student research project example

• Request new password
• Create a new account

The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project

Student resources.

Examples of Student Research Projects

17 Research Proposal Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A research proposal systematically and transparently outlines a proposed research project.

The purpose of a research proposal is to demonstrate a project’s viability and the researcher’s preparedness to conduct an academic study. It serves as a roadmap for the researcher.

The process holds value both externally (for accountability purposes and often as a requirement for a grant application) and intrinsic value (for helping the researcher to clarify the mechanics, purpose, and potential signficance of the study).

Key sections of a research proposal include: the title, abstract, introduction, literature review, research design and methods, timeline, budget, outcomes and implications, references, and appendix. Each is briefly explained below.

Watch my Guide: How to Write a Research Proposal

Get your Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

Research Proposal Sample Structure

Title: The title should present a concise and descriptive statement that clearly conveys the core idea of the research projects. Make it as specific as possible. The reader should immediately be able to grasp the core idea of the intended research project. Often, the title is left too vague and does not help give an understanding of what exactly the study looks at.

Abstract: Abstracts are usually around 250-300 words and provide an overview of what is to follow – including the research problem , objectives, methods, expected outcomes, and significance of the study. Use it as a roadmap and ensure that, if the abstract is the only thing someone reads, they’ll get a good fly-by of what will be discussed in the peice.

Introduction: Introductions are all about contextualization. They often set the background information with a statement of the problem. At the end of the introduction, the reader should understand what the rationale for the study truly is. I like to see the research questions or hypotheses included in the introduction and I like to get a good understanding of what the significance of the research will be. It’s often easiest to write the introduction last

Literature Review: The literature review dives deep into the existing literature on the topic, demosntrating your thorough understanding of the existing literature including themes, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the literature. It serves both to demonstrate your knowledge of the field and, to demonstrate how the proposed study will fit alongside the literature on the topic. A good literature review concludes by clearly demonstrating how your research will contribute something new and innovative to the conversation in the literature.

Research Design and Methods: This section needs to clearly demonstrate how the data will be gathered and analyzed in a systematic and academically sound manner. Here, you need to demonstrate that the conclusions of your research will be both valid and reliable. Common points discussed in the research design and methods section include highlighting the research paradigm, methodologies, intended population or sample to be studied, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures . Toward the end of this section, you are encouraged to also address ethical considerations and limitations of the research process , but also to explain why you chose your research design and how you are mitigating the identified risks and limitations.

Timeline: Provide an outline of the anticipated timeline for the study. Break it down into its various stages (including data collection, data analysis, and report writing). The goal of this section is firstly to establish a reasonable breakdown of steps for you to follow and secondly to demonstrate to the assessors that your project is practicable and feasible.

Budget: Estimate the costs associated with the research project and include evidence for your estimations. Typical costs include staffing costs, equipment, travel, and data collection tools. When applying for a scholarship, the budget should demonstrate that you are being responsible with your expensive and that your funding application is reasonable.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: A discussion of the anticipated findings or results of the research, as well as the potential contributions to the existing knowledge, theory, or practice in the field. This section should also address the potential impact of the research on relevant stakeholders and any broader implications for policy or practice.

References: A complete list of all the sources cited in the research proposal, formatted according to the required citation style. This demonstrates the researcher’s familiarity with the relevant literature and ensures proper attribution of ideas and information.

Appendices (if applicable): Any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview guides, or consent forms, that provide further information or support for the research proposal. These materials should be included as appendices at the end of the document.

Research Proposal Examples

Research proposals often extend anywhere between 2,000 and 15,000 words in length. The following snippets are samples designed to briefly demonstrate what might be discussed in each section.

1. Education Studies Research Proposals

See some real sample pieces:

• Assessment of the perceptions of teachers towards a new grading system
• Does ICT use in secondary classrooms help or hinder student learning?
• Digital technologies in focus project
• Urban Middle School Teachers’ Experiences of the Implementation of
• Restorative Justice Practices
• Experiences of students of color in service learning

Consider this hypothetical education research proposal:

The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Student Engagement and Academic Performance in Middle School Mathematics

Abstract: The proposed study will explore multiplayer game-based learning techniques in middle school mathematics curricula and their effects on student engagement. The study aims to contribute to the current literature on game-based learning by examining the effects of multiplayer gaming in learning.

Introduction: Digital game-based learning has long been shunned within mathematics education for fears that it may distract students or lower the academic integrity of the classrooms. However, there is emerging evidence that digital games in math have emerging benefits not only for engagement but also academic skill development. Contributing to this discourse, this study seeks to explore the potential benefits of multiplayer digital game-based learning by examining its impact on middle school students’ engagement and academic performance in a mathematics class.

Literature Review: The literature review has identified gaps in the current knowledge, namely, while game-based learning has been extensively explored, the role of multiplayer games in supporting learning has not been studied.

Research Design and Methods: This study will employ a mixed-methods research design based upon action research in the classroom. A quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design will first be used to compare the academic performance and engagement of middle school students exposed to game-based learning techniques with those in a control group receiving instruction without the aid of technology. Students will also be observed and interviewed in regard to the effect of communication and collaboration during gameplay on their learning.

Timeline: The study will take place across the second term of the school year with a pre-test taking place on the first day of the term and the post-test taking place on Wednesday in Week 10.

Budget: The key budgetary requirements will be the technologies required, including the subscription cost for the identified games and computers.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: It is expected that the findings will contribute to the current literature on game-based learning and inform educational practices, providing educators and policymakers with insights into how to better support student achievement in mathematics.

