developmental psychology research paper ideas

Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of developmental psychology research paper topics , designed to support students in exploring the vast field of human growth and psychological development. Developmental psychology examines the changes in cognitive, emotional, and social behavior that occur throughout a person’s life, from infancy to old age. This discipline not only seeks to understand the nature of these changes but also the processes that underlie them, including biological, environmental, and cultural influences. By delving into topics such as infant attachment, adolescent identity formation, adult aging, and the impact of developmental disorders, students can gain insights into the complexity of developmental trajectories. This resource aims to inspire students to investigate the diverse aspects of developmental psychology, offering a foundation for research that contributes to our understanding of human development and informs practices in education, healthcare, and policy-making.

100 Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

Developmental psychology stands as a fascinating field that delves into the growth and transformation of human behavior and mental processes throughout a person’s life. It encompasses a broad spectrum of research topics, each shedding light on the various aspects of development—cognitive, emotional, social, and physical. This area of psychology not only aims to chart the normative patterns of development but also to understand the variances and factors influencing these trajectories. The scope of research within developmental psychology is vast, offering rich insights into how individuals evolve from infancy through old age, influenced by their genetics, environment, culture, and experiences.

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• Attachment theories and their implications in early childhood
• The role of play in cognitive and social development
• Impact of parenting styles on child behavior and emotional health
• Early intervention strategies for developmental delays
• The effects of technology use on young children’s development
• Childhood resilience and adversity
• Peer relationships and social skills in childhood
• Developmental milestones and their variations
• The influence of early education on lifelong learning
• Neurodevelopmental aspects of child psychology
• Identity formation and self-concept in adolescence
• Adolescent mental health and coping strategies
• The impact of social media on adolescent self-esteem and relationships
• Risk-taking behavior and decision-making in adolescence
• The transition from adolescence to adulthood
• Peer pressure and its psychological implications
• Gender identity and sexual orientation development
• The role of family dynamics in adolescent development
• School engagement and academic achievement
• Cultural variations in adolescence experiences
• Psychological theories of aging and life satisfaction
• Cognitive changes in the aging process
• Retirement and the transition to later life
• Aging and mental health: challenges and interventions
• Adult learning and brain plasticity
• The impact of physical health on psychological well-being in older adults
• Social relationships and aging
• Age-related psychological disorders
• Coping with loss and bereavement in old age
• The role of leisure and hobbies in promoting healthy aging
• Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
• Vygotsky’s theory of social development and its implications
• The development of problem-solving skills and logical reasoning
• Memory development across the lifespan
• The role of curiosity and exploration in cognitive development
• Language acquisition and cognitive growth
• The impact of bilingualism on cognitive flexibility
• Cognitive decline with aging: prevention and management
• Executive functions development in children and adolescents
• The influence of nutrition and physical health on cognitive development
• Emotional regulation strategies across different stages of life
• The development of empathy and moral reasoning
• Socialization processes and their outcomes
• The psychology of friendship and romantic relationships
• Cultural and family influences on emotional expression
• The impact of trauma on social and emotional development
• Development of self-esteem and its fluctuations
• Bullying and its long-term psychological effects
• Coping mechanisms for stress and adversity
• The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
• Stages of language acquisition in infancy and early childhood
• The role of environment in language learning
• Language disorders: identification and intervention
• Second language learning and cognitive development
• The relationship between language and thought
• Sign language development in deaf children
• Socioeconomic status and language development
• The critical period hypothesis for language learning
• Language and literacy: building blocks for academic success
• Cross-linguistic comparisons of language development
• Kohlberg’s stages of moral development
• The role of culture in shaping moral values
• Ethical dilemmas and decision-making in children and adults
• The influence of religion on moral development
• Social justice awareness and activism in youth
• Development of conscience and guilt mechanisms
• Prosocial behavior and its roots in early childhood
• Peer influences on ethical behavior
• The psychology of altruism and empathy
• Moral disengagement and its consequences
• Autism spectrum disorders: early detection and lifelong management
• ADHD in children and adults: challenges and coping strategies
• Learning disabilities and educational interventions
• Down syndrome and developmental milestones
• The impact of prenatal exposure to toxins on development
• Early signs of developmental disorders and the importance of screening
• Support systems for families dealing with developmental disorders
• Intellectual disabilities and social inclusion
• The role of genetics in developmental disorders
• Transitioning to adulthood with a developmental disorder
• Cross-cultural studies on child-rearing practices
• The impact of globalization on developmental norms
• Cultural identity development in a multicultural society
• Indigenous perspectives on development
• Biculturalism and its effects on individual development
• Racial and ethnic disparities in access to developmental resources
• Cultural variations in the perception of aging
• The role of language in cultural integration
• Cultural competence in developmental psychology research and practice
• Tradition vs. modernity: impacts on developmental pathways
• Longitudinal vs. cross-sectional studies in developmental research
• Qualitative methods in studying developmental processes
• The use of technology in developmental psychology research
• Ethical considerations in conducting research with minors
• The role of case studies in understanding unique developmental trajectories
• Innovative data collection techniques in developmental research
• The challenges of replicability and generalizability in developmental studies
• Integrating biological, psychological, and social models in developmental research
• The use of meta-analysis in synthesizing developmental psychology findings
• Collaborative international research in developmental psychology

