developmental psychology research proposal ideas

101 Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Psychologists always strive to understand change. But change is inevitable. They spot potential challenges when studying developmental psychology and provide early solutions for better results. But what does it take to find the best developmental psychology research topics? Although psychology is an exciting course, finding the best ideas for projects can be a hassle. However, HelpForHomework is here to solve the quagmire and provide you with top-quality writing services.

Suppose you are looking for a legit platform to help your research writing; we offer 100% unique content and topic recommendations. In that case, we have employed a team of crème de la crème psychology writers and tutors who understand how to work on professional psychology research papers. As a result, they provide original, professionally formatted, edited and revised content.

It does not matter if your research paper is on short notice. We will help you select an exciting topic and help you write a proposal and the main paper on time.

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If you struggle to find expert developmental psychology research topics, go through this article and choose the best one for your project.

How Do We Select The Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics?

We have an excellent team of researchers to go above and beyond to find you the best developmental psychology research topics. But which criteria do we use to create suggestions?

Originality: Originality is an integral part of psychological research writing. For that reason, we generate unique topics and highlight the shallowly researched ones. We understand that exhausting research topics can be irrelevant to your audience. Consequently, our writers do extensive reading to expose themselves to new information crucial to the topic formulation.

Feasibility: Before publishing this article, we test the feasibility of all topics. We ask ourselves:

•  Is the research topic relevant?
•  Are these ideas sustainable?
•  Is the political psychology research question possible to answer?
•  Is the question manageable?

Appeal: A good research topic should be appealing to the researcher and the audience. For this reason, you should choose topics that excites you to do extensive, enjoyable research.

Expert Tip: After helping you with the topic selection, you should engage your supervisor for approval and guidance. Engaging the supervisor frequently ensures that your research falls within the scope and that all mistakes are cleared at an early stage.

Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Getting the best developmental psychology research topics is not an easy task. But we have a list of suggestions for you:

• A cognitive approach to child abuse prevention
• A developmental perspective on imitation and social cognition
• Children’s perception of gender-based violence and gender discrimination
• Development of gender stereotypes and prejudice
• Development of social networks in early and middle childhood: How does gender influence the development of social networks
• Developmental implications of prejudice and discrimination
• Developmental psychology perspective on child abuse prevention and treatment
• Developmental psychology: The ecology of development processes
• History, current status and future of developmental psychology
• How do structured leisure activities influence psychological development in middle childhood
• How does delay in gratification and low self-control affect academic achievement
• How does history influence the current status and future of developmental psychology?
• How does self-control influence academic performance?
• How does the media influence instant gratification?
• Influence of culture on marketing and impulsive buying behavior
• Instant gratification and self-control in the adolescent.: A case study for a school near you
• Origin of prejudice and discrimination
• Parenting: The relationship between parenting and developmental psychology
• People and the internet: A developmental psychology perspective
• Prejudice and discrimination in children: Origin and interventions
• Social and developmental psychology: Trends influencing the future of psychology
• Social cognition and academic competence in early childhood education
• Social media influence on self-control and instant gratification
• Substance abuse and violent behavior effects of academic achievement at a school in your country
• The role of psychology professionals in the prevention of child abuse

Interesting Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Are you looking for excellent developmental psychology research topics? We hope you find one from the list below:

• Addressing child abuse and trauma in a developmental context
• Child trauma and mental health indicators among the LGBTQ adults
• Development of cyber violence
• Developmental psychology perspective on children raised in non-traditional families
• Developmental psychology perspective on writing techniques and intellectual growth for college students
• Developmental psychology perspective to the impacts of social media use
• Developmental psychology: Relationship between childhood trauma and adulthood chronic illness and mental health
• Does social media increase children’s tolerance to real-life violence and aggression?
• Dynamics of development and decline: Life-span developmental psychology
• Effects of long-term childhood trauma
• Explain the growth patterns during the early adulthood to old age
• How does social media fuel violence? How can it be controlled?
• Intellectual growth in early childhood development
• Leadership development: Current state and future expectations in your country
• Media effects on violent behavior: Psychological analysis
• Media use among children with autism spectrum disorder and development implications
• Neuropsychological development in the context of childhood abuse and trauma
• Online communication, friendships and social media use in adolescents
• The effects of media on violence, attitudes and emotions: Historical and current status
• The perspective of developmental psychology of money spending on a virtual world
• The psychology of adult development and ageing
• The role of media in social development
• Theoretical proposition on intellectual growth
• Use of older people experience to understand developmental psychology: Challenges and benefits
• Use of social media to facilitate community education and development

Excellent Developmental Psychology Research Topics

If you select one of the excellent developmental psychology topics below, be sure of top grades. Choose one and tell us what you think:

• A developmental perspective on global political marketing
• Correlation between gender, power and developmental psychology
• Development of relationships in adolescence: Social media influence
• Developmental psychology application in the development of children laws
• Developmental psychology perspective of family
• Developmental psychology perspective of human behavior
• Developmental psychology perspective on child psychology and mental health development
•  Developmental psychology perspective on mass persuasion
• Developmental psychology perspective on religious cults
• Developmental psychology perspective on social propaganda and social marketing
• Developmental psychology: Sexual repression, social control and gender hierarchy in Native America
• Does religion promote moral development?
• How does religion influence politics in your country?
• How does religious bias influence moral development? A developmental psychology investigation
• Influence of culture on social control organizations
• Islamist political propaganda: Developmental psychology perspective on political marketing
• Modern responses on cults
• Precursors of attraction, romance and love in young adulthood
• Psychological interventions on improving school discipline
• Relationship between developmental psychology and political psychology in your country
• Social control in significant religions: A developmental psychology perspective
• Social discipline in your country: Prevention, correction and long-term social development
• The psychology of grandparenthood: A developmental psychology perspective
• The psychology of religion: Ethics and implications of moral implications
• The psychology of religion: Social media influence on the development of religion

Professional Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Are you looking for professional psychology research topics for your project? We have the best suggestions for you:

• Biological aspects of the development of human violence behavior
• Can participation in extracurricular activities support psychological intervention programs in schools?
• Development of self-identity through social media
• Developmental difference between children exposed to the internet and media and those who spend more time on playgrounds
• Developmental psychology perspective on emotions and customer experience
• Developmental psychology perspective on happiness
• Does child trauma influence adulthood antisocial personality disorder?
• Does the media influence sexual identity?
• Dynamics of human behavior: Mass panic
• Early identifications of adulthood antisocial behavior
• How does loneliness influence personality across the lifespan?
• Impacts of maternal stress to cognitive development of children
• Infant mental health: Development and significance of early childhood mental health
• Influence of media on sexual development
• Internet addiction and happiness for adolescents
• Internet, sex, and adolescents: Implications on sexual development
• Management of phobia in children and adolescents
• Neuropsychological perspective on evolution of human behavior
• Personality disorders: Tracing the roots through developmental psychology
• Phobia: Fear appeals and security behaviors
• Relationship between emotion-cognition and human development
• Relationship between exposure to sexual content on children and sexual outcomes
• Relationship between happiness and social development
• Relationship between human behavior and psychological development
• School discipline and self-discipline: Psychological interventions to improve student behavior
• The neuropsychological perspective of social bonding

Final Verdict

Have you selected an interesting developmental psychology research topic? If not, contact us and let us help you. If you have found one, you should also contact us to help you in the proposal process. Once you work with us, you quickly realize why we are the best research help platform. Also check out Educational Psychology Research Topics.

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Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of developmental psychology research paper topics , designed to support students in exploring the vast field of human growth and psychological development. Developmental psychology examines the changes in cognitive, emotional, and social behavior that occur throughout a person’s life, from infancy to old age. This discipline not only seeks to understand the nature of these changes but also the processes that underlie them, including biological, environmental, and cultural influences. By delving into topics such as infant attachment, adolescent identity formation, adult aging, and the impact of developmental disorders, students can gain insights into the complexity of developmental trajectories. This resource aims to inspire students to investigate the diverse aspects of developmental psychology, offering a foundation for research that contributes to our understanding of human development and informs practices in education, healthcare, and policy-making.

100 Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

Developmental psychology stands as a fascinating field that delves into the growth and transformation of human behavior and mental processes throughout a person’s life. It encompasses a broad spectrum of research topics, each shedding light on the various aspects of development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. This area of psychology not only aims to chart the normative patterns of development but also to understand the variances and factors influencing these trajectories. The scope of research within developmental psychology is vast, offering rich insights into how individuals evolve from infancy through old age, influenced by their genetics, environment, culture, and experiences.

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• Attachment theories and their implications in early childhood
• The role of play in cognitive and social development
• Impact of parenting styles on child behavior and emotional health
• Early intervention strategies for developmental delays
• The effects of technology use on young children’s development
• Childhood resilience and adversity
• Peer relationships and social skills in childhood
• Developmental milestones and their variations
• The influence of early education on lifelong learning
• Neurodevelopmental aspects of child psychology
• Identity formation and self-concept in adolescence
• Adolescent mental health and coping strategies
• The impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem and relationships
• Risk-taking behavior and decision-making in adolescence
• The transition from adolescence to adulthood
• Peer pressure and its psychological implications
• Gender identity and sexual orientation development
• The role of family dynamics in adolescent development
• School engagement and academic achievement
• Cultural variations in adolescence experiences
• Psychological theories of aging and life satisfaction
• Cognitive changes in the aging process
• Retirement and the transition to later life
• Aging and mental health: challenges and interventions
• Adult learning and brain plasticity
• The impact of physical health on psychological well-being in older adults
• Social relationships and aging
• Age-related psychological disorders
• Coping with loss and bereavement in old age
• The role of leisure and hobbies in promoting healthy aging
• Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
• Vygotsky’s theory of social development and its implications
• The development of problem-solving skills and logical reasoning
• Memory development across the lifespan
• The role of curiosity and exploration in cognitive development
• Language acquisition and cognitive growth
• The impact of bilingualism on cognitive flexibility
• Cognitive decline with aging: prevention and management
• Executive functions development in children and adolescents
• The influence of nutrition and physical health on cognitive development
• Emotional regulation strategies across different stages of life
• The development of empathy and moral reasoning
• Socialization processes and their outcomes
• The psychology of friendship and romantic relationships
• Cultural and family influences on emotional expression
• The impact of trauma on social and emotional development
• Development of self-esteem and its fluctuations
• Bullying and its long-term psychological effects
• Coping mechanisms for stress and adversity
• The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
• Stages of language acquisition in infancy and early childhood
• The role of environment in language learning
• Language disorders: identification and intervention
• Second language learning and cognitive development
• The relationship between language and thought
• Sign language development in deaf children
• Socioeconomic status and language development
• The critical period hypothesis for language learning
• Language and literacy: building blocks for academic success
• Cross-linguistic comparisons of language development
• Kohlberg’s stages of moral development
• The role of culture in shaping moral values
• Ethical dilemmas and decision-making in children and adults
• The influence of religion on moral development
• Social justice awareness and activism in youth
• Development of conscience and guilt mechanisms
• Prosocial behavior and its roots in early childhood
• Peer influences on ethical behavior
• The psychology of altruism and empathy
• Moral disengagement and its consequences
• Autism spectrum disorders: early detection and lifelong management
• ADHD in children and adults: challenges and coping strategies
• Learning disabilities and educational interventions
• Down syndrome and developmental milestones
• The impact of prenatal exposure to toxins on development
• Early signs of developmental disorders and the importance of screening
• Support systems for families dealing with developmental disorders
• Intellectual disabilities and social inclusion
• The role of genetics in developmental disorders
• Transitioning to adulthood with a developmental disorder
• Cross-cultural studies on child-rearing practices
• The impact of globalization on developmental norms
• Cultural identity development in a multicultural society
• Indigenous perspectives on development
• Biculturalism and its effects on individual development
• Racial and ethnic disparities in access to developmental resources
• Cultural variations in the perception of aging
• The role of language in cultural integration
• Cultural competence in developmental psychology research and practice
• Tradition vs. modernity: impacts on developmental pathways
• Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional studies in developmental research
• Qualitative methods in studying developmental processes
• The use of technology in developmental psychology research
• Ethical considerations in conducting research with minors
• The role of case studies in understanding unique developmental trajectories
• Innovative data collection techniques in developmental research
• The challenges of replicability and generalizability in developmental studies
• Integrating biological, psychological, and social models in developmental research
• The use of meta-analysis in synthesizing developmental psychology findings
• Collaborative international research in developmental psychology

The exploration of developmental psychology research paper topics offers a window into the fascinating journey of human growth and transformation across the lifespan. By engaging with this broad array of topics, students have the opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that shape human development. Such research is not only academically enriching but also has the potential to inform practices and policies in education, healthcare, and beyond, ultimately improving lives and fostering healthy development from infancy through old age. Students are encouraged to pursue topics that spark their curiosity and align with their academic and professional goals, contributing their voices to the rich tapestry of developmental psychology research.