2. Psychology Research Proposals

See some real examples:

• A situational analysis of shared leadership in a self-managing team
• The effect of musical preference on running performance
• Relationship between self-esteem and disordered eating amongst adolescent females

Consider this hypothetical psychology research proposal:

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Stress Reduction in College Students

Abstract: This research proposal examines the impact of mindfulness-based interventions on stress reduction among college students, using a pre-test/post-test experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods .

Introduction: College students face heightened stress levels during exam weeks. This can affect both mental health and test performance. This study explores the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions such as meditation as a way to mediate stress levels in the weeks leading up to exam time.

Literature Review: Existing research on mindfulness-based meditation has shown the ability for mindfulness to increase metacognition, decrease anxiety levels, and decrease stress. Existing literature has looked at workplace, high school and general college-level applications. This study will contribute to the corpus of literature by exploring the effects of mindfulness directly in the context of exam weeks.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n= 234 ) will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, receiving 5 days per week of 10-minute mindfulness-based interventions, or a control group, receiving no intervention. Data will be collected through self-report questionnaires, measuring stress levels, semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences, and students’ test scores.

Timeline: The study will begin three weeks before the students’ exam week and conclude after each student’s final exam. Data collection will occur at the beginning (pre-test of self-reported stress levels) and end (post-test) of the three weeks.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: The study aims to provide evidence supporting the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress among college students in the lead up to exams, with potential implications for mental health support and stress management programs on college campuses.

3. Sociology Research Proposals

• Understanding emerging social movements: A case study of ‘Jersey in Transition’
• The interaction of health, education and employment in Western China
• Can we preserve lower-income affordable neighbourhoods in the face of rising costs?

Consider this hypothetical sociology research proposal:

The Impact of Social Media Usage on Interpersonal Relationships among Young Adults

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effects of social media usage on interpersonal relationships among young adults, using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach with ongoing semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data.

Introduction: Social media platforms have become a key medium for the development of interpersonal relationships, particularly for young adults. This study examines the potential positive and negative effects of social media usage on young adults’ relationships and development over time.

Literature Review: A preliminary review of relevant literature has demonstrated that social media usage is central to development of a personal identity and relationships with others with similar subcultural interests. However, it has also been accompanied by data on mental health deline and deteriorating off-screen relationships. The literature is to-date lacking important longitudinal data on these topics.

Research Design and Methods: Participants ( n = 454 ) will be young adults aged 18-24. Ongoing self-report surveys will assess participants’ social media usage, relationship satisfaction, and communication patterns. A subset of participants will be selected for longitudinal in-depth interviews starting at age 18 and continuing for 5 years.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of five years, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide insights into the complex relationship between social media usage and interpersonal relationships among young adults, potentially informing social policies and mental health support related to social media use.

4. Nursing Research Proposals

• Does Orthopaedic Pre-assessment clinic prepare the patient for admission to hospital?
• Nurses’ perceptions and experiences of providing psychological care to burns patients
• Registered psychiatric nurse’s practice with mentally ill parents and their children

Consider this hypothetical nursing research proposal:

The Influence of Nurse-Patient Communication on Patient Satisfaction and Health Outcomes following Emergency Cesarians

Abstract: This research will examines the impact of effective nurse-patient communication on patient satisfaction and health outcomes for women following c-sections, utilizing a mixed-methods approach with patient surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Introduction: It has long been known that effective communication between nurses and patients is crucial for quality care. However, additional complications arise following emergency c-sections due to the interaction between new mother’s changing roles and recovery from surgery.

Literature Review: A review of the literature demonstrates the importance of nurse-patient communication, its impact on patient satisfaction, and potential links to health outcomes. However, communication between nurses and new mothers is less examined, and the specific experiences of those who have given birth via emergency c-section are to date unexamined.

Research Design and Methods: Participants will be patients in a hospital setting who have recently had an emergency c-section. A self-report survey will assess their satisfaction with nurse-patient communication and perceived health outcomes. A subset of participants will be selected for in-depth interviews to explore their experiences and perceptions of the communication with their nurses.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including rolling recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing within the hospital.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the significance of nurse-patient communication in supporting new mothers who have had an emergency c-section. Recommendations will be presented for supporting nurses and midwives in improving outcomes for new mothers who had complications during birth.

5. Social Work Research Proposals

• Experiences of negotiating employment and caring responsibilities of fathers post-divorce
• Exploring kinship care in the north region of British Columbia

Consider this hypothetical social work research proposal:

The Role of a Family-Centered Intervention in Preventing Homelessness Among At-Risk Youthin a working-class town in Northern England

Abstract: This research proposal investigates the effectiveness of a family-centered intervention provided by a local council area in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth. This case study will use a mixed-methods approach with program evaluation data and semi-structured interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative data .

Introduction: Homelessness among youth remains a significant social issue. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in addressing this problem and identify factors that contribute to successful prevention strategies.

Literature Review: A review of the literature has demonstrated several key factors contributing to youth homelessness including lack of parental support, lack of social support, and low levels of family involvement. It also demonstrates the important role of family-centered interventions in addressing this issue. Drawing on current evidence, this study explores the effectiveness of one such intervention in preventing homelessness among at-risk youth in a working-class town in Northern England.

Research Design and Methods: The study will evaluate a new family-centered intervention program targeting at-risk youth and their families. Quantitative data on program outcomes, including housing stability and family functioning, will be collected through program records and evaluation reports. Semi-structured interviews with program staff, participants, and relevant stakeholders will provide qualitative insights into the factors contributing to program success or failure.

Timeline: The study will be conducted over a period of six months, including recruitment, data collection, analysis, and report writing.