The exploration of developmental psychology research paper topics offers a window into the fascinating journey of human growth and transformation across the lifespan. By engaging with this broad array of topics, students have the opportunity to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate processes that shape human development. Such research is not only academically enriching but also has the potential to inform practices and policies in education, healthcare, and beyond, ultimately improving lives and fostering healthy development from infancy through old age. Students are encouraged to pursue topics that spark their curiosity and align with their academic and professional goals, contributing their voices to the rich tapestry of developmental psychology research.

What is Developmental Psychology?

Introduction.

Studying developmental psychology is pivotal for several reasons. It aids in identifying normative patterns of development and the wide variance among individuals due to different influences. This understanding is crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to support individuals’ developmental needs. Furthermore, it informs interventions aimed at mitigating developmental challenges and maximizing the potential for growth and learning.

Research Importance

Research in developmental psychology is fundamental in advancing our understanding of human development stages. It sheds light on the mechanisms underlying changes from childhood through adulthood and into old age. This research enriches our knowledge base, offering critical insights that drive theoretical advancements and practical applications in educational curricula, parenting strategies, and therapeutic interventions.

The implications of developmental psychology research span various domains. In education, it informs teaching methods that cater to the developmental stages of learners. In healthcare, it guides age-appropriate care strategies. Research findings also influence policy-making, particularly in creating supportive environments that promote healthy development across the lifespan.

Diverse Topics Exploration

The exploration of topics within developmental psychology is as diverse as the stages of human life. It includes the study of attachment in infancy, the impact of adolescence on identity formation, and the challenges of aging. Each topic not only contributes to our theoretical understanding but also addresses practical concerns faced by individuals at different life stages.

These topics are highly relevant to current societal challenges. For example, understanding adolescent development can inform strategies to navigate the digital world’s challenges, while insights into aging are crucial in societies with increasing life expectancies. Developmental psychology research thus plays a critical role in formulating responses to the evolving needs of populations.

Recent Advancements

Recent years have seen significant methodological innovations in developmental psychology. Longitudinal studies tracking the same individuals over many years provide valuable data on changes and consistencies in development. Technological advancements, like neuroimaging, offer new insights into the brain’s developmental changes, enhancing our understanding of cognitive processes across the lifespan.

Theoretical advancements have deepened our understanding of developmental processes, integrating perspectives from genetics, neurology, and sociology. Interdisciplinary research, bridging fields like developmental psychology and education, fosters a more holistic understanding of how individuals learn and grow, spotlighting the interplay between biology, environment, and culture in development.

Ethical Considerations

Conducting research in developmental psychology involves navigating significant ethical challenges, particularly when working with vulnerable populations such as children or elderly individuals. Ensuring informed consent, maintaining privacy, and considering the long-term impact of research findings are paramount to ethical research practices in this field.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial in developmental psychology research. Studies must respect cultural differences in development and parenting practices, recognizing that developmental milestones and norms can vary widely across cultures. This approach ensures that research is inclusive and reflective of diverse human experiences.

