research topic on educational psychology

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

research topic on educational psychology

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Our research helps tackle some of the toughest issues in education today, including achievement gaps, autism, and behavioral and social-emotional development. We're dedicated to improving students' mathematical thinking and reading comprehension skills and analyzing student changes.

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Language, literacy & reading
Behavioral and social-emotional development

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Neurobehavioral methods

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Prevention and multi-tiered systems of support
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Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

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

Finding engaging educational psychology dissertation ideas can be really time-consuming particularly if you haven’t been through this process previously. -. Every student is not particularly adept at creating a unique dissertation topic . Educational psychology is one of the most challenging subject areas, and finding the right topic for writing a dissertation can be challenging.

Here is a list of the best educational psychology dissertation topics for you to choose from. These top educational psychology dissertation topic ideas will help you complete your dissertation on a unique and intriguing topic that would help you advance your academic career.

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List of Educational Psychology Dissertation Topics

A comparison of the effects of college and school counselling on students’ mental health in the UK.
University of Bedfordshire analysis of cultural differences in how people view learning.
Study the relationship between studying time and academic performance in college students compared to university students.
A thorough investigation of social and emotional learning in UK primary education.
A case study compared the performance of school-age kids and teenagers in the UK according to their ethnicity, race, and religion.
An analysis of how technology is used in classrooms and how that affects students’ learning in the UK.
The relationship between toddlers’ social abilities and a norm-referenced theory of mind measure.
A mixed-methods study of the UK’s university students’ subjective well-being and classroom support.
Examine the coping mechanisms and treatment hurdles of a middle school teenager with a severe anxiety problem in the United Kingdom.
An analysis of how teaching children arithmetic concepts early on can improve their performance in higher-level courses.
The association between self-motivation and academic achievement at the university level in the United Kingdom.
The investigation of the links between parental traits and the detrimental effects of classroom peer pressure on children in playgroups in the United Kingdom.
Nonverbal communication and neurolinguistics programming in the educational process.
The pros and cons of learning a language through immersion and communication.
The contribution of smartphones and computers to children’s motor skill development.
There is a connection between academic performance and the quantity of time spent studying.
The impact of parents’ language abilities on their deaf children’s development.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of encouraging support and acknowledgement in special education?
What function does technology play in a classroom, and how does that impact students’ learning?
It may affect secondary-level student achievement when parents are strict, and there is little school discipline.
The distinction between bullying and peer aggression in practice trends may change or develop.
Self-motivation and academic accomplishment levels are related.
Memorization and concept building in education are two different things.
You can research every aspect of schooling, including disparities in pupils and motivation for studying.
Collaborative Learning with a Geometry Video Game: The Importance of Game Design and Elaboration for Learning and Motivation.

It takes a lot of time and effort to develop a dissertation topic in educational psychology. The more thoroughly you research your ideas, the easier it will be to succeed. The topic you choose must also be engaging. Your educational psychology dissertation topic should address all development difficulties, such as self-concept, self-regulation, environmental factors, motivation, knowledge, and cognitive development.

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How to find educational psychology dissertation topics.

To find educational psychology dissertation topics:

Review current research and theories.
Identify educational challenges.
Explore learning methods and technologies.
Consider socio-cultural factors.
Investigate student motivation and behavior.
Select a topic aligning with your passion and research goals.

Educational Psychology: Learning and Instruction

Neil Schwartz 5 ,
Kevin Click 5 &
Anna Bartel 6
Living reference work entry
First Online: 21 May 2022

181 Accesses

1 Citations

Part of the book series: Springer International Handbooks of Education ((SIHE))

Educational psychology is a field that straddles two large domains: education and psychology. Reaching far back into antiquity, the field was borne from philosophies and theories that weaved back and forth between each domain all with the intent of understanding the way learners learn, teachers teach, and educational settings should be effectively designed. This chapter tells the story of educational psychology – its evolution, its characteristics, and the insights it provides for understanding it as a field of study, teaching it at the tertiary level of education, and leveraging its findings in the classroom. The chapter begins with a rationale for a curriculum of educational psychology, tracing its core teaching and learning objectives. It describes the topics that are core to the field, as well as the theory-based and evidence-based strategies and approaches for teaching it effectively. It discusses the basic principles of effective teaching, including problem-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and small-group and service-based learning, among others. Finally, it addresses technology in learning, open-university teaching and learning, and closes with a discussion of the best approaches – both theory-based and evidence-based – for assessing the core competencies of the field.

