Research Paper Topics

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.


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101 Research Paper Topics

By:  

  1. Why do we sleep?
  2. How do GPS systems work?
  3. Who was the first person to reach the North Pole?
  4. Did anybody ever escape Alcatraz?
  5. What was life like for a gladiator?
  6. What are the effects of prolonged steroid use on the human body?
  7. What happened during the Salem witch trials?
  8. Are there any effective means of repelling insects?
  9. How did trains and railroads change life in America?
  10. What may have occurred during the Roswell UFO incident of 1947?
  11. How is bulletproof clothing made?
  12. What Olympic events were practiced in ancient Greece?
  13. What are the major theories explaining the disappearance of the dinosaurs?
  14. How was the skateboard invented and how has it changed over the years?
  15. How did the long bow contribute to English military dominance?
  16. What caused the stock market crash of 2008?
  17. How did Cleopatra come to power in Egypt what did she do during her reign?
  18. How has airport security intensified since September 11th, 2001?
  19. What is life like inside of a beehive?
  20. Where did hip hop originate and who were its founders?
  21. What makes the platypus a unique and interesting mammal?
  22. How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  23. How do computer viruses spread and in what ways do they affect computers?
  24. What is daily life like for a Buddhist monk?
  25. What are the origins of the conflict in Darfur?
  26. How did gunpowder change warfare?
  27. In what ways do Wal-Mart stores affect local economies?
  28. How were cats and dogs domesticated and for what purposes?
  29. What do historians know about ninjas?
  30. How has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading?
  31. What were the circumstances surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden?
  32. What was the women’s suffrage movement and how did it change America?
  33. What efforts are being taken to protect endangered wildlife?
  34. How much does the war on drugs cost Americans each year?
  35. How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
  36. Are humans still evolving?
  37. What technologies are available to home owners to help them conserve energy?
  38. How have oil spills affected the planet and what steps are being taken to prevent them?
  39. What was the Magna Carta and how did it change England?
  40. What is the curse of the pharaohs?
  41. Why was Socrates executed?
  42. What nonlethal weapons are used by police to subdue rioters?
  43. How does the prison population in America compare to other nations?
  44. How did ancient sailors navigate the globe?
  45. Can gamblers ever acquire a statistical advantage over the house in casino games?
  46. What is alchemy and how has it been attempted?
  47. How are black holes formed?
  48. How was the assassination of Abraham Lincoln plotted and executed?
  49. Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks?
  50. How do submarines work?
  51. Do lie detector tests accurately determine truthful statements?
  52. How did Cold War tension affect the US and the world?
  53. What happened to the lost settlers at Roanoke?
  54. How does a hybrid car save energy?
  55. What ingredients can be found inside of a hotdog?
  56. How did Julius Caesar affect Rome?
  57. What are some common sleep disorders and how are they treated?
  58. How did the Freedom Riders change society?
  59. How is internet censorship used in China and around the world?
  60. What was the code of the Bushido and how did it affect samurai warriors?
  61. What are the risks of artificial tanning or prolonged exposure to the sun?
  62. What programs are available to help war veterans get back into society?
  63. What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
  64. How have the film and music industries dealt with piracy?
  65. How did Joan of Arc change history?
  66. What responsibilities do secret service agents have?
  67. How does a shark hunt?
  68. What dangers and hardships did Lewis and Clark face when exploring the Midwest?
  69. Has the Patriot Act prevented or stopped terrorist acts in America?
  70. Do states that allow citizens to carry guns have higher or lower crime rates?
  71. How are the Great Depression and the Great Recession similar and different?
  72. What are the dangers of scuba diving and underwater exploration?
  73. How does the human brain store and retrieve memories?
  74. What was the Manhattan Project and what impact did it have on the world?
  75. How does stealth technology shield aircraft from radar?
  76. What causes tornadoes?
  77. Why did Martin Luther protest against the Catholic Church?
  78. How does a search engine work?
  79. What are the current capabilities and future goals of genetic engineers?
  80. How did the Roman Empire fall?
  81. What obstacles faced scientists in breaking the sound barrier?
  82. How did the black plague affect Europe?
  83. What happened to Amelia Earhart?
  84. What are the dangers and hazards of using nuclear power?
  85. How did Genghis Khan conquer Persia?
  86. What architectural marvels were found in Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec Empire?
  87. From where does spam email come and can we stop it?
  88. How does night vision work?
  89. How did journalists influence US war efforts in Vietnam?
  90. What are the benefits and hazards of medical marijuana?
  91. What causes desert mirages and how do they affect wanderers?
  92. What was the cultural significance of the first moon landing?
  93. What are sinkholes and how are they formed?
  94. Have any psychics ever solved crimes or prevented them from occurring?
  95. Who is Vlad the Impaler and what is his connection to Count Dracula?
  96. What are the risks of climate change and global warming?
  97. What treatments are available to people infected with HIV and are they effective?
  98. Who was a greater inventor, Leonardo di Vinci or Thomas Edison?
  99. How are the Chinese and American economies similar and different?
  100. Why was communism unsuccessful in so many countries?
  101. 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.

