social psychology, encompassing online behavior, identity, self-presentation, the role of social media in information dissemination and social movements, and the ethical considerations that underpin research and interventions in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Online Behavior, Identity, and Self-Presentation

The digital age has given rise to new platforms and mediums through which individuals engage in online behavior. Social networking sites, virtual communities, and online forums have become virtual arenas for social interaction, where individuals communicate, form relationships, and express themselves. Within this context, social psychology examines how online behavior mirrors or deviates from offline behavior, exploring concepts such as online disinhibition, digital self-presentation, and the influence of anonymity.

The creation of online identities, often distinct from one’s offline persona, poses intriguing questions about the construction of self in the digital realm. Social psychologists investigate the factors that influence the portrayal of self online, from the selection of profile pictures to the crafting of digital narratives. Additionally, the digital age has given rise to novel aspects of self-presentation, including the cultivation of curated online personas that may not align with an individual’s authentic self.

The Role of Social Media in Information Dissemination and Social Movements

Social media platforms have revolutionized the way information is disseminated, shared, and consumed. These platforms serve as powerful amplifiers of information, enabling the rapid spread of news, opinions, and ideas. Social psychology explores the dynamics of information flow on social media, examining how content goes viral, the role of algorithms in shaping content exposure, and the formation of online echo chambers where individuals are exposed to information congruent with their existing beliefs.

Furthermore, the digital age has witnessed the emergence of social media as a catalyst for social movements and activism. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have harnessed the power of social media to mobilize support, raise awareness, and effect social change. Social psychologists investigate the psychological processes underlying online activism, including the role of moral outrage, collective identity, and social support in shaping participation in digital social movements.

Ethical Considerations in Online Research and Interventions

The digital landscape presents unique ethical challenges for researchers and practitioners in social psychology. Online research methodologies, such as studying online communities or analyzing social media data, raise questions about informed consent, privacy, and data security. Researchers must grapple with issues related to the use of publicly available online information versus intrusive data collection.

Moreover, ethical considerations extend to the realm of online interventions and behavior change efforts. The use of persuasive techniques, such as nudges and digital interventions, raises questions about the manipulation of online behavior and the potential for unintended consequences. Social psychologists are tasked with navigating the ethical boundaries of online research and interventions, ensuring that their work respects the autonomy and well-being of individuals in the digital space.

In conclusion, the digital age has ushered in a new frontier for social psychology, one in which the study of online behavior, identity, and social media dynamics is of paramount importance. As technology continues to evolve, social psychologists must grapple with the ethical complexities of this digital landscape while unraveling the intricate ways in which technology and social media shape our perceptions, interactions, and understanding of the social world.

In the realm of social psychology, we have embarked on a captivating journey through the intricate landscape of human behavior and social interactions. Our exploration has unveiled a diverse array of topics, each offering valuable insights into the complex web of influences that shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. As we conclude our discussion, let us recap the key social psychology topics we have encountered and emphasize the profound significance of this interdisciplinary field. Furthermore, we issue a resounding call to action for the ongoing pursuit of research and understanding of social behavior.

Recap of Key Social Psychology Topics and Their Significance

Throughout our exploration, we have encountered a rich tapestry of social psychology topics, each shedding light on a different facet of human nature and social dynamics. We have delved into the formation and change of attitudes, grappled with the complexities of social influence and conformity, confronted the challenges of prejudice and discrimination, and examined the intricate dynamics of groups and teams. Our journey has taken us through the realms of social cognition and perception, interpersonal relationships, aggression, prosocial behavior, and the transformative impact of technology on social behavior.

These topics are not merely academic pursuits but hold profound significance in our lives and societies. They offer us the tools to comprehend the mechanisms behind our behaviors, beliefs, and interactions with others. They equip us with the knowledge to challenge stereotypes, biases, and discriminatory practices, fostering greater empathy, tolerance, and inclusivity. Moreover, they empower us to navigate the complexities of group dynamics, relationships, and digital interactions in an ever-evolving world.

Emphasis on the Interdisciplinary Nature of Social Psychology

Social psychology is a field that bridges disciplines, drawing insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience, among others. It underscores the interconnectedness of these disciplines and highlights the fundamental role of social factors in shaping individual and collective behavior. As we have seen, social psychology thrives on collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of human behavior in its social context.

Call to Action for Continued Research and Understanding of Social Behavior

Our exploration of social psychology has only scratched the surface of this vast and ever-evolving field. It is imperative that we recognize the ongoing relevance and necessity of research in this domain. The challenges and opportunities presented by our interconnected world demand a deeper understanding of social behavior, both online and offline. We must continue to explore the intricacies of attitudes, influence, prejudice, relationships, and the impact of technology with unwavering curiosity and dedication.

As individuals, scholars, and global citizens, we are called to action. We must engage in ongoing research that deepens our understanding of the human experience and promotes positive social change. We must challenge stereotypes and biases, foster empathy, and build inclusive communities. In an era of rapid technological advancement and global interconnectedness, the lessons of social psychology are more relevant than ever.

In conclusion, social psychology is not merely an academic pursuit but a lens through which we can better comprehend ourselves and the world around us. It offers the potential for transformative change, a bridge between disciplines, and a roadmap to a more compassionate and harmonious society. Let us heed this call to action, embrace the interdisciplinary nature of social psychology, and continue our quest for a deeper understanding of social behavior—one that brings us closer to a more inclusive, empathetic, and interconnected world.

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.

Lots of university psychology departments provide contact details on their websites.

If you read a psychologist’s paper and have questions that you would like to learn more about, drop them an email.

Lots of psychologists are very happy to receive emails from genuinely interested students and are often generous with their time and expertise… and those who aren’t will just overlook the email, so no harm done either way!

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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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Social Psychology: Definition, Theories, Scope, & Examples

Saul McLeod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

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

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

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Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

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

On This Page:

Social psychology is the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, intentions, and goals are constructed within a social context by the actual or imagined interactions with others.

It, therefore, looks at human behavior as influenced by other people and the conditions under which social behavior and feelings occur.

Baron, Byrne, and Suls (1989) define social psychology as “the scientific field that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior in social situations” (p. 6).

Topics examined in social psychology include the self-concept , social cognition, attribution theory , social influence, group processes, prejudice and discrimination , interpersonal processes, aggression, attitudes , and stereotypes .

Social psychology operates on several foundational assumptions. These fundamental beliefs provide a framework for theories, research, and interpretations.
  • Individual and Society Interplay : Social psychologists assume an interplay exists between individual minds and the broader social context. An individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are continuously shaped by social interactions, and in turn, individuals influence the societies they are a part of.
  • Behavior is Contextual : One core assumption is that behavior can vary significantly based on the situation or context. While personal traits and dispositions matter, the circumstances or social environment often play a decisive role in determining behavior.
  • Objective Reality is Difficult to Attain : Our perceptions of reality are influenced by personal beliefs, societal norms, and past experiences. Therefore, our understanding of “reality” is subjective and can be biased or distorted.
  • Social Reality is Constructed : Social psychologists believe that individuals actively construct their social world . Through processes like social categorization, attribution, and cognitive biases, people create their understanding of others and societal norms.
  • People are Social Beings with a Need to Belong : A fundamental assumption is the inherent social nature of humans. People have an innate need to connect with others, form relationships, and belong to groups. This need influences a wide range of behaviors and emotions.
  • Attitudes Influence Behavior : While this might seem straightforward, it’s a foundational belief that our attitudes (combinations of beliefs and feelings) can and often do drive our actions. However, it’s also understood that this relationship can be complex and bidirectional.
  • People Desire Cognitive Consistency : This is the belief that people are motivated to maintain consistency in their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Cognitive dissonance theory , which posits that people feel discomfort when holding conflicting beliefs and are motivated to resolve this, is based on this assumption.
  • People are Motivated to See Themselves in a Positive Light : The self plays a central role in social psychology. It’s assumed that individuals are generally motivated to maintain and enhance a positive self-view.
  • Behavior Can be Predicted and Understood : An underlying assumption of any science, including social psychology, is that phenomena (in this case, human behavior in social contexts) can be studied, understood, predicted, and potentially influenced.
  • Cultural and Biological Factors are Integral : Though earlier social psychology might have been criticized for neglecting these factors, contemporary social psychology acknowledges the roles of both biology (genes, hormones, brain processes) and culture (norms, values, traditions) in shaping social behavior.

Early Influences

Aristotle believed that humans were naturally sociable, a necessity that allows us to live together (an individual-centered approach), whilst Plato felt that the state controlled the individual and encouraged social responsibility through social context (a socio-centered approach).

Hegel (1770–1831) introduced the concept that society has inevitable links with the development of the social mind. This led to the idea of a group mind, which is important in the study of social psychology.

Lazarus & Steinthal wrote about Anglo-European influences in 1860. “Volkerpsychologie” emerged, which focused on the idea of a collective mind.

It emphasized the notion that personality develops because of cultural and community influences, especially through language, which is both a social product of the community as well as a means of encouraging particular social thought in the individual. Therefore Wundt (1900–1920) encouraged the methodological study of language and its influence on the social being.

Early Texts

Texts focusing on social psychology first emerged in the 20th century. McDougall published the first notable book in English in 1908 (An Introduction to Social Psychology), which included chapters on emotion and sentiment, morality, character, and religion, quite different from those incorporated in the field today.

He believed social behavior was innate/instinctive and, therefore, individual, hence his choice of topics.  This belief is not the principle upheld in modern social psychology, however.

Allport’s work (1924) underpins current thinking to a greater degree, as he acknowledged that social behavior results from interactions between people.

He also took a methodological approach, discussing actual research and emphasizing that the field was a “science … which studies the behavior of the individual in so far as his behavior stimulates other individuals, or is itself a reaction to this behavior” (1942: p. 12).

His book also dealt with topics still evident today, such as emotion, conformity, and the effects of an audience on others.

Murchison (1935) published The first handbook on social psychology was published by Murchison in 1935.  Murphy & Murphy (1931/37) produced a book summarizing the findings of 1,000 studies in social psychology.  A text by Klineberg (1940) looked at the interaction between social context and personality development. By the 1950s, several texts were available on the subject.

Journal Development

• 1950s – Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology

• 1963 – Journal of Personality, British Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology

• 1965 – Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

• 1971 – Journal of Applied Social Psychology, European Journal of Social Psychology

• 1975 – Social Psychology Quarterly, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

• 1982 – Social Cognition

• 1984 – Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Early Experiments

There is some disagreement about the first true experiment, but the following are certainly among some of the most important.

Triplett (1898) applied the experimental method to investigate the performance of cyclists and schoolchildren on how the presence of others influences overall performance – thus, how individuals are affected and behave in the social context.

By 1935, the study of social norms had developed, looking at how individuals behave according to the rules of society. This was conducted by Sherif (1935).

Lewin et al. then began experimental research into leadership and group processes by 1939, looking at effective work ethics under different leadership styles.