Budget: Expenses include access to program evaluation data, interview materials, data analysis software, and any related travel costs for in-person interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Implications: This study aims to provide evidence for the effectiveness of family-centered interventions in preventing youth homelessness, potentially informing the expansion of or necessary changes to social work practices in Northern England.

Research Proposal Template

Get your Detailed Template for Writing your Research Proposal Here (With AI Prompts!)

This is a template for a 2500-word research proposal. You may find it difficult to squeeze everything into this wordcount, but it’s a common wordcount for Honors and MA-level dissertations.

Your research proposal is where you really get going with your study. I’d strongly recommend working closely with your teacher in developing a research proposal that’s consistent with the requirements and culture of your institution, as in my experience it varies considerably. The above template is from my own courses that walk students through research proposals in a British School of Education.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

8 thoughts on “17 Research Proposal Examples”

Very excellent research proposals

very helpful

Very helpful

Dear Sir, I need some help to write an educational research proposal. Thank you.

Hi Levi, use the site search bar to ask a question and I’ll likely have a guide already written for your specific question. Thanks for reading!

very good research proposal

Thank you so much sir! ❤️

Very helpful 👌

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Study and research support
• Academic skills

Dissertation examples

Listed below are some of the best examples of research projects and dissertations from undergraduate and taught postgraduate students at the University of Leeds We have not been able to gather examples from all schools. The module requirements for research projects may have changed since these examples were written. Refer to your module guidelines to make sure that you address all of the current assessment criteria. Some of the examples below are only available to access on campus.

• Undergraduate examples
• Taught Masters examples

30 Seriously Impressive Undergrad Research Projects

At UT, research isn’t exclusively for faculty and graduate students. Need proof? Just take a look at this impressive list of undergraduate research from this year. “ Unfeminist Coalition in Game of Thrones,” anyone?

At The University of Texas at Austin, r esearch is an essential part of our DNA. (Coincidentally,  DNA is an essential part of our research .)  UT is one of the most highly rated public research universities in the nation. 

But research isn’t exclusively within the purview of faculty and graduate students. Undergraduates can start as early as freshman year , supported by programs like student-run research journals , the EUREKA Research Database and the Freshman Research Initiative , the nation’s largest effort to involve first-year students in meaningful research, placing them in faculty-led laboratories working on real-world research projects.

Need more proof? Just take a look at this impressive list of undergraduate research poster presentations made at this year’s Research Week , UT’s annual celebration of undergraduate research and creative activity. (For the full list, go here .)

Analyzing and predicting shoreline change rates along the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Preston McLaughlin, geography

Bayesian modeling of neuron firing rate maps using a B-spline prior

Eszter Kish, neuroscience; Eric Rincon, computer science

Biological filtration of contaminants from drinking water

Ethan Howley

Building personality

Evan Delord, neuroscience

Computational sequencing and humanization of antibodies

Coral Loockerman, biology

Identifying a novel inhibitor for GES-5 Carbapenemase in Klebsiella pneumonia infections by virtual drug screening

Xenia Gonzalez, biology

Searching for high redshift (z=8) galaxies using the Brightest of Reionizing Galaxies survey (BoRG)

James Diekmann, astronomy

The Herschel Space Telescope confirms the decay of supersonic turbulence

Rebecca Larson, astronomy, physics

Transcriptional control of the Manganese Efflux Transporter, SLC30A10

Jonathan Mercado, biology

Arts and Humanities

Artistic freedom: What is the boundary between freedom of speech and the public good?

Crystal Schreiber, visual art studies; Yeun Jae Chang, visual art studies; Minhye Choi, studio art; Gregory Castillo, visual art studies

College athletics: Athletes first, students second?

Daniel Escobar, philosophy

Fakers of aboriginal art

Ashley Stanford, art history

From the bones of wolves: Guitar music from the southwest United States

Thales Smith, music performance, plan II

Meaning in public space: The Texas State Capitol as epideictic rhetoric

David DeVine, rhetoric and writing

Mistakes were made: On the use of agency and other factors in the analysis of political apology speeches

Alina Carnahan, rhetoric and writing

No crusades, no Columbus: A study of cultural interchange 1100–1500

Jeremy Wenzel, computer science

Rehabilitating canines: The journey of former fighting dogs

Larissa Zelezniak, history

The media and crime: What is real and what is perceived?

Michelle Jackson, psychology

Unfeminist coalition in Game of Thrones

Choyette Mahtab, anthropology

Social Sciences

Gender beliefs and mental health outcomes among Mexican Americans in borderland communities

Maria Renteria, social work, anthropology

Evolving obesity prevention policies in United States elementary schools: 1966–2014

Stephanie Astle, nursing

Investing foul play in financial crisis: An introduction to forensic finance

Kevin Mei, economics, finance

Online activism and networked feminism: Wendy Davis and her filibuster

Ketty Loo, psychology

Prevention of substance use with military veterans in college: Beliefs system and psychological distress

Christine Rodriguez, social work

Testing global colorectal cancer incidence in developing countries using risk factor data

Austin Porter, plan II

The development of auditory category learning: A computational modeling approach

Nicole Tsao, communication sciences and disorders

The effect of candidate race on federal campaign contributions

David Singer, government

The missing piece: Music in geriatric health

Alice Jean, environmental science

The war on coal: A case study in agenda setting

Hannah Johnson, geological sciences, government

Understanding speech patterns in young children with hearing impairments

Samantha Moses, John Torres (both communication sciences and disorders)

Explore Latest Articles

Nov 25, 2024

SEC Connections: Texas A&M

Nov 22, 2024

UT Ranks 14th Globally for Interdisciplinary Science

UT Estimates 3,000 More Students To Receive Free Tuition Starting in Fall ’25

Academic Affairs

Office of the provost, examples of undergraduate research.

