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113 Great Research Paper Topics

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General Education

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

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

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

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

113 Good Research Paper Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

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Current Events

  • What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
  • How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
  • How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
  • Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
  • What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
  • What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
  • How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
  • How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
  • How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
  • What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
  • What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
  • Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
  • Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
  • Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
  • Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
  • Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
  • Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
  • How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
  • Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
  • What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
  • How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
  • What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
  • Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
  • Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
  • Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
  • How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
  • Should graduate students be able to form unions?

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  • What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
  • How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
  • Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
  • Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
  • How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
  • How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
  • Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
  • Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
  • Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
  • Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
  • Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
  • Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
  • Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
  • Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
  • Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
  • How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
  • How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
  • What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
  • What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
  • Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
  • What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
  • What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
  • Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
  • Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
  • Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
  • What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
  • How does stress affect the body?
  • Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
  • What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
  • How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
  • What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
  • Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
  • What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
  • What were the causes of the Civil War?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
  • Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
  • What caused Hitler's rise to power?
  • Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
  • What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
  • How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
  • What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

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  • Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
  • Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
  • How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
  • How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
  • What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
  • What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
  • How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

  • How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
  • How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
  • Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
  • Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
  • How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
  • How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
  • What are the pros and cons of fracking?
  • What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
  • What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
  • How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
  • Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
  • Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
  • What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
  • What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
  • How are black holes created?
  • Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
  • How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
  • Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
  • How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
  • Has social media made people more or less connected?
  • What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
  • Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
  • What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
  • How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
  • When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
  • Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

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How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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

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Research Paper Topics - Best Picks

topics in a research paper

Did you know that more than 2.5 million research papers are published worldwide every year? This huge number highlights the vast array of topics students and researchers can explore. 

Below, you will find 200 interesting research topics to help spark your creativity and get you started on your next academic venture. Additionally, you can browse essay topics that can also help set your research in the right duration.

Top 10 Research Topics for Students

  • Impact of ICT's (Information and Communication Technologies) on Society.
  • Role-to-role networks: how Internet and mobile communications have changed the connectivity of social networks in few years.
  • The future of electric vehicles and infrastructure: pros, cons and consequences.
  • Ethical considerations in the development of autonomous weapons. Shall the World stop?
  • Strategies to reduce economic inequality in developing countries.
  • The impact of micro-plastics on marine ecosystems. Ways to safe Planet.
  • New methods for detecting dark matter particles.
  • The use of nano-materials in cancer treatment.
  • The impact of vaccination programs on global health. Shall we win or be defeated?
  • Studying the impact of solar storms on satellite communications.

Research Paper Topics on Math

  • Applications of machine learning algorithms in data analysis and prediction.
  • Mathematical modeling of biological systems and population dynamics.
  • Cryptography and its applications in secure communication and data protection.
  • Theoretical advances in number theory and their practical implications.
  • Optimization techniques and their applications in engineering and operations research.
  • Chaos theory and its applications in weather forecasting and complex systems.
  • Graph theory and its applications in network analysis and social networks.
  • Mathematical aspects of game theory and decision-making in economics.
  • Topological methods in data analysis and pattern recognition.
  • Fractal geometry and its applications in computer graphics and image compression.
  • Statistical methods for analyzing large datasets and drawing meaningful conclusions.
  • Algebraic geometry and its applications in computer vision and robotics.
  • Pricing models for derivatives and risk management strategies.
  • Computational methods for solving partial differential equations and fluid dynamics problems.
  • Mathematical biology: Modeling biological processes and ecosystems.
  • Discrete mathematics and its applications in computer science and information theory.
  • Theoretical aspects of machine learning algorithms and their optimization.
  • Mathematical logic and its role in computer science and artificial intelligence.
  • Combinatorial optimization and its applications in logistics and resource allocation.
  • Quantum computing: Mathematical foundations and potential applications in cryptography.