Future Directions

Future research in developmental psychology is likely to focus on emerging trends such as the impact of technology on development, the psychology of climate change on young generations, and the increasing importance of understanding development in multicultural contexts. These areas present new challenges and opportunities for developmental psychologists to explore.

The field also faces challenges, including the need for more diverse and inclusive research samples and methodologies that can capture the complexity of human development in a rapidly changing world. However, these challenges also offer opportunities to innovate and expand the field’s reach, making developmental psychology more relevant and applicable than ever before.

The critical role of research in developmental psychology cannot be overstated. It is fundamental to understanding the intricate processes of human development, providing insights that help navigate the complexities of growth and change. As societal contexts and challenges evolve, so too will the field of developmental psychology, continuing to offer vital contributions to our understanding of human behavior and aiding in societal progress.

Developmental Psychology Assignment Help

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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."

Developmental Psychology 101: Theories, Stages, & Research

You can imagine how vast this field of psychology is if it has to cover the whole of life, from birth through death.

Just like any other area of psychology, it has created exciting debates and given rise to fascinating case studies.

In recent years, developmental psychology has shifted to incorporate positive psychology paradigms to create a holistic lifespan approach. As an example, the knowledge gained from positive psychology can enhance the development of children in education.

In this article, you will learn a lot about different aspects of developmental psychology, including how it first emerged in history and famous theories and models.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free . These science-based exercises explore fundamental aspects of positive psychology, including strengths, values, and self-compassion, and will give you the tools to enhance the wellbeing of your clients, students, or employees.

This Article Contains:

What is developmental psychology, 4 popular theories, stages, & models, 2 questions and research topics, fascinating case studies & research findings, a look at positive developmental psychology, applying developmental psychology in education, resources from positivepsychology.com, a take-home message.

Human beings change drastically over our lifetime.

The American Psychological Association (2020) defines developmental psychology as the study of physical, mental, and behavioral changes, from conception through old age.

Developmental psychology investigates biological, genetic, neurological, psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors of human growth (Burman, 2017).

Over the years, developmental psychology has been influenced by numerous theories and models in varied branches of psychology (Burman, 2017).

History of developmental psychology

Developmental psychology first appeared as an area of study in the late 19th century (Baltes, Lindenberger, & Staudinger, 2007). Developmental psychology focused initially on child and adolescent development, and was concerned about children’s minds and learning (Hall, 1883).

There are several key figures in developmental psychology. In 1877, the famous evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin undertook the first study of developmental psychology on innate communication forms. Not long after, physiologist William Preyer (1888) published a book on the abilities of an infant.

The 1900s saw many significant people dominating the developmental psychology field with their detailed theories of development: Sigmund Freud (1923, 1961), Jean Piaget (1928), Erik Erikson (1959), Lev Vygotsky (1978), John Bowlby (1958), and Albert Bandura (1977).

By the 1920s, the scope of developmental psychology had begun to include adult development and the aging process (Thompson, 2016).

In more recent years, it has broadened further to include prenatal development (Brandon et al., 2009). Developmental psychology is now understood to encompass the complete lifespan (Baltes et al., 2007).

Each of these models has contributed to the understanding of the process of human development and growth.

Furthermore, each theory and model focuses on different aspects of development: social, emotional, psychosexual, behavioral, attachment, social learning, and many more.

Here are some of the most popular models of development that have heavily contributed to the field of developmental psychology.

1. Bowlby’s attachment styles

The seminal work of psychologist John Bowlby (1958) showcased his interest in children’s social development. Bowlby (1969, 1973, 1980) developed the most famous theory of social development, known as attachment theory .

Bowlby (1969) hypothesized that the need to form attachments is innate, embedded in all humans for survival and essential for children’s development. This instinctive bond helps ensure that children are cared for by their parent or caregiver (Bowlby, 1969, 1973, 1980).