Want to know what kind of projects happen through undergraduate research at VCU? See below for just a few examples of the work our students do.

‘She’s really come into her own’: How Glynis Boyd Hughes disrupted her story, and found her voice Her UROP project is an intricate comparison of the works of Zora Neale Hurston and Flannery O’Connor, two of her favorite authors. In particular, Hughes examines their views on religion and personal responsibility, noting differences and similarities that she has never seen addressed before.

Want to predict real estate market activity? Chris Morris has an approach for that Morris, a financial technology student, has developed a pluralistic method to apply math to real estate industry predictors.

Double major Caroline Meyers makes art from art history “The Biography of Marilyn Stokstad: Generating Radical Future Art Histories” chronicles the feminist contributions that Stokstad — an art historian and author of art history textbooks who died in 2016 — made to the survey of historic art inventory through a multimedia exhibition comprising art historical writing, sculpture and performance.

Vanessa Oppong studies the importance of ethnic identity in promoting sexual health The senior in VCU’s Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences is passionate about reducing health disparities, particularly those affecting African Americans.

An aspiring dentist discovers a passion for ecology Drashty Mody is examining saltwater intrusion in wetlands — and the James River's water quality — as an undergraduate researcher.

This VCU student is researching a poorly understood gene that might help treat ALS Richard Albright came to VCU to study music. Now he continues his passion for guitar as he pursues a degree in biology.

Celebrating Creative Thinkers From students doing research in women’s health to engineering students designing the next new gadget, from student artists exhibiting their work to business students pitching a new company, VCU was overflowing with displays of student talent, ingenuity and creativity at the 4th annual Student Research Weeks.

True Detectives Highlighting five undergraduate researchers who, thanks to fellowships from VCU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and guidance from faculty mentors, have been able to do very real, very hands-on research on projects they’re passionate about.

Student’s Civil War Music Ready for the Spotlight Allen Wittig received a grant from the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program that allowed him to research music of the Civil War era up to the Battle of Gettysburg.

Virus Fighters Joanna Kettlewell a biology major and chemistry minor has explored what it means to be a scientist by studying one of the enzymes that gives HIV its bite.

Alien Invasion of the Trees Stephanie Roddy has been studying gypsy moth pupae at six locations across Virginia.

Overcoming Barriers Yeimarie Lopez examines the needs of non-English speaking cancer patients.

Becoming the Researcher MARC research training program offers Nisan Hubbard intensive research experience.

Mark Making Techniques in Indigenous Peoples Art, indigenous peoples and their cultures have always held a strong interest for Tobias Wilbur.

Smile, Pass it On Laura Peters is conducting a two-part, cross-cultural study on the facial feedback hypothesis.

Sharing the Joy of Art Victoria Hribar creates a device to give the visually-impaired a more personal experience of art.

Bringing Communities Together Through Art As long as she's teaching art in some fashion or another, Virginia "Ginnie" Driggers says she'll be extremely satisfied with wherever her career takes her.

English Major Creates 'Zine Honoring Richmond's Poetry Past and Present Addison Herron-Wheeler thought combining a verse miscellany with a 'zine would create a compelling product

Jazz Studies Major Alters his Perspective after Research Project When Samuel Sherman traveled to Brazil last summer to experience that country's music, he was surprised to discover that Brazilian music was more varied and less rigid than he had imagined.

Manipulating Mold "The best thing about research," said Krystina Cocco, "is that you're going to get an answer either way. Maybe you're not doing well as far as your hypothesis is concerned, but you're still going to get answers."

Solving Complex Problems Using Math Undergraduate student researcher Garrett Howe puts math skills to use to predict and solve homeland security problems

The Complete Guide to Independent Research Projects for High School Students

Indigo Research Team

If you want to get into top universities, an independent research project will give your application the competitive edge it needs.

Writing and publishing independent research during high school lets you demonstrate to top colleges and universities that you can deeply inquire into a topic, think critically, and produce original analysis. In fact, MIT features "Research" and "Maker" portfolio sections in its application, highlighting the value it places on self-driven projects.

Moreover, successfully executing high-quality research shows potential employers that you can rise to challenges, manage your time, contribute new ideas, and work independently. 

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to take on independent study ideas and succeed. You’ll learn how to develop a compelling topic, conduct rigorous research, and ultimately publish your findings.

What is an Independent Research Project?

An independent research project is a self-directed investigation into an academic question or topic that interests you. Unlike projects assigned by teachers in class, independent research will allow you to explore your curiosity and passions.

These types of projects can vary widely between academic disciplines and scientific fields, but what connects them is a step-by-step approach to answering a research question. Specifically, you will have to collect and analyze data and draw conclusions from your analysis.

For a high school student, carrying out quality research may still require some mentorship from a teacher or other qualified scholar. But the project research ideas should come from you, the student. The end goal is producing original research and analysis around a topic you care about.

Some key features that define an independent study project include:

● Formulating your own research question

● Designing the methodology

● Conducting a literature review of existing research

● Gathering and analyzing data, and

● Communicating your findings.

The topic and scope may be smaller than a professional college academic project, but the process and skills learned have similar benefits.

Why Should High School Students Do Independent Research?

High school students who engage in independent study projects gain valuable skills and experiences that benefit and serve them well in their college and career pursuits. Here's a breakdown of what you will typically acquire:

Develop Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Research and critical thinking are among the top 10 soft skills in demand in 2024 . They help you solve new challenges quickly and come up with alternative solutions

An independent project will give you firsthand experience with essential research skills like forming hypotheses, designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. These skills will serve you well in college and when employed in any industry.