Research Paper Topics on Business

  • The impact of remote work on organizational culture and productivity.
  • Modern diversity and inclusion initiatives for businesses.
  • Digital marketing strategies for small businesses in the post-pandemic era.
  • The role of corporate social responsibility in enhancing brand reputation and consumer loyalty.
  • Supply chain disruptions: Strategies for building resilience and mitigating risks.
  • The rise of e-commerce and its implications for traditional brick-and-mortar businesses.
  • Entrepreneurship and innovation for fostering a culture of creativity and growth.
  • The future of retail: Trends and challenges in a digital-first world.
  • Sustainable business practices: Balancing profitability with environmental responsibility.
  • Leadership in times of crisis: Managing uncertainty and driving organizational change.
  • Financial management strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • Employee engagement and retention: Strategies for cultivating a motivated workforce.
  • Strategic partnerships and alliances: Leveraging collaboration for business success.
  • Digital transformation: Adopting new technologies to stay competitive in the market.
  • The gig economy: Implications for workforce management and talent acquisition.
  • Business ethics and corporate governance: Principles for ethical decision-making and accountability.
  • International expansion: Challenges and strategies for entering new markets.
  • Customer relationship management: Building lasting connections in a digital world.
  • Data-driven decision-making: Harnessing analytics for business growth and optimization.
  • Crisis management and business continuity planning: Preparing for unexpected challenges.

Research Paper Topics on Psychology

  • Psychological implications of social media use across different age groups and cultures.
  • The psychology of risk-taking behavior: Understanding motivations and consequences.
  • Cognitive biases and their impact on decision-making in various contexts.
  • Psychological aspects of online learning: Motivation, engagement, and academic performance.
  • The role of self-compassion in mental health and resilience.
  • Exploring the psychology of conspiracy theories: Beliefs, motivations, and consequences.
  • Cultural differences in emotion regulation and expression: Implications for mental health interventions.
  • Psychological perspectives on environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviors.
  • The psychology of procrastination: Underlying factors and strategies for change.
  • Psychological effects of gaming and esports: Benefits, risks, and implications.
  • The role of pets in human mental health and well-being.
  • Psychological aspects of body image and eating behaviors across diverse populations.
  • Exploring the psychology of humor: Effects on mood, social connections, and well-being.
  • Psychological resilience in the face of natural disasters and traumatic events.
  • The impact of color psychology on mood, behavior, and decision-making.
  • Psychological factors influencing the adoption of sustainable lifestyle choices.
  • The psychology of music: Emotional responses, preferences, and therapeutic applications.
  • Understanding and addressing mental health stigma within healthcare systems.
  • Psychological perspectives on aging and successful aging: Factors contributing to well-being in later life.
  • The psychology of creativity in problem-solving and innovation across disciplines.

Research Paper Topics on Literature

  • Love and loss in Shakespeare's sonnets.
  • Gender representation in Jane Austen's novels.
  • Mythology in Greek tragedies.
  • Colonialism in post-colonial literature.
  • "The Great Gatsby" and the American Dream.
  • Identity in Toni Morrison's novels.
  • Magical realism in García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude."
  • War in Hemingway's novels.
  • Alienation and existentialism in Kafka's works.
  • Race and racism in African-American literature.
  • Folklore and fairy tales in the Brothers Grimm's works.
  • Nature in Romantic poetry.
  • Political allegory in Orwell's "Animal Farm."
  • Heroism in Homer's "The Odyssey."
  • Satire in Swift's "Gulliver's Travels."
  • Social class and inequality in Dickens' novels.
  • Surrealism in García Lorca's poetry.
  • Madness in Shakespeare's tragedies.
  • Religion and morality in Dostoevsky's works.
  • Modernity in the Harlem Renaissance literature.

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topics in a research paper

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Research Paper Topics on Environment

  • The interplay between urbanization and environmental sustainability.
  • Technological innovations for addressing climate change challenges.
  • Social, economic, and environmental implications of renewable energy transitions.
  • Ecotourism as a tool for conservation and community development.
  • Indigenous knowledge and practices in environmental management.
  • The role of public policy in promoting sustainable development.
  • Sustainable transportation solutions for reducing carbon emissions.
  • The impact of consumer behavior on environmental sustainability.
  • Green building technologies and their contribution to energy efficiency.
  • The potential of circular economy models in waste reduction and resource conservation.
  • Water scarcity and management strategies in arid regions.
  • The nexus between agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability.
  • The role of citizen science in monitoring and addressing environmental issues.
  • Environmental education and its influence on public awareness and behavior.
  • Natural resource management and conflicts over land and water resources.
  • The effects of pollution on ecosystems and human health.
  • Indigenous rights and environmental conservation efforts.
  • Environmental governance mechanisms at local, national, and international levels.
  • The impact of globalization on natural resource exploitation and conservation.
  • Resilience and adaptation strategies for communities vulnerable to environmental hazards.