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Psychology » Educational Psychology » 80 Educational Psychology Research Topics

80 Educational Psychology Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInFor students embarking on the journey of crafting a thesis or dissertation in the realm of Educational Psychology, the search for the perfect research topics can be exciting and daunting. This pivotal phase of your academic journey demands your intellectual prowess and your passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of learning, teaching, and human development. […]

For students embarking on the journey of crafting a thesis or dissertation in the realm of Educational Psychology, the search for the perfect research topics can be exciting and daunting. This pivotal phase of your academic journey demands your intellectual prowess and your passion for understanding the intricate dynamics of learning, teaching, and human development. The choices are endless with the wealth of opportunities this field offers, from undergraduate research to doctoral-level investigations. In this guide, we’ll delve into an array of intriguing research topics and explore the avenues for exploration that can fuel your academic pursuits in the captivating world of educational psychology.

Educational Psychology, often called “School Psychology,” is the branch of psychology that focuses on understanding how people learn and develop within educational settings. It explores the cognitive, emotional, and social processes that influence learning and teaching, ultimately aiming to enhance educational practices and outcomes.

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Educational Psychology:

Examining the relationship between homework load and student well-being.
Investigating the effects of pandemic-related disruptions on students’ motivation and engagement.
Examining the effectiveness of inclusive educational policies on students’ social integration.
Assessing the impact of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity.
Exploring the effects of mindfulness interventions on reducing students’ test anxiety.
Examining the effectiveness of positive behaviour interventions in reducing classroom disruptions.
Investigating the effects of bilingual education on language development and academic success.
Analyzing the impact of bullying prevention programs on school climate.
A synthesis of research on the effects of bullying prevention programs in schools.
Assessing the impact of Brexit on the educational experiences of international students in the UK.
Investigating the factors influencing parental involvement in early childhood education.
Examining the role of school leadership in implementing UK curriculum reforms.
Assessing the influence of teacher training programs on classroom diversity awareness in the UK.
Examining the relationship between school climate and student mental health.
Exploring the relationship between socioeconomic disparities and educational outcomes in the UK.
Investigating the influence of teacher expectations on student performance.
Examining the effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in diverse classrooms.
Assessing the impact of early childhood education programs on school readiness.
Analyzing the role of cultural diversity in shaping classroom dynamics in UK schools.
Exploring the effects of peer mentoring on students’ social and emotional development.
Analyzing the impact of inclusive education on the social integration of students with disabilities.
Exploring the relationship between students’ resilience and their academic performance post-COVID.
The role of self-efficacy in student motivation: A blend of educational and positive psychology .
Examining the role of technology in bridging educational gaps exacerbated by the pandemic.
Analyzing the effects of school-based nutrition programs on students’ cognitive development.
A critical analysis of the effectiveness of interventions for improving students’ self-regulation skills.
A critical analysis of the literature on the impact of parental involvement on student success.
Examining the role of metacognition in students’ problem-solving abilities.
Exploring the relationship between teacher-student trust and academic performance.
Examining the effects of standardized testing policies on student well-being in the UK.
Exploring the relationship between teacher expectations and gifted students’ performance.
Analyzing the role of parental involvement in reducing student dropout rates.
Investigating the effectiveness of online social-emotional learning programs post-COVID.
Exploring the relationship between teacher autonomy and job satisfaction.
Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on students with learning disabilities.
Exploring the relationship between socioeconomic status and academic achievement.
Examining the use of virtual reality in enhancing learning experiences in higher education.
Exploring the relationship between parental involvement and student achievement in the UK.
Analyzing the role of teacher professional learning communities in improving instruction.
An overview of the research on the effects of standardized testing on educational equity.
Investigating the effectiveness of government policies in promoting inclusive education in the UK.
Assessing the effectiveness of character education programs in preventing bullying.
Analyzing the role of emotional intelligence in teacher-student interactions.
A comprehensive review of the effectiveness of different teaching methods on student outcomes.
Analyzing the role of teacher adaptability and flexibility in online instruction post-COVID.
Assessing the influence of cultural sensitivity training on teacher attitudes and practices.
Examining the use of educational technology in promoting literacy skills in preschoolers.
Exploring the relationship between sleep patterns and academic achievement in adolescents.
Utilizing quantitative research methods to assess learning outcomes in educational psychology.
Assessing the long-term psychological effects of remote learning on students.
Exploring the relationship between students’ self-perception and academic success.
Investigating the effects of the UK’s transition from primary to secondary education.
Examining the impact of school climate on student mental health and well-being.
Investigating the effectiveness of peer tutoring in improving academic performance.
Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on educational equity in UK schools.
Exploring the relationship between gender stereotypes and STEM career choices.
Analyzing the impact of teacher burnout on classroom management and student learning.
Assessing the influence of parental involvement in remote learning environments.
Investigating the effects of school choice on student academic achievement.
Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on teacher-student relationships and classroom dynamics.
A meta-analysis of interventions aimed at reducing student test anxiety.
Supporting student mental health through the lens of school psychology in educational settings.
A systematic review of studies examining the relationship between teacher expectations and student performance.
Exploring the role of technology in promoting inclusive education for students with disabilities.
Analyzing the role of teacher-student relationships in enhancing academic achievement.
Analyzing the role of motivation in the development of early literacy skills.
Exploring the relationship between self-regulation and academic achievement in adolescents.
Investigating the effects of parental involvement on students’ career aspirations.
Examining the role of peer feedback in enhancing writing skills.
Assessing the influence of teacher feedback on student motivation and self-efficacy.
Exploring the effects of arts education on creativity and cognitive skills in children.
Analyzing the impact of teacher-student rapport on classroom behaviour.
Investigating the effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing school suspensions.
Examining the use of technology in promoting personalized learning in higher education.
Analyzing the influence of parental involvement on college readiness among high school students.
Assessing the impact of teacher professional development on classroom instructional practices.
A comprehensive review of studies exploring the relationship between teacher burnout and student achievement.
Assessing the effectiveness of character education programs in fostering moral development.
Examining the role of school leadership in shaping teacher professional development.
Examining the use of gamification in enhancing learning outcomes in primary education.