Bowlby’s original attachment work was developed further by one of his students, Mary Ainsworth. She proposed several attachment styles between the child and the caregiver (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970).

This theory clearly illustrates the importance of attachment styles to a child’s future development. Consistent and stable caregiving results in a secure attachment style (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978). In contrast, unstable and insecure caregiving results in several negative attachment styles: ambivalent, avoidant, or disorganized (Ainsworth & Bell, 1970; Main & Solomon, 1986).

Bowlby’s theory does not consider peer group influence or how it can shape children’s personality and development (Harris, 1998).

2. Piaget’s stage theory

Jean Piaget was a French psychologist highly interested in child development. He was interested in children’s thinking and how they acquire, construct, and use their knowledge (Piaget, 1951).

Piaget’s (1951) four-stage theory of cognitive development sequences a child’s intellectual development. According to this theory, all children move through these four stages of development in the same order (Simatwa, 2010).

The sensorimotor stage is from birth to two years old. Behaviors are triggered by sensory stimuli and limited to simple motor responses. If an object is removed from the child’s vision, they think it no longer exists (Piaget, 1936).

The pre-operational stage occurs between two and six years old. The child learns language but cannot mentally manipulate information or understand concrete logic (Wadsworth, 1971).

The concrete operational stage takes place from 7 to 11 years old. Children begin to think more logically about factual events. Abstract or hypothetical concepts are still difficult to understand in this stage (Wadsworth, 1971).

In the formal operational stage from 12 years to adulthood, abstract thought and skills arise (Piaget, 1936).

Piaget did not consider other factors that might affect these stages or a child’s progress through them. Biological maturation and interaction with the environment can determine the rate of cognitive development in children (Papalia & Feldman, 2011). Individual differences can also dictate a child’s progress (Berger, 2014).

3. Freud’s psychosexual development theory

One of the most influential developmental theories, which encompassed psychosexual stages of development, was developed by Austrian psychiatrist Sigmund Freud (Fisher & Greenberg, 1996).

Freud concluded that childhood experiences and unconscious desires influence behavior after witnessing his female patients experiencing physical symptoms and distress with no physical cause (Breuer & Freud, 1957).

According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, child development occurs in a series of stages, each focused on different pleasure areas of the body. During each stage, the child encounters conflicts, which play a significant role in development (Silverman, 2017).

Freud’s theory of psychosexual development includes the oral, anal, phallic, latent, and genital stages. His theory suggests that the energy of the libido is focused on these different erogenous zones at each specific stage (Silverman, 2017).

Freud concluded that the successful completion of each stage leads to healthy adult development. He also suggested that a failure to progress through a stage causes fixation and developmental difficulties, such as nail biting (oral fixation) or obsessive tidiness (anal fixation; Silverman, 2017).

Freud considered personality to be formed in childhood as a child passes through these stages. Criticisms of Freud’s theory of psychosexual development include its failure to consider that personality can change and grow over an entire lifetime. Freud believed that early experiences played the most significant role in shaping development (Silverman, 2017).

4. Bandura’s social learning theory

American psychologist Albert Bandura proposed the social learning theory (Bandura, Ross, & Ross, 1961). Bandura did not believe that classical or operant conditioning was enough to explain learned behavior because some behaviors of children are never reinforced (Bandura, 1986). He believed that children observe, imitate, and model the behaviors and reactions of others (Bandura, 1977).

Bandura suggested that observation is critical in learning. Further, the observation does not have to be of a live actor, such as in the Bobo doll experiment (Bandura, 1986). Bandura et al. (1961) considered that learning and modeling can also occur from listening to verbal instructions on behavior performance.

Bandura’s (1977) social theory posits that both environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence development.

Bandura’s developmental theory has been criticized for not considering biological factors or children’s autonomic nervous system responses (Kevin, 1995).

Overview of theories of development – Khan Academy

Developmental psychology has given rise to many debatable questions and research topics. Here are two of the most commonly discussed.

1. Nature vs nurture debate

One of the oldest debates in the field of developmental psychology has been between nature and nurture (Levitt, 2013).