Later Developments

Much of the key research in social psychology developed following World War II, when people became interested in the behavior of individuals when grouped together and in social situations. Key studies were carried out in several areas.

Some studies focused on how attitudes are formed, changed by the social context, and measured to ascertain whether a change has occurred.

Amongst some of the most famous works in social psychology is that on obedience conducted by Milgram in his “electric shock” study, which looked at the role an authority figure plays in shaping behavior.  Similarly,  Zimbardo’s prison simulation notably demonstrated conformity to given roles in the social world.

Wider topics then began to emerge, such as social perception, aggression, relationships, decision-making, pro-social behavior, and attribution, many of which are central to today’s topics and will be discussed throughout this website.

Thus, the growth years of social psychology occurred during the decades following the 1940s.

The scope of social psychology is vast, reflecting the myriad ways social factors intertwine with individual cognition and behavior.

Its principles and findings resonate in virtually every area of human interaction, making it a vital field for understanding and improving the human experience.

  • Interpersonal Relationships : This covers attraction, love, jealousy, friendship, and group dynamics. Understanding how and why relationships form and the factors that contribute to their maintenance or dissolution is central to this domain.
  • Attitude Formation and Change : How do individuals form opinions and attitudes? What methods can effectively change them? This scope includes the study of persuasion, propaganda, and cognitive dissonance.
  • Social Cognition : This examines how people process, store, and apply information about others. Areas include social perception, heuristics, stereotypes, and attribution theories.
  • Social Influence : The study of conformity, compliance, obedience, and the myriad ways individuals influence one another falls within this domain.
  • Group Dynamics : This entails studying group behavior, intergroup relations, group decision-making processes, leadership, and more. Concepts like groupthink and group polarization emerge from this area.
  • Prejudice and Discrimination : Understanding the roots of bias, racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice, as well as exploring interventions to reduce them, is a significant focus.
  • Self and Identity : Investigating self-concept, self-esteem, self-presentation, and the social construction of identity are all part of this realm.
  • Prosocial Behavior and Altruism : Why do individuals sometimes help others, even at a cost to themselves? This area delves into the motivations and conditions that foster cooperative and altruistic behavior.
  • Aggression : From understanding the underlying causes of aggressive behavior to studying societal factors that exacerbate or mitigate aggression, this topic seeks to dissect the nature of hostile actions.
  • Cultural and Cross-cultural Dimensions : As societies become more interconnected, understanding cultural influences on behavior, cognition, and emotion is crucial. This area compares and contrasts behaviors across different cultures and societal groups.
  • Environmental and Applied Settings : Social psychology principles find application in health psychology, environmental behavior, organizational behavior, consumer behavior, and more.
  • Social Issues : Social psychologists might study the impact of societal structures on individual behavior, exploring topics like poverty, urban stress, and crime.
  • Education : Principles of social psychology enhance teaching methods, address issues of classroom dynamics, and promote effective learning.
  • Media and Technology : In the digital age, understanding the effects of media consumption, the dynamics of online communication, and the formation of online communities is increasingly relevant.
  • Law : Insights from social psychology inform areas such as jury decision-making, eyewitness testimony, and legal procedures.
  • Health : Concepts from social psychology are employed to promote health behaviors, understand doctor-patient dynamics, and tackle issues like addiction.

Example Theories

Allport (1920) – social facilitation.

Allport introduced the notion that the presence of others (the social group) can facilitate certain behavior.

It was found that an audience would improve an actor’s performance in well-learned/easy tasks but leads to a decrease in performance on newly learned/difficult tasks due to social inhibition.

Bandura (1963) Social Learning Theory

Bandura introduced the notion that behavior in the social world could be modeled. Three groups of children watched a video where an adult was aggressive towards a ‘bobo doll,’ and the adult was either just seen to be doing this, was rewarded by another adult for their behavior, or was punished for it.

Children who had seen the adult rewarded were found to be more likely to copy such behavior.

Festinger (1950) –  Cognitive Dissonance

Festinger, Schacter, and Black brought up the idea that when we hold beliefs, attitudes, or cognitions which are different, then we experience dissonance – this is an inconsistency that causes discomfort.

We are motivated to reduce this by either changing one of our thoughts, beliefs, or attitudes or selectively attending to information that supports one of our beliefs and ignores the other (selective exposure hypothesis).

Dissonance occurs when there are difficult choices or decisions or when people participate in behavior that is contrary to their attitude. Dissonance is thus brought about by effort justification (when aiming to reach a modest goal), induced compliance (when people are forced to comply contrary to their attitude), and free choice (when weighing up decisions).

Tajfel (1971) –  Social Identity Theory

When divided into artificial (minimal) groups, prejudice results simply from the awareness that there is an “out-group” (the other group).

When the boys were asked to allocate points to others (which might be converted into rewards) who were either part of their own group or the out-group, they displayed a strong in-group preference. That is, they allocated more points on the set task to boys who they believed to be in the same group as themselves.

This can be accounted for by Tajfel & Turner’s social identity theory, which states that individuals need to maintain a positive sense of personal and social identity: this is partly achieved by emphasizing the desirability of one’s own group, focusing on distinctions between other “lesser” groups.

Weiner (1986) – Attribution Theory

Weiner was interested in the attributions made for experiences of success and failure and introduced the idea that we look for explanations of behavior in the social world.

He believed that these were made based on three areas: locus, which could be internal or external; stability, which is whether the cause is stable or changes over time: and controllability.

Milgram (1963) – Shock Experiment

Participants were told that they were taking part in a study on learning but always acted as the teacher when they were then responsible for going over paired associate learning tasks.

When the learner (a stooge) got the answer wrong, they were told by a scientist that they had to deliver an electric shock. This did not actually happen, although the participant was unaware of this as they had themselves a sample (real!) shock at the start of the experiment.

They were encouraged to increase the voltage given after each incorrect answer up to a maximum voltage, and it was found that all participants gave shocks up to 300v, with 65 percent reaching the highest level of 450v.

It seems that obedience is most likely to occur in an unfamiliar environment and in the presence of an authority figure, especially when covert pressure is put upon people to obey. It is also possible that it occurs because the participant felt that someone other than themselves was responsible for their actions.

Haney, Banks, Zimbardo (1973) – Stanford Prison Experiment

Volunteers took part in a simulation where they were randomly assigned the role of a prisoner or guard and taken to a converted university basement resembling a prison environment. There was some basic loss of rights for the prisoners, who were unexpectedly arrested, and given a uniform and an identification number (they were therefore deindividuated).

The study showed that conformity to social roles occurred as part of the social interaction, as both groups displayed more negative emotions, and hostility and dehumanization became apparent.

Prisoners became passive, whilst the guards assumed an active, brutal, and dominant role. Although normative and informational social influence played a role here, deindividuation/the loss of a sense of identity seemed most likely to lead to conformity.

Both this and Milgram’s study introduced the notion of social influence and the ways in which this could be observed/tested.

Provides Clear Predictions

As a scientific discipline, social psychology prioritizes formulating clear and testable hypotheses. This clarity facilitates empirical testing, ensuring the field’s findings are based on observable and quantifiable phenomena.

The Asch conformity experiments hypothesized that individuals would conform to a group’s incorrect judgment.

The clear prediction allowed for controlled experimentation to determine the extent and conditions of such conformity.

Emphasizes Objective Measurement

Social psychology leans heavily on empirical methods, emphasizing objectivity. This means that results are less influenced by biases or subjective interpretations.

Double-blind procedures , controlled settings, and standardized measures in many social psychology experiments ensure that results are replicable and less prone to experimenter bias.

Empirical Evidence

Over the years, a multitude of experiments in social psychology have bolstered the credibility of its theories. This experimental validation lends weight to its findings and claims.

The robust body of experimental evidence supporting cognitive dissonance theory, from Festinger’s initial studies to more recent replications, showcases the theory’s enduring strength and relevance.

Limitations

Underestimates individual differences.

While social psychology often looks at broad trends and general behaviors, it can sometimes gloss over individual differences.

Not everyone conforms, obeys, or reacts in the same way, and these nuanced differences can be critical.

While Milgram’s obedience experiments showcased a startling rate of compliance to authority, there were still participants who resisted, and their reasons and characteristics are equally important to understand.

Ignores Biology

While social psychology focuses on the social environment’s impact on behavior, early theories sometimes neglect the biological underpinnings that play a role.

Hormones, genetics, and neurological factors can influence behavior and might intersect with social factors in complex ways.

The role of testosterone in aggressive behavior is a clear instance where biology intersects with the social. Ignoring such biological components can lead to an incomplete understanding.

Superficial Snapshots of Social Processes

Social psychology sometimes offers a narrow view, capturing only a momentary slice of a broader, evolving process. This might mean that the field fails to capture the depth, evolution, or intricacies of social processes over time.

A study might capture attitudes towards a social issue at a single point in time, but not account for the historical evolution, future shifts, or deeper societal underpinnings of those attitudes.

Allport, F. H. (1920). The influence of the group upon association and thought. Journal of Experimental Psychology , 3(3), 159.

Allport, F. H. (1924). Response to social stimulation in the group. Social psychology , 260-291.

Allport, F. H. (1942). Methods in the study of collective action phenomena. The Journal of Social Psychology , 15(1), 165-185.

Bandura, A., Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1963). Vicarious reinforcement and imitative learning. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology , 67(6), 601.

Baron, R. A., Byrne, D., & Suls, J. (1989). Attitudes: Evaluating the social world. Baron et al, Social Psychology . 3rd edn. MA: Allyn and Bacon, 79-101.

Festinger, L., Schachter, S., & Back, K. (1950). Social processes in informal groups .

Haney, C., Banks, W. C., & Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). Study of prisoners and guards in a simulated prison. Naval Research Reviews , 9(1-17).

Klineberg, O. (1940). The problem of personality .

Krewer, B., & Jahoda, G. (1860). On the scope of Lazarus and Steinthals “Völkerpsychologie” as reflected in the. Zeitschrift für Völkerpsychologie und Sprachwissenschaft, 1890, 4-12.

Lewin, K., Lippitt, R., & White, R. K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created “social climates”. The Journal of Social Psychology , 10(2), 269-299.

Mcdougall, W. (1908). An introduction to social psychology . Londres: Methuen.

Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology , 67(4), 371.

Murchison, C. (1935). A handbook of social psychology .

Murphy, G., & Murphy, L. B. (1931). Experimental social psychology .

Sherif, M. (1935). A study of some social factors in perception. Archives of Psychology (Columbia University).

Tajfel, H., Billig, M. G., Bundy, R. P., & Flament, C. (1971). Social categorization and intergroup behavior. European journal of social psychology , 1(2), 149-178.

Triplett, N. (1898). The dynamogenic factors in pacemaking and competition. American journal of Psychology , 9(4), 507-533.

Weiner, B. (1986). An attributional theory of motivation and emotion . New York: Springer-Verlag.

