100+ research topics for STEM & social sciences

This guide is designed to help you generate, explore and refine research paper ideas.

From computer science and biology to psychology and history, it offers practical examples across disciplines — organized by subject and level of complexity — so you can find a topic that suits your interests, experience and goals. Most importantly, this guide is here to help you take that crucial first step: moving from “I don’t know what to research” to “I know where to begin.”

To make the most of your time:

• Browse your subject area first, especially if you’re choosing a topic for a specific class or field.
• Match the level to your experience. Beginner topics are ideal for early projects, while advanced ones are designed for dissertations or deeper research.
• Look for research questions that interest you, not just what feels “academic.” Good research paper topics are ones you want to explore, not just one you think you should.

From survey design to data analysis, everything you need to begin is available with a free Qualtrics® account.

A quick word on interdisciplinarity

Many of today’s most relevant and original research questions sit between traditional disciplines — combining methods and ideas from different fields.

Don’t be afraid to:

• Blend methods: For example, using statistical analysis in a sociology project or qualitative interviews in environmental research.
• Follow the problem, not the category: If you’re interested in mental health, that might take you into psychology, education, biology or even AI.
• Use this guide flexibly: For example, a topic listed under engineering might work for a policy paper or business case study with the right framing.

The most exciting research often happens at the edges — where questions don’t fit neatly into one subject. This guide is built to help you explore those edges with confidence.

Research topics in the sciences and engineering

From exploring the building blocks of life to designing next-generation technologies, scientific and engineering research helps us understand how the world works — and how to shape it.

Here you'll find topic inspiration across levels of complexity, from beginner projects to open research questions.

Computer science and technology

From programming and networks to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, computer science research shapes the digital world around us. Whether you're designing a simple project or exploring cutting-edge tech, these topics provide practical starting points across skill levels.

Introductory research topics in computer science and technology

Great for early-stage students or beginners looking to build basic tech skills or explore the real-world impact of everyday digital systems.

• How algorithms solve problems. Explore common search and sort algorithms to understand how they influence the speed and efficiency of everyday apps — offering insight into why some programs run faster or scale better than others.
• What are the main programming styles? Investigate procedural, object-oriented and functional programming to compare how each shapes software development — helping reveal how coding approaches affect problem-solving and application design.
• How does cloud computing work? Study the basics of IaaS, PaaS and SaaS to learn how organizations choose infrastructure models, focusing on insights into cost, flexibility and control in cloud-based services.

Intermediate research topics in computer science and technology

These are designed for students or researchers with some technical background who want to compare tools, analyze data or explore applied use cases.

• How is data mining used in healthcare or retail? Study how businesses or hospitals use large datasets to segment users or predict outcomes — helping show how data analysis drives real-world decision-making.
• Can AI analyze online sentiment? Use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to interpret social media data, revealing how brands, researchers and/or politicians gauge public opinion.
• How does software performance affect user experience? Uncover how technical design choices shape overall satisfaction and usability by measuring factors like load time, memory usage and responsiveness.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in computer science and technology

Ideal for advanced students or postgraduates exploring emerging technologies and high-impact applications of computing.

• How is AI transforming fields like healthcare and education? Examine how Machine Learning supports diagnosis in healthcare or personalized learning in education — offering insight into how automation is changing human-centered industries.
• What makes digital systems truly accessible? Identify barriers and solutions for users with diverse needs by investigating inclusive design practices in human-computer interaction.
• How sustainable is modern computing? Study the environmental footprint of data centers and AI workloads — uncovering how hardware and software choices affect energy use and emissions.

Open research questions in computer science and technology

These unresolved questions are best suited for students exploring theory, innovation or ethical challenges in the field.

• How can we build explainable AI? Research methods that are making Machine Learning models transparent — helping uncover how trust, accountability and fairness can be improved in other applications.
• What are the limits of data privacy in large-scale analytics? Uncover insights into the balance between utility and confidentiality by exploring how anonymization holds up against Big Data techniques.
• How do we define fairness in algorithmic systems? Study how bias enters Machine Learning models and explore how technology can reflect or challenge real-world inequalities.

Biological sciences

Biological research helps us understand how living systems work — from genes and cells to ecosystems and public health. Whether you're preparing for a lab project, dissertation or field study, the topics below may offer practical starting points.