What is Developmental Psychology?

Introduction.

Studying developmental psychology is pivotal for several reasons. It aids in identifying normative patterns of development and the wide variance among individuals due to different influences. This understanding is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to support individuals’ developmental needs. Furthermore, it informs interventions aimed at mitigating developmental challenges and maximizing the potential for growth and learning.

Research Importance

Research in developmental psychology is fundamental in advancing our understanding of human development stages. It sheds light on the mechanisms underlying changes from childhood through adulthood and into old age. This research enriches our knowledge base, offering critical insights that drive theoretical advancements and practical applications in educational curricula, parenting strategies, and therapeutic interventions.

The implications of developmental psychology research span various domains. In education, it informs teaching methods that cater to the developmental stages of learners. In healthcare, it guides age-appropriate care strategies. Research findings also influence policy-making, particularly in creating supportive environments that promote healthy development across the lifespan.

Diverse Topics Exploration

The exploration of topics within developmental psychology is as diverse as the stages of human life. It includes the study of attachment in infancy, the impact of adolescence on identity formation, and the challenges of aging. Each topic not only contributes to our theoretical understanding but also addresses practical concerns faced by individuals at different life stages.

These topics are highly relevant to current societal challenges. For example, understanding adolescent development can inform strategies to navigate the digital world’s challenges, while insights into aging are crucial in societies with increasing life expectancies. Developmental psychology research thus plays a critical role in formulating responses to the evolving needs of populations.

Recent Advancements

Recent years have seen significant methodological innovations in developmental psychology. Longitudinal studies tracking the same individuals over many years provide valuable data on changes and consistencies in development. Technological advancements, like neuroimaging, offer new insights into the brain’s developmental changes, enhancing our understanding of cognitive processes across the lifespan.

Theoretical advancements have deepened our understanding of developmental processes, integrating perspectives from genetics, neurology, and sociology. Interdisciplinary research, bridging fields like developmental psychology and education, fosters a more holistic understanding of how individuals learn and grow, spotlighting the interplay between biology, environment, and culture in development.

Ethical Considerations

Conducting research in developmental psychology involves navigating significant ethical challenges, particularly when working with vulnerable populations such as children or elderly individuals. Ensuring informed consent, maintaining privacy, and considering the long-term impact of research findings are paramount to ethical research practices in this field.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial in developmental psychology research. Studies must respect cultural differences in development and parenting practices, recognizing that developmental milestones and norms can vary widely across cultures. This approach ensures that research is inclusive and reflective of diverse human experiences.

Future Directions

Future research in developmental psychology is likely to focus on emerging trends such as the impact of technology on development, the psychology of climate change on young generations, and the increasing importance of understanding development in multicultural contexts. These areas present new challenges and opportunities for developmental psychologists to explore.

The field also faces challenges, including the need for more diverse and inclusive research samples and methodologies that can capture the complexity of human development in a rapidly changing world. However, these challenges also offer opportunities to innovate and expand the field’s reach, making developmental psychology more relevant and applicable than ever before.

The critical role of research in developmental psychology cannot be overstated. It is fundamental to understanding the intricate processes of human development, providing insights that help navigate the complexities of growth and change. As societal contexts and challenges evolve, so too will the field of developmental psychology, continuing to offer vital contributions to our understanding of human behavior and aiding in societal progress.

Developmental Psychology Assignment Help

At iResearchNet, we understand the complexities and the depth of study required in the field of developmental psychology. That’s why we’ve tailored our custom writing services to meet the specific needs of students embarking on research within this dynamic area of psychology. Our aim is to provide unparalleled support to students at every stage of their academic journey, from undergraduate studies to doctoral research. By leveraging our expertise in developmental psychology, we ensure that every research paper not only meets but exceeds academic standards, contributing valuable insights to the field.

• Expert degree-holding writers : Our team is composed of professionals who hold advanced degrees in developmental psychology, ensuring your research is crafted with authority and expertise.
• Custom written works : Every paper is uniquely tailored to your research topic and academic requirements, guaranteeing a personalized approach to your study.
• In-depth research : We commit to conducting exhaustive research, utilizing the most current studies and data available to enrich your paper with comprehensive and relevant information.
• Custom formatting (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard) : Our writers are well-versed in all major formatting styles, ensuring that your paper adheres to the specific guidelines of your academic institution.
• Top quality : Quality is at the forefront of our services. We strive to deliver papers that are not only well-researched and well-written but also insightful and impactful.
• Customized solutions : Recognizing the vastness of developmental psychology, we offer solutions that are specifically tailored to explore the nuances of your chosen topic, from infancy through adulthood and into aging.
• Flexible pricing : We provide competitive pricing options that are designed to be affordable for students, without compromising on the quality or depth of our writing services.
• Short deadlines up to 3 hours : For those under tight time constraints, we have the capability to deliver high-quality, comprehensive work within remarkably short deadlines, ensuring you stay on track with your academic timetable.
• Timely delivery : We guarantee the on-time delivery of your paper, understanding the importance of meeting academic deadlines for course completion and graduation timelines.
• 24/7 support : Our dedicated support team is available around the clock to assist you with any queries, concerns, or additional support you may need throughout the writing process.
• Absolute privacy : Your privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us. We ensure that all your personal and project information is securely protected.
• Easy order tracking : Through our user-friendly platform, you can easily track the progress of your order, offering you peace of mind and clarity on the status of your project.
• Money-back guarantee : We stand behind the quality of our work with a money-back guarantee, ensuring your satisfaction and confidence in choosing iResearchNet for your developmental psychology research needs.

iResearchNet is deeply committed to supporting the academic and research endeavors of students within the field of developmental psychology. Our high-quality, customized writing services are designed to cater to the unique challenges and requirements of conducting research in this area, providing students with the support they need to excel academically and contribute meaningful knowledge to the field. With iResearchNet, you gain a partner that is dedicated to your success, offering expert guidance and comprehensive support every step of the way. Trust us to elevate your academic journey in developmental psychology, and together, we can explore the profound complexities of human development.

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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

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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Research in Developmental Psychology

What you’ll learn to do: examine how to do research in lifespan development.

How do we know what changes and stays the same (and when and why) in lifespan development? We rely on research that utilizes the scientific method so that we can have confidence in the findings. How data are collected may vary by age group and by the type of information sought. The developmental design (for example, following individuals as they age over time or comparing individuals of different ages at one point in time) will affect the data and the conclusions that can be drawn from them about actual age changes. What do you think are the particular challenges or issues in conducting developmental research, such as with infants and children? Read on to learn more.

Learning outcomes

• Explain how the scientific method is used in researching development
• Compare various types and objectives of developmental research
• Describe methods for collecting research data (including observation, survey, case study, content analysis, and secondary content analysis)
• Explain correlational research
• Describe the value of experimental research
• Compare the advantages and disadvantages of developmental research designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential)
• Describe challenges associated with conducting research in lifespan development

Research in Lifespan Development

How do we know what we know.

An important part of learning any science is having a basic knowledge of the techniques used in gathering information. The hallmark of scientific investigation is that of following a set of procedures designed to keep questioning or skepticism alive while describing, explaining, or testing any phenomenon. Not long ago a friend said to me that he did not trust academicians or researchers because they always seem to change their story. That, however, is exactly what science is all about; it involves continuously renewing our understanding of the subjects in question and an ongoing investigation of how and why events occur. Science is a vehicle for going on a never-ending journey. In the area of development, we have seen changes in recommendations for nutrition, in explanations of psychological states as people age, and in parenting advice. So think of learning about human development as a lifelong endeavor.

Personal Knowledge

How do we know what we know? Take a moment to write down two things that you know about childhood. Okay. Now, how do you know? Chances are you know these things based on your own history (experiential reality), what others have told you, or cultural ideas (agreement reality) (Seccombe and Warner, 2004). There are several problems with personal inquiry or drawing conclusions based on our personal experiences.

Our assumptions very often guide our perceptions, consequently, when we believe something, we tend to see it even if it is not there. Have you heard the saying, “seeing is believing”? Well, the truth is just the opposite: believing is seeing. This problem may just be a result of cognitive ‘blinders’ or it may be part of a more conscious attempt to support our own views. Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for evidence that we are right and in so doing, we ignore contradictory evidence.

Philosopher Karl Popper suggested that the distinction between that which is scientific and that which is unscientific is that science is falsifiable; scientific inquiry involves attempts to reject or refute a theory or set of assumptions (Thornton, 2005). A theory that cannot be falsified is not scientific. And much of what we do in personal inquiry involves drawing conclusions based on what we have personally experienced or validating our own experience by discussing what we think is true with others who share the same views.

Science offers a more systematic way to make comparisons and guard against bias. One technique used to avoid sampling bias is to select participants for a study in a random way. This means using a technique to ensure that all members have an equal chance of being selected. Simple random sampling may involve using a set of random numbers as a guide in determining who is to be selected. For example, if we have a list of 400 people and wish to randomly select a smaller group or sample to be studied, we use a list of random numbers and select the case that corresponds with that number (Case 39, 3, 217, etc.). This is preferable to asking only those individuals with whom we are familiar to participate in a study; if we conveniently chose only people we know, we know nothing about those who had no opportunity to be selected. There are many more elaborate techniques that can be used to obtain samples that represent the composition of the population we are studying. But even though a randomly selected representative sample is preferable, it is not always used because of costs and other limitations. As a consumer of research, however, you should know how the sample was obtained and keep this in mind when interpreting results. It is possible that what was found was limited to that sample or similar individuals and not generalizable to everyone else.

Scientific Methods

The particular method used to conduct research may vary by discipline and since lifespan development is multidisciplinary, more than one method may be used to study human development. One method of scientific investigation involves the following steps:

• Determining a research question
• Reviewing previous studies addressing the topic in question (known as a literature review)
• Determining a method of gathering information
• Conducting the study
• Interpreting the results
• Drawing conclusions; stating limitations of the study and suggestions for future research
• Making the findings available to others (both to share information and to have the work scrutinized by others)

The findings of these scientific studies can then be used by others as they explore the area of interest. Through this process, a literature or knowledge base is established. This model of scientific investigation presents research as a linear process guided by a specific research question. And it typically involves quantitative research , which relies on numerical data or using statistics to understand and report what has been studied.

Another model of research, referred to as qualitative research, may involve steps such as these:

• Begin with a broad area of interest and a research question
• Gain entrance into a group to be researched
• Gather field notes about the setting, the people, the structure, the activities, or other areas of interest
• Ask open-ended, broad “grand tour” types of questions when interviewing subjects
• Modify research questions as the study continues
• Note patterns or consistencies
• Explore new areas deemed important by the people being observed
• Report findings

In this type of research, theoretical ideas are “grounded” in the experiences of the participants. The researcher is the student and the people in the setting are the teachers as they inform the researcher of their world (Glazer & Strauss, 1967). Researchers should be aware of their own biases and assumptions, acknowledge them, and bracket them in efforts to keep them from limiting accuracy in reporting. Sometimes qualitative studies are used initially to explore a topic and more quantitative studies are used to test or explain what was first described.

A good way to become more familiar with these scientific research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, is to look at journal articles, which are written in sections that follow these steps in the scientific process. Most psychological articles and many papers in the social sciences follow the writing guidelines and format dictated by the  American Psychological Association  (APA). In general, the structure follows: abstract (summary of the article), introduction or literature review, methods explaining how the study was conducted, results of the study, discussion and interpretation of findings, and references.

Link to Learning

Brené Brown is a bestselling author and social work professor at the University of Houston. She conducts grounded theory research by collecting qualitative data from large numbers of participants. In Brené Brown’s TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability , Brown refers to herself as a storyteller-researcher as she explains her research process and summarizes her results.

Research Methods and Objectives

The main categories of psychological research are descriptive, correlational, and experimental research. Research studies that do not test specific relationships between variables are called  descriptive, or qualitative, studies . These studies are used to describe general or specific behaviors and attributes that are observed and measured. In the early stages of research, it might be difficult to form a hypothesis, especially when there is not any existing literature in the area. In these situations designing an experiment would be premature, as the question of interest is not yet clearly defined as a hypothesis. Often a researcher will begin with a non-experimental approach, such as a descriptive study, to gather more information about the topic before designing an experiment or correlational study to address a specific hypothesis. Some examples of descriptive questions include:

• “How much time do parents spend with their children?”
• “How many times per week do couples have intercourse?”
• “When is marital satisfaction greatest?”