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35 Best Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A dissertation or a thesis paper is the fundamental prerequisite to the degree programme, irrespective of your academic discipline. The field of social psychology is not different.

When working on the dissertation, the students must demonstrate what they wish to accomplish with their study. They must be authentic with their ideas and solutions to achieve the highest possible academic grade.

A dissertation in social psychology should examine the influence others have on people’s behaviour. This is because the interaction of people in different groups is the main focus of the discipline. Social connections in person are the main focus of social psychology and therefore your chosen social psychology topic should be based on a real-life social experience or phenomenon.

Also read: Sociology dissertation topics

We have compiled a list of the top social psychology dissertation topics to help you get started.

List of Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

  • What impact do priming’s automatic effects have on complex behaviour in everyday life?
  • The social intuitionist model examines the role that emotion and reason play in moral decision-making.
  • Examine the lasting effects of cognitive dissonance.
  • What psychological consequences does spanking have on kids?
  • Describe the consequences and root causes of childhood attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Explain the causes of antisocial behaviour in young people.
  • Discuss infants’ early warning symptoms of mental disease.
  • List the main factors that young adults most commonly experience; increased stress and depression.
  • Describe several forms of torture in detail, emphasising how they affect children’s minds and adult lives.
  • Describe the impact of violent video games and music on a child’s development.
  • Talk about how the family influences early non-verbal communication in infants.
  • Examine the scope and persistence of the variables influencing the impact of automatic priming on social behaviour.
  • What does this mean for upholding one’s integrity and comprehending interpersonal relationships?
  • Examine the connection between loneliness and enduring health issues.
  • Identify several approaches to measuring older people’s social networks.
  • Compare and contrast the types of social networks, housing, and elderly people’s health across time.
  • The primary causes of young people’s moral decline are social influences. Discuss.
  • Discuss what has improved our understanding of social psychology using examples from social psychology theories.
  • What are the socio-psychological reasons and consequences of drinking alcohol?
  • What makes some persons more attractive in social situations?
  • Discuss how culture affects a society’s ability to be cohesive and united.
  • Discuss how a person’s career affects their social standing in society.
  • What psychological effects might long-term caregiving have?
  • How ddoesa leader’s relationship and followers change under charismatic leadership?
  • Discuss the tactics that support and thwart interpersonal harmony using the group identity theory as your foundation.
  • Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of intimate cross-cultural relationships.
  • Examine and clarify the socio-psychological components of cults using examples.
  • Discuss how sociocultural perceptions have an impact on socio-psychology.
  • How has technology affected communication and interpersonal relationships?
  • What part does religion play in bringing people together?
  • Describe the socio-psychological impacts of dense population and crowded living.
  • What are the effects of a child’s introverted personality on others?
  • Explain how carelessness on the part of parents and childhood obesity are related.
  • Study the psychological, moral, and legal ramifications of adoption.
  • What are the corrective and preventative steps that can stop child abuse?

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Choosing social psychology dissertation topics can be frustrating. We have provided you with original dissertation topic suggestions to aid you in developing a thought-provoking and worthwhile dissertation for your degree.

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How to find social psychology dissertation topics.

To discover social psychology dissertation topics:

  • Explore recent research in journals.
  • Investigate real-world social issues.
  • Examine psychological theories.
  • Consider cultural influences.
  • Brainstorm topics aligned with your passion.
  • Aim for novelty and significance in your chosen area.

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How Social Psychologists Conduct Their Research

Surveys, observations, and case studies provide necessary data

Why Study Social Behavior?

Descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research.

Social psychology research methods allow psychologists a window into the causes for human behavior. They rely on a few well-established methods to research  social psychology topics. These methods allow researchers to test hypotheses and theories as they look for relationships among different variables.

Why do people do the things they do? And why do they sometimes behave differently in groups? These questions are of interest not only to social psychologists, but to teachers, public policy-makers, healthcare administrators, or anyone who has ever watched a news story about a world event and wondered, “Why do people act that way?”

Which type of research is best? This depends largely on the subject the researcher is exploring, the resources available, and the theory or hypothesis being investigated.

Why study social behavior? Since so many "common sense" explanations exist for so many human actions, people sometimes fail to see the value in scientifically studying social behavior. However, it is important to remember that folk wisdom can often be surprisingly inaccurate and that the scientific explanations behind a behavior can be quite shocking.

Stanley Milgram's infamous obedience experiments are examples of how the results of an experiment can defy conventional wisdom.

If you asked most people if they would obey an authority figure even if it meant going against their moral code or harming another individual, they would probably emphatically deny that they would ever do such a thing. Yet Milgram's results revealed that all participants hurt another person simply because they were told to do so by an authority figure, with 65% delivering the highest voltage possible.

The scientific method is essential in studying psychological phenomena in an objective, empirical, analytical way. By employing the scientific method, researchers can see cause-and-effect relationships, uncover associations among factors, and generalize the results of their experiments to larger populations.

While common sense might tell us that opposites attract, that birds of a feather flock together, or that absence makes the heart grow fonder, psychologists can put such ideas to the test using various research methods to determine if there is any real truth to such folk wisdom.

The goal of descriptive research is to portray what already exists in a group or population.

One example of this type of research would be an opinion poll to find which political candidate people plan to vote for in an upcoming election. Unlike causal and relational studies, descriptive studies cannot determine if there is a relationship between two variables. They can only describe what exists within a given population.

An example of descriptive research is a survey of people's attitudes toward a particular social issue such as divorce, capital punishment, or gambling laws.

Types of Descriptive Research

Some of the most commonly used forms of descriptive research utilized by social psychologists include the following.

Surveys are probably one of the most frequently used types of descriptive research. Surveys usually rely on self-report inventories in which people fill out questionnaires about their own behaviors or opinions.

The advantage of the survey method is that it allows social psychology researchers to gather a large amount of data relatively quickly, easily, and cheaply.

The Observational Method

The observational method involves watching people and describing their behavior. Sometimes referred to as field observation, this method can involve creating a scenario in a lab and then watching how people respond or performing naturalistic observation in the subject's own environment.

Each type of observation has its own strengths and weaknesses. Researchers might prefer using observational methods in a lab in order to gain greater control over possible extraneous variables, while others might prefer using naturalistic observation in order to obtain greater ecological validity . However, lab observations tend to be more costly and difficult to implement than naturalistic observations.

Case Studies

A case study involves the in-depth observation of a single individual or group. Case studies can allow researchers to gain insight into things that are very rare or even impossible to reproduce in experimental settings.

The case study of Genie , a young girl who was horrifically abused and deprived of learning language during a critical developmental period, is one example of how a case study can allow social scientists to study phenomena that they otherwise could not reproduce in a lab.

Social psychologists use correlational research to look for relationships between variables. For example, social psychologists might carry out a correlational study looking at the relationship between media violence and aggression . They might collect data on how many hours of aggressive or violent television programs children watch each week and then gather data how on aggressively the children act in lab situations or in naturalistic settings.

Conducting surveys, directly observing behaviors, or compiling research from earlier studies are some of the methods used to gather data for correlational research. While this type of study can help determine if two variables have a relationship, it does not allow researchers to determine if one variable causes changes in another variable.

While the researcher in the previous example on media aggression and violence can use the results of their study to determine if there might be a relationship between the two variables, they cannot say definitively that watching television violence causes aggressive behavior.

Experimental research is the key to uncovering causal relationships between variables . In experimental research, the experimenter randomly assigns participants to one of two groups:

  • The control group : The control group receives no treatment and serves as a baseline.
  • The experimental group : Researchers manipulate the levels of some independent variable in the experimental group and then measure the effects.

Because researchers are able to control the independent variables, experimental research can be used to find causal relationships between variables.

So if psychologists wanted to establish a causal relationship between media violence and aggressive behavior, they would want to design an experiment to test this hypothesis. If the hypothesis was that playing violent video games causes players to respond more aggressively in social situations, they would want to randomly assign participants to two groups.

The control group would play a non-violent video game for a predetermined period of time while the experimental group would play a violent game for the same period of time.

Afterward, the participants would be placed in a situation where they would play a game against another opponent. In this game, they could either respond aggressively or non-aggressively. The researchers would then collect data on how often people utilized aggressive responses in this situation and then compare this information with whether these individuals were in the control or experimental group.

By using the scientific method, designing an experiment, collecting data, and analyzing the results, researchers can then determine if there is a causal relationship between media violence and violent behavior.

Why Social Research Methods Are Important

The study of human behavior is as complex as the behaviors themselves, which is why it is so important for social scientists to utilize empirical methods of selecting participants, collecting data, analyzing their findings, and reporting their results.

Haslam N, Loughnan S, Perry G. Meta-milgram: An empirical synthesis of the obedience experiments . Voracek M, ed.  PLoS ONE . 2014;9(4):e93927. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0093927

Milgram S. Behavioral study of obedience .  The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology . 1963;67(4):371-378. doi:10.1037/h0040525

Curtiss S, Fromkin V, Krashen S, Rigler D, Rigler M. The linguistic development of genie .  Language . 1974;50(3):528.

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

Shapiro Library

Psychology Research Guide

Social psychology.

Social psychologists study the influence of social perception and interaction on individual and group behavior. The following resources can help you narrow your topic, learn about the language used to describe psychology topics, and get you up to speed on the major advancements in this field.

  • Social Psychology search results on the American Psychological Association's website This link opens in a ne

topics for research in social psychology

Social Psychology Databases

Research in social psychology utilizes core psychology resources, as well as resources in communication and sociology. You may find it helpful to search the following databases for your social psychology topics or research questions, in addition to the core resources listed on the home page.

This resource contains full-text articles and reports from journals and magazines.

Social Psychology Subject Headings

You may find it helpful to take advantage of predefined subjects or subject headings in Shapiro Databases. These subjects are applied to articles and books by expert catalogers to help you find materials on your topic. Learn more about subject searching:

  • Subject Searching

Consider using databases to perform subject searches, or incorporating words from applicable subjects into your keyword searches. Here are some social psychology subjects to consider:

  • personality
  • social psychology
  • social anxiety
  • social influence

Social Psychology Example Search

Not sure what you want to research exactly, but want to get a feel for the resources available? Try the following search in any of the databases listed above:

(behavioral OR social) AND Psych*

There isn't just one accepted word for this area of psychology, so we use OR boolean operators to tell the database any of the listed terms are relevant to our search. We use parenthesis to organize our search, and we stem or truncate the word psychology with the asterisk to tell the database that any ending of the word, as long as the letters psych are at the beginning of the word, will do. This way, the word psychological and other related terms will also be included.

