topics to do on a research paper

55 Research Paper Topics to Jump-Start Your Paper

Coming up with research paper topics is the first step in writing most papers. While it may seem easy compared to the actual writing, choosing the right research paper topic is nonetheless one of the most important steps. Your topic determines the entire writing process: your core arguments, which sources you use, the structure of your outline, and ultimately how well the paper is received.

Unfortunately, how to select a research topic isn’t always obvious. So here, we explain how to come up with research paper topics that will work for you. We even share a list of research topics to help inspire you.

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What are research paper topics?

A research paper topic is the main focus of a piece of academic writing , encompassing the author’s main argument, thesis, or hypothesis that they plan to research and investigate.

Usually, the assignment stipulates what kind of research paper topics you can use, but even so you should choose topics that you feel passionately about and that have ample resources to fully develop your ideas.

How to come up with research paper topic examples

The ideal approach is to create a list of research topics that fulfill the criteria, and then choose the best one. Because research paper topics can be pretty broad, creating a list helps you narrow down ideas and consider fresh alternatives.

Of course, creating a list of research topics takes some effort. To save you time, here are some tried-and-true methods for how to come up with research paper topic examples:

• Personal interest: Which topics are you interested in or particularly curious about?
• Topics in class discussions: Was anything mentioned in class that you’d like to examine more deeply?
• Current events: Are there any topics in the news that fit the requirements for the assignment?
• Research gaps: For dissertations , are there any topics that haven’t been sufficiently researched before that you could contribute original data to?
• Advice from teacher, colleagues, or friends: Can you ask someone knowledgeable to help you brainstorm research paper topics?
• Search online: What kinds of relevant topics do people discuss online?

Once you have a short list of research topics, it’s time to move on to the next step: deciding how to select a research topic from the list.

How to select a research topic

As we explain in our guide on how to write a research paper , you should choose a topic with enough content to fill the length of your paper. On top of that, it’s best to pick a topic that you’re personally interested in, since you’re going to be spending long hours researching it and discussing it.

To keep your paper focused, choose a specific topic instead of a broad one . For example, instead of a general topic like “the eating habits of cats,” try to narrow it down a little, like “the eating habits of tigers.” With broad topics, you won’t be able to cover everything . Limit the scope of your topic so you can fully discuss it within the paper.

However, if you get too specific, you won’t have enough data, sources, or knowledge to write a substantial report. For example, if your topic was “the eating habits of my cat Charlie,” most likely you wouldn’t have enough information to fill more than a page or two.

So try to pick a topic that’s not only precise but manageable enough to describe completely within the limitations of the assignment.

Research paper topic vs. thesis vs. hypothesis

What’s the difference between a research paper topic, a thesis, and a hypothesis?

A research paper thesis is the main argument your paper tries to prove or explain. As such, the thesis is a core part of your entire research paper topic. A thesis is typically summed up in a thesis statement , a single sentence at the beginning of the paper to introduce your argument to the reader.

For example, if your topic was analyzing wind power in Mexico, your thesis might be:

Wind power effectively enabled Mexico to meet the requirements of the Paris Agreement, thanks to natural winds in the south.

With this thesis, your paper would then discuss the availability of wind, what factors of the south make it ideal, and how Mexico went about enacting it with regard to the Paris Agreement.

Specific to scientific works, a research paper hypothesis is a statement that describes what the author hopes to prove or disprove with their paper. A hypothesis is similar to a thesis in that it sums up the research paper topic, but a hypothesis requires original data and often testing to prove whether it’s true, whereas a thesis can draw on other people’s research.

55 examples of research topics

• The evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Comparing the impacts of pollution on freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
• How the Human Genome Project changed the field of biology
• How modern-day urbanization affects wildlife and natural habitats
• The ethical considerations of CRISPR technology
• Leveraging sustainable business practices for marketing purposes
• How attitudes about financial risk management have changed over time
• Different leadership styles and their impact on organizational performance
• The challenges of cross-cultural business negotiations
• The practicality of big data analytics for small businesses

Communication

• How the internet changed in-person social interactions
• The most effective strategies for interpersonal conflict resolution
• The relationship between media literacy and voting habits
• The evolution of communication in family dynamics
• How advertising affects decision-making outside of sales

Computer science

• The application of blockchain technology outside of finance
• The future of quantum computing
• The greatest threats to cybersecurity at present
• The ramifications of humanizing AI
• An in-depth comparison between cloud computing and fog computing

Criminal justice

• Rehabilitation versus punishment in the juvenile justice system
• The merits of decriminalizing certain drugs
• Comparing the apprehension of white-collar and blue-collar criminals
• The evolution of profiling and behavioral analysis
• The effects of a private prison system on lawmaking
• Cultural appropriation versus cultural appreciation
• Comparing the historic traditions of younger and older countries
• Effective strategies to preserve indigenous cultures
• The merits of multiculturalism in big cities
• The influence of public school systems on cultural understanding
• The relationship between socioeconomic factors and educational achievements
• The challenges of early childhood education compared to that of older students
• Effective strategies for promoting interest in STEM fields
• Predicting the future of education based on current trends
• Pros and cons of multilingual classrooms
• The evolution of mental health treatment over time
• Analyzing the most successful public health campaigns throughout history
• Misinformation and diet-related illnesses
• Comparing the health effects of natural drugs and synthetic drugs
• The future of telehealth and telemedicine
• Comparing feminist literature of the first, second, third, and fourth waves
• How colonization historically affected literature
• Comparing the genres of high fantasy and magic realism
• The decline of literary journals in the modern era
• The history of metafiction and self-referential literature
• Effective strategies for combating political corruption
• Leading causes of political extremism and terrorism
• Comparing the efficiency of different electoral systems around the world
• Comparing populism in North America and Europe
• The connection between specific governments and the happiness index of their people

Research paper topics FAQs

A research paper topic is the main focus of a piece of academic writing, encompassing the author’s main argument, thesis, or hypothesis, as well as the evidence to support it and the ultimate conclusion.

How do you come up with research paper topic examples?

You can brainstorm some research paper topics by asking people or searching online. Sometimes current events or topics discussed in the classroom can fit the type of topic you need. Try to think of topics you have a personal connection to, or perhaps topics that have not yet been sufficiently researched.

What’s the difference between a research paper topic, thesis, and hypothesis?

A research paper topic describes the general subject matter of the entire paper. A thesis is the specific argument that the author is trying to prove or explain. A hypothesis is particular to scientific papers; it is what the author attempts to prove or disprove through original testing.

Research Paper Topics - Best Picks

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

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

Top 10 Research Topics for Students

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

Research Paper Topics on Math

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

Research Paper Topics on Business

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

Research Paper Topics on Psychology

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

Research Paper Topics on Literature

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

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Research Paper Topics on Environment

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

Research Paper Topics on Biology

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

Research Paper Topics on Health and Medicine

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

Research Paper Topics on Education

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

Research Paper Topics on Sports

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

Seven Signs of Good Topics for Research Paper

Here are the main characteristics of engaging research paper ideas:

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

How to Choose a Quality Research Paper Topic

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

Stay Current

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

Consider Your Audience

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

Be Specific

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

Assess Feasibility

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

Seek Inspiration

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

Gather Feedback

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

Access Significance

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

Remain Flexible

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

Stay True to Yourself

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

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

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

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

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What Are 5 Good Research Questions for Students?

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

Daniel Parker

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

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

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