Is human development a result of hereditary factors (genes), or is it influenced by the environment (school, family, relationships, peers, community, culture)?

The polarized position of developmental psychologists of the past has now changed. The nature/nurture question now concerns the relationship between the innateness of an attribute and the environmental effects on that attribute (Nesterak, 2015).

The field of epigenetics  describes how behavioral and environmental influences affect the expression of genes (Kubota, Miyake, & Hirasawa, 2012).

Many severe mental health disorders have a hereditary component. Yet, the environment and behavior, such as improved diet, reduced stress, physical activity, and a positive mindset, can determine whether this health condition is ever expressed (Śmigielski, Jagannath, Rössler, Walitza, & Grünblatt, 2020).

When considering classic models of developmental psychology, such as Piaget’s schema theory and Freud’s psychosexual theory, you’ll see that they both perceive development to be set in stone and unchangeable by the environment.

Contemporary developmental psychology theories take a different approach. They stress the importance of multiple levels of organization over the course of human development (Lomas, Hefferon, & Ivtzan, 2016).

2. Theory of mind

Theory of mind allows us to understand that others have different intentions, beliefs, desires, perceptions, behaviors, and emotions (American Psychological Association, 2020).

It was first identified by research by Premack and Woodruff (1978) and considered to be a natural developmental stage of progression for all children. Starting around the ages of four or five, children begin to think about the thoughts and feelings of others. This shows an emergence of the theory of mind (Wellman & Liu, 2004).

However, the ability of all individuals to achieve and maintain this critical skill at the same level is debatable.

Children diagnosed with autism exhibit a deficit in the theory of mind (Baron-Cohen, Leslie, & Frith, 1985).

Individuals with depression (psychotic and non-psychotic) are significantly impaired in theory of mind tasks (Wang, Wang, Chen, Zhu, & Wang, 2008).

People with social anxiety disorder have also been found to show less accuracy in decoding the mental states of others (Washburn, Wilson, Roes, Rnic, & Harkness, 2016).

Further research has shown that the theory of mind changes with aging. This suggests a developmental lifespan process for this concept (Meinhardt-Injac, Daum, & Meinhardt, 2020).

1. Little Albert

The small child who was the focus of the experiments of behavioral psychologists Watson and Rayner (1920) was referred to as ‘Little Albert.’ These experiments were essential landmarks in developmental psychology and showed how an emotionally stable child can be conditioned to develop a phobia.

Albert was exposed to several neutral stimuli including cotton wool, masks, a white rat, rabbit, monkey, and dog. Albert showed no initial fear to these stimuli.

When a loud noise was coupled with the initially neutral stimulus, Albert became very distressed and developed a phobia of the object, which extended to any similar object as well.

This experiment highlights the importance of environmental factors in the development of behaviors in children.

2. David Reimer

At the age of eight months, David Reimer lost his penis in a circumcision operation that went wrong. His worried parents consulted a psychologist, who advised them to raise David as a girl.

David’s young age meant he knew nothing about this. He went through the process of hormonal treatment and gender reassignment. At the age of 14, David found out the truth and wanted to reverse the gender reassignment process to become a boy again. He had always felt like a boy until this time, even though he was socialized and brought up as a girl (Colapinto, 2006).

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

Enhance wellbeing with these free, science-based exercises that draw on the latest insights from positive psychology.

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Contemporary theories of developmental psychology often encompass a holistic approach and a more positive approach to development.

Positive psychology has intersected with developmental disciplines in areas such as parenting, education, youth, and aging (Lomas et al., 2016).

These paradigms can all be grouped together under the umbrella of positive developmental psychology. This fresh approach to development focuses on the wellbeing aspects of development, while systematically bringing them together (Lomas, et al., 2016).

• Positive parenting is the approach to children’s wellbeing by focusing on the role of parents and caregivers (Latham, 1994).
• Positive education looks at flourishing in the context of school (Seligman, Ernst, Gillham, Reivich, & Linkins, 2009).
• Positive youth development is the productive and constructive focus on adolescence and early adulthood to enhance young people’s strengths and promote positive outcomes (Larson, 2000).
• Positive aging , also known as healthy aging, focuses on the positivity of aging as a healthy, normal stage of life (Vaillant, 2004).