The main types of descriptive studies include observation, case studies, surveys, and content analysis (which we’ll examine further in the module). Descriptive research is distinct from  correlational research , in which psychologists formally test whether a relationship exists between two or more variables.  Experimental research  goes a step further beyond descriptive and correlational research and randomly assigns people to different conditions, using hypothesis testing to make inferences about how these conditions affect behavior. Some experimental research includes explanatory studies, which are efforts to answer the question “why” such as:

• “Why have rates of divorce leveled off?”
• “Why are teen pregnancy rates down?”
• “Why has the average life expectancy increased?”

Evaluation research is designed to assess the effectiveness of policies or programs. For instance, research might be designed to study the effectiveness of safety programs implemented in schools for installing car seats or fitting bicycle helmets. Do children who have been exposed to the safety programs wear their helmets? Do parents use car seats properly? If not, why not?

Research Methods

We have just learned about some of the various models and objectives of research in lifespan development. Now we’ll dig deeper to understand the methods and techniques used to describe, explain, or evaluate behavior.

All types of research methods have unique strengths and weaknesses, and each method may only be appropriate for certain types of research questions. For example, studies that rely primarily on observation produce incredible amounts of information, but the ability to apply this information to the larger population is somewhat limited because of small sample sizes. Survey research, on the other hand, allows researchers to easily collect data from relatively large samples. While this allows for results to be generalized to the larger population more easily, the information that can be collected on any given survey is somewhat limited and subject to problems associated with any type of self-reported data. Some researchers conduct archival research by using existing records. While this can be a fairly inexpensive way to collect data that can provide insight into a number of research questions, researchers using this approach have no control over how or what kind of data was collected.

Types of Descriptive Research

Observation.

Observational studies , also called naturalistic observation, involve watching and recording the actions of participants. This may take place in the natural setting, such as observing children at play in a park, or behind a one-way glass while children are at play in a laboratory playroom. The researcher may follow a checklist and record the frequency and duration of events (perhaps how many conflicts occur among 2-year-olds) or may observe and record as much as possible about an event as a participant (such as attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and recording the slogans on the walls, the structure of the meeting, the expressions commonly used, etc.). The researcher may be a participant or a non-participant. What would be the strengths of being a participant? What would be the weaknesses?

In general, observational studies have the strength of allowing the researcher to see how people behave rather than relying on self-report. One weakness of self-report studies is that what people do and what they say they do are often very different. A major weakness of observational studies is that they do not allow the researcher to explain causal relationships. Yet, observational studies are useful and widely used when studying children. It is important to remember that most people tend to change their behavior when they know they are being watched (known as the Hawthorne effect ) and children may not survey well.

Case Studies

Case studies  involve exploring a single case or situation in great detail. Information may be gathered with the use of observation, interviews, testing, or other methods to uncover as much as possible about a person or situation. Case studies are helpful when investigating unusual situations such as brain trauma or children reared in isolation. And they are often used by clinicians who conduct case studies as part of their normal practice when gathering information about a client or patient coming in for treatment. Case studies can be used to explore areas about which little is known and can provide rich detail about situations or conditions. However, the findings from case studies cannot be generalized or applied to larger populations; this is because cases are not randomly selected and no control group is used for comparison. (Read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Dr. Oliver Sacks as a good example of the case study approach.)

Surveys  are familiar to most people because they are so widely used. Surveys enhance accessibility to subjects because they can be conducted in person, over the phone, through the mail, or online. A survey involves asking a standard set of questions to a group of subjects. In a highly structured survey, subjects are forced to choose from a response set such as “strongly disagree, disagree, undecided, agree, strongly agree”; or “0, 1-5, 6-10, etc.” Surveys are commonly used by sociologists, marketing researchers, political scientists, therapists, and others to gather information on many variables in a relatively short period of time. Surveys typically yield surface information on a wide variety of factors, but may not allow for an in-depth understanding of human behavior.

Surveys are useful in examining stated values, attitudes, opinions, and reporting on practices. However, they are based on self-report, or what people say they do rather than on observation, and this can limit accuracy. Validity refers to accuracy and reliability refers to consistency in responses to tests and other measures; great care is taken to ensure the validity and reliability of surveys.

Content Analysis

Content analysis  involves looking at media such as old texts, pictures, commercials, lyrics, or other materials to explore patterns or themes in culture. An example of content analysis is the classic history of childhood by Aries (1962) called “Centuries of Childhood” or the analysis of television commercials for sexual or violent content or for ageism. Passages in text or television programs can be randomly selected for analysis as well. Again, one advantage of analyzing work such as this is that the researcher does not have to go through the time and expense of finding respondents, but the researcher cannot know how accurately the media reflects the actions and sentiments of the population.

Secondary content analysis, or archival research, involves analyzing information that has already been collected or examining documents or media to uncover attitudes, practices, or preferences. There are a number of data sets available to those who wish to conduct this type of research. The researcher conducting secondary analysis does not have to recruit subjects but does need to know the quality of the information collected in the original study. And unfortunately, the researcher is limited to the questions asked and data collected originally.

Correlational and Experimental Research

Correlational research.

When scientists passively observe and measure phenomena it is called correlational research . Here, researchers do not intervene and change behavior, as they do in experiments. In correlational research, the goal is to identify patterns of relationships, but not cause and effect. Importantly, with correlational research, you can examine only two variables at a time, no more and no less.

So, what if you wanted to test whether spending money on others is related to happiness, but you don’t have $20 to give to each participant in order to have them spend it for your experiment? You could use a correlational design—which is exactly what Professor Elizabeth Dunn (2008) at the University of British Columbia did when she conducted research on spending and happiness. She asked people how much of their income they spent on others or donated to charity, and later she asked them how happy they were. Do you think these two variables were related? Yes, they were! The more money people reported spending on others, the happier they were.

Understanding Correlation

With a positive correlation , the two variables go up or down together. In a scatterplot, the dots form a pattern that extends from the bottom left to the upper right (just as they do in Figure 1). The r value for a positive correlation is indicated by a positive number (although, the positive sign is usually omitted). Here, the r value is .81. For the example above, the direction of the association is positive. This means that people who perceived the past month as being good reported feeling happier, whereas people who perceived the month as being bad reported feeling less happy.

A negative correlation is one in which the two variables move in opposite directions. That is, as one variable goes up, the other goes down. Figure 2 shows the association between the average height of males in a country (y-axis) and the pathogen prevalence (or commonness of disease; x-axis) of that country. In this scatterplot, each dot represents a country. Notice how the dots extend from the top left to the bottom right. What does this mean in real-world terms? It means that people are shorter in parts of the world where there is more disease. The r-value for a negative correlation is indicated by a negative number—that is, it has a minus (–) sign in front of it. Here, it is –.83.

Experimental Research

Experiments  are designed to test  hypotheses  (or specific statements about the relationship between  variables ) in a controlled setting in an effort to explain how certain factors or events produce outcomes. A variable is anything that changes in value. Concepts are operationalized  or transformed into variables in research which means that the researcher must specify exactly what is going to be measured in the study. For example, if we are interested in studying marital satisfaction, we have to specify what marital satisfaction really means or what we are going to use as an indicator of marital satisfaction. What is something measurable that would indicate some level of marital satisfaction? Would it be the amount of time couples spend together each day? Or eye contact during a discussion about money? Or maybe a subject’s score on a marital satisfaction scale? Each of these is measurable but these may not be equally valid or accurate indicators of marital satisfaction. What do you think? These are the kinds of considerations researchers must make when working through the design.

The experimental method is the only research method that can measure cause and effect relationships between variables. Three conditions must be met in order to establish cause and effect. Experimental designs are useful in meeting these conditions:

• The independent and dependent variables must be related.  In other words, when one is altered, the other changes in response. The independent variable is something altered or introduced by the researcher; sometimes thought of as the treatment or intervention. The dependent variable is the outcome or the factor affected by the introduction of the independent variable; the dependent variable  depends on the independent variable. For example, if we are looking at the impact of exercise on stress levels, the independent variable would be exercise; the dependent variable would be stress.
• The cause must come before the effect.  Experiments measure subjects on the dependent variable before exposing them to the independent variable (establishing a baseline). So we would measure the subjects’ level of stress before introducing exercise and then again after the exercise to see if there has been a change in stress levels. (Observational and survey research does not always allow us to look at the timing of these events which makes understanding causality problematic with these methods.)
• The cause must be isolated.  The researcher must ensure that no outside, perhaps unknown variables, are actually causing the effect we see. The experimental design helps make this possible. In an experiment, we would make sure that our subjects’ diets were held constant throughout the exercise program. Otherwise, the diet might really be creating a change in stress level rather than exercise.

A basic experimental design involves beginning with a sample (or subset of a population) and randomly assigning subjects to one of two groups: the  experimental group or the control group . Ideally, to prevent bias, the participants would be blind to their condition (not aware of which group they are in) and the researchers would also be blind to each participant’s condition (referred to as “ double blind “). The experimental group is the group that is going to be exposed to an independent variable or condition the researcher is introducing as a potential cause of an event. The control group is going to be used for comparison and is going to have the same experience as the experimental group but will not be exposed to the independent variable. This helps address the placebo effect, which is that a group may expect changes to happen just by participating. After exposing the experimental group to the independent variable, the two groups are measured again to see if a change has occurred. If so, we are in a better position to suggest that the independent variable caused the change in the dependent variable . The basic experimental model looks like this:

The major advantage of the experimental design is that of helping to establish cause and effect relationships. A disadvantage of this design is the difficulty of translating much of what concerns us about human behavior into a laboratory setting.

Developmental Research Designs

Now you know about some tools used to conduct research about human development. Remember,  research methods  are tools that are used to collect information. But it is easy to confuse research methods and research design. Research design is the strategy or blueprint for deciding how to collect and analyze information. Research design dictates which methods are used and how. Developmental research designs are techniques used particularly in lifespan development research. When we are trying to describe development and change, the research designs become especially important because we are interested in what changes and what stays the same with age. These techniques try to examine how age, cohort, gender, and social class impact development.

Cross-sectional designs

The majority of developmental studies use cross-sectional designs because they are less time-consuming and less expensive than other developmental designs. Cross-sectional research designs are used to examine behavior in participants of different ages who are tested at the same point in time. Let’s suppose that researchers are interested in the relationship between intelligence and aging. They might have a hypothesis (an educated guess, based on theory or observations) that intelligence declines as people get older. The researchers might choose to give a certain intelligence test to individuals who are 20 years old, individuals who are 50 years old, and individuals who are 80 years old at the same time and compare the data from each age group. This research is cross-sectional in design because the researchers plan to examine the intelligence scores of individuals of different ages within the same study at the same time; they are taking a “cross-section” of people at one point in time. Let’s say that the comparisons find that the 80-year-old adults score lower on the intelligence test than the 50-year-old adults, and the 50-year-old adults score lower on the intelligence test than the 20-year-old adults. Based on these data, the researchers might conclude that individuals become less intelligent as they get older. Would that be a valid (accurate) interpretation of the results?

No, that would not be a valid conclusion because the researchers did not follow individuals as they aged from 20 to 50 to 80 years old. One of the primary limitations of cross-sectional research is that the results yield information about age differences  not necessarily changes with age or over time. That is, although the study described above can show that in 2010, the 80-year-olds scored lower on the intelligence test than the 50-year-olds, and the 50-year-olds scored lower on the intelligence test than the 20-year-olds, the data used to come up with this conclusion were collected from different individuals (or groups of individuals). It could be, for instance, that when these 20-year-olds get older (50 and eventually 80), they will still score just as high on the intelligence test as they did at age 20. In a similar way, maybe the 80-year-olds would have scored relatively low on the intelligence test even at ages 50 and 20; the researchers don’t know for certain because they did not follow the same individuals as they got older.

It is also possible that the differences found between the age groups are not due to age, per se, but due to cohort effects. The 80-year-olds in this 2010 research grew up during a particular time and experienced certain events as a group. They were born in 1930 and are part of the Traditional or Silent Generation. The 50-year-olds were born in 1960 and are members of the Baby Boomer cohort. The 20-year-olds were born in 1990 and are part of the Millennial or Gen Y Generation. What kinds of things did each of these cohorts experience that the others did not experience or at least not in the same ways?