Introductory research topics in biological sciences

These are ideal for students and researchers starting out in biology who want hands-on ideas or foundational topics for reports, posters or simple experiments.

• What are the basic methods in molecular biology? Explore tools like PCR and gel electrophoresis, providing insight into how we study and manipulate DNA in the lab.
• What can we learn from a drop of pond water? Observe microbial life under a microscope to study biodiversity and the influence of environment on organisms.
• How can you extract DNA at home? Use simple materials to isolate DNA from everyday household items like fruit — demonstrating how core molecular biology principles can be explored without a lab.

Intermediate research topics in biological sciences

These topics suit students and researchers with some biological background looking to design coursework, lab projects or small-scale data analysis.

• How is the gut microbiome linked to mental health? Investigate how biological and psychological systems interact by looking at the connection between digestive bacteria and mental wellbeing.
• What happens to ecosystems under climate stress? Explore how shifting temperatures and weather patterns are affecting species survival — helping identify indicators of ecological change.
• How does neural plasticity change with age? Review how learning, memory or recovery among people varies across lifespan — uncovering how the brain reorganizes itself over time.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in biological sciences

These are suited for final-year undergraduates or postgrads working on research proposals, dissertations or interdisciplinary projects.

• How is CRISPR transforming gene therapy? Evaluate the potential and limitations of gene-based treatments by exploring current and emerging applications of genome editing.
• Can AI make sense of omics data? Investigate how Machine Learning is used to analyze genomic or proteomic datasets — revealing patterns too complex for traditional methods.
• What are the ethical boundaries of synthetic biology? Study the risks and regulation of engineered organisms, defining what’s technically possible vs. socially acceptable.

Open research questions in biological science

These topics explore unresolved questions that require critical thinking, strong methodology and a clear research question.

• What is the true purpose of sleep? Identify why sleep is biologically essential by investigating theories like energy conservation, memory consolidation or cellular repair.
• How does consciousness arise from brain activity? Explore competing hypotheses about awareness and perception — aiming to connect biology with psychology and cognitive science.
• How did the first self-replicating molecules form? Review current thinking on the chemical steps before cellular life — offering insight into early Earth conditions and the origins of biology.

Physical sciences (physics, chemistry)

The physical sciences aim to explain how the universe works — from the forces that shape galaxies to the atoms in your coffee cup.

Whether you're interested in solving fundamental questions or designing real-world experiments, these research topics offer a clear starting point for physics and chemistry projects across all levels.

Introductory research topics in physics

Perfect for students new to physics who want to explore real-world phenomena through basic experiments or conceptual understanding.

• What happens when light bends? Develop an understanding into how light behaves and how we perceive it by exploring reflection, refraction and color mixing using lenses or water.
• How do electric circuits work? Build basic series and parallel circuits to see how voltage, current and resistance interact in electronic devices.
• What makes things float or sink? Test buoyancy and density with water-based experiments — showcasing the forces that affect ships, balloons and even weather systems.

Intermediate research topics in physics

These topics work well for students or researchers ready to apply physics concepts to analyze systems, interpret data or build simple models.

• How do different gear ratios affect speed and force? Experiment with mechanical systems to understand torque and efficiency, focusing on how physics shapes engineering and design.
• What makes sound musical? See how sound behaves in instruments and spaces by investigating how frequency, amplitude and waveforms relate to tone and pitch.
• How do simple pendulums model oscillation? Vary pendulum length or mass to study harmonic motion — uncovering patterns that apply across clocks, bridges and quantum systems.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in physics

Designed for students exploring physics in higher education or independent projects — especially those interested in theory or emerging technologies.

• What is dark matter made of? Review the leading theories and experimental searches on the matter, focusing on what might explain missing mass in the universe.
• How do gravitational waves reveal cosmic events? Explore how ripples in space-time are detected — offering insight into how black holes and neutron stars are studied from afar.
• Can we build room-temperature superconductors? Study the properties and limitations of current superconducting materials, exploring how room-temperature conductors could revolutionize power systems and electronics.

Introductory research topics in chemistry

Ideal for new students looking to explore core chemistry concepts through simple experiments or everyday examples.