In Educational Psychology, the research topics are as diverse as the students who embark on this academic voyage. From exploring innovative teaching strategies to investigating learners’ psychological challenges, these topics offer an exciting avenue for intellectual growth and contribution to the field. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, the world of educational psychology welcomes your curious mind. So, choose your path, dive into your selected research, and embark on your academic journey with the conviction that your work can improve education and understanding of the human mind. Happy researching!

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50 Expert Educational Psychology Research Topics

When you enter psychology school, assignments are a little lighter. But as you progress through the course, you realize that you need help selecting research topics and sometimes assistance in writing. If you have been searching for “educational psychology research topics” you are on the right platform. We have expert-generated ideas to help you through your next project.

To complete a research project, you need to have in-depth research skills and excellent reading techniques. Instead of spending much time looking for the right topic, let HelpForHomework assist you. If you are a psychology student overwhelmed by research and term papers, our psychology writers can turn out to be helpful. By contacting us, you overcome the challenges of stress, short deadlines, and exhaustion.

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Originality is an essential aspect of every research. That is why we generate original ideas and select shallowly researched topics to expound on them. At HelpForHomework, we formulate exciting and unique ideas through extensive reading and exposure.

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Expert Tip: After finding a relevant educational psychology research topic, ensure that you consult your supervisor for approval and guidance. It would be best to consult your supervisor frequently to weed out mistakes early through the research process. Also, it would be helpful if you did not hesitate to consult our support department after selecting a topic.

Best Educational Psychology Research Topics

If you are looking for the best educational psychology research topics, you are on the right platform. We hope you find a topic for your next project in the list below.

Differences between child learners and adult learners
Factors that influence ability phoneme for children
Mapping the field of educational psychology: Trends
History of educational psychology
Educational psychology perspective of gender stereotyping in schools
Educational psychology: developing learners
Rethinking educational psychology strategies in motivating students
The perspective of educational psychology in adult learning and development
The perspective of educational psychology in child learning and development
Towards a better understanding of children with autism spectrum: Educational support and parental perspective

Interesting Educational Psychology Research Topics

Are you looking for exciting psychology research topics for your homework ? We have some for you.