  • Learn more about Boolean Operators/Boolean Searching

Social Psychology Organization Websites

  • Association for Research in Personality This link opens in a new window The Association for Research in Personality is a scientific organization devoted to bringing together scholars whose research contributes to the understanding of personality structure, development, and dynamics.
  • Personality Pedagogy This link opens in a new window
  • Personality Project This link opens in a new window
  • Society for Personality and Social Psychology This link opens in a new window The Society for Personality and Social Psychology, founded in 1974, is the world’s largest organization of social and personality psychologists. With over 7,500 members, SPSP strives to advance the science, teaching, and application of social and personality psychology. The mission of SPSP is to advance the science, teaching, and application of social and personality psychology. SPSP members aspire to understand individuals in their social contexts for the benefit of all people.
  • Society of Experimental Social Psychology This link opens in a new window The Society of Experimental Social Psychology (SESP) is a scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of social psychology.
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80 fascinating psychology research questions for your next project

Last updated

15 February 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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

Psychology research is essential for furthering our understanding of human behavior and improving the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions.

When psychologists know more about how different social and cultural factors influence how humans act, think, and feel, they can recommend improvements to practices in areas such as education, sport, healthcare, and law enforcement.

Below, you will find 80 research question examples across 16 branches of psychology. First, though, let’s look at some tips to help you select a suitable research topic.

  • How to choose a good psychology research topic

Psychology has many branches that break down further into topics. Choosing a topic for your psychology research paper can be daunting because there are so many to choose from. It’s an important choice, as the topic you select will open up a range of questions to explore.

The tips below can help you find a psychology research topic that suits your skills and interests.

Tip #1: Select a topic that interests you

Passion and interest should fuel every research project. A topic that fascinates you will most likely interest others as well. Think about the questions you and others might have and decide on the issues that matter most. Draw on your own interests, but also keep your research topical and relevant to others.

Don’t limit yourself to a topic that you already know about. Instead, choose one that will make you want to know more and dig deeper. This will keep you motivated and excited about your research.

Tip #2: Choose a topic with a manageable scope

If your topic is too broad, you can get overwhelmed by the amount of information available and have trouble maintaining focus. On the other hand, you may find it difficult to find enough information if you choose a topic that is too narrow.

To determine if the topic is too broad or too narrow, start researching as early as possible. If you find there’s an overwhelming amount of research material, you’ll probably need to narrow the topic down. For example, instead of researching the general population, it might be easier to focus on a specific age group. Ask yourself what area of the general topic interests you most and focus on that.

If your scope is too narrow, try to generalize or focus on a larger related topic. Expand your search criteria or select additional databases for information. Consider if the topic is too new to have much information published on it as well.

Tip #3: Select a topic that will produce useful and relevant insights

Doing some preliminary research will reveal any existing research on the topic. If there is existing research, will you be able to produce new insights? You might need to focus on a different area or see if the existing research has limitations that you can overcome.

Bear in mind that finding new information from which to draw fresh insights may be impossible if your topic has been over-researched.

You’ll also need to consider whether your topic is relevant to current trends and needs. For example, researching psychology topics related to social media use may be highly relevant today.

  • 80 psychology research topics and questions

Psychology is a broad subject with many branches and potential areas of study. Here are some of them:

Developmental

Personality

Experimental

Organizational

Educational

Neuropsychology

Controversial topics

Below we offer some suggestions on research topics and questions that can get you started. Keep in mind that these are not all-inclusive but should be personalized to fit the theme of your paper.

Social psychology research topics and questions

Social psychology has roots as far back as the 18th century. In simple terms, it’s the study of how behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. It is the science of finding out who we are, who we think we are, and how our perceptions affect ourselves and others. It looks at personalities, relationships, and group behavior.

Here are some potential research questions and paper titles for this topic:

How does social media use impact perceptions of body image in male adolescents?

2. Is childhood bullying a risk factor for social anxiety in adults?

Is homophobia in individuals caused by genetic or environmental factors?

What is the most important psychological predictor of a person’s willingness to donate to charity?

Does a person’s height impact how other people perceive them? If so, how?

Cognitive psychology research questions

Cognitive psychology is the branch that focuses on the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving. It also explores the reasons humans think the way they do.

This topic involves exploring how people think by measuring intelligence, thoughts, and cognition. 

Here are some research question ideas:

6. Is there a link between chronic stress and memory function?

7. Can certain kinds of music trigger memories in people with memory loss?

8. Do remote meetings impact the efficacy of team decision-making?

9. Do word games and puzzles slow cognitive decline in adults over the age of 80?

10. Does watching television impact a child’s reading ability?

Developmental psychology research questions

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow and change over their lifespan. It usually focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of babies and children, though it can apply to people of all ages. Developmental psychology is important for understanding how we learn, mature, and adapt to changes.

Here are some questions that might inspire your research:

11. Does grief accelerate the aging process?

12. How do parent–child attachment patterns influence the development of emotion regulation in teenagers?

13. Does bilingualism affect cognitive decline in adults over the age of 70?

14. How does the transition to adulthood impact decision-making abilities

15. How does early exposure to music impact mental health and well-being in school-aged children?

Personality psychology research questions

Personality psychology studies personalities, how they develop, their structures, and the processes that define them. It looks at intelligence, disposition, moral beliefs, thoughts, and reactions.

The goal of this branch of psychology is to scientifically interpret the way personality patterns manifest into an individual’s behaviors. Here are some example research questions:

16. Nature vs. nurture: Which impacts personality development the most?

17. The role of genetics on personality: Does an adopted child take on their biological parents’ personality traits?

18. How do personality traits influence leadership styles and effectiveness in organizational settings?

19. Is there a relationship between an individual’s personality and mental health?

20. Can a chronic illness affect your personality?

Abnormal psychology research questions

As the name suggests, abnormal psychology is a branch that focuses on abnormal behavior and psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness or disorders).

Abnormal behavior can be challenging to define. Who decides what is “normal”? As such, psychologists in this area focus on the level of distress that certain behaviors may cause, although this typically involves studying mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

Here are some questions to consider:

21. How does technology impact the development of social anxiety disorder?

22. What are the factors behind the rising incidence of eating disorders in adolescents?

23. Are mindfulness-based interventions effective in the treatment of PTSD?

24. Is there a connection between depression and gambling addiction?

25. Can physical trauma cause psychopathy?

Clinical psychology research questions

Clinical psychology deals with assessing and treating mental illness or abnormal or psychiatric behaviors. It differs from abnormal psychology in that it focuses more on treatments and clinical aspects, while abnormal psychology is more behavioral focused.

This is a specialty area that provides care and treatment for complex mental health conditions. This can include treatment, not only for individuals but for couples, families, and other groups. Clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health. This category is very broad, so there are lots of topics to explore.

Below are some example research questions to consider:

26. Do criminals require more specific therapies or interventions?

27. How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating mental health disorders?

28. Are there any disadvantages to humanistic therapy?

29. Can group therapy be more beneficial than one-on-one therapy sessions?

30. What are the factors to consider when selecting the right treatment plan for patients with anxiety?

Experimental psychology research questions

Experimental psychology deals with studies that can prove or disprove a hypothesis. Psychologists in this field use scientific methods to collect data on basic psychological processes such as memory, cognition, and learning. They use this data to test the whys and hows of behavior and how outside factors influence its creation.

Areas of interest in this branch relate to perception, memory, emotion, and sensation. The below are example questions that could inspire your own research:

31. Do male or female parents/carers have a more calming influence on children?

32. Will your preference for a genre of music increase the more you listen to it?

33. What are the psychological effects of posting on social media vs. not posting?

34. How is productivity affected by social connection?

35. Is cheating contagious?

Organizational psychology research questions

Organizational psychology studies human behavior in the workplace. It is most frequently used to evaluate an employee, group, or a company’s organizational dynamics. Researchers aim to isolate issues and identify solutions.

This area of study can be beneficial to both employees and employers since the goal is to improve the overall work environment and experience. Researchers apply psychological principles and findings to recommend improvements in performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety. 

Some potential research questions include the following:

36. How do different leadership styles affect employee morale?

37. Do longer lunch breaks boost employee productivity?

38. Is gender an antecedent to workplace stress?

39. What is the most effective way to promote work–life balance among employees?

40. How do different organizational structures impact the effectiveness of communication, decision-making, and productivity?

Forensic psychology research questions

Some questions to consider exploring in this branch of psychology are:

41. How does incarceration affect mental health?

42. Is childhood trauma a driver for criminal behavior during adulthood?

43. Are people with mental health conditions more likely to be victims of crimes?

44. What are the drivers of false memories, and how do they impact the justice system?

45. Is the media responsible for copycat crimes?

Educational psychology research questions

Educational psychology studies children in an educational setting. It covers topics like teaching methods, aptitude assessment, self-motivation, technology, and parental involvement.

Research in this field of psychology is vital for understanding and optimizing learning processes. It informs educators about cognitive development, learning styles, and effective teaching strategies.

Here are some example research questions:

46. Are different teaching styles more beneficial for children at different times of the day?

47. Can listening to classical music regularly increase a student’s test scores?

48. Is there a connection between sugar consumption and knowledge retention in students?

49. Does sleep duration and quality impact academic performance?

50. Does daily meditation at school influence students’ academic performance and mental health?

Sports psychology research question examples

Sport psychology aims to optimize physical performance and well-being in athletes by using cognitive and behavioral practices and interventions. Some methods include counseling, training, and clinical interventions.

Research in this area is important because it can improve team and individual performance, resilience, motivation, confidence, and overall well-being

Here are some research question ideas for you to consider:

51. How can a famous coach affect a team’s performance?

52. How can athletes control negative emotions in violent or high-contact sports?

53. How does using social media impact an athlete’s performance and well-being?

54. Can psychological interventions help with injury rehabilitation?

55. How can mindfulness practices boost sports performance?

Cultural psychology research question examples

The premise of this branch of psychology is that mind and culture are inseparable. In other words, people are shaped by their cultures, and their cultures are shaped by them. This can be a complex interaction.

Cultural psychology is vital as it explores how cultural context shapes individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions. It provides insights into diverse perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding and reducing biases.

Here are some ideas that you might consider researching:

56. Are there cultural differences in how people perceive and deal with pain?

57. Are different cultures at increased risk of developing mental health conditions?

58. Are there cultural differences in coping strategies for stress?

59. Do our different cultures shape our personalities?

60. How does multi-generational culture influence family values and structure?

Health psychology research question examples

Health psychology is a crucial field of study. Understanding how psychological factors influence health behaviors, adherence to medical treatments, and overall wellness enables health experts to develop effective interventions and preventive measures, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Health psychology also aids in managing stress, promoting healthy behaviors, and optimizing mental health, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Here are five ideas to inspire research in this field:

61. How can health psychology interventions improve lifestyle behaviors to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

62. What role do social norms play in vaping among adolescents?

63. What role do personality traits play in the development and management of chronic pain conditions?

64. How do cultural beliefs and attitudes influence health-seeking behaviors in diverse populations?

65. What are the psychological factors influencing the adherence to preventive health behaviors, such as vaccination and regular screenings?

Neuropsychology research paper question examples

Neuropsychology research explores how a person’s cognition and behavior are related to their brain and nervous system. Researchers aim to advance the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and cognitive effects of neurological disorders.