Stand Out for College Applications

With many applicants having similar GPAs and test scores, an Independent research study offer a chance to stand out from the crowd. Completing a research study in high school signals colleges that you are self-motivated and capable of high-level work. Showcasing your research process, findings, and contributions in your application essays or interviews can boost your application's strengths in top-level colleges and universities.

Earn Scholarship Opportunities

Completing an independent research project makes you a more preferred candidate for merit-based scholarships, especially in STEM fields. Many scholarships reward students who show initiative by pursuing projects outside of class requirements. Your research project ideas will demonstrate your skills and motivation to impress scholarship committees. For example, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology rewards students with original independent research projects in STEM fields. Others include the Garcia Summer Program and the BioGENEius challenge for life sciences.

Gain Subject Area Knowledge

Independent projects allow you to immerse yourself in a topic you genuinely care about beyond what is covered in the classroom. It's a chance to become an expert in something you're passionate about . You will build deep knowledge in the topic area you choose to research, which can complement what you're learning in related classes. This expertise can even help inform your career interests and goals.

Develop Time Management Skills

Time Management is the skill that lets you effectively plan and prioritize tasks and avoid procrastination. With no teacher guiding you step-by-step, independent study projects require strong time management, self-discipline, and personal responsibility – skills critical in college and adulthood.

Types of Independent Research Projects for High School Students

Understanding the different types and categories can spark inspiration if you need help finding an idea for an independent study. Topics for independent research generally fall into a few main buckets:

Science Experiments

For students interested in STEM fields, designing and carrying out science experiments is a great option. Test a hypothesis, collect data, and draw conclusions. Experiments in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, and psychology are common choices. Science experiment is best for self-motivated students with access to lab equipment.

Social Science Surveys and Studies  

Use research methods from sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, and psychology to craft a survey study or field observation around a high school research project idea that interests you. Collect data from peers, your community, and online sources, and compile findings. Strong fit for students interested in social studies.

Literary Analysis Paper

This research category involves analyzing existing research papers, books, and articles on a specific topic. Imagine exploring the history of robots, examining the impact of social media on mental health, or comparing different interpretations of a classic novel. If you are an English enthusiast, this is an easy chance to showcase your analytical writing skills.

Programming or Engineering Project

For aspiring programmers or engineers, you can take on practical student projects that develop software programs, apps, websites, robots, electronic gadgets, or other hands-on engineering projects. This type of project will easily highlight your technical skills and interest in computer science or engineering fields in your college applications

Historical Research

History research projects will allow you to travel back and uncover the past to inform the future. This research involves analyzing historical documents, artifacts, and records to shed light on a specific event or period. For example, you can conduct independent research on the impact of a local historical figure or the evolution of fashion throughout the decades. Check to explore even more history project ideas for high school students .

Artistic and Creative Works

If you are artistic and love creating art,  you can explore ideas for independent study to produce an original film, musical composition, sculpture, painting series, fashion line, or other creative work. Alongside the tangible output, document your creative process and inspirations.

Bonus Tip: Feel free to mix different ideas for your project. For example, you could conduct a literature review on a specific historical event and follow it up with field research that interviewed people who experienced the event firsthand.

How To Conduct an Independent Research Project

Now that you have ideas for project topics that match your interests and strengths, here are the critical steps you must follow to move from mere concept to completed study.

1. Get Expert Guidance and Mentorship

As a high school student just starting out in research, it is advised to collaborate with more experienced mentors who will help you learn the ropes of research projects easily. Mentors are usually professors, post-doctoral researchers, or graduate students with significant experience in conducting independent project research and can guide you through the process. 

Specifically, your mentor will advise you on formulating research questions, designing methodologies, analyzing data, and communicating findings effectively. To quickly find mentors in your research project area of interest, enroll in an online academic research mentorship program that targets high school students. You’d be exposed to one-on-one sessions with professors and graduate students that will help you develop your research and publish your findings.

The right mentor can also help transform your independent project ideas into a study suitable for publication in relevant research journals. With their experience, mentors will guide you to follow the proper research methods and best practices. This ensures your work meets the standards required, avoiding rejection from journals. 

2. Develop a Compelling Research Question

Once you are familiar with the type of independent research best suited to your strengths and interests, as explained in the previous section, the next step is to develop a question you want to answer in that field. This is called a research question and will serve as the foundation for your entire project.

The research question will drive your entire project, so it needs to be complex enough to merit investigation but clear enough to study. Here are some ts for crafting your research question:

●  Align your research question(s) with topics you are passionate about and have some background knowledge. You will spend a significant amount of time on this question.

●  Consult with your mentor teacher or professor to get feedback and guidance on developing a feasible, meaningful question

●  Avoid overly broad questions better suited for doctoral dissertations. Narrow your focus to something manageable, but that still intrigues you.

●  Pose your research question as an actual question, like "How does social media usage affect teen mental health?" The question should lay out the key variables you'll be investigating.

●  Ensure your question and desired approach are ethically sound. You may need permission to study human subjects.

●  Conduct preliminary research to ensure your question hasn't already been answered. You want to contribute something new to your field.

With a compelling research question as your compass, you're ready to start your independent study project. Remember to stay flexible; you may need to refine the question further as your research develops.

3. Set a Timeline and Write a Proposal

After defining your research question, the next step is to map out a timeline for completing your research project. This will keep you organized and help you develop strong time management skills.

Start by creating a schedule that outlines all major milestones from start to finish. In your schedule, allow plenty of time for research, experimentation, data analysis, and compiling your report. Always remember to build in some cushion for unexpected delays.

