Best Research Paper Topics

How to Choose Interesting Research Paper Topics

Obviously, the best research paper topics are those that generate the most interest. After all, if you can hook your readers in with subject matter that is relevant to them, and that they are excited to read, you are off to a great start. The challenge is finding the topics that will generate the most interest. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Prioritize Academics Over Trends

• Keep in Mind That Interesting to You May Not Mean Interesting to Your Audience

• Get to Know The Interests of Your Target Audience if Possible

• Mine Publications And News Stories For Research Topic Ideas

• Ask Your TA or Instructor For Examples of Research Paper Topics That Have Been Successful

• Look For Topics That Excite You. Writing About Your Passions Always Leads to Interesting Writing

• Hold Brainstorming Sessions With Peers For Research Paper Topic Ideas

• Verify That There Are Adequate Research Sources For Any Topic You Are Considering

The ideal topic is one that is relevant to your class, is personally interesting to you, and contains information that your peers and instructors will find engaging. If you can manage to find subject matter that hits on all of these points, your research paper is sure to be a hit. Even better, you will likely enjoy the time you spend writing it.

If you can hook your readers in with subject matter that is relevant to them, and that they are excited to read, you are off to a great start.

Should You Choose Easy Research Paper Topics?

Many students want to know if it is okay for them to select research paper topics that are easy. That depends. If easy means below your grade level, and not challenging at all, the answer is no. Your instructors will see through that, and will be likely to grade you quite harshly for making that choice.

On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that you must pick an exceptionally hard topic. Now, if by easy you mean a topic that is personally interesting to you, and perhaps one that you have some knowledge about, then the answer is yes! It is okay for you to pick a topic where you have a bit of an advantage. Just be sure that it is at your academic level, and relevant for your class.

Be sure that the topic is at your academic level, and relevant for your class.

Choosing Research Paper Topics by Subject Matter

Now that you have some general information, it’s time to dig in a bit more. Specifically, what are the best methods for picking research paper topics for specific subjects. Keep reading for some detailed hints. Then, check the links for even more examples of research paper topics.

History Research Paper Topics

Here are a few helpful tips for selecting History research paper topics:

• Remember that history is about people. Consider basing research on famous people of the Era.

• Go for the lesser known by researching obscure, history topics.

• Look for parallels between historic events and current happenings.

Health Research Paper Topics

Check out these great tips for finding great, Health research paper topics:

• Search public health websites for current health news.

• Avoid topics that are driven by ‘woo’ science.

• Focus on health research that impacts students.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology is an interesting subject for research, and you can follow these tips to help you choose ideal psychology research topics.

• Ask your instructor for examples of some of the best psychology papers they have seen.

• Read psychology journals for inspiration.

• Research psychology topics that are relevant to college students.

Other Research Paper Topics

If you haven’t seen your subject mentioned, have no fear. We have great advice on the following subjects. Just click the links below to find great research paper topic suggestions:

If you’re a high schooler, check out some of these topic ideas for your next research paper:

Persuasive papers are a breeze if you pick a topic you are knowledgeable in and passionate about. Here are some ideas:

In college, there are endless topics and fields to choose from. Here are some ideas if you feel like you’re stuck on a blank page: 

In the post-truth era where fake news is a part of our everyday life, coupled with political polarization and COVID-19, it seems like every essay and news report is controversial.

Criminal justice is an exciting field with loads of interesting courses you can take when you’re writing. Check these out:

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, sociological research has become more important than ever. Nowadays, topics for sociology papers usually revolve around society’s adaptation to the new normal. 

The theory and psychology of sport can sometimes be equally interesting or even more interesting than watching a match or a game. 

These days, knowing how to back up your opinions and beliefs is a must-have skill for any conversation. Here are some argumentative research paper topics you can choose.

• High School Research Paper Topics

  • Pick a topic that you’re personally interested in. It will be much easier to write it when you feel a passion for your writing.

  • Avoid cliché topics and pick a topic you’ve never read about before.

  • Find a golden mean between an overly simple paper and something that’s too challenging for your age.

• Persuasive Research Paper Topics

  • Try to remember a recent discussion you had with your friends or family about a particular topic. This can be your perfect topic for a persuasive research paper.

  • Make sure you gather enough evidence and examples for your arguments.

  • Use Google Scholar to search for credible sources from scientific journals and papers.

• College Research Paper Topics

  • Choose a topic that’s closely linked to your field of interest.

  • Use proper citation styles and make sure you stick to the desired form for a college research paper.

  • Introduce interesting, out-of-the-box argumentation methods and complex ideas.

• Controversial Research Paper Topics

  • Search Twitter, YouTube or Reddit for some of the latest controversial topics.

  • Take an objective attitude towards both of the contrasting opinions, no matter what your personal opinion may be.

  • Focus on controversial subjects that are contemporary and relevant to this day and age.

• Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

  • Choose a topic that’s relevant, but personally interesting to you.

  • Consider controversial criminal justice topics that are discussed in today’s media and other platforms.

  • For a more theoretical approach, examine the history of a particular sub-field within criminal justice.

• Sociological Research Paper Topics

  • Examine how the coronavirus pandemic impacted specific parts of society: for example work, socialization, education, business…

  • Consider discussing racial or minority questions that are relevant to today’s discussions and presenting them as a historical overview.

  • Introduce interesting, lesser-known statistics on everyday issues.

• Sports Research Paper Topics

  • Research the history of the sport you’re interested in.

  • Take a look at some of the major names in the sport, their contributions and records set throughout history.

  • Examine the impact of a particular sport on today’s society and education. 

• Argumentative research paper topics

   

  • Discuss one of the modern technological phenomena (smartphones, social media, the Internet in general) and provide arguments on how its impacting society.

  • Examine legislature in your country regarding issues you care about and provide arguments on how it should be changed.

  • Challenge traditional institutions, thought schools and opinions and provide evidence that proves them wrong in the current context.