Much of the empirical and theoretical work connected to positive developmental psychology has been going on for years, even before the emergence of positive psychology itself (Lomas et al., 2016).

We recommend this related article Applying Positive Psychology in Schools & Education: Your Ultimate Guide for further reading.

In the classroom, developmental psychology considers children’s psychological, emotional, and intellectual characteristics according to their developmental stage.

A report on the top 20 principles of psychology in the classroom, from pre-kindergarten to high school, was published by the American Psychological Association in 2015. The report also advised how teachers can respond to these principles in the classroom setting.

The top 5 principles and teacher responses are outlined in the table below.

There are many valuable resources to help you foster positive development no matter whether you’re working with young children, teenagers, or adults.

To help get you started, check out the following free resources from around our blog.

• Adopt A Growth Mindset This exercise helps clients recognize instances of fixed mindset in their thinking and actions and replace them with thoughts and behaviors more supportive of a growth mindset.
• Childhood Frustrations This worksheet provides a space for clients to document key challenges experienced during childhood, together with their emotional and behavioral responses.
• What I Want to Be This worksheet helps children identify behaviors and emotions they would like to display and select an opportunity in the future to behave in this ideal way.
• 17 Positive Psychology Exercises If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enhance their wellbeing, this signature collection contains 17 validated positive psychology tools for practitioners. Use them to help others flourish and thrive.
• Developmental Psychology Courses If you are interested in a career in Developmental Psychology , we suggest 15 of the best courses in this article.

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

Expand your arsenal and impact with these 17 Positive Psychology Exercises [PDF] , scientifically designed to promote human flourishing, meaning, and wellbeing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

Earlier developmental psychology models and theories were focused on specific areas, such as attachment, psychosexual, cognitive, and social learning. Although informative, they did not take in differing perspectives and were fixed paradigms.

We’ve now come to understand that development is not fixed. Individual differences take place in development, and the factors that can affect development are many. It is ever changing throughout life.

The modern-day approach to developmental psychology includes sub-fields of positive psychology. It brings these differing disciplines together to form an overarching positive developmental psychology paradigm.

Developmental psychology has helped us gain a considerable understanding of children’s motivations, social and emotional contexts, and their strengths and weaknesses.

This knowledge is essential for educators to create rich learning environments for students to help them develop positively and ultimately flourish to their full potential.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free .

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• Hall, G. S. (1883). The contents of children’s minds. The Princeton Review , 1 , 249–272.
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• Kubota, T., Miyake, K., & Hirasawa, T. (2012). Epigenetic understanding of gene-environment interactions in psychiatric disorders: A new concept of clinical genetics. Clinical Epigenetics , 4 (1), 1–8.
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• Latham, G. I. (1994). The power of positive parenting . P&T Ink.
• Levitt, M. (2013). Perceptions of nature, nurture and behaviour. Life Sciences Society and Policy , 9 (1), 1–13.
• Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Ivtzan, I. (2016). Positive developmental psychology: A review of literature concerning well-being throughout the lifespan. The Journal of Happiness & Well-Being , 4 (2), 143–164.
• Main, M., & Solomon, J. (1986). Discovery of an insecure-disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. In T. B. Brazelton & M. W. Yogman (Eds.), Affective development in infancy . Ablex.
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• Nesterak, E. (2015, July 10). The end of nature versus nature. Behavioral Scientist. Retrieved  July 19, 2021 from https://behavioralscientist.org/the-end-of-nature-versus-nurture/
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• Śmigielski, L., Jagannath, V., Rössler, W., Walitza, S., & Grünblatt, E. (2020). Epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: A systematic review of empirical human findings. Molecular Psychiatr y, 25 (8), 1718–1748.
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Behavioral Research Blog

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Research Examples of Developmental Psychology

When you are studying developmental psychology , you’re studying how people grow and develop, all the way from childbirth to the end of their lifespan. What are examples of developmental psychology? It could be anything within a range of subject matters that are related to human growth. Not just psychological behavior, but anything from thoughts and emotions , cognitive and linguistic development, to decision making and motivation, moral and even physical development like motor skills.