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923 Comments

  1. Bob

     /  January 4, 2017

    Do vegatarians eat animal crackers?

    Reply
  2. Sani Abubakar

     /  January 1, 2017

    HI!! I’m Sani, A Environmetalists final year student,i was ask to write my project on a topic ” Knowledge And Utilization Of Sanitary Facilities By The Students Tertiary Institutions Of Kano State”…My Project Supervisor asked me to bring the following (1) five research question (2) five objectives question.Please need your assistance in the above matter.Thank

    Reply
  3. Nadia

     /  December 19, 2016

    Hi Mr. Morton,

    M doin my bachelors in business. we have to make a research project on any topic of our choice. i was looking at tesla and other hybrid cars and electric cars..i was wondering if that would be a good topic to write on. as countries are moving towards taking green initiatives..like my question would be… how would these cars impact buyer decisions? pls advise

    Reply
  4. zyrah

     /  November 30, 2016

    Hello! I just want to ask for help on finding a good quantitative research topic.
    All my submitted topics are rejected. Please help me to find a topic.

    it is my first time to do research.

    Social and educational topics please.

    Reply
  5. CHARLINE AREDIDON

     /  November 28, 2016

    Hi good day., I am a grade 11 student in MCCNHS Philippines .I would like to knock for your help ,for our research 1 about cooking or culinary . And our teacher likes to have a specific topic or problem and we are having a hard time in finding one.Your suggestion will be a big help to us . 🙂 THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS

    Reply
  6. Abuabakar B Garba

     /  November 24, 2016

    A good starting point, highly appreciated recommended for a beginners in research

    Reply
  7. Katharina Sz

     /  November 16, 2016

    Hey

    Can you help me? I have to write a research report and this is my first time. I am interested in the topic animals in advertising. But how can I formulate the right question (Thesis Question) and the answer in one sentences (Thesis Statement)

    Thank you

    Reply
    • I think that you should start by educating yourself about your topic. Gather and read some sources about your topic. When you become more knowledgable about your topic, you writing your question and statement will be easy. Best wishes!

      Reply
  8. Rocks

     /  November 14, 2016

    Hi Mr. Morton! what would be a good topic about poultry farming?

    Reply
  9. Sahil Raza

     /  November 13, 2016

    i’m looking for a research topic in the field of creativity and innovation management.
    please help

    Reply
  10. LittlePuff

     /  November 13, 2016

    Hi Mr. Morton!

    I’m just a Grade 8 Student, and I need some topics for our research about Environment. Can you suggest me some? It’s really hard for me to think of something interesting. Thanks!

    Reply
  11. Conor

     /  October 30, 2016

    I want to do a research paper on national parks and am having trouble finding a focus. Any ideas?

    Reply
  12. Dana

     /  October 29, 2016

    Hi! Mr.Morton I really need to have a good research title about Biology/Life science Please help i need my title Tomorrow please help!!

    Reply
  13. rocha

     /  October 26, 2016

    thank you

    Reply
  14. rocha

     /  October 26, 2016

    hi …. ..i am Rocha . would you to help me find me good topic research on how has the music industry been affected by the internet and digital downloading

    Reply
  15. kusiima brenda

     /  October 25, 2016

    Hi, am brenda a journalism student! please help me choose an interesting topic for my course study.Thanks

    Reply
  16. robina basheer

     /  October 22, 2016

    I am the student of bs economics plzz help choose the topics of research

    Reply
  17. blessing samantha mubayi

     /  October 20, 2016

    i need some help on the research topic i am studying applied chemical technology

    Reply
  18. Hamdi

     /  October 14, 2016

    Hi mr morton can you help me to choose a research topic releated technology plz help

    Reply
  19. H. Snyder

     /  October 6, 2016

    This is the part that my life needs for searching topics!

    Reply
  20. patience

     /  October 4, 2016

    What are the effect of climate change on public health in calabar municipality?

    Reply
  21. cc

     /  October 1, 2016

    Hi Mr Morton,l am in Malawi l am trying to choose a research topic,please help need to choice a topic about marriage and relationship.

    Reply
  22. Kimanya

     /  September 22, 2016

    Interesting bits am enlightened. Thanks

    Reply
  23. pema namgay

     /  September 22, 2016

    Hi,I am a student from sustainable development n i have a problem in choosing a research topic. I am planning to do a research on waste but couldnt find a appropriate topic .so Can u suggest me a topic for research.

    Reply
  24. Aklegae

     /  September 14, 2016

    I need to come up with a research proposal, but I want to write something about Mythology. However, it seems like a hard topic because of how ancient and too old mythology is that it would be hard to conduct. Is there a way that I can incorporate Mythology as a research topic?