Moreover, you can use tools like Gantt charts to design a timeline for an independent research project . Gantt charts help you visualize your research project timeline at a glance. See the video below for a tutorial on designing a Gantt chart to plan your project schedule:

[YouTube Video on How to Make a Gantt Chart: https://youtu.be/un8j6QqpYa0?si=C2_I0C_ZBXS73kZy ]

Research Proposal

To have a clear direction of the step-by-step process for your independent study, write a 1-2 page research proposal to outline your question, goals, methodology, timeline, resources, and desired outcomes. Get feedback from your mentor to improve the proposal before starting your research. 

Sticking to your timeline requires self-discipline. But strive to meet your goals and deadlines; it will build invaluable real-world skills in time and project management. With a plan in place, it's time to move forward with your research.

4. Do Your Research

This is the active phase where a student is conducting a research project. The specific method you will follow varies enormously based on your project type and field. You should have your methodology outlined in your approved research proposal already. However, most independent research has a similar basic process:

• Review existing studies : Perform a literature review to understand current knowledge on your topic and inform your own hypothesis/framework. Read relevant studies, articles, and papers.
• Create methodology materials : Design your independent research methodology for gathering data. This may involve experiments, surveys, interviews, field observations, or analysis of existing artifacts like texts or datasets.
• Permissions and Equipment :  Secure any necessary equipment and permissions. For example, if doing interviews, you'll need a recording device and consent from participants.
• Collect your data : For science projects, perform experiments and record results. For surveys, recruit respondents and compile responses. Gather enough data to draw valid conclusions.
• Analyze the data using appropriate techniques : Quantitative data may involve statistical analysis, while qualitative data requires coding for themes. Consult your mentor for direction.
• Interpret the findings : Take care not to overstate conclusions. Look for patterns and relationships that shed light on your research question. Always maintain rigorous objectivity.

While a student's project methodology and its execution are unique, ensure you follow the standard practices in your field of interest to ensure high-quality acceptable results. You can always refer to the plan in your research proposal as you diligently carry out the steps required to execute your study. Ensure you have detailed records that document all your processes.  

5. Write Your Final Paper and Presentation

Once you've completed your research, it's time to summarize and share your findings with the world by writing the final paper and designing its presentation. This involves synthesizing your work into clear, compelling reporting.

Drafting the paper will likely involve extensive writing and editing. Be prepared to go through multiple revisions to get the paper polished. Follow the standard format used in academic papers in your field;  your mentor can provide you with examples of independent study related to yours. The final product should include: 

• Abstract : A short summary of your project and conclusions.
• Introduction : Background on your topic, goals, and research questions.
• Literature Review : Summary of relevant existing research in your field.
• Methods : Detailed explanation of the methodology and process of your study.
• Results : Presentation of the data and main findings from your research. Using visual representations like charts was helpful.
• Discussion : Objective interpretation and analysis of the results and their significance.
• Conclusion : Summary of your research contributions, limitations, and suggestions for future work.
• References/Bibliography : Full citations for all sources referenced.

Adhere to clear academic writing principles to keep your writing objective and straightforward. Generally, stick to a 10-15 page length limit appropriate for student work. However, you may need to write more depending on your project type.

6. Research Presentation

After writing your research project report, you should prepare a presentation to share your research orally. Moreover, a research presentation is a tangible opportunity to practice public speaking and visual communication skills. Your presentation will include slides, handouts, demonstrations, or other aids to engage your audience and highlight key points in your independent study project.

Once you have written your final paper, you will likely want to publish it in relevant journals and publications. For detailed tips see our guide on how to publish your student research paper . Some options you have to formally publish your high school-level independent research include:

• Submitting your paper to academic journals and competitions
• Presenting at symposiums and science fairs
• Sharing on online research databases
• Adding your work to college applications

Publishing your independent project allows you to share your findings with broader scholarly and student audiences. It also helps amplify the impact of all your hard work.

Independent Research Project Examples

To spark creative ideas for independent research projects, it can be helpful to read through and examine examples of successful projects completed by other high school students in recent years. Here are some inspiring examples:

●  Using machine learning to diagnose cancer based on blood markers (bioinformatics)

●  Applying feature engineering and natural language processing to analyze Twitter data (data science)

●  Investigating connections between stress levels and HIV/AIDS progression (health science)

●  The Relationship between Color and Human Experience

These published i ndependent research project examples demonstrate the impressive research high schoolers take on using the Indigo research service with mentors from different fields. Let these case studies motivate your creative investigation and analysis of the best ideas for your project.

Need Mentorship for Your Independent Research Project?

As outlined in this guide, conducting a rigorous independent research study can be challenging without proper guidance from experts, especially for high school students. This is why partnering with an experienced research mentor is so crucial if your goal is to produce publishable research work.

With Indigo's structured research programs and ongoing expert feedback, you can elevate your high school independent study to a professional level. To get matched with the perfect research mentor aligned with your academic interests and passions, apply to Indigo Research now.

Indigo Research connects high school students with PhD-level researchers and professors who provide one-on-one mentorship through the entire research process - from refining your initial topic idea all the way through analyzing data, writing up results, and finalizing your findings.

• ⋮⋮⋮ ×

Examples of Student Research

Resource type: activities.