• What happens when acids and bases mix? Investigate neutralization reactions with household items — helping demonstrate pH, indicators and chemical reactivity.
• What makes some materials burn faster than others? Explore combustion and reaction rates — revealing the chemistry behind energy release and fire safety.
• How do we purify water using simple techniques? Understand water separation methods and their practical uses by experimenting with filtration, evaporation or distillation.

Intermediate research topics in chemistry

Suited for students ready to investigate reaction mechanisms, compare chemical systems or interpret lab data.

• How do green chemistry principles reduce waste? Analyze common lab procedures and suggest improvements, helping identify safer, more sustainable alternatives.
• What affects the rate of a chemical reaction? Vary factors like temperature, concentration or catalysts — offering insight into reaction kinetics and industrial optimization.
• How can we model the structure of molecules? Use software or physical kits to study isomers and bonding to explain how shape and polarity affect function.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in chemistry

These topics are ideal for extended projects, dissertations or students with a strong chemistry foundation.

• Can we design catalysts that reduce carbon emissions? Explore solutions to a core global sustainability challenge by investigating catalytic processes in CO₂ conversion.
• How does chemistry power next-generation batteries? Study electrode materials and redox reactions in lithium-ion or solid-state batteries — offering insight into energy storage breakthroughs.
• How do drugs interact with their targets at the molecular level? Review binding mechanisms and structure-activity relationships to explore how medicinal chemistry drives new therapies.

Environmental science

Environmental science explores how natural systems work — and how human activity impacts the planet. From local ecosystems to global climate, this interdisciplinary field blends biology, chemistry, physics and social science to find solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Introductory research topics in environmental science

These beginner-friendly topics are ideal for school projects, first-year coursework or anyone looking to explore real-world environmental issues through simple observations and research.

• How does pollution affect the food chain? Study how air or water pollution enters and moves through ecosystems to reveal how toxins accumulate in animals and impact human health.

• What are the main sources of plastic pollution in local waterways? Identify where plastic waste enters the water system and how it breaks down — offering insight into how communities can combat the issue.

• Why is the decline in pollinators so dangerous? Explore the role pollination plays in food production and biodiversity, and the causes of pollinator loss to explain the ripple effects on agriculture, ecosystems and food supply.

Intermediate research topics in environmental science

Best for students ready to explore more complex systems, carry out data collection or evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions.

• How does climate change affect local ecosystems? Analyze temperature or rainfall trends alongside species data — revealing shifts in biodiversity or seasonal behaviors linked to environmental change.
• How effective are local recycling programs? Investigate public awareness and buy-in for recycling initiatives — offering insight into how systems could be improved.
• How do farming practices impact soil and water health? Compare conventional and organic farming methods to reveal how different inputs affect factors such as erosion, runoff and chemical load in local environments.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in environmental science

These topics are suitable for final-year undergraduates, postgrads or anyone conducting research into large-scale systems, technologies or interdisciplinary approaches.

• How can biotechnology help solve air or water pollution? Explore the use of enzymes, bacteria or synthetic organisms for bioremediation, evaluating their effectiveness and potential risks.
• What are the mental health effects of climate change and ecological grief? Investigate the intersection of ecology and public health by assessing how environmental stressors are impacting psychological wellbeing.
• How can remote sensing and AI be used to monitor environmental change? Study how satellite imagery and Machine Learning detect trends in land use, forest cover, or pollution — revealing how tech is transforming environmental research.

Open research questions and controversial topics in environmental science

These topics invite critical thinking and debate, focusing on areas where evidence is evolving or values and science intersect.

• What are the full ecological consequences of microplastics? Investigate how micro- and nano plastics affect marine and freshwater systems to reveal knowledge gaps in their long-term impact on food and health.

• Is carbon offsetting an effective tool or corporate greenwashing? Analyze different offset schemes and their transparency — helping assess whether they meaningfully reduce emissions or delay real action.

• What are the environmental and social trade-offs of renewable energy projects? Examine case studies involving renewable energy sources, like wind farms, hydropower or solar fields — uncovering tensions between sustainability goals and local community or ecological impacts.

Engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, biomedical)

Engineering brings science to life — transforming theory into systems, machines, structures and processes that shape the modern world. Whether you're designing an energy system, building a medical device or improving infrastructure, these research ideas span all experience levels and disciplines.

Beginner/introductory project ideas in mechanical engineering

These hands-on projects can help you understand mechanical principles through simple models and builds.

• Build a mini hydraulic arm using syringes and tubing. Learn how fluid pressure translates into mechanical movement and see how hydraulic systems power machinery and robots.
• Design a basic wind turbine model. Convert wind energy into electricity using simple materials and demonstrate the relationship between aerodynamics and energy output.
• Create a pedal-powered generator. Explore how mechanical energy is converted into motion or electricity — revealing principles of energy transfer and mechanical advantage.

Intermediate research topics and project ideas in mechanical engineering

Ideal for students with some design or modelling experience who want to explore applications in energy, manufacturing or robotics.

• Model an offshore wind turbine using simulation software. Learn how software guides renewable energy design by using tools like ANSYS or OpenFAST to analyze wind load and efficiency.
• Investigate 3D-printed mechanical parts. Test the strength and performance of printed components to assess the feasibility of additive manufacturing for functional design.
• Design a regenerative braking system prototype. Explore how kinetic energy is recovered during braking — offering insight into efficiency improvements in automotive engineering.

Advanced and cutting-edge research areas in mechanical engineering

These topics cover complex systems, high-performance computing, and the intersection of mechanical engineering with biotech and materials science.

• How can biomechanics improve personalized medicine? Support the development of targeted treatments and prosthetics by analyzing variability in model musculoskeletal systems.
• What’s next for additive manufacturing with advanced materials? Explore custom, high-performance production through metal 3D printing, composite structures or nano-enabled designs.
• Can Machine Learning improve fluid mechanics modelling? Use data-driven approaches to predict complex flow behavior — helping enhance simulation accuracy and real-time control.

Beginner/introductory project ideas in electrical engineering

These projects introduce core electrical concepts.

• Create a water level indicator. Use sensors or float switches to trigger lights or buzzers — revealing how simple automation can solve real-world problems.
• Build a basic solar-powered light system. Use an LDR, small panel and battery to control an LED — offering insight into renewable energy systems and light sensing.
• Assemble a basic electromagnet. Wrap copper wire around a nail and test its strength to demonstrate electromagnetic principles in motors and switches.

Intermediate research topics and project ideas in electrical engineering

Designed for students familiar with microcontrollers or wireless systems who want to build or analyze more complex electrical solutions.

• Build a digital voltmeter using a microcontroller. Convert analogue signals to digital readouts to understand ADCs and basic embedded system design.
• Design a solar battery charger circuit. Create a safe, efficient charging system for Li-ion batteries — offering insight into renewable energy integration and circuit protection.
• Implement a brushless DC motor control system. Explore how electronics and control theory combine in modern motor systems, using feedback loops and Hall sensors for precision.

Advanced and cutting-edge research areas in electrical engineering

These topics delve into smart systems, advanced computing, nanoelectronics and power infrastructure.

• How can AI optimize smart grids and load forecasting? Use neural networks to improve energy prediction — offering insight into how data science supports sustainable power systems.
• What are the security challenges of hardware-based IoT? Investigate attacks on embedded systems to help identify vulnerabilities and improve protection in connected devices.
• How do neuromorphic chips mimic the brain? Explore brain-inspired computing hardware to assess how electrical design supports faster, more efficient AI.

Introductory/intermediate research topics and project ideas in civil engineering

These topics focus on sustainability, smart infrastructure and community impact — ideal for project-based learning and applied coursework.

• Design a small-scale stormwater management system. Use green roofs, rain gardens or permeable surfaces to explore sustainable water solutions for urban areas.
• Evaluate the strength of sustainable construction materials. Assess how eco-friendly options compare to traditional materials by testing recycled concrete, bamboo or bio-based composites.
• Assess the environmental impact of a proposed development. Conduct a basic EIA for a local project — connecting engineering design with environmental and social responsibility.

Advanced and cutting-edge research areas in civil engineering

These topics explore climate adaptation, digital design and resilient infrastructure for the future.

