By definition a research paper requires the writer to learn a great deal about their subject, so it is always a good practice to select a topic that truly interests you before you begin gathering sources. If you are interested in your topic, learning about it will be more pleasurable and you will write with greater passion, so choose your topic thoughtfully. Use the following list of 101 research paper topics as a starting point for your paper. As you begin learning and writing about your topic, you should revise or amend your research question or thesis statement to better match the information that you are interpreting, analyzing, and expressing. Let your interest guide you. If you’re not having fun learning and writing about your topic, perhaps you should pick one that interests you more.
Download this list in RTF format
Download this list in PDF format
101 Research Paper Topics
By: Mr. Morton
- Why do we sleep?
- How do GPS systems work?
- Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
- Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz?
- What was life like for a gladiator?
- What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
- What happened during the Salem witch trials?
- Are there any effective means of repelling insects?
- How did trains and railroads change life in America?
- What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
- How is bulletproof clothing made?
- What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
- What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs?
- How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
- How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
- What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
- How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
- How has airport security intensified since September 11th, 2001?
- What is life like inside of a beehive?
- Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
- What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
- How does tobacco use affect the human body?
- How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
- What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk?
- What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur?
- How did gunpowder change warfare?
- In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
- How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
- What do historians know about ninjas?
- How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
- What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden?
- What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
- What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife?
- How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
- How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
- Are humans still evolving?
- What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy?
- How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
- What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
- What is the curse of the pharaohs?
- Why was Socrates executed?
- What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
- How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
- How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
- Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
- What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
- How are black holes formed?
- How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
- Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
- How do submarines work?
- Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
- How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
- What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke?
- How does a hybrid car save energy?
- What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog?
- How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
- What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
- How did the Freedom Riders change society?
- How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
- What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors?
- What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
- What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
- What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
- How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy?
- How did Joan of Arc change history?
- What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
- How does a shark hunt?
- What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
- Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
- Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
- How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
- What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
- How does the human brain store and retrieve memories?
- What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
- How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
- What causes tornadoes?
- Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
- How does a search engine work?
- What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers?
- How did the Roman Empire fall?
- What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier?
- How did the black plague affect Europe?
- What happened to Amelia Earhart?
- What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power?
- How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
- What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire?
- From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
- How does night vision work?
- How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam?
- What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana?
- What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
- What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing?
- What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
- Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
- Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula?
- What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
- What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
- Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison?
- How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
- Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
- In what ways do video games affect children and teenagers?
I hope this list will help you choose a topic for your research paper. Remember that these ideas should be used as a starting point; you will have to make these topics your own during the writing and research process. Don’t be afraid to alter and revise your thesis or research question to better match your interests or to align with your research. Would you like to suggest a research paper topic? Leave it in the comments below.
Looking For More Resources?
Persuasive Essay Topics
Narrative Essay Topics and Story Ideas
School Project Ideas
All Reading Worksheets
Eliza Harden
/ March 30, 2015For an upcoming research project, I am thinking about using the question “Is dance really a sport?” but I’m not sure if I will be able to actually write a whole report on the topic. Do you think I should just find another question?
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2017Start researching it. If you can’t find enough sources to write the paper, maybe you can write a different paper related to dance.
katrin dwi saputri
/ March 29, 2015hello, i found it difficult to decide what am i supposed to write for my thesis. would you like to suggest some good topics related to the TEFL (Teaching english as foreign language)
thankyou
mankamal
/ March 29, 2015i m stuck with my research essay. i m getting trouble in finding a specific topic related to my business course because i m asked to choose my own topic so please help me …..
zahra
/ March 29, 2015hi,
i need to a good topic about accounting.
i like tax and audit or both of them.
pls help me.
thank you
David Ade
/ March 26, 2015topic on Cybersecurity
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015I love this topic. It is of growing interest to many sectors of society.
Naynay
/ March 25, 2015I’m in desperate need of some help I have research paper due on Monday and it has to be related to the field I’m studying which is medical assisting and I have no idea where to begin!!!!
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015Well, you have a broad topic, which is a good place to start. The next thing to do is to begin gathering materials to read. As you begin reading and gaining expertise on this broad topic, more specific fields of interest within this broad topic should begin to surface. Monday’s pretty close though… best wishes.
POTATO
/ March 24, 2015Which topic do you think would be best for a middle school research project?
1. What impact does playing an instrument have on teens’ mental and physical health?
2. How does chocolate impact the body?
3. What is one of the most popular tourist attractions? Why?
Thank you for your help, and your list gave me lots of good ideas. Please let me know of what you think is best, or any suggestions you have.
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015Well, they all have their pros, but I’d go with the first or the second. The third topic seems like it could be answered in a sentence and then supported mainly by opinions and marketing materials. I’d choose the one that you’re most interested in learning about. Best wishes and thanks for leaving the comment.
Goemeone Maano
/ March 24, 2015How to conserve natural natural resources in African indigenous system and in western system?