Researchers may work with children facing learning or developmental challenges, or with adults with declining cognitive abilities. They may also focus on injuries or illnesses of the brain, such as traumatic brain injuries, to determine the effect on cognitive and behavioral functions.

Neuropsychology informs diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the neural basis of behavior enhances our ability to optimize cognitive functioning, rehabilitate people with brain injuries, and improve patient care.

Here are some example research questions to consider:

66. How do neurotransmitter imbalances in specific brain regions contribute to mood disorders such as depression?

67. How can a traumatic brain injury affect memory?

68. What neural processes underlie attention deficits in people with ADHD?

69. Do medications affect the brain differently after a traumatic brain injury?

70. What are the behavioral effects of prolonged brain swelling?

Psychology of religion research question examples

The psychology of religion is a field that studies the interplay between belief systems, spirituality, and mental well-being. It explores the application of the psychological methods and interpretive frameworks of religious traditions and how they relate to both religious and non-religious people.

Psychology of religion research contributes to a holistic understanding of human experiences. It fosters cultural competence and guides therapeutic approaches that respect diverse spiritual beliefs.

Here are some example research questions in this field:

71. What impact does a religious upbringing have on a child’s self-esteem?

72. How do religious beliefs shape decision-making and perceptions of morality?

73. What is the impact of religious indoctrination?

74. Is there correlation between religious and mindfulness practices?

75. How does religious affiliation impact attitudes towards mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors?

Controversial topics in psychology research question examples

Some psychology topics don’t fit into any of the subcategories above, but they may still be worthwhile topics to consider. These topics are the ones that spark interest, conversation, debate, and disagreement. They are often inspired by current issues and assess the validity of older research.

Consider some of these research question examples:

76. How does the rise in on-screen violence impact behavior in adolescents.

77. Should access to social media platforms be restricted in children under the age of 12 to improve mental health?

78. Are prescription mental health medications over-prescribed in older adults? If so, what are the effects of this?

79. Cognitive biases in AI: what are the implications for decision-making?

80. What are the psychological and ethical implications of using virtual reality in exposure therapy for treating trauma-related conditions?

  • Inspiration for your next psychology research project

You can choose from a diverse range of research questions that intersect and overlap across various specialties.

From cognitive psychology to clinical studies, each inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. Importantly, the relevance of these questions transcends individual disciplines, as many findings offer insights applicable across multiple areas of study.

As health trends evolve and societal needs shift, new topics emerge, fueling continual exploration and discovery. Diving into this ever-changing and expanding area of study enables you to navigate the complexities of the human experience and pave the way for innovative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.

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American Psychological Association Logo

14 emerging trends

Vol. 53 No. 1 Print version: page 42

graphic of person looking through binoculars of increasing size

In 2022, psychological science will play an increasingly outsize role in the debate about how to solve the world’s most intractable challenges. Human behavior is at the heart of many of the biggest issues with which we grapple: inequality, climate change, the future of work, health and well-being, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation. Psychologists have been asked not only to have a seat at the table but to take the lead on these issues and more (See the full list of emerging trends ).

Psychologists are being called upon to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI): Amid a nationwide reckoning on race—and a 71% increase in EDI roles at organizations over the past 5 years—psychologists are increasingly being tapped to serve as chief diversity officers and act in other similar roles. But the field is also at an inflection point, being called upon to be more introspective about its own diversity in terms of the people who choose to become psychologists, the people who are the subjects of psychological research, and the people who have access to psychological services.

Psychologists are now the most requested experts by the mainstream media. As our culture increasingly sees mental health as an important piece of overall well-being, psychologists are being called to serve in a wider array of roles, including in entertainment, sports, advocacy, and technology.

On the technology front, the delivery and data collection of psychological services is gaining increased interest from venture capitalists. Private equity firms are expected to pour billions of dollars into mental health projects this year—psychologists working on these efforts say greater investments will help bring mental health care to millions of underserved patients.

That said, the urgent need for mental health services will be a trend for years to come. That is especially true among children: Mental health–related emergency department visits have increased 24% for children between ages 5 and 11 and 31% for those ages 12 to 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That trend will be exacerbated by the climate crisis, the destructive effects of which will fall disproportionately on communities that are already disadvantaged by social, economic, and political oppression.

Reporters and editors for the Monitor spoke with more than 100 psychologists to compile our annual trends report, which you’ll find on the following pages. As always, we appreciate your feedback and insights— email us .

Congresswoman and psychologist Dr. Judy Chu

The rise of psychologists

graphic of woman teleworking with a child in a playpen under her desk

Reworking work

abstract graphic of hands around a globe

Open science is surging

health care working in scrubs sitting in a chair

Prominent issues in health care

artwork of people standing on a large pile of money

Mental health, meet venture capital

Selena Gomez

Kicking stigma to the curb

graphic of a man's brain

New frontiers in neuroscience

professional woman walking on a city street

Millions of women have left the workforce. Psychology can help bring them back

teacher having a good conversation with a young child

Children’s mental health is in crisis

health care worker with medical mask looking very tired

Burnout and stress are everywhere

aftermath of a forest fire showing charred trees and cars

Climate change intensifies

graphic showing woman holding paper with binary numbers scrolling in the background

Big data ups its reach

McDonalds coffee cup

Psychology’s influence on public health messaging is growing

artist image of woman holding a laptop speaking with someone

Telehealth proves its worth

Trent Spiner is editor in chief of the Monitor . Follow him on Twitter: @TrentSpiner

Recommended Reading

Contact apa, you may also like.

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   Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Listed below are links to social psychology topics such as prejudice and discrimination, gender, culture, social influence, interpersonal relations, group behavior, aggression, and more.

 Table of Contents (click on a category of interest)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
      
      
  
  
  
  
      
      
      
  
      
      
      
      
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 Prejudice, Discrimination, and Diversity

(combats distorted media images of women)

(from UnderstandingPrejudice.org) (working for lesbian and gay equal rights) (GLAAD) (civil rights and advocacy) (PFLAG) (UC--Davis) (blog on sexual prejudice and related topics)

(large link directory)

(resource hub for higher education) (APA journal) (resources for cultural diversity at work) (a guide to diversity terminology) (for students, teachers, and activists) (for social-personality psychology)

(Memphis, Tennessee) (U.S. Department of Justice) (large coalition) (Stanford U.)


 The Psychology of Gender
(APA Div. 35) (founded in 1969) (Internet gateway) (advancing human rights) (improving women's health worldwide)

(a virtual library of links on men's issues)

(APA Div. 44) (resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people) (searchable GLBT links, resources, and information) (an extensive topical catalogue) (Canadian gay, lesbian, and bisexual information) (free and confidential)

(e-zine, resources, and online community) (support and information) ( magazine) (a personal view)

 Cultural Links
(APA Division 52) (IACCP journal) (IACCP newsletter) (SCCR journal)

(search Google's n-gram database)

(intercultural and educational programs)

 Social Influence
(Program on International Policy Attitudes) (University of Chicago) (tracking social change since 1972) (over 40 countries) (Harvard University) (UnderstandingPrejudice.org) (University of Illinois)

(American Marketing Association) (tools, skills, and resources for sales professionals) (focuses on Internet-based marketing)

(overview from Wikipedia) (general information and resources) (journal devoted exclusively to topic) (annual USF event) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (New Zealand, Australia, and South Pacific)

(clearinghouse and research group) (University of Stirling, Scotland) (Carleton University, Canada) (U.K. National Consumer Council) (UC--Berkeley) (University of Wollongong, Australia) (Edith Cowan U., Australia)

(creates ad campaigns for the public good) (magazine on marketing, advertising, and mass media) (critical perspective with searchable database of ads)

(site of the Hale-Bopp suicide cult) (information, organizations, and references) (from cult expert Rick Ross) (from cult expert Steven Hassan)

(consumer action tips) (U.S. site; can also call 888-382-1222) (software that blocks advertisements in all web browsers) (an magazine parody of Joe Camel)

 Interpersonal Relations
(tips, ideas, forum, and more) (a research-based overview) (pucker up for kissing tips and e-kisses) (analyze your voice for the sound of love) (an index of shyness resources)

(online dating for activists) (honest profiles with pros and cons) (offers matching as well as searching) (uses a mathematical matching system) (matches traits, interests, and preferences) (uses compatibility matching system) (personality profiles and compatibility matches) (dating site for companion animal lovers) (online dating community for seniors) (for progressive, socially concerned singles)

(world's largest social network) (online community of researchers) (information and microblogging network) (social network for professionals) (online communities and friendship networks) (founded in 1995 and has millions of members) (weblog communities, profiles, and more)

(information on sexually transmitted diseases) (from the APA) and

(legal resource with articles, bulletin boards, and more) (comprehensive resource on divorce) (another divorce megasite) (still another excellent resource) (articles, resources, and support)

(family megasite) (search over 1 million adoption pages) (nonprofit organization for single parents)

(research and educational organization) (maintains large research database) (conducted investigation) (human-animal studies) (human-animal relations, including animal-assisted therapy) (searchable database of animals needing homes) (offers masters degree) (includes archive of articles)

(nonprofit research center) (videos and demonstrations)

 Self and Social Identity
(ISSI research journal) (Khan Academy videos) (online self-improvement community)
 Group Behavior
(APA Division 49) (University of Richmond) (University of Iowa) (University of Michigan) (Social Psychology Network) (SPN)

(global network) (Harvard University) (Claremont McKenna College) (University of Kansas) (University of Richmond) (Kansas State University) (SUNY--Binghamton) (University of Southern Maine) (West Virginia University) (Williams College)

(interdisciplinary journal) (open online journal) (interdisciplinary journal) (international journal) (interdisciplinary journal)

 Violence, Conflict, Negotiation, and Peace
General Resources:

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence:

(U.S. Department of Justice) (has database of shelters)

(from INCORE) (focusing on peace efforts) (joint effort) (including campus activism) (the political wing of the Irish Republican Army)

(nonprofit organization) (from The Negotiation Experts)

(from Social Psychology Network) (APA Division 48) (building cultures of peace) (web portal) (topic overview) (information sources)

 Prosocial Behavior
Philanthropy:

(act now to end world poverty!) (searchable database of >3,000 charity evaluations) (Duke Univ.) (donor's guide to the charitable universe) (philanthropy megasite) (nearly effortless ways to give)

Social Entrepreneurship and Micro-Loans:

(make a micro-loan today!) (press release) (video of Nobel Winner Muhammad Yunus) (National Public Radio story) (innovating for the world's poor)

Other Sites on Helping:

(spreads kindness) (helps people get out and do good) (site devoted to service and volunteering) (honoring people who stick their neck out) (turning compassion into heroic action) (from SPN Sites of the Week)

General Resources:

(for those who care2 make a difference) (connecting activists) (resources to make a difference on political issues) (promoting more constructive forms of disagreement) (video)

Nonprofit Organizations:

(nonprofit resources) (information and searchable database) (on nonprofit management)

Voting and Elections in the United States:

(Sites of the Week) (data on voting and politics) (large database of American candidates) (U.S. government site) (nonprofit group)

Voting and Elections Outside the United States:

(timely information on elections around the world) (extensive information on elections) (research and assistance) (intergovernmental)

 Disciplines Related to Social Psychology
(Personality Psychology Foundation) (links related to personality theory and research) (profiles of historical figures and theorists) (world's largest test collection database)

(from SPN) (APA Division 38) (United Nations agency) (United States) (Cancer Control & Population Sciences) (from eInterview.org)

(interdisciplinary digest and blog) (draws on the work of Egon Brunswik)

(APA Division 41) (APA information and resources) (APA Division 41 journal) (APA journal) (BPS journal)

(APA Division 34 journal)

(APA Division 23) (SCP journal) (ScienceDaily) ( ) (blog)

(ergonomics megasite) (journal of the Ergonomics Society and IEA) (a scrapbook of illustrated examples)

(superb sociology megasite) (large sociology directory) (comprehensive guide to sociology online)


 Miscellaneous Links
, a social psychology e-zine , an electronic textbook web site in Australia , founded in 2007 at Miami University

Psychology Headlines

From around the world.