• How can civil engineering adapt to climate change risks? Model infrastructure under stress scenarios, like flooding or heatwaves, to explore future-ready design strategies.
• What’s the role of AI in smart cities? Investigate how data and automation enhance transportation, energy and public services — helping engineers design systems that evolve with urban needs.
• How does Building Information Modelling (BIM) improve collaboration? Show how digital tools can streamline planning and reduce risk, focusing on 4D and 5D simulations for infrastructure projects.

Introductory/intermediate research topics and project ideas in chemical engineering

Best suited for students exploring sustainability, process design or material development through lab work or literature review.

• How do greener solvents improve chemical processes? Compare traditional and alternative solvents to identify ways to reduce toxicity and waste in labs or industry.
• How is biomass converted into biofuel? Investigate the process of extracting and refining bio-based energy sources, focusing on the trade-offs in renewable energy pathways.
• Can microreactors improve chemical safety and efficiency? Design or model small-scale reactors and demonstrate how process intensification can reduce footprint and risk.

Advanced and cutting-edge research areas in chemical engineering

These topics push into biotechnology, energy transition and advanced materials — ideal for thesis work or interdisciplinary research.

• How can chemical engineering accelerate drug delivery innovation? Study carrier systems like nanoparticles or hydrogels — offering insight into targeted therapy and controlled release.
• Can electrochemical systems transform energy storage? Explore battery chemistry or electrolysis efficiency — revealing how chemical principles underpin the future of power.
• How do AI tools support molecular discovery? Investigate how Machine learning for reaction prediction or material screening can speed up R&D in pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Introductory/intermediate research topics in biomedical engineering

These topics explore the intersection of biology and engineering, offering a mix of ethical reflection and hands-on problem solving.

• What are the basic principles behind prosthetic limb design? Study the mechanics of movement and control to assess how engineering can restore function and mobility.
• How do biomaterials support tissue regeneration? Investigate scaffold properties and compatibility — offering insight into how materials influence healing outcomes.
• What ethical considerations arise in biomedical device design? Explore issues around accessibility, testing and equity, focusing on the link between technology and responsible innovation.

Advanced and cutting-edge research topics in biomedical engineering

These topics reflect the leading edge of healthcare innovation — combining biology, materials science and data.

• Can synthetic biology enable programmable therapeutics? Study engineered cells or gene circuits to investigate how biology can be designed like software.
• What’s the potential of nanomedicine for targeted drug delivery? Investigate nanoparticles, liposomes or quantum dots in terms of precision, efficacy and risk.
• How does regenerative medicine use 3D bioprinting? Review progress in printing tissues or organs — offering insight into the engineering challenges of lab-grown transplants.

Sign up for free and start creating surveys, collecting responses, and analyzing results with Qualtrics.

Research topics in the social sciences and humanities

Social sciences and humanities research helps us make sense of human behavior, history, culture and society.

With a focus on real-world relevance, critical thinking, and developing research questions that are grounded, arguable and insightful, these topics provide meaningful ways to investigate the human experience.

Psychology

Psychology explores how people think, feel, and behave — making it one of the most accessible and versatile fields for research.

Whether you're interested in mental health or social behavior, or you want to level-up your critical thinking skills, push for academic success or follow your personal interests, these psychology research paper topics offer practical starting points at any level.

Introductory research topics in psychology

These beginner topics are great for connecting psychological theory to real-life behavior.

• How do social media platforms affect self-esteem in teenagers? Examine how platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence self-perception, uncovering links between online activity and body image or confidence.
• What’s the connection between sleep and academic performance? Explore how sleep habits impact focus, memory and grades, assessing how students can improve learning outcomes through better rest.
• Does music influence mood or concentration? Investigate the role of auditory stimuli in cognitive and emotional regulation by determining how different music genres can affect emotions or study performance.

Intermediate research topics and experimental ideas in psychology

Designed for students with some research experience, these ideas are suitable for structured experiments, surveys and deeper literature reviews.

• Is stress contagious? Observe and test how a stressed person can affect others in the room — revealing how emotional states spread through social or group settings.
• How does color affect memory recall? Explore how environmental factors can influence cognitive performance by comparing the recall of word lists presented in different colors.
• How do different teaching methods affect student engagement? Compare approaches like project-based learning, direct instruction and flipped classrooms to assess learning outcomes.