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015Conservation is of great interest to many forward-looking people. Thank you for sharing!
Meeha Khalid
/ March 16, 2015Would you help me in writting research paper on “How is text messaging affecting teen age literacy?”
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015It sounds like an interesting topic. What kind of help are you looking for?
Samya
/ March 12, 2015Hi guys i have to do research for 20000 words and i’m not able to select the interesting topic. Earlier i thought of going for Status of Indian Women in last decade or Unsung heroes of India..But i’m not sure about these topics..Can anyone please suggest any good topic. I will be really grateful..
Thanks In advance 🙂
Mr. Morton
/ March 27, 2015They sound like interesting topics. You’ll be able to write those 20,000 words if you find a topic that interests you a read up on it. Stop asking for help and start looking for research. Best wishes!
Sharon
/ March 11, 2015would you please suggest me any research topics that i can do?? I’m thinking of doing a research to compare my home country and uk but I don’t know in what aspect should I do
Nwe Nwe Htun
/ March 6, 2015Hi
Everybody, now I am trying to do a research on the topic of” The motivation factors of volunteers on community”. Now, I am trying to search any other research papers on google. But ,I can’t find iit now. 🙁 ;( Please , help me .
arra
/ March 6, 2015hi im in degree on administrative n sosial policy, I have to do a an research but now i really confuse what topic is suitable can u help me give some ideas of topic. tq
Anthony
/ March 4, 2015Hello! I’m currently working on a research paper. Our topic is about vegetarianism. I’ve recommended “Can kids adopt a vegetarian diet?” to our teacher yet it doesn’t seem to be a research problem. I would like to ask for suggestions regarding our topic which is vegetarianism. Thank you!
fortunate
/ March 3, 2015Hello i need help about a research topic concerning animal production
sulayman
/ March 3, 2015please ,could you tell me whether these topics are researchable enough?
1. flashback in the Qur’an
2. Direct speech in the Qur’an
3. Aesthetics of the Qur’an
4. Stylistics of the Qur’an
Thanks
Mr. Morton
/ March 3, 2015I’m sorry. I am not knowledgable enough about the Qur’an to answer your questions directly, but I know that it is a widely studied text. You will have no trouble finding secondary sources on it.
Purna
/ February 27, 2015Some possible research questions:
1. What is Gross National Happiness(GNH)?
2. How to contextualize GNH in Mathematics curriculum ?
Rosy
/ February 26, 2015would you please tell me whether my topic is researchable – parents are role models of their children
Mr. Morton
/ March 2, 2015I would start by researching this notion of “role models.” Find some texts about it written at a level that you can understand. Then start reading those texts. As you get exposed to ideas about the topic, you will begin to develop a position. Best wishes!
sungsoon
/ February 24, 2015i am looking for a certain and specific topic to research about that relates with technology and art ( or creativity)?
Andrew
/ February 16, 2015Hi, ineed to choose between the three topics.Honestly speaking i just want to pass the subject, i am not to continue with reach:
1.How do social media, texting, cell phones and the Internet make the world bigger? Smaller?
2.“How successful entrepreneurs use Social Network System as a tool to benefit their businesses
3.Technology is moving so quickly that we are frequently using computers, software programs and other technologies that have frustrating glitches and problems. Is there a solution?
please help to choose the easiest and the one i can get the info easily.Thx
Mr. Morton
/ March 2, 2015I like number 3, but the one that would be easiest for you is probably the one about which you are most well-informed. Which one is that?
Ali
/ January 31, 2015Hey! Everybody. Hope you are doing well, I just wanted some of you to show me how I can make an Outline to my research?
My research is ” The impact of social networks on children or teenagers”
Plz help me
I am a Moroccan Student.
Thank you so much in advance.
sam calopy
/ January 26, 2015Thanks too this site i have narrowed down my list of topics to just 2! THIS SITE IS AWESOME!!!
Thanks again!
from,
sam calopy
John Mod Bendu
/ January 24, 2015Your topics helped me get a topic of interest for my Research Paper. Thanks!!
Jillian
/ January 19, 2015I want to do sports injuries and physical therapy but my teacher didn’t approve of physical therapy and some else is doing concussions and sports injuries. Any ideas?
brittany cook
/ January 18, 2015How could i put gay marriage into a research paper?
mandy
/ January 18, 2015Hello,
Urgent!!! I want to write a research paper on breast cancer but I need help finding what to focus on.
daylyn
/ January 16, 2015Good Morning 🙂 I’m daylyn, education student major in english. Can you help me to think a thesis title that around cutting words or grammar. Thank you very much. 🙂
Hindusha
/ January 16, 2015Hello !! I need a topic that is related to media since i’m gonna study journalism next year after taking my English diploma at university. i need to write a research or a monograph at least 50 pages but im kinda lost nd hv no time , thnx in advance 🙂
kaithleen joule
/ January 14, 2015hi, i cant pick a topic and our thesis should be pass in the end of the semester. what would be a good topic concerning society or human behavior? cause its assigned to me. i’m not really good at this, id rather do math and problem solving. soo please i need your help! thanks!