Multicultural perspectives on educating students with personality disorder
Parental perspective on inclusive schools for children with autism in your country
Educational psychology: Windows on classrooms
Online case studies in educational psychology
Contemporary motivation theories in educational psychology and language learning
Theories of learning educational psychology and application to technology
Educational psychology of adolescents
Application of educational psychology in coaching footballers
Theories of teaching educational psychology
Applying psychological theories to educational practice

Expert Educational Psychology Research Topics

Your project will stand out once you select expert-generated educational psychology research topics. Check out the list below :

Educational psychology : Theories of intelligence
Impact of theories of intelligence on academics for university students
Theories of intelligence, goal orientation, and academic achievement in your country’s students
Theories of intelligence as a predictor of achievement goals
Peer relations and peer pressure in an educational context
Peer Relations: Race and ethnicity
Peer relations of students with personality disorder in mainstream high school: Importance of interaction with peers
Learning risks and effects of alcohol use in schools
Risk behavior on the quality of peer relations in young adults
Relations of social skills and education in adolescent alcohol use

Excellent Educational Psychology Research Topics

Choosing excellent educational psychology topics gives you a step ahead of your peers. Select a topic below, work diligently, and get top grades.

Risk factors and results of bullying and victimization
The role of parents in bullying and victimization in schools
Bullying and victimization: Implications for intervention
The role of emotions in learning
Influences of emotions on learning and memory
Emotions in learning: Comparison between face-to-face learning and online learning
The role of emotions in the implementation of technology in educational systems
Role of emotional regulation for adolescent students for academic success
The role of emotions in teaching and learning
Cognitive decision modeling of emotion-based learning impairment in autism

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Have you found a top-notch educational psychology research topic? If not, contact our support to share ideas, and we will find you the right topic. In regards to ethics, you should not worry. Our company offers legit and confidential educational psychology research topics recommendations and writing services. What are you waiting for? Contact us and enjoy

Also check out Expert Personality Psychology Research Topics.

Educational Psychology and Research

Our program focuses on the psychological factors that impact learning and human development and how best to measure and assess those factors.

The University of South Carolina is South Carolina’s flagship university and the first university in the state to be classified as a Research University with Very High Research Activity (RU/VHU, formally known as Research I institutions) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Thus, as a program, we are charged with undertaking high quality research that generates new knowledge and trains the next generation of researchers how to do that as well. We also ensure that our students are engaged in and very well trained to produce cutting edge and impactful research. We are also a student-centered program that is focused on having thriving graduate programs, providing high quality mentoring, and making sure you as a student get the research, teaching, and professional experiences you need to become an independent scholar and that will make you highly competitive for pursuing positions in research-intensive institutions or other types of educational agencies and settings. At USC you will have unparalleled opportunity to participate as a student in the generation of new knowledge.

Our program offers both an M.Ed. and a Ph.D. The Ph.D. program offers degrees in two concentrations: Educational Psychology and Educational Research.

Educational Psychology

The focus of the Educational Psychology concentration is for you to develop a sound knowledge base and ability to undertake high-quality research on the psychological (e.g., self-regulation, conceptual understanding), social-emotional (e.g., bullying, self-regulation, motivation and emotion), contextual (e.g., student-teacher relationships, peer relations), and biological factors that influence human learning and development within both formal (e.g., pre-K-12 classrooms, postsecondary institutions) and informal (e.g., science centers, museums, zoos) educational settings.

This concentration in the Ph.D. program is appropriate for anyone who wishes to assume a university faculty position and/or conduct research, as well as those who are responsible for classroom learning in other areas of education and industry.

As a student in the Educational Psychology concentration, you will take several courses on foundational topics in our field such as development (child, adolescent, and/or adult), learning and instruction, cognition, and motivation as well as topical seminars. You can focus on quantitative or mixed methods research; between your research courses and the other research experiences you will have in the program outstanding research training. Please consult the academic bulletin for specific courses and requirements for the doctoral program.

Educational Research

The focus of the Educational Research concentration in the Ph.D. program is to build your core competencies in educational research including using, developing, and studying educational research methods and tools such as measurement and statistics, evaluating programs, designing research, constructing tests, and using computer statistical packages to analyze data.