Research examples of developmental psychology

Over the years we’ve come across many examples of research in developmental psychology , often done with various behavioral research tools. Looking for topics for developmental psychology research papers? We’ve put together an overview of research examples in developmental psychology that were published on the Behavioral Research Blog.

Table of contents

• Infant Stage
• Adolescent Stage
• Adult Stage

Examples of developmental psychology: Infant stage

The infant stage is the time from birth until children are (roughly) two years old. A time that has been well studied by researchers, as changes are rapid and these first years in life are considered fundamental in our development.

Early infant behavior development of hand preference

In learning about objects and their parts, transporting objects to new locations, and sharing objects with others, the hands are essential. Infants discover how to control each hand and how to use the hands together.

There are many reasons to study the development of hand preference in infants, as it can provide clues about motor skills or any developmental disorders. A team of researchers was particularly interested in asymmetric bimanual actions and presented “Unimanual to bimanual: Tracking the development of handedness from 6 to 24 months”.

Read the full post here:  Early Infant behavior development of hand preference

In the Noldus Webinar 'How emotions are made in Baby FaceReader' , we tell you about emotions, how they are 'made' and how this relates to facial expression analysis in FaceReader with a focus on Baby FaceReader. 

Observing and analyzing repetitive movements in infants to detect autism

In the first year of life, an infant learns how to use his or her arms, legs, mouth, hands, and fingers by repeating movements over and over again. They discover a wealth of possibilities. However, an increased frequency of repetitive movements has been widely described in neurodevelopmental disorders as well. 

To examine if a specific repertoire of repetitive movements was present in children with autism, researchers used home videos to code the behaviors of the infants.

Continue reading:  Observing and analyzing repetitive movements in infants to detect autism

Gaze behavior in infants

Infant siblings of children with or without ASD participated in a study to determine whether gaze behavior, showed during a test with an unfamiliar examiner, could predict gaze behavior in a more naturalistic context. 

To measure the cognitive functioning of the infants, the Mullen Scales of Early Learning was filled in at each visit by an examiner. Meanwhile, infant gaze to the examiner’s face was recorded. 

Read the full post here:  A closer look at eye contact

Understanding infants’ social and moral development

At the Centre of Infant Cognition at UBC in Vancouver, researchers conduct independent studies as well as participate in ManyBabies projects to further understand the development of moral and social behaviors of infants.

Discover the full story here:  Understanding infants’ social and moral development

Developing social communication and the role of mimicry

Children learn from interacting with others, especially their parents. For example, reproducing the emotions that others express is part of that. Copying facial expressions is one of the great milestones in the social development of a child.

Still, little is known about the mechanisms controlling the early development of emotional mimicry. Therefore, a research team of the University of Amsterdam conducted a study to investigate infant emotional mimicry, parent-infant mutual attention, and parent dispositional affective empathy.

Read more about this study here:  The role of mimicry in the development of social communication  

Download the free White paper to learn more about the software tools available for infant studies.

• Video observations to capture behaviors
• Coding behaviors accurately
• Unobtrusive emotion analysis

Adolescent stage

Adolescence is the period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is a time for rapid cognitive development. When entering adolescence children are going through many changes at the same time: both physical and intellectual, as well as their personality and social skills that are developing. We’ve published several articles about studies into the adolescent stage.

Direct observations help develop effective interventions in adolescence

In a study by a team of researchers from Arizona State University, John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Oregon Research Institute, family and friendship dynamics in adolescence were observed in order to develop more personalized interventions that prevent problem behaviors and adjustment issues.

Continue reading about  effective interventions in adolescence .

Dealing with depression in adolescence

In adolescence, the ability to regulate emotions is heavily challenged by numerous biological, social, and psychological changes. How are adolescents’ emotions socialized by mothers and close friends? A study by a team of researchers from Canada and The Netherlands focused on dealing with depression in adolescence.