You may have come up with many differences between these cohorts’ experiences, such as living through certain wars, political and social movements, economic conditions, advances in technology, changes in health and nutrition standards, etc. There may be particular cohort differences that could especially influence their performance on intelligence tests, such as education level and use of computers. That is, many of those born in 1930 probably did not complete high school; those born in 1960 may have high school degrees, on average, but the majority did not attain college degrees; the young adults are probably current college students. And this is not even considering additional factors such as gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The young adults are used to taking tests on computers, but the members of the other two cohorts did not grow up with computers and may not be as comfortable if the intelligence test is administered on computers. These factors could have been a factor in the research results.

Another disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that it is limited to one time of measurement. Data are collected at one point in time and it’s possible that something could have happened in that year in history that affected all of the participants, although possibly each cohort may have been affected differently. Just think about the mindsets of participants in research that was conducted in the United States right after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Longitudinal research designs

Longitudinal   research involves beginning with a group of people who may be of the same age and background (cohort) and measuring them repeatedly over a long period of time. One of the benefits of this type of research is that people can be followed through time and be compared with themselves when they were younger; therefore changes with age over time are measured. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of longitudinal research? Problems with this type of research include being expensive, taking a long time, and subjects dropping out over time. Think about the film, 63 Up , part of the Up Series mentioned earlier, which is an example of following individuals over time. In the videos, filmed every seven years, you see how people change physically, emotionally, and socially through time; and some remain the same in certain ways, too. But many of the participants really disliked being part of the project and repeatedly threatened to quit; one disappeared for several years; another died before her 63rd year. Would you want to be interviewed every seven years? Would you want to have it made public for all to watch?   

Longitudinal research designs are used to examine behavior in the same individuals over time. For instance, with our example of studying intelligence and aging, a researcher might conduct a longitudinal study to examine whether 20-year-olds become less intelligent with age over time. To this end, a researcher might give an intelligence test to individuals when they are 20 years old, again when they are 50 years old, and then again when they are 80 years old. This study is longitudinal in nature because the researcher plans to study the same individuals as they age. Based on these data, the pattern of intelligence and age might look different than from the cross-sectional research; it might be found that participants’ intelligence scores are higher at age 50 than at age 20 and then remain stable or decline a little by age 80. How can that be when cross-sectional research revealed declines in intelligence with age?

Since longitudinal research happens over a period of time (which could be short term, as in months, but is often longer, as in years), there is a risk of attrition. Attrition occurs when participants fail to complete all portions of a study. Participants may move, change their phone numbers, die, or simply become disinterested in participating over time. Researchers should account for the possibility of attrition by enrolling a larger sample into their study initially, as some participants will likely drop out over time. There is also something known as  selective attrition— this means that certain groups of individuals may tend to drop out. It is often the least healthy, least educated, and lower socioeconomic participants who tend to drop out over time. That means that the remaining participants may no longer be representative of the whole population, as they are, in general, healthier, better educated, and have more money. This could be a factor in why our hypothetical research found a more optimistic picture of intelligence and aging as the years went by. What can researchers do about selective attrition? At each time of testing, they could randomly recruit more participants from the same cohort as the original members, to replace those who have dropped out.

The results from longitudinal studies may also be impacted by repeated assessments. Consider how well you would do on a math test if you were given the exact same exam every day for a week. Your performance would likely improve over time, not necessarily because you developed better math abilities, but because you were continuously practicing the same math problems. This phenomenon is known as a practice effect. Practice effects occur when participants become better at a task over time because they have done it again and again (not due to natural psychological development). So our participants may have become familiar with the intelligence test each time (and with the computerized testing administration). Another limitation of longitudinal research is that the data are limited to only one cohort.

Sequential research designs

Sequential research designs include elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs. Similar to longitudinal designs, sequential research features participants who are followed over time; similar to cross-sectional designs, sequential research includes participants of different ages. This research design is also distinct from those that have been discussed previously in that individuals of different ages are enrolled into a study at various points in time to examine age-related changes, development within the same individuals as they age, and to account for the possibility of cohort and/or time of measurement effects. In 1965, K. Warner Schaie described particular sequential designs: cross-sequential, cohort sequential, and time-sequential. The differences between them depended on which variables were focused on for analyses of the data (data could be viewed in terms of multiple cross-sectional designs or multiple longitudinal designs or multiple cohort designs). Ideally, by comparing results from the different types of analyses, the effects of age, cohort, and time in history could be separated out.

Challenges Conducting Developmental Research

The previous sections describe research tools to assess development across the lifespan, as well as the ways that research designs can be used to track age-related changes and development over time. Before you begin conducting developmental research, however, you must also be aware that testing individuals of certain ages (such as infants and children) or making comparisons across ages (such as children compared to teens) comes with its own unique set of challenges. In the final section of this module, let’s look at some of the main issues that are encountered when conducting developmental research, namely ethical concerns, recruitment issues, and participant attrition.

Ethical Concerns

You may already know that Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) must review and approve all research projects that are conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions (each broad discipline or field, such as psychology or social work, often has its own code of ethics that must also be followed, regardless of institutional affiliation). An IRB is typically a panel of experts who read and evaluate proposals for research. IRB members want to ensure that the proposed research will be carried out ethically and that the potential benefits of the research outweigh the risks and potential harm (psychological as well as physical harm) for participants.

What you may not know though, is that the IRB considers some groups of participants to be more vulnerable or at-risk than others. Whereas university students are generally not viewed as vulnerable or at-risk, infants and young children commonly fall into this category. What makes infants and young children more vulnerable during research than young adults? One reason infants and young children are perceived as being at increased risk is due to their limited cognitive capabilities, which makes them unable to state their willingness to participate in research or tell researchers when they would like to drop out of a study. For these reasons, infants and young children require special accommodations as they participate in the research process. Similar issues and accommodations would apply to adults who are deemed to be of limited cognitive capabilities.

When thinking about special accommodations in developmental research, consider the informed consent process. If you have ever participated in scientific research, you may know through your own experience that adults commonly sign an informed consent statement (a contract stating that they agree to participate in research) after learning about a study. As part of this process, participants are informed of the procedures to be used in the research, along with any expected risks or benefits. Infants and young children cannot verbally indicate their willingness to participate, much less understand the balance of potential risks and benefits. As such, researchers are oftentimes required to obtain written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian of the child participant, an adult who is almost always present as the study is conducted. In fact, children are not asked to indicate whether they would like to be involved in a study at all (a process known as assent) until they are approximately seven years old. Because infants and young children cannot easily indicate if they would like to discontinue their participation in a study, researchers must be sensitive to changes in the state of the participant (determining whether a child is too tired or upset to continue) as well as to parent desires (in some cases, parents might want to discontinue their involvement in the research). As in adult studies, researchers must always strive to protect the rights and well-being of the minor participants and their parents when conducting developmental research.

Recruitment

An additional challenge in developmental science is participant recruitment. Recruiting university students to participate in adult studies is typically easy.  Unfortunately, young children cannot be recruited in this way. Given these limitations, how do researchers go about finding infants and young children to be in their studies?

The answer to this question varies along multiple dimensions. Researchers must consider the number of participants they need and the financial resources available to them, among other things. Location may also be an important consideration. Researchers who need large numbers of infants and children may attempt to recruit them by obtaining infant birth records from the state, county, or province in which they reside. Researchers can choose to pay a recruitment agency to contact and recruit families for them.  More economical recruitment options include posting advertisements and fliers in locations frequented by families, such as mommy-and-me classes, local malls, and preschools or daycare centers. Researchers can also utilize online social media outlets like Facebook, which allows users to post recruitment advertisements for a small fee. Of course, each of these different recruitment techniques requires IRB approval. And if children are recruited and/or tested in school settings, permission would need to be obtained ahead of time from teachers, schools, and school districts (as well as informed consent from parents or guardians).

And what about the recruitment of adults? While it is easy to recruit young college students to participate in research, some would argue that it is too easy and that college students are samples of convenience. They are not randomly selected from the wider population, and they may not represent all young adults in our society (this was particularly true in the past with certain cohorts, as college students tended to be mainly white males of high socioeconomic status). In fact, in the early research on aging, this type of convenience sample was compared with another type of convenience sample—young college students tended to be compared with residents of nursing homes! Fortunately, it didn’t take long for researchers to realize that older adults in nursing homes are not representative of the older population; they tend to be the oldest and sickest (physically and/or psychologically). Those initial studies probably painted an overly negative view of aging, as young adults in college were being compared to older adults who were not healthy, had not been in school nor taken tests in many decades, and probably did not graduate high school, let alone college. As we can see, recruitment and random sampling can be significant issues in research with adults, as well as infants and children. For instance, how and where would you recruit middle-aged adults to participate in your research?

Another important consideration when conducting research with infants and young children is attrition . Although attrition is quite common in longitudinal research in particular (see the previous section on longitudinal designs for an example of high attrition rates and selective attrition in lifespan developmental research), it is also problematic in developmental science more generally, as studies with infants and young children tend to have higher attrition rates than studies with adults.  Infants and young children are more likely to tire easily, become fussy, and lose interest in the study procedures than are adults. For these reasons, research studies should be designed to be as short as possible – it is likely better to break up a large study into multiple short sessions rather than cram all of the tasks into one long visit to the lab. Researchers should also allow time for breaks in their study protocols so that infants can rest or have snacks as needed. Happy, comfortable participants provide the best data.

Conclusions

Lifespan development is a fascinating field of study – but care must be taken to ensure that researchers use appropriate methods to examine human behavior, use the correct experimental design to answer their questions, and be aware of the special challenges that are part-and-parcel of developmental research. After reading this module, you should have a solid understanding of these various issues and be ready to think more critically about research questions that interest you. For example, what types of questions do you have about lifespan development? What types of research would you like to conduct? Many interesting questions remain to be examined by future generations of developmental scientists – maybe you will make one of the next big discoveries!

Lifespan development is the scientific study of how and why people change or remain the same over time. As we are beginning to see, lifespan development involves multiple domains and many ages and stages that are important in and of themselves, but that are also interdependent and dynamic and need to be viewed holistically. There are many influences on lifespan development at individual and societal levels (including genetics); cultural, generational, economic, and historical contexts are often significant. And how developmental research is designed and data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted can affect what is discovered about human development across the lifespan.

Lifespan Development Copyright © 2020 by Julie Lazzara is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Mental Health

100+ Mental Health Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring mental health topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of mental health-related research topics and ideas.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Mental Health Topic Ideas

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Personality disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Eating disorders
• Substance-related disorders

Mood Disorders

Research in mood disorders can help understand their causes and improve treatment methods. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• The impact of genetics on the susceptibility to depression
• Efficacy of antidepressants vs. cognitive behavioural therapy
• The role of gut microbiota in mood regulation
• Cultural variations in the experience and diagnosis of bipolar disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Environmental factors and treatment
• The link between depression and chronic illnesses
• Exercise as an adjunct treatment for mood disorders
• Hormonal changes and mood swings in postpartum women
• Stigma around mood disorders in the workplace
• Suicidal tendencies among patients with severe mood disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Research topics in this category can potentially explore the triggers, coping mechanisms, or treatment efficacy for anxiety disorders.

• The relationship between social media and anxiety
• Exposure therapy effectiveness in treating phobias
• Generalised Anxiety Disorder in children: Early signs and interventions
• The role of mindfulness in treating anxiety
• Genetics and heritability of anxiety disorders
• The link between anxiety disorders and heart disease
• Anxiety prevalence in LGBTQ+ communities
• Caffeine consumption and its impact on anxiety levels
• The economic cost of untreated anxiety disorders
• Virtual Reality as a treatment method for anxiety disorders

Psychotic Disorders

Within this space, your research topic could potentially aim to investigate the underlying factors and treatment possibilities for psychotic disorders.

• Early signs and interventions in adolescent psychosis
• Brain imaging techniques for diagnosing psychotic disorders
• The efficacy of antipsychotic medication
• The role of family history in psychotic disorders
• Misdiagnosis and delayed treatment of psychotic disorders
• Co-morbidity of psychotic and mood disorders
• The relationship between substance abuse and psychotic disorders
• Art therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia
• Public perception and stigma around psychotic disorders
• Hospital vs. community-based care for psychotic disorders

Personality Disorders

Research topics within in this area could delve into the identification, management, and social implications of personality disorders.

• Long-term outcomes of borderline personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder and criminal behaviour
• The role of early life experiences in developing personality disorders
• Narcissistic personality disorder in corporate leaders
• Gender differences in personality disorders
• Diagnosis challenges for Cluster A personality disorders
• Emotional intelligence and its role in treating personality disorders
• Psychotherapy methods for treating personality disorders
• Personality disorders in the elderly population
• Stigma and misconceptions about personality disorders

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders

Within this space, research topics could focus on the causes, symptoms, or treatment of disorders like OCD and hoarding.