  • People's Moral Values Change with the Seasons, Study Finds
  • U.K. Reports of Antisemitic Incidents Reach Record High
  • U.S. Secretaries of State Urge Musk to Block Election Misinformation
  • Sierra Leone Used to Chain Mental Health Patients; Times Are Changing
  • Report Details Systemic Racism Within London Police Service
  • U.S. Schools Taking Meditation Breaks to Help Students Manage Stress
  • B'tselem's report contains testimony from 55 recently released Palestinian detainees, whose graphic accounts suggest a dramatic worsening of prison conditions since the start of the Gaza war 10 months ago. A U.N. report last week also contained shocking allegations of abuse directed against Palestinian…">Israeli Human Rights Group Alleges Abuse of Palestinian Detainees
  • Worldwide, Scientists Very Concerned About Climate Change, Survey Finds

Source: Psychology News Center

topics for research in social psychology

StatAnalytica

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

psychology topics to research

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

How To Select Psychology Topics To Research?

Table of Contents

  • Follow Your Interests: Start with what you love. What aspects of human behavior or the mind fascinate you the most? It’s much easier to research something you’re passionate about.
  • Consider Relevance: Think about how your chosen topic fits into your academic or career goals. Does it relate to what you’re studying or the job you want? If it does, great!
  • Balance the Scope: Don’t pick a topic that’s too broad or too narrow. Find that sweet spot in the middle. You want a topic that’s focused enough to research effectively but not so narrow that there’s no existing information.
  • Explore Different Areas: Research the various branches of psychology, like cognitive, social, clinical, developmental, or biological psychology. See which one resonates with you the most.
  • Seek Advice: Talk to your professors, mentors, or peers. They can provide guidance and suggestions based on your interests and goals.
100+ Innovative For Students In 2023

200+ Popular Psychology Topics To Research: Category Wise

40+ cognitive psychology topics.

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

40+ Social Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Clinical Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

40+ Biological Psychology Research Topics

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

Research Methodology for Psychology Topics

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

Resources for Psychology Research

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

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

Tips for Successful Psychology Topics for Research

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

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

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

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Explore Psychology

50+ Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Categories Psychology Education

If you have ever had to write a paper for one of your psychology classes, then you probably know that choosing psychology paper topics can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of great topics for psychology research papers to help you finish your assignment.

Keep reading to learn more about how to find topics for psychology research papers and find inspiration to help you get started.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Topics for Psychology Research Papers

If you are going to write a psychology paper, the first thing you need to do is pick a good topic. This is often easier said than done.

In some cases, your instructor might assign you topics for psychology research papers, or at least narrow your range of options by providing a general subject area on which to focus your paper.

But in many cases, choosing the topic of your psychology paper is entirely up to you—and that’s where things can get tricky. How do you choose a great topic? What if you pick something too specific and struggle to find sources? Or what if you go too broad and end up biting off more than you can chew?

Following a few simple steps can make the topic selection process a lot easier.

Choose a General Subject

Part of what makes picking a topic for a psychology paper so difficult is how overwhelmed you are by the information you feel. Make it easier on yourself by restricting your options to at least a general topic area.

Narrow Down to a More Specific Topic

Once you’ve chosen a general area, you can then narrow topics for psychology research papers down to something much more specific and manageable.

For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write your paper on a topic within a specific branch of psychology . From there you might further narrow your focus down to a much narrower subject area within that branch

So, imagine that you’re writing a psychology research paper in your general psychology course. Your instructor has given you free rein to select any topic you please, so you begin by deciding to write your paper on a social psychology topic.

Now that you have a general idea, you drill down further and decide to research and write your paper on how prejudice forms and ways to minimize it.

General Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Because general psychology classes cover such a wide range of topics, you have a very large selection of subject ideas to choose from. Start by choosing a general topic, and then narrow your focus down so that you can fully cover the subject.

Some ideas include:

  • An issue paper:  Tackle one of the current issues in psychology, such as parity in mental health care or involving psychologists in military interrogations.
  • Profile a famous psychologist:  Select a well-known  psychologist  and then write a profile exploring his or her life, theories, and career.
  • Explore a well-known psychology experiment:  Write a paper on a classic psychology study, such as the Milgram Obedience Experiment or the Stanford Prison Experiment.
  • Write about a topic within personality psychology:   Personality psychology focuses on the traits and dispositions that contribute to overall personality. This is one of the largest topics within psychology so there are plenty of fascinating research topics from which to choose. Some specific topics that might interest you include whether personality can change, different theories of personality development and the  Big Five theory of personality.

Specific Topics for Psychology Research Papers

You might also want to choose topics for psychology research papers that are related to a specific branch of psychology. Some options that you might consider include:

Clinical Psychology

  • How effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating specific phobias?
  • What is the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder?
  • How do medication and psychotherapy compare in the treatment of depression?
  • How does social media affect teen mental health?

Developmental Psychology

  • How do parenting styles influence child development?
  • What are the long-term effects of early childhood education?
  • What role does play have in cognitive development?
  • What effect does having siblings have on developmental outcomes?

Cognitive Psychology

  • How does sleep deprivation influence the memory consolidation process?
  • What impact does aging have on cognitive functioning?
  • How does exercise impact working memory?
  • Does learning a second language have cognitive benefits?

Social Psychology

  • What effect does discrimination have on self-esteem?
  • How does self-presentation online differ from self-presentation in real-world settings?
  • How do leadership styles influence productivity in groups?

Okay, let’s just imagine that you’re having a bad case of writer’s block. You understand the basic approach for picking a good topic, but nothing seems to be catching your interest. You’re looking for some more inspiration to get you started.

Here are just a few great topics for psychology papers that you might want to consider:

Controversial Topics for Psychology Research Papers

The history of psychology is not always positive, and if you enjoy writing about controversial topics, psychology’s history is rich with material.

  • The use of lobotomies to treat mental illness
  • The history of mental asylums in the United States
  • The use and effects of electroconvulsive therapy
  • Conversion therapy and its damaging effects
  • Attachment therapy
  • Controversial experiments such as Milgram’s obedience experiment or Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment
  • The debate over the nature of intelligence
  • The impact of the eugenics movement on psychology
  • Controversies surrounding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Disorder Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Writing about the history, prevalence, and treatment of a specific mental condition can be an interesting topic for a psychology paper. Some options you might consider include:

  • Eating disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Borderline personality disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance abuse and addictions
  • Developmental disorders

Other Great Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Here is a sampling of topics that you might consider:

  • How attitudes form
  • How bullying affects children
  • How people use nonverbal communication
  • Factors that can affect prenatal development
  • How media violence influences children’s behavior
  • How parenting styles influence child development
  • How does intrinsic motivation influence learning
  • How does mindset impact academic achievement
  • What factors influence IQ and is it possible to increase IQ
  • Factors that influence self-actualization
  • Is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs still relevant today
  • How does perfectionism impact mental well-being
  • Different theories of personality
  • How different leadership styles influence the success of groups
  • Profile a specific career in psychology

As you can see, your options for psychology paper topics are really only limited by your own imagination (and the specific guidelines issued by your instructor, of course). Spend some time thinking about topics that really interest you, then narrow your focus to hone in on a specific idea.

Finally, always be sure to run your chosen topic by your instructor. He or she may be able to offer suggestions that can help you during your research and make it much easier to write an outstanding psychology paper.

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Home » 500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Table of Contents

Psychology Research Topic Ideas

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

Psychology Research Topic Ideas

Psychology Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

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

Psychology Research Topic Ideas College Students

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

Graduate Psychology Research Topic Ideas

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

Military Psychology Research Topic Ideas

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

Psychology Research Topic Ideas in Education

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

Cognitive Psychology Research Topic Ideas

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

Forensic Psychology Research Topic Ideas

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

Abnormal psychology research topic ideas

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

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200 Social Psychology Topics (Updated for 2023)

Social Psychology Topics

Table of Contents

Choose our social psychology research topics, social psychology project topics, topics in social psychology research, easy topics on social psychology, psychology topic ideas about dreams, child psychology ideas, social psychology issues topics, good social psychology research topics, interesting social psychology topics, forensic psychology research topics, most popular ideas for psychology papers, applied social psychology topics, social psychology essay topics for high school, social psychology literature review topics, health psychology ideas, sports psychology topics, ib psychology extended topics, social psychology experiment topics, social psychology research topics for college students, social psychology term paper topics, abnormal psychology ideas, thesis topics in social psychology, major topics in social psychology, mental illness topics, social media psychology topics, cognitive psychology research topics, great social psychology topics to write about, developmental psychology ideas, excellent research topics in social psychology, controversial topics for social psychology research paper, difficult social psychology topics for research.

If you are reading our blog post, it means you are looking for social psychology topics. We can bet you want to get the best topics possible. The longer the list of ideas, the better. Today, you are in luck. We have 200 social psychology topics for you and each and every one of them is free to use. You can use our social psychology research topics as they are or reword them as you see fit. To help as many students as possible, our ENL writers and editors are constantly updating the list. Most of these social psychology topics for research papers are already updated for 2023.

Why use our social psychology paper topics? First, because it saves you a lot of time. Why spend hours or even days looking for the perfect social psychology research topic when you can just select one of ours? And second, our topics are original (unique). The list of social psychology research topics is updated frequently, so there is a good chance you can find an interesting idea that will impress your professor and earn you some bonus points. Without further ado, here’s the list of social psychology research paper topics from My Homework Done .