    Reply
  25. Why Harambe shouldn’t have been killed

    Reply
  26. Jessie

     /  September 5, 2016

    Hi, I work in the healthcare field, and I noticed that there is a disconnection with physicians and management. This relationship makes it very challenging to maintain physicians’ morale.
    Doctors who work for a large healthcare organization are employees who need to abide the organization mission and vision. This includes financial sustainability which depends on of the providers’ productivity. Physicians mission is patient care and not numbers. For a provider to see 10 or 18 patients a day impact the type of care they are providing. For the organization, the number of patients seen by the physician impact the organization revenues which determine the resources to keep the services open.

    The research topic that I would like to study in depth is:

    What are the impact of Physician productivity and ambulatory care sustainability?

    Reply
  27. jelli100

     /  September 1, 2016

    How smoking affects the human body
    What trees do for life on earth
    History of Tap Dance
    How exactly was slavery abolished

    Enjoy!

    My minecraft youtube @jelli100

    Reply
  28. sadaf

     /  August 28, 2016

    Aoa….i am student of anthropology…i need your help in choosing topic for research purposal

    Reply
  29. Mathapelo

     /  August 25, 2016

    Hi. Please help me with a topic for my Research Proposal, one that’s management related.

    Reply
  30. Macelia Williams

     /  August 25, 2016

    I am a student of criminal justice and in search of a topic please help me. From Monrovia,Liberia

    Reply
  31. Idris

     /  August 24, 2016

    Hi, what do you think about this research question: How traditional healing contribute to mental health?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • If you are in a class in which the professor has spent a significant amount of time discussing “traditional healing,” I think it’s a great topic. If you are not in such a class, perhaps you should continue exploring topics.

      Reply
  32. Rey

     /  August 24, 2016

    Hi Mr. Morton,

    I am thinking of a topic for my research.

    Currently working in a financing company particularly in credit and collection division. The topic that used to research is related to my Job, But its quite hard to create and arrange as it would be, can you share me what should be the title/topic that I have to.

    Thank you

    Reply
  33. Vivian

     /  August 22, 2016

    What would be a good topic for my microsoft class. we need to do research papers

    Reply
  34. princess

     /  August 17, 2016

    hi please im reading HRm, but then i want a topic related to how the blind and deaf live in society

    Reply
  35. ama ahenkan

     /  August 15, 2016

    I have present a proposal for my research but cant settle on any can u help. will like do something on advertisement, sanitation and career women

    Reply
  36. Thanuja

     /  August 5, 2016

    my research topic was ‘why agrivultural graduates move to non agricultural sectors for their jobs’ . But it was rejected due to difficulty in separating agricultural &non-agricultural sector. How can I modify it?

    Reply
  37. Rumani

     /  July 11, 2016

    What happened to the world in 2008 or why did
    recession hit the world?

    Reply
    • Or, how did poorly rated collateral debt obligations and rampant speculation on credit default swaps securing these poorly rated CDOs lead to the destruction of several large financial entities?

      Reply
  38. Aileen

     /  July 11, 2016

    “How to improve and manage health data collection with the use of ICT tool?” Is the topic okay or need adjustment?

    Reply
  39. Anonymous

     /  July 8, 2016

    Hi. I need your help
    Can you suggest research title about
    filtration of water???

    Reply
  40. Catreena

     /  July 5, 2016

    The gender pay gap?

    Reply
  41. patrick

     /  June 29, 2016

    pretty good work

    Reply
  42. Rop Alex

     /  June 29, 2016

    I am a student doing certificate course and I am doing a research dealing on mai field of study I am taking hospithospitality management under cathering and accommodation course i find it hard to get topic and titles to research on

    Reply
  43. akshay patole

     /  June 14, 2016

    I want topic for project related to agricultural biotechnology / wine/ biofertilizer please suggest me an interesting topic

    Reply
  44. Mamatasahu

     /  June 2, 2016

    Sir im searching a pdf research propsal on women related issues

    Reply
  45. Gbeyi Dore

     /  May 30, 2016

    I’m Gbeyi Dore studying natural resource management please help find a thesis topic

    Reply
  46. Adi

     /  May 17, 2016

    A new question could be “how does the physics of flight work to keep an airplane in the air?”

    Reply
  47. phyllis kimeli

     /  May 14, 2016

    hello am Phyllis from Kimathi University Kenya,pls can u help mey choose a research topic for my project am taking bachelor in purchasing and supplies management.Thanks I will really appreciate

    Reply
  48. zephyr

     /  May 9, 2016

    what effect will the ice caps melting have on us humans?

    Reply
  49. Dasha Lev

     /  May 8, 2016

    I’m in 6th grade and need to write a research paper for final grades but I can’t find a interesting topic
    Please help

    Reply
  50. Sanae

     /  May 2, 2016

    hii Mr Morton I’m sanae from Morocco my topic is about adjectives in English and Arabic. could you help me to make it more interesting and not a boring topic??

    Reply

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