• OCD and its relationship with anxiety disorders
• Cognitive mechanisms behind hoarding behaviour
• Deep Brain Stimulation as a treatment for severe OCD
• The impact of OCD on academic performance in students
• Role of family and social networks in treating OCD
• Alternative treatments for hoarding disorder
• Childhood onset OCD: Diagnosis and treatment
• OCD and religious obsessions
• The impact of OCD on family dynamics
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Causes and treatment

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Research topics in this area could explore the triggers, symptoms, and treatments for PTSD. Here are some thought starters to get you moving.

• PTSD in military veterans: Coping mechanisms and treatment
• Childhood trauma and adult onset PTSD
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) efficacy
• Role of emotional support animals in treating PTSD
• Gender differences in PTSD occurrence and treatment
• Effectiveness of group therapy for PTSD patients
• PTSD and substance abuse: A dual diagnosis
• First responders and rates of PTSD
• Domestic violence as a cause of PTSD
• The neurobiology of PTSD

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This category of mental health aims to better understand disorders like Autism and ADHD and their impact on day-to-day life.

• Early diagnosis and interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD medication and its impact on academic performance
• Parental coping strategies for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Autism and gender: Diagnosis disparities
• The role of diet in managing ADHD symptoms
• Neurodevelopmental disorders in the criminal justice system
• Genetic factors influencing Autism
• ADHD and its relationship with sleep disorders
• Educational adaptations for children with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders and stigma in schools

Eating Disorders

Research topics within this space can explore the psychological, social, and biological aspects of eating disorders.

• The role of social media in promoting eating disorders
• Family dynamics and their impact on anorexia
• Biological basis of binge-eating disorder
• Treatment outcomes for bulimia nervosa
• Eating disorders in athletes
• Media portrayal of body image and its impact
• Eating disorders and gender: Are men underdiagnosed?
• Cultural variations in eating disorders
• The relationship between obesity and eating disorders
• Eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community

Substance-Related Disorders

Research topics in this category can focus on addiction mechanisms, treatment options, and social implications.

• Efficacy of rehabilitation centres for alcohol addiction
• The role of genetics in substance abuse
• Substance abuse and its impact on family dynamics
• Prescription drug abuse among the elderly
• Legalisation of marijuana and its impact on substance abuse rates
• Alcoholism and its relationship with liver diseases
• Opioid crisis: Causes and solutions
• Substance abuse education in schools: Is it effective?
• Harm reduction strategies for drug abuse
• Co-occurring mental health disorders in substance abusers

Choosing A Research Topic

These research topic ideas we’ve covered here serve as thought starters to help you explore different areas within mental health. They are intentionally very broad and open-ended. By engaging with the currently literature in your field of interest, you’ll be able to narrow down your focus to a specific research gap .

It’s important to consider a variety of factors when choosing a topic for your dissertation or thesis . Think about the relevance of the topic, its feasibility , and the resources available to you, including time, data, and academic guidance. Also, consider your own interest and expertise in the subject, as this will sustain you through the research process.

Always consult with your academic advisor to ensure that your chosen topic aligns with academic requirements and offers a meaningful contribution to the field. If you need help choosing a topic, consider our private coaching service.

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Good morning everyone. This are very patent topics for research in neuroscience. Thank you for guidance

What if everything is important, original and intresting? as in Neuroscience. I find myself overwhelmd with tens of relveant areas and within each area many optional topics. I ask myself if importance (for example – able to treat people suffering) is more relevant than what intrest me, and on the other hand if what advance me further in my career should not also be a consideration?

This information is really helpful and have learnt alot

Phd research topics on implementation of mental health policy in Nigeria :the prospects, challenges and way forward.

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Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A child’s behaviour is affected by his or her experiences. Language, IQ, and motor abilities are just some of the domains of developmental psychology which are commonly studied by students. Theories of development give different weights to experience or durable standards when explaining how change occurs. Others, however, advocate a middle approach that incorporates both.

Many people find developmental psychology to be very interesting and relevant, including parents, teachers, and doctors. Dissertations in developmental psychology can be both interesting and helpful. In this article, you will see multiple related psychology dissertations topics based on the studied analysis, previous professional demand and future growth expectations.

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Below we have mentioned some amazing suggestions for developmental psychology dissertation topics that can help you in your research.

Development Psychology Dissertation Topics

• Children’s primary emotional needs (care, love, support, freedom, safety, being accepted and understood, etc.)
• Child abuse is the root cause of numerous psychological disorders in later life.
• How young children learn and flourish when their upbringing is defined by caring, safe interactions with people
• who can assist their child’s learning and development?
• Neglecting a child’s emotional needs and how it affects adult life.
• Animal and child mirror tests (similarities and differences)
• Psychological modifications brought on by ageing
• Causes of the rise in psychopathic behaviour among adolescents and young people
• Effects of child maltreatment on a child’s mental growth
• The ageing process-accelerating factors
• The importance of developmental cognitive neuroscience for the early diagnosis and management of developmental disorders
• In light of recent discoveries in cognitive neuroscience, is Piaget’s theory of cognitive development still a viable theory?
• The idea of plasticity in child development helps explain how a child can adapt to either positive or negative situations in life
• The impact of culture on conversational comprehension, where kids typically don’t talk to adults
• The role of the amygdala as a change agent in adolescent brains
• an enhancement in working memory and processing speed that is generally applicable to the development of conversational understanding
• The development of short-term memory from childhood to old age
• How much discipline is necessary for a child’s personality to grow healthily?
• The development of children depends on both biological growth and cultural acquisition
• The Importance of Emotion Regulation in Understanding Positive Emotion in Depression
• How much knowledge of neural development’s mechanics can teach us about how early cognition takes place?
• Demonstrating how evidence of growing system integration during development can be reconciled with growing structural separation
• The elements influence a fetus’s ability to develop its brain
• Emotional growth in adults. When and how does it occur?
• The things that young children fear the most and how those fears affect their psychological development development psychology and the ageing process about each other
• Children with dyscalculia are influenced by the condition, or are they largely independent in their abilities unrelated to numeracy?
• The function of facial stimuli in determining the progression of the ventral pathway in humans from childhood to maturity
• When explaining changes during cognitive development, one particular learning mechanism or a variety of learning paradigms for various issues?

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order Get Dissertation Writing Services Within Your Budget our dissertation outline service, which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

When choosing a dissertation topic , make sure it builds on your previous work. Don’t forget to be passionate about your topic/idea. Do not pick a topic that extends your adviser’s work or that you are generally ambivalent about. Don’t forget that the dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you are struggling to come up with a suitable dissertation topic and need professional dissertation writing services , we are just a click away.

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How to find development psychology dissertation topics.

To find developmental psychology dissertation topics:

• Study current research and theories.
• Explore stages like infancy, adolescence, aging.
• Investigate cultural influences.
• Examine cognitive, social, emotional aspects.
• Identify gaps or controversies.
• Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.

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Research Examples of Developmental Psychology

When you are studying developmental psychology , you’re studying how people grow and develop, all the way from childbirth to the end of their lifespan. What are examples of developmental psychology? It could be anything within a range of subject matters that are related to human growth. Not just psychological behavior, but anything from thoughts and emotions , cognitive and linguistic development, to decision making and motivation, moral and even physical development like motor skills.

Research examples of developmental psychology

Over the years we’ve come across many examples of research in developmental psychology , often done with various behavioral research tools. Looking for topics for developmental psychology research papers? We’ve put together an overview of research examples in developmental psychology that were published on the Behavioral Research Blog.

Table of contents

• Infant Stage
• Adolescent Stage
• Adult Stage

Examples of developmental psychology: Infant stage

The infant stage is the time from birth until children are (roughly) two years old. A time that has been well studied by researchers, as changes are rapid and these first years in life are considered fundamental in our development.

Early infant behavior development of hand preference

In learning about objects and their parts, transporting objects to new locations, and sharing objects with others, the hands are essential. Infants discover how to control each hand and how to use the hands together.

There are many reasons to study the development of hand preference in infants, as it can provide clues about motor skills or any developmental disorders. A team of researchers was particularly interested in asymmetric bimanual actions and presented “Unimanual to bimanual: Tracking the development of handedness from 6 to 24 months”.

Read the full post here:  Early Infant behavior development of hand preference

In the Noldus Webinar 'How emotions are made in Baby FaceReader' , we tell you about emotions, how they are 'made' and how this relates to facial expression analysis in FaceReader with a focus on Baby FaceReader. 

Observing and analyzing repetitive movements in infants to detect autism

In the first year of life, an infant learns how to use his or her arms, legs, mouth, hands, and fingers by repeating movements over and over again. They discover a wealth of possibilities. However, an increased frequency of repetitive movements has been widely described in neurodevelopmental disorders as well. 

To examine if a specific repertoire of repetitive movements was present in children with autism, researchers used home videos to code the behaviors of the infants.

Continue reading:  Observing and analyzing repetitive movements in infants to detect autism

Gaze behavior in infants

Infant siblings of children with or without ASD participated in a study to determine whether gaze behavior, showed during a test with an unfamiliar examiner, could predict gaze behavior in a more naturalistic context. 

To measure the cognitive functioning of the infants, the Mullen Scales of Early Learning was filled in at each visit by an examiner. Meanwhile, infant gaze to the examiner’s face was recorded. 

Read the full post here:  A closer look at eye contact

Understanding infants’ social and moral development

At the Centre of Infant Cognition at UBC in Vancouver, researchers conduct independent studies as well as participate in ManyBabies projects to further understand the development of moral and social behaviors of infants.

Discover the full story here:  Understanding infants’ social and moral development

Developing social communication and the role of mimicry

Children learn from interacting with others, especially their parents. For example, reproducing the emotions that others express is part of that. Copying facial expressions is one of the great milestones in the social development of a child.

Still, little is known about the mechanisms controlling the early development of emotional mimicry. Therefore, a research team of the University of Amsterdam conducted a study to investigate infant emotional mimicry, parent-infant mutual attention, and parent dispositional affective empathy.

Read more about this study here:  The role of mimicry in the development of social communication  

Download the free White paper to learn more about the software tools available for infant studies.

• Video observations to capture behaviors
• Coding behaviors accurately
• Unobtrusive emotion analysis

Adolescent stage

Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is a time for rapid cognitive development. When entering adolescence children are going through many changes at the same time: both physical and intellectual, as well as their personality and social skills that are developing. We’ve published several articles about studies into the adolescent stage.

Direct observations help develop effective interventions in adolescence

In a study by a team of researchers from Arizona State University, John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Oregon Research Institute, family and friendship dynamics in adolescence were observed in order to develop more personalized interventions that prevent problem behaviors and adjustment issues.

Continue reading about  effective interventions in adolescence .

Dealing with depression in adolescence

In adolescence, the ability to regulate emotions is heavily challenged by numerous biological, social, and psychological changes. How are adolescents’ emotions socialized by mothers and close friends? A study by a team of researchers from Canada and The Netherlands focused on dealing with depression in adolescence.

Continue reading:  Understanding adolescent emotions

Studying conflict interactions between mothers and adolescents

Adolescence is a developmental phase with many physical, neurodevelopmental, psychological, and social changes. It is common for conflicts to arise between adolescents and their parents. However, severe conflicts can have negative effects on adolescent development. What can parents do to prevent escalating conflicts ? 

This free white paper informs you how on to facilitate a parent-child study and how to set up your experiment.

• Perform tests in a lab or in-home
• Collect data with video
• Design a coding scheme

Read 5 more  examples of research in adolescence here >>

Research examples in developmental psychology research: Adult stage

Adult development encompasses the changes that occur in biological and psychological domains of human life from the end of adolescence until the end of one's life 1 . When studying adult development, many researchers tend to focus on aging and health. 

Some study eating behavior in residential care homes which enables them to take environmental factors into account. Others focus on family relations and communication and try to facilitate and improve contact between parents and children living a distance apart. Some examples of developmental psychology research in the adult stage of life.

How to measure couple communication patterns

Communication between husbands and wives is often discussed on TV, in magazines, and is frequently a topic of discussion amongst friends. Additionally, it is also a popular research theme. Effective husband-wife communication can benefit a relationship. But are there specific behaviors which need enforcing and are they the same for every couple?

Read more:  How to measure couple communication patterns

Measuring flow

Flow is a state in which a person is fully involved in an activity, decreasing self-consciousness and sense of time. This process requires a person to be extremely focused, as well as exactly have the skills to master a task. Several researchers have developed methods of measuring flow.

Find out more:  Measuring flow

Curious what emotions your face shows? Upload a photo here, and our FaceReader software will test it for emotionality.