Aman Motahari
/ January 14, 2015dear sir,
I applied to the Japan scholarship in IUJ in International development program to study any development field but really I have difficulties with selecting a research topic, do you have any one with this specification?
lauren green
/ January 13, 2015For my class I have to right a 4000 word essay and I want to create a research topic that is not too general but also not too specific. I am interested in beauty and self esteem as well as poverty in adolescents. Do you have any suggestions?
kyl pana
/ January 10, 2015Hi!
Can you write a research the topic is “what is music?”
Eric
/ January 9, 2015Hi 🙂 can you please help me find topics about photography? Thank you!
Gail
/ January 6, 2015I teach high school chemistry and my students are always looking for research topics related to that science. As high schoolers their reach tends to exceed their grasp. What do you suggest as appropriate topics?
Thank you for your time.
sannel paquiao
/ January 6, 2015hello everyone..
can you give an idea of my thesis topic?
plss.. i really need your help.,
for my tomorrow`s proposal.
sannel paquiao
/ January 6, 2015hello evryone..
can you give an idea of my new topic?
mariella mahinay
/ January 6, 2015hey can you help me to make a research paper.. and i dont know what is the best topic?? can you tell what is the best topic??
Mr. Morton
/ March 30, 2017The best topic is the one that interests you the most.
Jey
/ January 6, 2015Hi! I’m taking up Public Administration. Can you help me to choose what can be a good title for my thesis? Must be about political or politics or government? Thanks!
Jeyy
/ January 6, 2015Hi. Im a first year college student. I just want to ask help in making a title for my term paper topic which is about between the two religions, the Shamanism and Buddhism. Thankyou!
Aria
/ January 4, 2015Hello!
I need an idea for my senior research paper for finals, and I want a topic on about anything medical like. I might prefer something that might have to do with the pharmacy profession. Any help would be really appreciated!
Mr. Morton
/ January 5, 2015How about researching generic vs. trademarked pharmaceuticals? Or rogue internet pharmacies?
Ayogu onyinyechi
/ December 31, 2014l’m a first year student of unn,we were told to write a term paper on ”art of public speaking in Nigerian society”i don’t no how make my table of contents,pls i need help.
Mr. Morton
/ January 5, 2015Have you begun writing yet?
I think the first step is to start reading and writing about the topic.
As you create some content, some appropriate ordering schemes will present themselves.
Of course, if you are already very knowledgable about the subject,
then you just need to sit down and organize your ideas.
Go by hierarchy: most important things at the top.
I hope that helps.
Shane
/ December 17, 2014Hello, i’ve checked your website and was wondering if you could point me in a certain direction for a research question. Potentially relating to warfare/conspiracy theories/assassinations, i have spent time trying to come up with a question but i’m struggling. If you have any ideas it would be greatly appreciated.
Have a good day,
-Shane
jha
/ December 7, 2014Hi 🙂 I can’t think of any interesting topic that anyone could have an interests… looking for something unique… I stuck.. Need your help please ?
devon
/ December 5, 2014please help. i have to write a 4-6 page research paper and every time i come up with a topic my teacher tells me that the arguments will not fill up enough pages. i am a terrible writer and when i have a page requirement i can barely make it.
HealyHealsMe
/ December 5, 2014Will you suggest a research topic about health insurance companies??
Hana
/ December 3, 2014Good day!
I’m a first year college student and my prof required us to make our term paper within the end of this semester. And she want us to give her at least 3 interested topic before we can start our term paper, but I’m afraid that I haven’t give her any interested topic. I’m hoping for your advice, please! Thank you!
Mr. Morton
/ December 3, 2014Do any topics from this list seem interesting to you?
Paige
/ December 2, 2014I’m trying to get an idea for my senior research project, and I want to do something I don’t know anything about. My three choices are “Tough Love,” the Black Plague in Europe, or desert mirages. Which one should I do?
Mr. Morton
/ December 3, 2014Those all seem pretty interesting. I’d go with the plague, but that’s just me.
S.kishna
/ November 28, 2014Hello sir,
i want to research heading related management . i am studying management. thank you.
mae
/ November 25, 2014hi everyone need suggestions what is/are the best research topics for hospitality management? im really struggling to start pls help
Hope
/ November 21, 2014Mr. Morton,
I have an 8-12 page research paper and am having a hard time choosing a topic. My first one was about banned books, but there isn’t enough solid information for an informative research paper. I’ve seen the topic ballroom dance a few times on the internet and was thinking it would be easier to do a paper on that, or about how ballroom and injuries relate? I could use some guidance for a paper this long. I’ve only wrote short papers and haven’t had an english class for a few years. I would appreciate any advice you can offer me.
Thank you.