Results 1 - 10 of 64 matches

Examining Short-Term Tree Growth and Environmental Variables near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities The Smithsonian Institution's Global Tree Banding Project is a citizen science program that contributes to research about tree biomass by tracking how trees respond to climate. Students around the globe are ... Subject: Environmental Science: Ecosystems, Forest Resources Resource Type: Activities: Activities, Classroom Activity On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Introduction to Scientific Journals part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities In this activity, students are introduced to locating and reading peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. It helps ease students into the process of locating, reading, and using journal publications. This ... Subject: Geoscience, Environmental Science Resource Type: Activities: Activities, Classroom Activity On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Building Content Knowledge in a Student Research Team part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities At the beginning of a course-based research project, each student in a research team is asked to read primary literature related to the team investigation. A mix of provided readings and readings found by the ... Subject: Geoscience Resource Type: Activities: Activities On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Student-designed Authentic Research Projects in a Non-major Environmental Geology Course part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities Student-designed, data-based authentic research projects can be useful tools for incorporating a dimension of authentic research in non-major science courses. Such an approach has been followed in a geoscience ... Subject: Geoscience:Geology: Environmental Geology Resource Type: Activities: Activities: Project, Activities On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Library Research Lab: Does the Ozone Hole cause Global Warming? part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities In this lab activity students get to investigate a specific question (Does the Ozone Hole cause Global Warming?) and formalize their investigation as a briefing paper for the President of the United States. This ... Subject: Environmental Science:Global Change and Climate: Ozone depletion Resource Type: Activities: Activities, Lab Activity On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Introduction to GIS through river meandering and landslide mapping part of Sedimentary Geology:Sedimentology, Geomorphology, and Paleontology 2014:Activities The primary goal of this lab is to develop basic ArcGIS skills for geomorphology students and give them a taste of what is possible in GIS. The lab is written for the GIS novice, and thus includes detailed ... Subject: Geoscience:Geology:Geomorphology:Landforms/Processes: Fluvial Resource Type: Activities: Activities: Lab Activity On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Unit 5: Summative assessment project part of Analyzing High Resolution Topography with TLS and SfM Unit 5 is the summative assessment for the module. This final exercise takes eight to ten hours. The exercise evaluates students' developed skills in survey design, execution of a geodetic survey, and simple ... Subject: Geoscience:Geology:Sedimentary Geology: Stratigraphy, Depositional environments: Continental, Geoscience:Geology:Sedimentary Geology: Facies and Facies Models, Sedimentary Structures, Geoscience:Geology:Geophysics: Geophysics in other disciplines, Geography: Geospatial, Geoscience:Geology: Historical Geology, Geophysics: Geodesy, Geoscience:Geology:Geomorphology: GIS/Mapping/Field Techniques, Landforms/Processes, Geoscience:Paleontology: Preservation and Taphonomy, Field Techniques , Environmental Science: Natural Hazards, Geoscience:Geology: Environmental Geology, Tectonics, Geomorphology: Landscape Evolution, Tectonic Geomorphology, Geomorphology as applied to other disciplines, Geography: Physical, Geoscience:Geology:Structural Geology: Folds/Faults/Ductile Shear Zones Resource Type: Activities: Activities, Course Module On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process. GETSI Developed This material was developed and reviewed through the GETSI curricular materials development process. Learn more about this review process.

Research project to consider how projected climate change will impact a region of interest to the student part of Climate Change:Activities Students consult the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chapters on climate projections and the primary scientific literature to write a research paper and present their results to the ... Subject: Geoscience:Atmospheric Science: Climate Change, Climate Change: Impacts of climate change, Environmental Science: Natural Hazards, Global Change and Climate:Climate Change: Impacts of climate change, Health Sciences, Environmental Science: Ecosystems, Geoscience:Atmospheric Science:Climate Change: Global change modeling, Environmental Science:Global Change and Climate:Climate Change: Global change modeling Resource Type: Activities: Activities: Project, Writing Assignment On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Research Experiences in a Mineralogy Class part of Undergraduate Research:Case Studies Dave Mogk, Montana State University Summary One of the goals of my Mineralogy class is to demonstrate how the principles and content covered in class can be applied to questions of geologic interest or that have ... Subject: Geoscience:Geology: Mineralogy, Environmental Science: Mineral Resources Resource Type: Activities: Activities: Field Activity, Course Information, Activities: Project On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Collection This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection. Learn more about this review process.

Explore natural hazards in seismically active regions using geodetic, earthquake, and societal data. part of Undergraduate Research:2014 Workshop:Activities Students conduct a regional seismic hazard analysis of a region of the United States of their choosing*. Using on-line data, they bring together and investigate the interaction of multiple types of data [ground ... Subject: Environmental Science:Natural Hazards: Earthquakes Resource Type: Activities: Activities, Project

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Advance student research, ul lafayette's quality enhancement project, search form.

• Meet Our Staff
• Academic Mentoring Matters
• What is the QEP?
• Undergraduate Research Report UL Lafayette 2016-2021
• Faculty Summit
• UNIV 100 Resources
• Literature & Resources
• Faculty Reported CUREs
• Faculty Reported SREs
• Faculty Suggestion Box
• Faculty Learning Communities
• Undergraduate Research Conference
• Why is undergraduate research important?
• Student Research Experiences Examples
• Advance Leaf Awards
• Dupré Library Arts Fellowship
• Undergraduate Research Funding
• On-Campus Academic Resources
• Research Opportunities
• Creating an Academic Poster
• Poster Printing Services
• Council on Undergraduate Research
• Other University Resources
• ASRE Workshops
• For Employers

You are here

Student research experiences (sre) examples.

The range of Student Research Experiences possible is vast.

Students will be exposed to research, creative, and scholarly work through course embedded experiences, and may go on to work independently with faculty or graduate students to identify an Advance SRE of distinction that fits their major and interest.

Student Research Experiences examples

Undergraduate students present their project at the national conference on undergraduate research.

Undergraduate students, Jordan Grider, Soundharya Dhanabal, and Shelby Meche present their project, Comparison of the Protein Structures of Mamalian Caspases, at the 2024 National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach!