• Enter a url or browse for an image
• Use passport photo like pictures
• Make sure that the pictures you upload are the best they can be

Do your emotions and moods change as you get older?

Are emotions affected differently for younger than for older people? Researchers used FaceReader to complement self-assessments and objectify mood changes to answer this question . They exposed participants to film segments to induce four basic emotions: anger, disgust, happiness, and sadness.

Behavior and emotions of older adults

It's important to develop user-friendly products and services to assist older people in daily activities and improve their quality of life. Therefore researchers wanted to find out if TV footage could motivate older persons to start being more active? Being active can improve the overall health of a person (65+ but of course also 65-!). 

Read the full blog post on research projects on behavior and emotions of older adults .

On-site observational studies with older persons

In certain cases, observations for your study are best performed on-site. There are many examples of observational studies with older age groups, conducted at home or at a healthcare facility. We've highlighted two examples of on-site observational studies with older persons .

Robots helping people with dementia

Behavioral and psychological problems affect most individuals with dementia at some point during the progression of the disorder. Researchers explored if the use of a robotic seal as a therapeutic tool would influence the emotional and behavioral symptoms of dementia. 

Find out more about this large study on robotic pets here !

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More topics in developmental psychology

Of course there are many more topics in developmental psychology. An overview of the research topics can include:

• Cognitive development: Piaget's theory, information processing, and language development
• Social and emotional development: attachment theory, moral development, self-concept and identity formation
• Physical development: motor skills, sensory development, growth and maturation
• Perceptual development: visual perception, object permanence, perceptual constancy
• Personality development: nature vs. nurture debate, temperament, self-esteem and resilience
• Contextual factors in development: the role of culture, family, peers, media and technology
• Adolescent development: puberty, identity formation, moral reasoning and decision-making
• Lifespan development: aging, retirement, end-of-life issues
• Education and development: learning theories, early childhood education, motivation and engagement in school
• Neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD, autism , or dyslexia.

These articles might interest you as well:

• How to study human behavior
• Learn about people's behavior by observing them
• Examples of human behavior research
• Behavioral coding: What and how
• Five studies showing the power of multi-modal data in behavioral research

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

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

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

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include:

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

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

Some other topics you might consider include:

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

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

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

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

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

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

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

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

What This Means For You

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

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

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

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

151+ Research Proposal Topics [Updated 2024]

Crafting a compelling research proposal begins with selecting the right topic—a task that demands careful consideration and a thoughtful approach. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of choosing research proposal topics, exploring the importance of a well-defined focus and guiding you through the steps to create a robust proposal.

How to Select Research Proposal Topics?

Table of Contents

Selecting research proposal topics is a crucial step in the research process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose a compelling and impactful research topic:

• Self-reflection:
• Identify your personal interests, passions, and curiosities.
• Consider topics that resonate with you on a deep level.
• Academic and Professional Interests:
• Reflect on subjects that captivated you during coursework or work experience.
• Assess the relevance of these interests to your academic or career goals.
• Current Issues and Trends:
• Stay informed about contemporary challenges and emerging trends in your field.
• Choose a topic that addresses current issues for greater relevance and impact.
• Literature Review:
• Conduct a thorough review of existing research in your chosen field.
• Identify gaps and limitations in the current body of knowledge.
• Formulate Clear Research Questions:
• Develop clear and concise research questions based on the gaps identified.
• Ensure your questions are feasible and align with the chosen topic.
• Choose a Methodology:
• Select an appropriate research methodology (experimental, qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
• Justify your choice and discuss data collection techniques.
• Significance and Contribution:
• Articulate the relevance of your proposed research.
• Highlight the potential contributions your work can make to the field.
• Research Design and Plan:
• Outline the specifics of your research design.
• Create a realistic timeline, allocating resources and budget effectively.
• Address Challenges and Limitations:
• Acknowledge potential challenges and limitations.
• Discuss strategies to mitigate challenges and be transparent about constraints.
• Conclusion:
• Summarize key points of your research proposal.
• Emphasize the importance of the chosen topic and encourage feedback.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your research proposal topic is not only engaging but also has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to your field of study.

151+ Research Proposal Topics: Category Wise

Science and technology.

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Job Market Trends
• Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
• Exploring the Potential of CRISPR Technology in Genetic Engineering
• Cybersecurity Measures for Critical Infrastructure Protection
• The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
• Augmented Reality in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences
• Quantum Computing: Current Status and Future Implications
• Sustainable Technologies for Environmental Conservation
• Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Urban Development
• Robotics in Healthcare: Applications and Ethical Considerations

Health and Medicine

• Precision Medicine: Customizing Healthcare Based on Genetic Factors
• The Impact of Telemedicine on Patient Care
• Mental Health Stigma: Strategies for Reduction and Education
• Vaccination Hesitancy: Understanding Causes and Developing Interventions
• Aging Population and Healthcare Challenges
• Bioinformatics and Personalized Cancer Therapies
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosing Medical Conditions
• Emerging Infectious Diseases: Preparedness and Response Strategies
• Nutrition Education in Schools: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
• Healthcare Disparities: Addressing and Eliminating Gaps in Access

Social Sciences

• Social Media and its Influence on Political Discourse
• Impact of Social Isolation on Mental Health in Elderly Populations
• Cultural Competence in Education: Training and Implementation
• The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Career Choices
• Cyberbullying: Prevention and Intervention Strategies
• The Effects of Immigration Policies on Migrant Communities
• Restorative Justice in Criminal Justice Systems
• Examining the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Self-Esteem
• Intersectionality in Feminist Movements: Challenges and Opportunities
• Community Policing: Building Trust between Law Enforcement and Communities
• E-Learning Platforms: Effectiveness and Challenges
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills
• Inclusive Education Practices: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
• The Impact of Standardized Testing on Educational Equity
• School Safety Measures: Strategies for Prevention and Response
• Teacher Professional Development: Models and Effectiveness
• Online Education Accessibility for Students with Disabilities
• Gamification in Education: Engaging Students in Learning
• Bilingual Education: Benefits and Challenges
• STEM Education Initiatives: Encouraging Interest in Science and Technology

Business and Economics

• Sustainable Business Practices: Balancing Profit and Environmental Impact
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Multinational Corporations
• Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Operations
• Economic Consequences of Global Health Crises
• Digital Marketing Trends and Consumer Behavior
• Financial Literacy Education: Bridging the Gap
• Small Business Sustainability: Challenges and Strategies
• The Gig Economy: Implications for Workers and Employers
• Supply Chain Resilience in the Face of Global Disruptions
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets

Environment and Sustainability

• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Communities
• Biodiversity Conservation in Urban Environments
• Circular Economy Models: Reducing Waste and Promoting Sustainability
• Water Scarcity: Technological Solutions and Policy Measures
• Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Balancing Production and Conservation
• Environmental Education in Schools: Fostering Eco-Consciousness
• Green Building Technologies: Enhancing Energy Efficiency
• Ecotourism: Balancing Conservation and Economic Development
• The Role of International Agreements in Addressing Environmental Issues

Psychology and Behavior

• The Influence of Social Media on Body Image and Self-Esteem
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety and Depression
• Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Positive Psychology Interventions: Enhancing Well-Being
• Sleep Hygiene and its Impact on Mental Health
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Causes and Interventions
• Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: Benefits and Training
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development
• Cross-Cultural Psychology: Understanding Cultural Influences on Behavior
• The Role of Music in Emotional Regulation and Stress Reduction

Political Science and International Relations

• The Rise of Populism: Causes and Consequences
• Cyber Warfare and International Security
• Human Rights Violations in Conflict Zones: Challenges and Solutions
• The Role of International Organizations in Global Governance
• Political Polarization: Understanding Divisive Trends
• Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control Agreements
• Comparative Analysis of Electoral Systems
• Immigration Policies and Social Cohesion
• Global Health Diplomacy: Collaborative Approaches to Health Challenges
• The Impact of Disinformation on Democratic Processes

History and Cultural Studies

• Reevaluating Historical Narratives: Perspectives and Interpretations
• Cultural Impact of Globalization: Trends and Reactions
• Indigenous Rights and Representation in Historical Context
• History of Scientific Discoveries and their Societal Impact
• Archaeological Excavations: Uncovering Lost Civilizations
• Cultural Appropriation: Examining Controversies and Contexts
• The Role of Women in Historical Movements
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Innovations
• Historical Trauma and its Contemporary Repercussions
• Impact of Colonialism on Contemporary Societies

Communication and Media Studies

• Influence of Social Media on Political Participation
• Media Representation of Marginalized Groups
• Fake News and Misinformation: Identifying and Combating Trends
• The Evolution of Print Media in the Digital Age
• Media Literacy Education: Navigating Information in the Digital Era
• Celebrity Culture and its Impact on Society
• The Role of Public Relations in Shaping Organizational Image
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Business
• Podcasting as an Emerging Medium of Communication
• Advertising and Consumer Behavior: Analyzing Persuasion Techniques

Philosophy and Ethics

• Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence Research
• Bioethics in Medical Decision-Making
• Existentialism and its Relevance in Contemporary Society
• Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment in Scientific Research
• Environmental Ethics: Balancing Human Needs and Ecological Sustainability
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Cloning
• Virtue Ethics in Professional Decision-Making
• Technology and Privacy: Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Warfare
• Utilitarianism and its Application in Ethical Decision-Making

Education Policy and Administration

• School Voucher Programs: Impact on Educational Equity
• Teacher Evaluation Systems: Effectiveness and Fairness
• Inclusive Leadership in Educational Institutions
• Early Childhood Education: Policy and Implementation
• Standardized Testing: Implications for Educational Policy
• Education Funding Models: Challenges and Solutions
• School Choice and its Impact on Student Achievement
• Educational Technology Integration in Classroom Settings
• Community Engagement in School Decision-Making
• The Role of Educational Leaders in Fostering Inclusive Schools

Economics and Development Studies

• Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation Strategies
• Impact of Global Trade Policies on Developing Economies
• Economic Empowerment of Women in Developing Countries
• Sustainable Development Goals: Progress and Challenges
• Rural-Urban Migration: Economic and Social Impacts
• Financial Inclusion: Strategies for Bridging the Gap
• Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Assessing Outcomes
• Technology Transfer and Innovation in Developing Nations
• Income Inequality: Causes and Policy Solutions
• The Role of Microenterprise in Local Economic Development

Criminal Justice and Law

• Restorative Justice: Implementation and Impact on Recidivism
• Police Body Cameras: Efficacy and Ethical Considerations
• Cybercrime Laws and Challenges in the Digital Age
• Juvenile Justice Reform: Strategies for Rehabilitation
• Bail Reform: Addressing Inequities in Pretrial Detention
• Criminal Profiling: Validity and Ethical Concerns
• Drug Policy Reform: Exploring Alternatives to Criminalization
• The Impact of Hate Crime Legislation on Social Cohesion
• Eyewitness Testimony Reliability: Challenges and Improvements
• International Criminal Court: Effectiveness and Challenges

Public Health and Epidemiology

• Disease Surveillance Systems: Enhancing Early Detection
• Health Inequalities: Social Determinants and Interventions
• Maternal and Child Health Interventions in Developing Countries
• Impact of Health Education on Preventive Behaviors
• Access to Healthcare Services in Rural Areas
• Lifestyle Interventions for Chronic Disease Prevention
• Community-Based Participatory Research in Public Health
• Mental Health Interventions in School Settings
• The Role of Public Health in Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Computer Science

• Explainable Artificial Intelligence: Bridging the Gap Between Performance and Interpretability
• The Role of Quantum Computing in Revolutionizing Cryptography
• Ethical Considerations in the Development of Autonomous Vehicles
• Cybersecurity Challenges in the Internet of Things (IoT) Ecosystem
• Human-Computer Interaction: Enhancing User Experience in Virtual Reality Environments

How to Compose a Research Proposal?

Composing a research proposal is a systematic process that involves careful planning, organization, and clear articulation of your research idea. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to compose a research proposal:

• Title: 
• Create a clear and concise title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Introduction:
• Provide background information on the research topic.
• Clearly state the research problem or question.
• Justify the importance and relevance of your research.
• Summarize relevant existing literature.
• Identify gaps, limitations, and areas for further exploration.
• Establish a theoretical framework for your study.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses:
• Formulate clear and specific research questions or hypotheses.
• Ensure they align with the research problem and are feasible.
• Objectives or Aims:
• Outline the specific goals of your research.
• Clearly state what you aim to achieve with your study.
• Methodology:
• Describe the research design and justify your choice.
• Detail the data collection methods and tools you plan to use.
• Address ethical considerations related to your research.
• Explain the importance of your research.
• Clearly state the potential contributions your study can make.
• Provide a detailed plan for executing your research.
• Include a timeline, milestones, and the allocation of resources.
• Potential Challenges and Limitations:
• Acknowledge possible obstacles and limitations.
• Discuss strategies to address challenges proactively.
• Summarize the key points of your research proposal.
• Reiterate the significance of your research.
• Invite feedback and suggestions.
• References:
• Cite all the sources and literature used in your proposal.
• Follow the appropriate citation style ( APA, MLA, Chicago , etc.).
• Appendices (if necessary):
• Include any supplementary materials such as surveys, questionnaires, or additional data.