Advanced research topics in psychology, including mental health

These topics are suited for dissertation-level work or in-depth analysis, especially for students or researchers exploring clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience or health psychology.

• How does chronic stress affect physical health and quality of life? Study links between long-term stress and health outcomes like fatigue, illness or burnout to show how psychological factors can influence wellbeing.
• What is the impact of music therapy on mental health recovery? Study how structured music interventions support emotional regulation and wellbeing in clinical settings.
• What are the mental health risks of social comparison on social media? Investigate how curated content affects mental health factors like mood, self-worth and loneliness — helping evaluate digital habits that contribute to emotional distress.

Open research questions in psychology

These topics tackle unresolved or emerging issues in psychological science — ideal if you want to explore complex variables and generate your own research questions.

• What’s the biological basis of consciousness? Bridge psychology and biology in the study of awareness by examining how neuroscience can explain the subjective experience.
• Are mindfulness-based interventions effective for PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) long-term? Assess the role of non-pharmaceutical treatments in trauma care by exploring whether short-term gains translate to lasting symptom reduction.
• How does virtual reality affect exposure therapy outcomes? Investigate its use in treating phobias or PTSD to illuminate the potential of this radical new treatment.

Sociology

Sociology helps us understand how societies function — from individual behaviors to large-scale social structures.

Whether you're interested in inequality, identity, culture or institutions, sociology research offers powerful tools to explore the forces that shape everyday life.

Introductory and intermediate research topics in sociology

These topics are ideal for essays, case studies or small-scale research projects using interviews, observation or secondary data.

• What are the effects of standardized testing on student performance and stress? Explore how testing policies influence education outcomes and equity.
• How does social class influence access to education? Assess how privilege and disadvantage shape opportunity by investigating the link between socioeconomic status and academic outcomes
• How do community policing strategies affect public trust? Explore how local law enforcement models that prioritize community engagement influence perceptions of safety and cooperation.

Advanced research areas in sociology

These topics require deeper theoretical engagement, critical analysis of structural factors, or the use of complex datasets and methods.

• How does socioeconomic status influence health over a lifetime? Analyze how factors like income, education and neighborhood shape life expectancy — offering a lens into structural determinants of health.
• How does the criminal justice system address youth crime? Investigate policy responses, rehabilitation efforts and systemic bias in juvenile justice.
• How do technological changes shape the job market? Study how automation and AI impact employment trends and skill demands across industries.

History

History is more than a record of what happened — it’s an investigation into why events occurred, how they shaped societies and what they mean today.

From ancient civilizations to 20th-century revolutions, historical research builds critical thinking, analytical skills and a deeper understanding of change over time.

Introductory and intermediate research topics in history

These topics are ideal for essays, source analysis or early research papers using primary and secondary sources.

• What were the causes and consequences of the American Civil War? Examine the economic, political and ideological tensions of the period to learn how internal conflict can transform a nation.
• How did European colonialism impact African political structures? Study the long-term effects of oppression, partition and governance models to explore modern post-colonial impacts.
• How did propaganda influence public opinion during the Cold War? Analyze media, posters, and speeches to assess how messaging shaped perception and ideology in divided societies.

Advanced research areas in history

These topics are suited for dissertations or extended research projects that require complex source evaluation and nuanced interpretation.

• What led to the collapse of the Soviet Union? Explore internal economic, political and cultural factors to explain both the end of a superpower and the rise of new states.
• How did post-colonial movements redefine national identity? Study how countries like India, Algeria or Ghana reimagined their political and cultural identity after independence to see how liberation reshapes narrative and power.
• What role did civil resistance play in ending apartheid in South Africa? Explore the power of nonviolent protest by examining how mass mobilization and international pressure influenced policy.

Planning and writing your research project

Good research isn’t just about choosing the right research paper topic — it’s equally about how you approach the research process. A clear plan, manageable structure and a bit of self-awareness can make all the difference between a stressful experience and a successful one.

The tips and strategies in this section are designed to help you work more efficiently, stay motivated and avoid common pitfalls as you turn your ideas into a finished project.