Undergraduate Student Wins First Place at National Conference

Kirstin's presentation, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Their Effects on the Brain in African American Children, focuses on ACEs, which are defined as traumatic events in a child’s life from birth to 17 years of age. The adverse effects of ACEs are highest in African American communities (Zhang X, Monnat SM, 2021). ACEs can take a toll on a child's development, mental health, and education when he or she is categorized as high-risk. The toxic stress caused by ACEs can lead to permanent damage to the brain (Nakazawa, 2015, p. 32). This damage affects the child's present reality, such as their education and psychological development, and their future adult health unless intervention methods and protective factors take place.

View Kirstin's proposal here .

The Benefits of Teaching and Taking a CURE Course

A Course Embedded Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE), is creative in design to improve how faculty present course content, to collaborate across disciplines, and to modify course activities in order for undergraduates to apply professional knowledge.

Collaborative departmental efforts between Dr. Roxanne Bourque (College of Education and Human Development) and Dr. Zachary Stein (Interim Assistant Dean of Technical Services/Assistant Professor in University Libraries) reframed course activities to extend traditional course content knowledge for EDCI 308 Children’s Literature. In order to expand an initial task of research to fill a missing gap for classroom instructional materials, they became cultural researchers of their own childhood stories. This is where the authenticity of learning becomes real to the learner. Creative scholarship supported preservice teachers to develop a deeper commitment to the future populations of children who they will teach, to be mindful of social justice and equity through cultural language, history, and a deeper understanding of regional life. Bourque states, “We must think beyond traditional measures to include a more robust experiential connection to support learning. A CURE presents an emergent model that may be applied to most undergraduate courses in business, education, sciences, the arts, and beyond.” What began as a traditional Children’s Literature course, transformed into a rich opportunity for professionalism and creative scholarship. The problem: to explore a missing gap in Louisiana Children’s Literature, which led to an undergraduate semester task and cultural research of childhood experiences in south Louisiana.

See the project below. Abington-Pitre, A. S., & Bourque, R. M. (2021). Missing Voices Within the Classroom: Cultural Identity, Lexical, and Authenticity in Cajun, Creole, and Native American Children’s Literature. Journal of Literacy Innovation , 6(1), 42-56.

Read more here.

Undergraduates Publish Research in Scientific Reports Journal

This project was led by UL Lafayette PhD student Kevin Torgersen, and is especially notable for the participation of four Undergraduate student co-authors, all in the Department of Biology: Bradley Bouton, Alyx Hebert, Noah Kleyla and Garrett Rolf. Each of these students contributed substantially to the project design, data acquisition and analysis, manuscript preparation, and public dissemination of results.

Aspects of this work were presented by Alyx Hebert at the 2022 UL Lafayette Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium (BURS), by Noah Kleyla at the 2023 LSU Discover Day, by Bradley Bouton at the 2023 LSU Discover Day, and by Bradley Bouton at the 2023 UL Lafayette Advance Undergraduate Research Conference.

This work was made possible by logistical and financial support from several units and people at UL Lafayette. Special thanks to the Advance program (Dr. Sherry Krayesky-Self), Department of Biology (Dr. Paul Leberg), Ray P. Authement College of Sciences (Dr. Azmy Ackleh, Dr. Ashok Kumar), Graduate School (Dr. Mary Farmer-Kaiser), and the UL Lafayette Research Office (Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, Dr. Kumar Das).

Additionally, work on the larger project continues, with contributions from additional UL Lafayette undergraduate students. We are looking forward to several additional published papers with undergraduate student co-authors in the coming year.

Please view the project here .

Undergraduate Gives Talk About Her Research

Architecture student Emily LeBlanc presents her project, Greg Guirard: Capturing Life inside the Atchafalaya Basin. Emily showcases an ARCGIS story map that displays the various creative mediums Greg Guirard used throughout his life as an Atchafalaya Basin resident, and as a photographer, author, and activist. Greg Guirard’s interesting perspective touches on the amazing sense of community and culture in the Basin. Guirard’s work continues to educate readers and spread awareness for the preservation of the Atchafalaya Basin.

Undergraduate Student Presents at International Conference

Undergradaute student, Abigail Stillwell, presented her project, Advancing Phonetic Transcription Skills for Communicative Disorders: Training SLPs with Live Data, at the Communication, Medicine & Ethics (COMET) conference in Cork, Ireland. "Abigail fielded feedback from the audience admirably," per Dr. Elena Babatsouli.

Students Present Their Work at BURS

Every Spring semester Dr. William Schmidt, Biology Senior Instructor, hosts the Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium (BURS). This gives undergraduate bioloy majors a free opportunity to present their research and learn from other's. 

Undergraduate Students Invited to Present at the ULS Academic Summit

Every Spring semester, a select group of undergraduate students are invited to represent UL Lafayette at the Universities of Louisiana System Academic Summit . These students have presented their work at our Undergraduate Research Conference in the Fall semester. The summit celebrates the research, creativity, and scholarship of students from all institutions in the University of Louisiana System.

This year the summit was held at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La.

The following undergraduate students represented UL Lafayette in 2024.

Robert Rees Boulanger , Physics major Emily DeGruise , Psychology major, Chemistry minor Amani Dobard , Biology major, Chemistry minor Moiz Fazal-ur-Rehman , Biology major, Chemistry minor Jessica Fiser , Biology major, Chemistry minor Lily Guidry , Chemistry major, Biology minor Sydnee Johnson , Accounting major Brielle Jones , Psychology major, Human Development & Family Science minor Cody Smith , Psychology major, Criminal Justice minor Awais Tariq , Biology major, Chemistry minor Kirstin Wilson , Elementary Education Gr 1-5 major