Tips for Composing a Research Proposal

• Clarity and Conciseness: Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse readers.
• Alignment: Ensure that each section of your proposal aligns with the overall research objective.
• Feasibility: Confirm that your proposed research is feasible within the given time and resource constraints.
• Review and Revise: Review your proposal for coherence, consistency, and clarity. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or advisors and make revisions accordingly.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Follow any specific guidelines or instructions provided by your institution or funding agency.
• Engage the Reader: Capture the reader’s attention in the introduction and maintain engagement throughout.
• Ethical Considerations: Clearly address any ethical concerns related to your research, ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

Selecting research proposal topics is a nuanced process that requires a blend of personal passion, academic rigor, and an understanding of the broader context.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the seas of research proposal development with confidence, ensuring that your chosen topic is not only compelling but also lays the foundation for meaningful and impactful research.

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100 Best Child Development Research Topics for 2023

If you need to write a research paper about child development, you probably already know that finding great child development research topics is a very difficult task. In fact, it can sometimes take you days to find a good topic to write an interesting essay on. Fortunately, we have a list of research topics in child development that will help you immensely. Remember, all our topics are free to use. You can use them as they are or reword them. To help as many students as possible, we are constantly updating the list. You can easily find fresh topics for 2022 right here.

Having Trouble Finding Topics in Child Development?

Of course, you can try to find topics in child development on various websites. The problem is that most of those topics are years old. Furthermore, most of those child development research paper topics have been used by students over and over again. Your professor is probably bored of reading the same essays every semester, don’t you think?

To make sure you get a top grade on your essay, you need to find original, highly interesting topics. You need research topics for child development that are relevant for the scientific community today. Just pick one of our topics and start writing your essay in minutes.

Easy Child Development Topics

If you are looking from some easy topics so that you don’t have to spend much time writing the essay, you might want to take a look at our awesome easy child development topics:

• Describe 3 important child development theories
• Define childhood development
• Talk about the Vygotsky Theory.
• What are childcare centers?
• Are children more intelligent than adults?
• Music and its benefits for child development.

Child Development Essay Topics for College

Of course, college students should pick topics that are more advanced than those picked by high school attendees. Take a look at some interesting child development essay topics for college students:

• Child Abuse Prevention programs and how they work.
• Discuss Children Services in relation to child development
• How does a divorce affect the development of children?
• Analyzing the moral development stages
• Domestic violence effects on child development
• Three best parenting styles and why they work
• Special needs of differently-abled children

Controversial Topics Child Development

Child development is, of course, filled with controversial ideas, theories and practices. You may want to talk about some of them, so here are some controversial topics child development ideas:

• The best parenting model.
• Family conflict hinders proper child development.
• Does obesity affect child development?
• Does race affect child development?
• Are siblings important at all?
• Imaginary friends can be a problem.

Best Research Topics on Child Development

Nobody knows what your professor likes or dislikes better than you do. However, we believe the following list of ideas contains some of the best research topics on child development:

• Coronavirus lockdown and its effects on children.
• Peers’ influence on child development.
• Children understand life through play.
• A green environment and its effects on children.
• Describe the 4 types of parenting.
• Diet and its role on child development.
• How important is his family for a small child?

ADHD Child Development Topics

ADHD is a disorder that affects a growing number of children worldwide. It goes without saying that picking one of our ADHD child development topics will surely surprise your professor:

• What is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
• Discuss the main causes of ADHD.
• Incidence rate of ADHD in small children.
• The challenges of ADHD for parents.
• Special needs of children suffering from ADHD.
• In-depth analysis of therapy methods.
• Can ADHD be cured in the 21st century?

Interesting Topics Related to Child Development

Are you looking for the most interesting topics related to child development? Here is the list of what our ENL writers consider to be the most intriguing things to talk about in 2022:

• Games that stimulate child development
• Does poverty affect the development of children?
• Tech and its effects of child development.
• Do imaginary friends play a role?
• Child development and its effects on the person’s entire life
• Why are children often more creative than adults?

Child Development Psychology Topics

But what if you want to talk about psychology? The good news is that we have several original child development psychology topics that you can choose from right now for free:

• What are the five stages of psychological development?
• An in-depth look at the mental development of children.
• Improving mental growth: best practices.
• Lack of attention and its effects.
• Behavioral psychology of autistic children.
• Society is changing the psychology of our children.
• The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Difficult Child Development Topics for Research

Are you looking for a challenge? Do you want to test your ability to write a complex academic paper on a difficult subject? Just pick one of these difficult child development topics for research and start writing:

• The coronavirus pandemic and its effects on child development.
• Eliminating dyslexia with novel child development techniques.
• Best way to develop your child’s language skills.
• Eliminating autism with novel child development techniques.
• The minimum time that you should spend with your child.
• 3 best games for child mental growth.

Current Topics in Child Development

Of course, your professor is most interested in new and exciting research. This is why it is generally a great idea to pick a current topic to write about. Here are some of the best current topics in child development:

• COVID-19 anxiety in small children.
• Advancements in children cognitive development.
• Latest social development techniques.
• The link between psychical and physical development
• What are developmental milestones?
• Solving behavioral issues correctly.
• Link between play and social skills.
• Best methods to cure autism in 2022. Check out more autism research topics .

Child Mental Health Development Paper Ideas

Interested in writing about the mental health development of children of all ages? We have some very good news for you. We have a list of child mental health development paper ideas you will find most intriguing:

• The effects of divorce on small children
• The effects of the death of a parent on small children
• The effects of family violence on child development
• The effects of substance abuse on children
• The effects of mono parental families on small children
• The effects of financial insecurity on children
• The effects of sleep disorders on the development of a child

Child Development Project Topics

Are you looking for an original project idea? Our team managed to create a list of 100% original child development project topics just for you:

• Talking and its effects on child development.
• Analyze the impact of sports on child development.
• Poor dieting and its negative effects.
• Technology effects on small children.
• Are books important for small children?
• Positive social relations and their effect on toddlers.
• Is Internet exposure recommended?

Psychology Research Topics on Child Development

Researching the psychology of child development can be a very difficult thing to do. However, if you think you are up to the task, pick one of these great psychology research topics on child development:

• Define the term “sociocultural theory”
• The 4 stages of psychological development.
• Analyzing the main psychological processes of children.
• In-depth analysis of child psychology.
• Does your children need to see a psychologist?
• The science behind understanding child emotions.
• Deviant behavior in small children.

Early Child Development Topics

Talking about infants and toddlers can be very interesting, especially if you manage to find a great topic. Choose one of these early child development topics and start writing your paper right away:

• Stages of toddler mental development.
• How much time should you spend with your small child?
• The importance of socialization.
• Games to play with your toddler.
• Is play important for early child development?
• Infant vs. toddler: the similarities.
• When does the ego first appear?

Topics About the Stages of Childhood Development

Are you interested in talking about the various stages of childhood development? You are certainly in luck today. We have just added these topics about the stages of childhood development to our list:

• What are the 5 stages of child development?
• What defines a newborn?
• Describe the transition between a newborn to an infant.
• Child development stages: the toddler.
• Preschool and school age children: key differences

Latest Child Development Paper Topics

It’s difficult to keep up with science, we know. Here are the latest child development paper topics you may want to write about:

• Genetics effect on child development.
• Social media effects on children.
• Pollution effects on the development of children.
• Social insecurity effects.
• Good sleep and its benefits.
• Preschool programs are improving emotional skills.
• The science of childhood development.

Need More Child Development Topics for Papers?

But what if you want more than these interesting topics in child development? In case you need a list of original, well thought of topics, we have the perfect solution. Our experienced academic writers can put together a list of new child development topics for papers in no time. And the best part is that only you will get the new list. So, if you need dozens of child development research topics that nobody else thought of yet, you need our help. If you need a custom thesis , we can also help you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, even during the night.

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100 Psychology Thesis Topics for 2023

Students know the importance of developing great psychology dissertation topics for a graduate assignment. However, many don’t have the time to brainstorm ideas that meet the requirements their professors expect. We’ve done a lot of the heavy lifting and have put together a list of 100 psychology thesis topics suitable for several situations. Feel free to pick a topic and start writing your thesis proposal .

General Psychology Topics for High School

• Give five top reasons why you would want to become a psychologist.
• What kind of influence has psychology research had in other sciences?
• Why are teenagers at higher risk of developing an eating disorder?
• How are phobias developed in children under the age of twelve?
• In what ways did Pavlov’s conditioning experiment contribute to our understanding of addiction therapy?

Child Psychology Research Paper Topics

• What are the major differences between psychiatry and psychology?
• Discuss mental tools that can be used to determine when children are lying to adults.
• What were the ethical complications involve 12d in the Little Albert Experiment?
• What does research suggest is the origin of intelligence in children?
• How does emotional intelligence in children affect their learning abilities?

Cognitive Psychology Topics

• How did Alan Turing’s suggestion that the brain is an organized machine lead to computers?
• Do the “seven chunks of information” still hold through in research?
• Can we develop working memory to retain greater long-term memory?
• Can a person that has been convicted of a felony charge change into a law-abiding citizen?
• How can cognitive therapy be used to help patients suffering from emotional disorders?

Developmental Psychology Topics

• How do our perceptions of our experiences affect development in teenagers?
• What are the four levels of development and which is most important in children?
• Can a moral judgment be taught to toddlers who have latent reasoning skills?
• How are our personalities developed through the influence of others?
• Are children naturally beholden to one parent or the other?

Social Psychology Topics for College Students

• How are a person’s original opinions influenced by the opinions of larger groups?
• What psychological effects does spending too much time on social media have?
• How do social psychologists deal with aggression and violence in young adults?
• What impact has social psychology had on our understanding of online bullying?
• How do family dynamics change when a member of the immediate family dies?

Sports Psychology Research Topics

• Does aging have a bigger impact on retired athletes’ mental health than head trauma?
• How is mental health affected by long recovery schedules for serious body injuries?
• How does neuro-linguistic programming in professional athletes affect performance?
• How do professional athletes mentally prepare for competitions?
• How have approaches to sports training and preparation been affected by developments in psychology?

Controversial Topics in Psychology

• How did the Milgram Obedience Experiments of the 1960s help us understand how we view authority figures?
• How did the Stanford Experiment help further our knowledge of situational variables on human behavior?
• How did Harlow’s experiments of affection (especially the lack of affection) lead to advancements in child development theories?
• Does the implementation of capital punishment on sex offenders prevent them from committing a crime?
• What is the link between criminal acts and teenagers that were bullied?

Health Psychology Topics for College Students

• What impact do regular exercise and healthy eating have on mental health in young adults?
• How have the media’s depictions of body ideals have negatively impacted how young adults see themselves?
• What are the most effective strategies for getting people to develop healthy eating habits?
• What can local governments do to help people maintain mental health after a disaster?
• How do stress management techniques help people cope with difficult situations in the workplace?

More Controversial Psychology Topics

• What did the “lost in a mall” study lead to a better understanding of how memories are formed and stored?
• Why was were the Voodoo Correlation studies of the 1960s so controversial and what did they reveal about human behavior?
• What did showing a lack of affection in infants reveal about the need to nurture one’s young?
• What did the Kirsch Anti-Depressant reveal about the impact that harmless placebos have on humans?
• What are the potential risks of taking part in multiple health studies throughout a given year?

Great Educational Psychology Topics

• How can different technologies help students perform better at school?
• Does working in a small group help students retain more information?
• How does physical activity help students perform better on standardized tests?
• What psychological factors should teachers consider as they develop each year’s curriculum?
• In what ways do psychologists help develop confidence in students with learning disabilities?

Excellent Cultural Psychology Topics

• What are some of the most difficult cultural situations young people face?
• In what ways does developing culture roots with one’s family positively impact social behavior?
• What stresses do young people feel when they return to their native countries?
• What impact does cultural learning have on students in elementary school?
• How does family support help young people cope with difficult decisions?