If you are looking for some awesome social psychology project topics, we’ve got a few that will surely thrill you. Take a look:

  • Come up with a project related to culture and psychology
  • Reproduce a case of social anxiety
  • Analyze a marital dispute
  • Research an introvert child
  • Children and violent movies: a case study
  • Ageing as a social psychology project

In case you are looking for some topics in social psychology research that you can use today, we have a list ready for you. Pick any of these and start writing:

  • Medication and its effects on mental health
  • Depression and its effects on social interactions
  • What causes a panic attack?
  • Research Autism and its social psychology implications
  • Research a speech disorder
  • Research Homophobia
  • Discuss gender roles in the US
  • Research the effect of violent cartoons on preschool children

But what if you don’t want to spend hours or even days writing the essay? No problem, we have a list of easy topics on social psychology for you right here:

  • Discuss eating disorders
  • Analyze the seasonal affective disorder
  • What is Schizophrenia?
  • Talk about the Antisocial Personality disorder
  • What are dreams?
  • Discuss various parenting styles
  • What is the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
  • What causes social anxiety?

Let’s face it: dreams can be very fascinating to talk about. Why don’t you talk about the psychology behind dreams? Just pick one of these psychology topic ideas about dreams:

  • What do dreams tell about you?
  • Do we need to dream?
  • Dreams and their psychological effects.
  • The symbolism of specific dreams
  • Men’s vs. women’s dreams
  • Translating dreams to reality

Child psychology is a very complex subject, but we managed to think of some child psychology ideas that won’t take you days to write about:

  • Parental neglect and child depression
  • Growing up in a single parent family
  • Psychological effects of death on children
  • Research children’s psychological development
  • Childhood trauma and its long term effects
  • Effects of violent music on a child’s social integration

Social psychology is not without its problems, of course. If you would like to talk about these problems, pick one of our social psychology issues topics:

  • Controlling mental health issues effectively
  • Autistic children can’t fit in our society
  • The psychology of dreams
  • Diagnosing depression early on
  • Parental neglect in the United States
  • Social problems faced by people suffering from AIDS

We’ve gone through dozens of topic ideas over the past few weeks, and we compiled the ones that we thing are the best. Good social psychology research topics include:

  • Describe the introvert personality
  • Behavioral therapy treatment for convicts
  • The stalker personality disorder
  • Controlling anxiety in public
  • The role of an abusive parent on child development
  • Discuss the psychological effects of discrimination

To impress your professor, we suggest you find something interesting to talk about. Take a look at these interesting social psychology topics and pick one:

  • Child obesity and parental negligence
  • Link between obesity and TV
  • The psychological reasons of depression
  • The causes of stress
  • Gender effects on memory
  • The stages of human development
  • Link between physical illness and stress levels

Are you interested in writing about forensic psychology? We have some forensic psychology research topics we are certain you’ll love:

  • Are serial killers mentally impaired?
  • Terrorists and their social psychology.
  • Policing the Internet better nowadays.
  • Family effect on serial killers.
  • Teenagers and the effect of mass suicide.
  • Differences between clinical and forensic psychology.
  • Social psychology explains the rise in murders.

We’ve read feedback from hundreds of students and carefully analyzed the topics they chose. Here are the most popular ideas for psychology papers:

  • The role of the environment on personality development
  • Short term vs. long term memory
  • Define social interaction
  • Can morality be forced by law?
  • Mental health effects of abortion
  • The mental development of children with special needs
  • Aging effects on mental health
  • Counseling effects on divorce
  • Birth order and its effects on personality

Are you looking for the best applied social psychology topics on the Internet? Check out these ideas and pick one today:

  • Using hypnosis in a real life scenario
  • Medication effects on mental health
  • The real life effects of depression
  • Define social depression
  • Is asexuality a mental condition?
  • The causes of multiple personality disorder

High school students are having a difficult time finding great topics, we know. Here are some social psychology essay topics for high school for free:

  • Define schizophrenia
  • Antisocial behaviors explained
  • Drugs’ effects on the emotional development of teens
  • Bullying effects on your mental health
  • Describe gender roles in the UK
  • What causes anorexia?
  • PTSD at the workplace

We have some of the best original social psychology literature review topics on the Internet, all updated for 2023:

  • News and violence literature review
  • Child abuse in developing countries
  • Violence in pre-school children
  • Discuss the inability to fix in a society
  • Prison rehabilitation literature review
  • Mass killing in the U.S.
  • The link between memories and social success

Interested in writing about health topics? We have some very interesting health psychology ideas that you can use right now, free of charge:

  • Effects of drugs on children’s mental health
  • Mental health problems affecting physical health
  • What causes panic attacks?
  • Define social anxiety
  • What are phobias?
  • How does paranoia develop?

Sports psychology topics are not easy to come by, especially in 2023. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of unique sports psychology topics:

  • Psychological tests for violence
  • Psychological tests for steroid use
  • What is team chemistry?
  • Advances in sports psychology
  • Interesting sports psychology trends in 2023
  • Methods an athlete can use to control emotion

The extended essay is not easy to write. Not even finding a topic is easy. Pick one of these IB psychology extended topics and give it a try:

  • Discuss the seasonal affective disorder
  • Analyze the Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Teenage children’s apathy towards food
  • What causes depression?
  • Describe false memories
  • Analyze and discuss language acquisition
  • Violence in video games and its effects on children

If you want to conduct an experiment or write about an experiment, we have just the ideas you need. Here are some great social psychology experiment topics:

  • Children with learning disabilities in public schools.
  • Effects of relocation of children’s mental health.
  • Immigration effects on families.
  • Grief and its effects on families.
  • Analyze the illusion of self.
  • Eating disorders and their psychological effects.

Writing a research paper is already difficult, so you really don’t have time to search for the best topics. Pick one of our social psychology research topics for college students for free:

  • Link between depression on social cognition
  • Research social influences on youth
  • Research the effects of violence from a social perspective
  • Effects of the death of a child.
  • Research the bystander effect.
  • How are our behaviors shaped?
  • Miscarriage and social psychology

If you need to write a term paper and don’t know what to write about, we have some excellent social psychology term paper topics for students of all ages:

  • The psychological effects of torture
  • Genetics and the level of human intelligence
  • The theories behind motivation
  • Why does teenager suicide happen?
  • Discuss the effects of work environment on worker motivation
  • Attractive people receiving special treatment
  • How is hypnosis used and why?

You probably want to write about something out of the ordinary. It’s a sure way to impress your professor, obviously. Pick any of these awesome abnormal psychology ideas:

  • How to study Anomie
  • Anorexia in the United Kingdom
  • Preventing death-related anxiety
  • Analyze borderline personality disorders
  • Discuss asexuality
  • Are phobias real or a mental problem?
  • Researching the Oedipus complex effectively

If you are about to start working on your thesis, you need some of our thesis topics in social psychology. Use them as they are or reword them as you see fit:

  • The role of violence in our society
  • How do people expose a lie?
  • Factors that affect a person’s religious perspective
  • Discuss Freud’s theories
  • An in-depth analysis of Gestalt Psychology
  • Explain and analyze Socionics

Are you looking to get a major in psychology? We have some major topics in social psychology that you will surely find interesting:

  • Techniques used to research psychological topics
  • Explain Mood Freezing and how it works
  • The design of modern physiological studies
  • Effects of sleep deprivation on memory
  • An in-depth look at environmental psychology
  • Domestic abuse and its psychological effects

Discussing various mental illnesses is not easy, we know. So, we did our best to come up with relatively easy mental illness topics:

  • Is depression a mental illness?
  • Violence can be classified as a mental illness
  • Describe the seasonal affective disorder

We have just the social media psychology topics you have been looking for (all updated for 2023):

  • Effects of social media on children’s psychology
  • Facebook effects on self-esteem
  • Nonverbal communication on social media
  • Prosocial behavior on social media

Cognitive psychology is a hot subject these days, so our ENL writers did their best to come up with the most interesting (and original) cognitive psychology research topics:

  • Effects of autism on young children.
  • ADHD effects on social growth.
  • Can we recover from memory loss?
  • How are memories created?
  • Cognitive psychology and the effects of colors.
  • Measuring the level of critical thinking.
  • Social judgement and its impact on the individual.

Want to pick a topic that you know will perform great in 2023? Take a look at our great social psychology topics to write about:

  • Discuss social cognition
  • Discuss a personality disorder
  • Discuss romance from a psychological standpoint
  • Discuss leadership in relation to social psychology
  • Discuss the various human attitudes
  • Discuss social control types
  • Effects of prejudice on human psychology

If you want to surprise your professor and get some bonus points, all you have to do is pick one of these developmental psychology ideas:

  • Social development and its effects on bullying
  • Effects of music on learning
  • The apparition of violence in school children
  • Does eating breakfast influence learning capabilities?
  • Discuss youth psychopathic tendencies
  • Age negative affects learning
  • Discuss how our media encourages child violence
  • Psychological development and its health effects

Out of hundreds of different research topics, we managed to gather the ones that are the most interesting. Our list of excellent research topics in social psychology:

  • The psychology behind a long-lasting marriage
  • The psychology of a homophobe
  • Formed habits and ways to change them
  • Adult shyness and its effects on social interaction
  • Hate crimes and their psychological effects
  • Analyze the rise in divorces in 2023 in the US
  • The effects of wearing a school uniform

You are not prohibited from writing about controversial topics, of course. Why not pick one of these controversial topics for social psychology research paper?

  • Overcrowding effects on our mental health
  • Climate change effects on human psychology
  • Is PTSD treatable?
  • Eating disorders caused by fast food chains
  • Psychological methods to control pain
  • The dangers of taking antidepressants
  • The dangers of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on convicts

Do you want to challenge yourself? No problem, we have some pretty difficult social psychology topics for research that you can choose from:

  • A terrorist’s psychological profile
  • Caring for hyperactive children
  • 3 phobias and their effect on a woman’s personality
  • Psychological effect of solitary confinement
  • Colors and their effect on mental states
  • The psychological profile of a sex worker
  • Psychological problems of the homeless
  • Sports psychology at the workplace

We realize you may need more research topic in social psychology. Perhaps you need some topics on a very specific subject. Or perhaps you want a list of topics that you can be 100% sure are original and never before used. The good news is that our experienced editorial team can write a whole list of topics in social psychology right now – just for you. You can just take your pick from all the awesome social psychology topics for your project or check out social work research topics . Get in touch with us and tell us what you need!

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Research to Watch

Joy hamilton.

Publications and Research Writing Manager

For a glimpse into the future of scholarship, look to DU's graduate students.

A graduate researcher in a lab uses a tool for measurement.

Graduate students represent what’s to come in research and scholarship. With the support of their faculty advisers and the grants and travel awards they receive, students are leaving a mark on their field all while earning an advanced degree. 

"Graduate student researchers are our next generation of innovators. Even as students, they bring a rich diversity of thought that can rapidly advance ideas,” says Corinne Lengsfeld, senior vice provost for research and graduate education at DU. “I love watching how they light up when they realized they discovered something new!" 

Here’s peek into what graduate students are up to at the University and which research projects should be on your radar. 

Webcam-Based Eye Tracking to Support Neurodivergent Learners 

Missing media item.