Tips for developing your research project

Once you’ve chosen a topic, planning your next steps is key. Here are some simple ways to stay focused and make consistent progress:

• Start with a clear research question: Make sure it’s specific, focused and something you can realistically explore in the time and space you have.
• Break the project into smaller tasks: Such as choosing a method, conducting preliminary research, finding sources and relevant literature, taking notes, outlining and then writing each section.
• Work backwards from your deadline: Break everything down into a simple timeline to stay on track and avoid last-minute stress.
• Choose the right type of research: Think about whether your question calls for a literature review, a survey, data analysis or practical experimentation.
• Keep your notes organized: Use folders, spreadsheets or research tools to track ideas, sources and useful quotes.

How to write a research paper on your chosen topic

Writing a research paper becomes much easier when you follow a structured approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Clarify your main argument or thesis: What’s the core idea or question you’re addressing?
2. Create a basic outline: Organize your entire paper into its core sections — starting with an introduction, main body sections and conclusion.
3. Write your introduction: Explain the context, importance of your topic and what your paper will cover.
4. Develop the main body: Present your findings or argument in logical sections, backed up with evidence from your research.
5. Use sources throughout: Support your points with books, articles or data — and cite them properly.
6. Write your conclusion: Summarize your key points and reflect on why your findings matter.
7. Edit and refine: Read your draft aloud, check your citations and tighten up your writing.

Factors affecting academic performance

Many students underestimate the role external or personal factors can have on academic achievement. Being aware of these can help you plan your project more realistically:

• Sleep and rest: Quality sleep and regular breaks can significantly boost memory, focus and energy levels.
• Stress and anxiety: Pressure from deadlines or personal issues can reduce motivation or concentration.
• Physical health: Illness, nutrition and exercise habits can all impact brain function and stamina.
• Study environment: Noise, distractions and/or the lack of a proper workspace can make it far harder to stay focused.
• Support systems: Guidance, peer support or mentoring can have a big bearing on your confidence and progress.
• Time management habits: Procrastination or overcommitting can reduce the quality of your work. Avoid them by removing distractions, adopting proven time management techniques and understanding how you work best.

Methods, tools and trending topics

The best research questions don’t just explore interesting ideas — they match the right methods to the right goals.

Whether you’re analyzing data, conducting interviews or investigating cutting-edge topics like Artificial Intelligence or Decision Intelligence, understanding your approach is essential.

Here, explore strategies and common research methods, learn how to choose between them and get to grips with the emerging areas shaping the future of research.

Understanding quantitative research topics and questions

Quantitative research focuses on numbers, patterns and measurable outcomes. These types of questions often ask “how much,” “how often”, or “to what extent”, and rely on surveys, experiments or statistical data.

Researchers use quantitative research when they want to test a hypothesis, measure change or uncover patterns at scale.

Examples of quantitative research questions:

• How does screen time affect academic performance among secondary school students?
• What is the relationship between exercise frequency and stress levels in university students?
• To what extent do marketing emails influence online shopping behavior?

Understanding qualitative research topics and questions

Qualitative research explores meaning, experience and interpretation — used when you want to understand context, perspective or human behavior in depth.

Often asking “why” or “how”, qualitative research questions are well-suited to interviews, focus groups, observations or open-ended surveys.

Examples of qualitative research questions:

• How do students experience academic pressure in high-performing schools?
• Why does social class influence workplace culture?
• How do patients describe their experience of using telehealth services?

Exploring research topics in artificial intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest-growing areas of research — now touching nearly every discipline, from healthcare to education to ethics. It’s an ideal focus area for students interested in technology, ethics, data science or policy — and offers strong potential for interdisciplinary work.

Whether you're analyzing how AI systems work or exploring their real-world implications, there's a huge opportunity to investigate this field.

Sample AI research topics:

• How are large language models used in education, and what are the risks of misinformation?
• How have AI market research tools impacted modern research?
• To what extent can AI support early diagnosis in healthcare settings?
• What are the ethical implications of using AI in recruitment and hiring?

The role of data analysis in research

Data analysis helps you move from raw information to meaningful insight.

Whether your project is qualitative or quantitative, knowing how to analyze your data is a core part of making a strong, evidence-based argument. If you can understand data analysis, you will know how to support your claims, identify unexpected findings and produce research that stands up to scrutiny.