Psychology Topics to Write About

• Why are adolescents more at risk of developing some type of eating disorder?
• What are the negative effects of insomnia in patients being treated in a medical facility?
• In what ways does group therapy positively impact a patient’s ability to overcome addiction?
• Why should therapists refrain from prescribing ADHD medications to children?
• What are the most effective ways of treating PTSD without using prescription medication?

Abnormal Psychology Topics

• What are the psychological effects of telling either a truth or a lie among young adults?
• What are the major causes of borderline personality disorder in teenagers?
• In what ways does the level of insanity change in patients under specific treatment?
• Why are some people more prone to suffer from personality disorders?
• Can the Oedipus complex first introduced by Freud be used in treatment today?

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

• What role does television media play in promoting violence in adults?
• What are the major psychological characteristics in a child prone to aggression?
• What are the major factors in sociopathic behavior among youth?
• What are some traditional ways of parenting that have been proven ineffective?
• What environmental factors increase the chances of child abuse by a parent?

Biological Psychology Topics

• How are cognitive diseases related to the development of certain disorders?
• How are our perceptions of the world around us affecting the way we behave?
• Can alcohol addiction and other drug-related dependencies be tied to genetics?
• Does biology prevent humans from experiencing a pure sense of free will?
• In what ways does functionalism play into biological psychology?

More Sports Psychology Topics

• What are the negative effects on the mind of exercising to lose weight?
• How is having a network of supporters important for athletic performance?
• How does the attention of PHDs affect the way people feel about sports?
• What impact do sports role models have on a youth’s development?
• Is the NCAA giving an adequate education to its student-athletes?
• What are the most effective ways of dealing with school bullying?
• What are the major causes of psychopathic tendencies in teenagers?
• How does our modern society deal with gender roles?
• What are the key characteristics that improve the abilities to learn a new language?
• Do children require a good foundation to excel academically?

Forensic Psychology Topics

• How can psychology be used to identify and put suspects on trial for certain crimes?
• How has forensic psychology assisted in the way we look at death penalty cases?
• Can psychotic disorders be reevaluated as a result of better psych understanding?
• Should mental diseases be considered in capital punishment cases?
• How would you evaluate the mitigating effects of capital cases in people?

What did you think of our list of psychology thesis topics? Our professional dissertation writers keep our list of ideas up-to-date so that students are always pushing the envelope of research in every discipline. Check back for new general psychology topics or contact us to have a list custom-made for a specific research project.

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Discovering Psychology Research Proposal Topics

When you need to prepare a great psychology paper, choosing a good topic is crucial. It can be challenging to find a decent topic. Still, only with a good theme for analysis, you can prepare a flawless and original psychology research proposal eventually. Many academic assignments are based on interesting subjects. Surely, you need to select the one that is related to psychology. When dealing with psychology papers, choose a solid and simple topic. There is no need to select a wide subject since it simply decreases the time needed for paper performing.

There are a few writing steps you need to follow to prepare a perfect article. This piece is a psychology-based research paper. Therefore, it requires a profound analysis of a topic. Further, you need to follow writing guidelines and tips to write down the main ideas and results of your research. You need to be very attentive to the details. Sometimes, it can be quite problematic coming up with a good topic. Still, choosing a proper subject is crucial.

The right topic and correct structure assure a perfect final research paper. You need to conduct a prior-research in order to analyze what branch of psychology your topic should be related to. Moreover, checking sources in advance is a great idea. It allows assuring a proper discovery of the topic. Be precise with your paper’s purposes, methods you are about to use, and research tools. Always choose a concise and understandable subject to analyze.

Choosing Psychology Research Proposal Topics

When writing a psychology research proposal, be aware of the exact branch of psychology. Your paper must be focused on a particular subject. Thus, there is no way to write about a single phenomenon analyzing a few spheres of psychological science. Choose a concise topic and a definite branch of psychology. Better select a narrow branch for your research. It will allow you coming up with solid arguments, a strong thesis statement, and relevant evidence faster. Once you have a defined subject to research, it is easier to check the available sources and materials. It is also easier to provide a thesis statement.

Selecting a specific branch of psychology, you ease your topic selection as well. You can prepare numerous great papers on social psychology, psychological disorders, and therapy, human cognition, human development, or a specific psychology career. You can also write about a famous historical figure. You choose for yourself what theme to select based on your personal interests and preferences. It can take time to find enough inspiration to come up with a great topic. Still, you need to pay your efforts to select the best possible subject. A solid topic always determines the paper’s final success.

Social Psychology Topics

• The top reasons for an increased discrimination rate in the world
• The social control and modern cults
• The influence of propaganda on people
• The difference between attraction and love
• The main aspects of nonverbal communication
• The main ways of becoming a leader
• The key points of prosocial behavior
• Personal attitudes and behavior
• The prohibited ways of persuasion
• The social cognition

Psychological Disorders and Therapy

• The main reasons for eating disorders
• The top way of depression treatment
• The most widespread phobias
• The modern methods of schizophrenia treatment
• Cognitive behavior’s therapy
• The benefits of psychoanalytic therapy
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• The benefits of group therapy
• Seasonal disorders

Human Cognition and Development

• The ways of preventing bullying in schools
• Language acquisition: advanced learning
• Learning disabilities and modern treatment
• The definition of gender roles in psychology
• Media violence and children
• The different parenting styles
• Features of the aging process
• The problem-solving abilities
• False memories and perception
• Speech disorders and therapy

Interesting Psychology Research Proposal Topics

• The sleep deprivation and stress
• Physical illness caused by stress
• The main stages of human development
• The use of hypnosis in psychology
• The outcomes of introvert behavior
• The influence of social isolation on health
• Junk food and mental health
• The impact of violent music on children
• The effects of bipolar disorder on life
• The recent innovations in genetics
• Psychological reasons for low self-esteem
• The phenomenon of hate crimes
• The reasons for various phobias
• Motivation theories: do they work
• Psychology of sex workers
• The reasons for teenage suicide
• Gay adoption: ethical concepts
• Psychological profiles of serial killers
• The prevention of stress in people
• The quality of long-term memory

Developing Psychology Research Proposal Topics

When you need to prepare an original psychology research proposal topic, you need to follow some useful guidelines. They can help you to find the best theme. There are the key steps you need to follow in order to select a winning subject:

• Learn your audience. You need to be well-aware of people that can use the results of your research. Once you know your target audience, you can choose a proper topic. Moreover, select the topic that can be useful for your readers and an entire psychology sphere. Be attentive and conduct profound research work.
• Find your purpose. In order to select the best topic, you must be inspired by a certain idea. Therefore, you need to choose an important issue for research. When you can help people with the results of your research, it gets even easier to continue your analyses. Finally, your paper’s purpose determines your research methods. The purpose of your paper is important. You should consider all your important reasons before starting writing your article.
• Conduct research. When you have a chosen topic to reveal, be very careful with the preparation stage. You must conduct profound prior-research on the topic. Be careful when checking the relevant sources. When preparing an article, you need to be well-aware of the topic and its key ideas. It is important since you must provide solid arguments, a thesis statement, and supporting evidence. Remain genuine and knowledgeable.

Psychology Research Proposal: Writing Tips

The psychology proposal usually contains a few parts. You need first to describe the purpose of your paper. Once selecting a topic, you have already figured out the purpose of your psychology proposal paper. You also need to write down the methods used for your paper’s preparation. It will give your readers important information on your topic.

Make sure to conduct a prior-research in advance. Check the set of relevant sources and materials to have enough information to prepare a strong thesis statement. Make sure to come up with solid arguments and evidence. You can look for a discussion on the topic. You need to provide a set of important questions in your paper and answer them. Once dealing with a proposal, it is important to follow the tutor’s requirements and guidelines. A psychology research proposal requires a short explanation of ideas. Be aware of your paper’s goals to complete an excellent article. If you deal with a specific language in your research paper, make sure to explain complex concepts. The formatting style is usually assigned by a tutor. Thus, every writer must follow a certain formatting style and assure the paper’s proper structure. It is also important to prepare original and flawless content. Your paper must be useful for other researchers.

Preparing a Good Psychology Research Proposal

The useful writing steps can help to complete a good paper. You need to follow some guides to succeed in your academic writing. Every research paper requires a profound analysis of a topic. When writing a psychology-based research paper, make sure to define a certain branch of psychology. It is even better if you narrow it for your research. Further, you need to follow writing guidelines and writing tips to write down the main ideas and research results’ explanation. Be very attentive to the slightest details. From time to time, it can be quite problematic coming up with a certain topic that can be analyzed easily. Still, choosing a proper subject is essential.

The right topic and correct structure of your article assure a perfect final content. Be ready to conduct a short prior-research in order to analyze what branch of psychology your topic should be related to and narrow it eventually. Moreover, check the sources on the topic in advance. It will allow assuring a proper discovery of the subject. Be accurate with your paper’s resolutions. Choose a concise and logical subject to study.

When writing a psychology research proposal, focus on a particular theme. Consequently, be ready to describe a certain phenomenon once analyzing numerous relevant sources. Choose a concise topic that inspires you. It will allow you coming up with solid arguments, a strong thesis statement, and relevant up-to-date evidence. Once you have a defined subject to research, be ready to use your best writing and analytical talents. Make your work really valuable for your target audience.

How to Get Started on Your First Psychology Experiment

Acquiring even a little expertise in advance makes science research easier..

Updated May 16, 2024 | Reviewed by Ray Parker

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• Students often struggle at the beginning of research projects—knowing how to begin.
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• Becoming something of an "expert" on a topic in advance makes designing a study go more smoothly.

One of the most rewarding and frustrating parts of my long career as a psychology professor at a small liberal arts college has been guiding students through the senior capstone research experience required near the end of their college years. Each psychology major must conduct an independent experiment in which they collect data to test a hypothesis, analyze the data, write a research paper, and present their results at a college poster session or at a professional conference.

The rewarding part of the process is clear: The students' pride at seeing their poster on display and maybe even getting their name on an article in a professional journal allows us professors to get a glimpse of students being happy and excited—for a change. I also derive great satisfaction from watching a student discover that he or she has an aptitude for research and perhaps start shifting their career plans accordingly.

The frustrating part comes at the beginning of the research process when students are attempting to find a topic to work on. There is a lot of floundering around as students get stuck by doing something that seems to make sense: They begin by trying to “think up a study.”

The problem is that even if the student's research interest is driven by some very personal topic that is deeply relevant to their own life, they simply do not yet know enough to know where to begin. They do not know what has already been done by others, nor do they know how researchers typically attack that topic.

Students also tend to think in terms of mission statements (I want to cure eating disorders) rather than in terms of research questions (Why are people of some ages or genders more susceptible to eating disorders than others?).

Needless to say, attempting to solve a serious, long-standing societal problem in a few weeks while conducting one’s first psychology experiment can be a showstopper.

Even a Little Bit of Expertise Can Go a Long Way

My usual approach to helping students get past this floundering stage is to tell them to try to avoid thinking up a study altogether. Instead, I tell them to conceive of their mission as becoming an “expert” on some topic that they find interesting. They begin by reading journal articles, writing summaries of these articles, and talking to me about them. As the student learns more about the topic, our conversations become more sophisticated and interesting. Researchable questions begin to emerge, and soon, the student is ready to start writing a literature review that will sharpen the focus of their research question.

In short, even a little bit of expertise on a subject makes it infinitely easier to craft an experiment on that topic because the research done by others provides a framework into which the student can fit his or her own work.

This was a lesson I learned early in my career when I was working on my own undergraduate capstone experience. Faced with the necessity of coming up with a research topic and lacking any urgent personal issues that I was trying to resolve, I fell back on what little psychological expertise I had already accumulated.

In a previous psychology course, I had written a literature review on why some information fails to move from short-term memory into long-term memory. The journal articles that I had read for this paper relied primarily on laboratory studies with mice, and the debate that was going on between researchers who had produced different results in their labs revolved around subtle differences in the way that mice were released into the experimental apparatus in the studies.

Because I already had done some homework on this, I had a ready-made research question available: What if the experimental task was set up so that the researcher had no influence on how the mouse entered the apparatus at all? I was able to design a simple animal memory experiment that fit very nicely into the psychological literature that was already out there, and this prevented a lot of angst.

Please note that my undergraduate research project was guided by the “expertise” that I had already acquired rather than by a burning desire to solve some sort of personal or social problem. I guarantee that I had not been walking around as an undergraduate student worrying about why mice forget things, but I was nonetheless able to complete a fun and interesting study.

My first experiment may not have changed the world, but it successfully launched my research career, and I fondly remember it as I work with my students 50 years later.

Frank McAndrew, Ph.D., is the Cornelia H. Dudley Professor of Psychology at Knox College.

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