Grace D. Jaiyeola 

Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science

This project utilizes a webcam-based eye technology — a less expensive alternative to traditional eye tracking — to detect mind wandering in neurodivergent learners by analyzing gaze fixations and gaze movement patterns.

Queer Life in the 19th Century 

Michelina Nelson-Olivieri

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences 

Michelina’s “The Sin That Dared Speak Its Name: Queer Life After the Ladies of Llangollen” explores how in the 19th century, queer women faced a cultural shift in the treatment of their relationships, from innocuous "romantic friendships" to something that was treated as a threat to heteronormative life. 

Mayan Poetry Translation 

Manuel Calvillo de la Garza

Manuel received a Travel Research Award from CAHSS to meet with Mayan poet Briceida Cuevas Cob in Chiapas, Mexico, and translate her work into English. Manuel’s final project consists of a bilingual collection of Cuevas Cob’s work, featuring the poems in the original Yucatec Mayan and in their English translation.

Climatic Influence on Subsistence Strategies 

Andrew Rogers

Andrew is analyzing a collection of stone artifacts from the Sage Hen Springs site in Nevada and investigating how fluctuations in climate in the last 10,000 years impacted how people gathered food and moved through their environment. Results indicate people in the Great Basin were able to adapt to harsh climates and maintain ties with their landscape for millennia.

Poetics and Politics of Natural History Specimen 

Jan Verberkmoes 

“if Felsen” is a poetry project that explores the poetics and politics of the natural history specimen. It centers around the birds that zoologist Ernst Schäfer and American naturalist Brooke Dolan II collected during their second expedition to Tibet and China in 1934-35. 

Side Effect-Free Treatments for Cancer

Alfred Akinlalu

Alfred utilizes innovative biomedical engineering techniques to develop side effect-free treatments for cancer. Using proteomic profiling of proteins from tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, he identifies certain amino acids that are selectively cytotoxic to pancreatic tumor cells with no side effects on healthy cells. His ongoing work is to evaluate these amino acids in metastasis and research other compounds that can target pancreatic cancer selectively.

Music Theory, Mathematics and Data Science 

Kevin McFarland

Lamont School of Music, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences 

Kevin composes music as an application of his research, which lies in the overlap between music theory, mathematics and data science. Recent topics of interest include musical structures that exhibit fractal-like self-similarity, mapping tuning systems using graph theory and microsound synthesis. 

Understanding Influential Composers 

Mark Winston

Mark’s research focuses on the development of compositional styles of keyboard music within the historical and social contexts of the lives of influential composers including Bach, Haydn, Schubert, Chopin, Fauré and Manuel Ponce.

The Embodiment and Experiences of Gender Euphoria 

Brendon T. Halloway

Graduate School of Social Work

Brendon (he/they) uses community-engaged participatory methods to examine the health care needs and desires for trans and nonbinary communities. Brendon’s scholarship centers the health and well-being of trans and nonbinary individuals with specific focuses on health care access, mutual aid, health liberation and gender euphoria. 

Care Practices, Mutual Aid and Racial Formation 

Annie Zean Dunbar

Annie is a researcher and artist whose practice centers Black feminist theory traditions to examine interstitial experiences of displaced peoples. Her dissertation project looks at the personal and professional lives and experiences of Black newcomers who work with other newcomers in the United States. 

Student Empowerment in Unequal School Contexts 

Stephanie Nisle-Mikos

Stephanie has spent the past four years working as a licensed school-based therapist at a Colorado Title 1 elementary school, where she assesses mental health diagnoses and provides individual, group and family therapy. Stephanie has presented her work nationally and has published research on student empowerment, youth voice and critical consciousness; first-generation college students; substance abuse; and multiculturalism.

Advancing Health Equity 

Manuela Orrego Luque

Graduate School of Professional Psychology 

This qualitative research project implemented through a community-based research approach is a powerful and essential tool in advancing health equity and antiracist efforts for marginalized populations within a healthcare system. The study is part of a larger effort to examine how to improve rates of identification and treatment adherence of latent tuberculosis for immigrant and refugee Denver Health patients. 

Brain Injury and Overdose 

Sam Martin, MPH

Traumatic brain injury is a risk factor for overdose, and overdose also commonly results in acquired brain injury—creating a bi-directional increase in risk. Screening is a key first step in improving treatment strategy and outcomes, especially amid an opioid and overdose crisis. A wider range of accessible treatment options available after leaving inpatient care, alongside increased access, will be fundamental in developing an anti-racist approach.

Brain Injury in Veterans 

Maddy Pontius, MA

The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of significant reported traumatic brain injury (TBI) history among veterans involved in a veteran treatment court, as TBI can lead to health and behavioral issues that make individuals more vulnerable to criminal legal involvement. Of the 111 veterans included in the study, 47 (or approximately 42%) reported a significant history of TBI. Identifying the overrepresentation of TBI in this population quantifies the need for tailored brain injury screenings and interventions for veterans in criminal legal settings to improve rehabilitation and reduce recidivism.

Improving Brain Injury Training in the Justice 

Spenser Nye, MA

The study’s goal is to increase awareness of and training around brain injuries, expand brain injury screening and identification in the justice system, and integrate the Colorado brain injury model more broadly throughout the justice system. 

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COMMENTS

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 61 Interesting Psychology Research Topics (2024)

    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.

  4. The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology

    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 ...

  5. Social Psychology Topics

    Social Psychology Research Topics List. This list of social psychology topics performs two functions. One, the headings alone describe, at a broad level, the kinds of topics covered in the field of social psychology. Looking at the overarching categories, one can see that social psychology studies cognition (thought) and action, helpful and ...

  6. Current Research in Social Psychology

    Current Research in Social Psychology (CRISP) is a peer reviewed, electronic journal publishing theoretically driven, empirical research in major areas of social psychology. Publication is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Group Processes at the University of Iowa, which provides free access to its contents.

  7. 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.

  8. Social Psychology and Social Processes

    from Psychology of Violence. August 13, 2013. View more journals in the Social Psychology and Social Processes subject area. Last updated: July 2024 Date created: 2014. Free summaries of the most noteworthy social psychology research published in APA Journals.

  9. Social Psychology: Definition, Theories, Scope, & Examples

    Topics examined in social psychology include the self-concept, social cognition, attribution theory, social influence, group processes, ... Naval Research Reviews, 9(1-17). Klineberg, O. (1940). The problem of personality. Krewer, B., & Jahoda, G. (1860). On the scope of Lazarus and Steinthals "Völkerpsychologie" as reflected in the.

  10. Social Psychology: Articles, Research, & Case Studies on Social

    People often take to the streets to express their outrage, but research by Vincent Pons finds that only one recent social movement has shifted public opinion: Black Lives Matter. In an election year marked by widespread protests, Pons explores why marches and rallies often fail to achieve long-term results. 18 Jul 2024.

  11. 35 Best Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

    To discover social psychology dissertation topics: Explore recent research in journals. Investigate real-world social issues. Examine psychological theories. Consider cultural influences. Brainstorm topics aligned with your passion. Aim for novelty and significance in your chosen area.

  12. Social Psychology Research Methods

    Social psychology research methods allow psychologists a window into the causes for human behavior. They rely on a few well-established methods to research social psychologytopics. These methods allow researchers to test hypotheses and theories as they look for relationships among different variables.

  13. 182746 PDFs

    Social Psychology | Explore the latest full-text research PDFs, articles, conference papers, preprints and more on SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. Find methods information, sources, references or conduct a ...

  14. Social Psychology

    Social Psychology Databases. Research in social psychology utilizes core psychology resources, as well as resources in communication and sociology. You may find it helpful to search the following databases for your social psychology topics or research questions, in addition to the core resources listed on the home page.

  15. Psychology Research Questions: 80 Ideas For Your Next Project

    Social psychology research topics and questions. Social psychology has roots as far back as the 18th century. In simple terms, it's the study of how behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. It is the science of finding out who we are, who we think we are, and how our perceptions affect ourselves and others.

  16. 14 emerging trends

    That is especially true among children: Mental health-related emergency department visits have increased 24% for children between ages 5 and 11 and 31% for those ages 12 to 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. That trend will be exacerbated by the climate crisis, the destructive effects of which will fall disproportionately on communities that ...

  17. 6 Social Psychology Topics to Explore

    Here are some examples of specific social psychology topics that help us understand more about different aspects of social behavior: Leadership: Examining the qualities and behaviors of effective leaders, leadership styles, and the dynamics of leadership within groups. Group behavior: Studying how individuals behave within groups, including ...

  18. Social Psychology Links by Subtopic

    Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Listed below are links to social psychology topics such as prejudice and discrimination, gender, culture, social influence, interpersonal relations, group behavior, aggression, and more. Table of Contents (click on a category of interest)

  19. PDF Current Research in Social Psychology

    Social exchange theory played an even bigger role than SI in supporting group research, particularly starting in the late 1980s. Without papers inspired by exchange, interest in groups would have fallen through most of the 1990s, and the average index of interest in groups would have been reduced to 23.6%.

  20. 200+ Psychology Topics to Research Right Away

    40+ Social Psychology Research Topics. The impact of social media on self-esteem. Groupthink and decision-making. Stereotype threat in academic settings. Bystander effect in emergencies. Cross-cultural perspectives on conformity. Online dating and self-presentation. The psychology of social influence. The role of empathy in prosocial behavior.

  21. 50+ Topics for Psychology Research Papers

    Controversial Topics for Psychology Research Papers. The history of psychology is not always positive, and if you enjoy writing about controversial topics, psychology's history is rich with material. The use of lobotomies to treat mental illness. The history of mental asylums in the United States. The use and effects of electroconvulsive therapy.

  22. 500+ Psychology Research Topic Ideas

    Psychology Research Topic Ideas are as follows: The effects of social media on self-esteem in adolescents. The role of parenting styles in shaping children's personality development. The impact of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction in adults. The influence of music on mood and emotional regulation.

  23. 200 Best Social Psychology Topics

    Social Psychology Research Topics for College Students. Writing a research paper is already difficult, so you really don't have time to search for the best topics. Pick one of our social psychology research topics for college students for free: Link between depression on social cognition; Research social influences on youth

  24. A 'thank you' goes a long way in family relationships

    Researchers have previously explored the positive impact of perceived gratitude from romantic partners for couples' relationship quality. In a new study, they show the benefits of perceived ...

  25. Research to Watch

    Graduate students represent what's to come in research and scholarship. With the support of their faculty advisers and the grants and travel awards they receive, students are leaving a mark on their field all while earning an advanced degree. "Graduate student researchers are our next generation of innovators. Even as students, they bring a rich diversity of thought that can rapidly advance ...

  26. Chris Chen advances AI communication research with new publications

    Cheng "Chris" Chen, who regularly publishes on topics relating to psychology of communication technologies, such as social media, AI and generative AI, expanded on her academic research this summer with two new published articles and an in-person presentation at the 2024 International Communication Association Conference in Gold Coast, Australia.