This concentration will teach you how to be a research methodologist and/or program evaluator that develops, studies, and applies cutting-edge research tools. Specific research tools include structural equation modeling, latent class analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, power analysis, survey and research design, assessment, and categorical data analysis.

As a student in the Educational Research concentration, you will take courses including technical aspects of tests and measurement, nonparametric statistics, structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling, design and analysis of experiments, multivariate methods, and item response theory. You also will take courses in educational psychology that will provide topics on which to utilize your statistical and methodological skills. Please consult the academic bulletin for specific courses and requirements for the doctoral program .

Program Faculty

Program faculty have a broad range of interests and have been published in top-tier journals in education psychology, developmental psychology, research and measurement. Faculty in the program have received grant funding from numerous federal and state agencies including the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the SC Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education (CHE).

Read more about our faculty and their research interests .

Research Topics and Opportunities

Our faculty and students typically engage in research in the following areas:

Whether you choose the Educational Psychology or the Educational Research concentration, our faculty members will strive to ensure that you have the opportunity to gain valuable research experience that is aligned with your skills and professional goals throughout the program.

Our faculty actively involve students in all aspects of research in school and community settings. This can include working with the Research, Evaluation, and Measurement Center , the Child Development Research Center , and the South Carolina Educational Policy Center among others.

As a result, you will gain valuable hands-on experience in undertaking high-quality research in school and community settings. This can include designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, publishing articles, presenting results at conferences, and writing proposals for and securing grant funding.

Job Placement

Graduates of our program typically seek careers in university teaching and research positions, in research or evaluation centers, in state departments of education, in school district offices, or as consultants. Others seek employment opportunities in applied educational research settings in both the public and private sector. Some recent graduates of this program are employed at these locations:

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

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

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

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

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

False memories
Speech disorders
Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

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

Some other topics you might consider include:

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

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

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

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

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

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

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

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

What This Means For You

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

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

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

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

Educational perspectives and highlights in Educational Psychology: a field overview

Original Research 24 August 2023 Comparing Chinese and Western classroom learning environment research: a bibliometric analysis and visualization Juan Cai , 2 more and Koen Lombaerts 1,233 views 0 citations

Systematic Review 17 July 2023 A study of the impact of project-based learning on student learning effects: a meta-analysis study Lu Zhang and Yan Ma 28,235 views 6 citations

Review 26 June 2023 Enhancing college English teaching models through the application of cognitive psychology: a focus on listening processes Tianjiao Gui and Chenmeng Wu 1,273 views 0 citations

Original Research 22 June 2023 The relationship between young children’s personal values and their teacher-rated behaviors in the classroom Ricarda Scholz-Kuhn , 2 more and Anna K. Döring 3,462 views 1 citations

Loading... Opinion 01 June 2023 Reflection on whether Chat GPT should be banned by academia from the perspective of education and teaching Hao Yu 60,190 views 57 citations

Mini Review 28 March 2023 Pitfalls of hip hop pedagogy: Re-examining and questioning the definition Ming Tao Wei , 6 more and Xi Ling 2,844 views 0 citations

Original Research 23 February 2023 Associations between the helpfulness of teacher induction programs, teacher self-efficacy, and anticipated first-year teacher retention Xiaotian Han 2,677 views 1 citations

Brief Research Report 21 December 2022 On the rocky road to efficient behavior management: Can emotional competencies signal the better way? Philippe Gay , 5 more and Marina Fiori 1,206 views 2 citations

Original Research 22 November 2022 Designing the content of religious education learning in creating sustainability among children with learning disabilities: A fuzzy delphi analysis Hafizhah Zulkifli , 5 more and Muhamad Nasri Suratman 2,033 views 0 citations

61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data.

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study.

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments.

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic.

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects.

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore.

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.)

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore.

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique.

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper.

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces.

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health.

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide.

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities.

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project.

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression

Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health.

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature.

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research.

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders.

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research.

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research.

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level.

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable.

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated.

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include:

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

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Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

How to find a research topic (video)
Behavioural psychology
Clinical psychology
Cognitive psychology
Developmental psychology
Educational psychology
Forensic psychology
Social psychology
Sports psychology
Examples of actual dissertation topics
Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
The impact of late-night screen use on child development
The role of digital play on child development outcomes
Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
The role of parental attachment in child resilience
The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in psychology, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

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Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

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