Research Paper Topics on Biology

  • The genetic basis of human diseases and potential therapeutic interventions.
  • Evolutionary mechanisms driving biodiversity and speciation.
  • Ecological impacts of climate change on species distribution and ecosystems.
  • Cellular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression.
  • Genetic engineering and its applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.
  • Neurobiology of learning and memory formation in humans and animals.
  • Biodiversity conservation strategies and their effectiveness in preserving ecosystems.
  • Microbial communities and their role in human health and disease.
  • Molecular mechanisms of aging and potential interventions for lifespan extension.
  • Adaptations of extremophiles to extreme environmental conditions.
  • Epigenetics and its role in gene expression regulation and disease susceptibility.
  • The immune system and its response to pathogens and vaccines.
  • Plant-microbe interactions and their impact on plant health and productivity.
  • Population genetics and its implications for conservation biology and evolutionary studies.
  • Genetic basis of behavior and its evolutionary significance.
  • Biotechnology applications in environmental remediation and pollution control.
  • Comparative genomics and evolutionary relationships among different species.
  • Physiological adaptations of organisms to changing environmental conditions.
  • Bioinformatics tools and their role in analyzing genomic and proteomic data.
  • Ethical considerations in biotechnological research and applications.

Research Paper Topics on Health and Medicine

  • The global impact of telemedicine on healthcare access and patient outcomes.
  • Genetic advancements and their role in personalized medicine worldwide.
  • Mental health awareness initiatives and their effectiveness across cultures.
  • The influence of dietary patterns on chronic disease management in different populations.
  • Comparative analysis of universal healthcare systems in various countries.
  • The role of vaccines in preventing global infectious diseases.
  • Physical activity's effects on mental health and well-being in diverse populations.
  • The effectiveness of alternative medicine in various cultural settings.
  • Socioeconomic disparities and their impact on global healthcare access.
  • International strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.
  • Public health campaigns and their success in reducing lifestyle-related diseases globally.
  • Environmental determinants of health outcomes in different regions.
  • Mental health intervention effectiveness in multicultural contexts.
  • Innovations in cancer treatment and their global impact on survival rates.
  • Emerging medical technologies and their role in enhancing surgical outcomes.
  • The effects of health policies on managing non-communicable diseases worldwide.
  • The challenges and opportunities of aging populations on healthcare systems globally.
  • Primary care's role in chronic disease management across various healthcare systems.
  • Global perspectives on stress management techniques and health outcomes.
  • International health initiatives and their success in reducing global health disparities.

Research Paper Topics on Education

  • The impact of technology on education systems globally.
  • Teacher-student relationships and their effect on academic success.
  • The influence of standardized testing on student learning and motivation.
  • Innovative strategies for improving literacy rates in various educational settings.
  • Benefits and challenges of inclusive education for students with diverse needs.
  • The impact of parental involvement on student academic achievement and behavior.
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking.
  • Comparing the effectiveness of online learning and traditional classroom education.
  • Socioeconomic status and its influence on educational opportunities and outcomes.
  • The impact of school leadership on teacher performance and student success.
  • Benefits of bilingual education programs in diverse communities.
  • The role of extracurricular activities in student development and academic performance.
  • Long-term academic benefits of early childhood education programs.
  • Strategies for closing the achievement gap in different types of schools.
  • Effects of classroom environment on student learning and engagement.
  • The role of vocational education in preparing students for various career paths.
  • School policies' impact on bullying prevention and student safety.
  • Importance of teacher professional development for enhancing instructional quality.
  • Cultural diversity's influence on teaching practices and student learning.
  • The role of educational technology in supporting personalized and adaptive learning.

Research Paper Topics on Sports

  • Mental health benefits of regular sports participation.
  • The role of proper nutrition in enhancing athletic performance.
  • Gender differences in sports performance and participation rates.
  • The ethical and health implications of doping in competitive sports.
  • How different coaching styles influence team success and player development.
  • The relationship between adequate sleep and peak athletic performance.
  • The impact of modern technology on sports training and athlete performance.
  • The physical and social benefits of participation in youth sports programs.
  • The role of sports in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
  • Effects of climate and weather conditions on outdoor sports performance.
  • The importance of injury prevention strategies in competitive sports.
  • Psychological effects of winning and losing on athletes.
  • The evolution and impact of sports equipment design on performance.
  • The role of regular sports participation in promoting overall physical fitness.
  • The influence of media coverage on public perception of professional athletes.
  • Historical development and significance of the Olympic Games.
  • Economic impacts of hosting major sports events on local communities.
  • Unique challenges faced by female athletes in male-dominated sports.
  • The effect of crowd support on the performance of athletes and teams.
  • The relationship between participation in sports and academic performance in students.

Seven Signs of Good Topics for Research Paper

Signs of Good Topics for Research Paper

Here are the main characteristics of engaging research paper ideas:

If you don’t feel that your topic meets the abovementioned criteria and the time is too short to brainstorm more research topic ideas, simply say, ‘ write my paper ,’ and one of our experts will be there to help you shortly.

How to Choose a Quality Research Paper Topic

Always select a topic that genuinely interests you and aligns with your passion. Your enthusiasm will fuel your motivation and commitment throughout the research process.

How to Choose a Quality Research Paper Topic

Stay Current

Choose a relevant and timely topic. Look for emerging trends, pressing issues, or gaps in the literature that your research can address. Consult this guide if you need more information about how to research a topic .

Consider Your Audience

Think about who your audience is and what topics would be most engaging and relevant to them. Tailor your topic selection to the interests and needs of your audience.

Be Specific

Narrow down your focus to a specific research question or problem. This will help you avoid tackling overly broad topics and ensure your research is focused and manageable.

Assess Feasibility

Consider the resources, time, and access to data or information available for your research. Choose a topic that you can feasibly research within the constraints of your academic program or timeline.

Seek Inspiration

Look for inspiration from miscellaneous sources, including academic journals, news articles, conferences, and conversations with peers or mentors. Explore different perspectives and ideas to spark your creativity.

Gather Feedback

Discuss your potential topics with your peers, instructors, or academic advisors. They can provide valuable feedback, offer different perspectives, and help you refine your research paper ideas. If you want to join forces with a subject-relevant professor, use our research proposal writing service to entice them to work with you.

Access Significance

Measure the significance of your chosen topic in the context of your field of study. Consider its relevance, potential contributions to existing knowledge, and implications for theory, practice, or policy.

Remain Flexible

Be open to adjusting your research topic ideas as you conduct further analysis and gain new insights. Research is an iterative process, and your topic may evolve as you delve deeper into the literature and data.

Stay True to Yourself

Choose a topic that resonates with you and reflects your academic interests, values, and goals. Your research paper is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to your field and showcase your expertise and passion. If that doesn’t help, buy a research paper from our writing specialists to save time and nerves.

Students often find it difficult to generate research paper topic ideas due to factors such as a lack of clarity on their interests, limited access to relevant resources, and time constraints. 

A solution to this challenge is to consider utilizing a professional writing service, which can provide expert guidance and assistance in selecting a research paper topic tailored to the student's interests and requirements. 

To bring your academic writing prowess to the next level, please consider the following guide on how to write a reflective essay .

Looking for A+ Argumentative Research Paper Topics?

Let our research essay service be your guide to crafting compelling essays that win debates and top grades!

What Are 5 Good Research Questions for Students?

What are the best research topics, what topic should i use for my research paper.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

topics in a research paper

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

  • Added infographics.
  • Added new topics.
  • Added FAQs.
  • Amberstudent. (2024, May 21). Top 10 Research Topics For Students In 2024. Amber. https://amberstudent.com/blog/post/research-topics-for-students
  • Research Paper Topics -Ijser. (n.d.). https://www.ijser.org/research-paper-topics.aspx ‍
  • ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/

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PS – You can also check out our free topic ideation webinar for more ideas

How To Find A Research Topic

If you’re struggling to get started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you find the perfect research topic.

Research Topic FAQs

What (exactly) is a research topic.

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

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

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

What constitutes a good research topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can I find potential research topics for my project?

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

How can I find quality sources for my research topic?

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

Identifying Relevant Sources

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

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

Evaluating Sources

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

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

How can I find a good research gap?

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

How should I evaluate potential research topics/ideas?

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

  • Originality
  • Feasibility

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

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

How can I assess the feasibility of a research topic?

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

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

Time commitment

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

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

Resources needed

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

Potential risks

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

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topics in a research paper

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    How To Find A Research Topic. If you’re struggling to get started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you find the perfect research topic. What (exactly) is a research topic? What constitutes a good research topic? What's the difference between a research topic and research problem? How can I find potential research topics for my project?