Continue reading:  Understanding adolescent emotions

Studying conflict interactions between mothers and adolescents

Adolescence is a developmental phase with many physical, neurodevelopmental, psychological, and social changes. It is common for conflicts to arise between adolescents and their parents. However, severe conflicts can have negative effects on adolescent development. What can parents do to prevent escalating conflicts ? 

This free white paper informs you how on to facilitate a parent-child study and how to set up your experiment.

• Perform tests in a lab or in-home
• Collect data with video
• Design a coding scheme

Read 5 more  examples of research in adolescence here >>

Research examples in developmental psychology research: Adult stage

Adult development encompasses the changes that occur in biological and psychological domains of human life from the end of adolescence until the end of one's life 1 . When studying adult development, many researchers tend to focus on aging and health. 

Some study eating behavior in residential care homes which enables them to take environmental factors into account. Others focus on family relations and communication and try to facilitate and improve contact between parents and children living a distance apart. Some examples of developmental psychology research in the adult stage of life.

How to measure couple communication patterns

Communication between husbands and wives is often discussed on TV, in magazines, and is frequently a topic of discussion amongst friends. Additionally, it is also a popular research theme. Effective husband-wife communication can benefit a relationship. But are there specific behaviors which need enforcing and are they the same for every couple?

Read more:  How to measure couple communication patterns

Measuring flow

Flow is a state in which a person is fully involved in an activity, decreasing self-consciousness and sense of time. This process requires a person to be extremely focused, as well as exactly have the skills to master a task. Several researchers have developed methods of measuring flow.

Find out more:  Measuring flow

Curious what emotions your face shows? Upload a photo here, and our FaceReader software will test it for emotionality.

• Enter a url or browse for an image
• Use passport photo like pictures
• Make sure that the pictures you upload are the best they can be

Do your emotions and moods change as you get older?

Are emotions affected differently for younger than for older people? Researchers used FaceReader to complement self-assessments and objectify mood changes to answer this question . They exposed participants to film segments to induce four basic emotions: anger, disgust, happiness, and sadness.

Behavior and emotions of older adults

It's important to develop user-friendly products and services to assist older people in daily activities and improve their quality of life. Therefore researchers wanted to find out if TV footage could motivate older persons to start being more active? Being active can improve the overall health of a person (65+ but of course also 65-!). 

Read the full blog post on research projects on behavior and emotions of older adults .

On-site observational studies with older persons

In certain cases, observations for your study are best performed on-site. There are many examples of observational studies with older age groups, conducted at home or at a healthcare facility. We've highlighted two examples of on-site observational studies with older persons .

Robots helping people with dementia

Behavioral and psychological problems affect most individuals with dementia at some point during the progression of the disorder. Researchers explored if the use of a robotic seal as a therapeutic tool would influence the emotional and behavioral symptoms of dementia. 

Find out more about this large study on robotic pets here !

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More topics in developmental psychology

Of course there are many more topics in developmental psychology. An overview of the research topics can include:

• Cognitive development: Piaget's theory, information processing, and language development
• Social and emotional development: attachment theory, moral development, self-concept and identity formation
• Physical development: motor skills, sensory development, growth and maturation
• Perceptual development: visual perception, object permanence, perceptual constancy
• Personality development: nature vs. nurture debate, temperament, self-esteem and resilience
• Contextual factors in development: the role of culture, family, peers, media and technology
• Adolescent development: puberty, identity formation, moral reasoning and decision-making
• Lifespan development: aging, retirement, end-of-life issues
• Education and development: learning theories, early childhood education, motivation and engagement in school
• Neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD, autism , or dyslexia.

These articles might interest you as well:

• How to study human behavior
• Learn about people's behavior by observing them
• Examples of human behavior research
• Behavioral coding: What and how
• Five studies showing the power of multi-modal data in behavioral research

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Psychology Research Guide

Child & adolescent development.

“Child development”, or “child and adolescent development” refers to the process of growth and maturation of the human individual from conception to adulthood. The term “adolescence” has particular connotations in particular cultural and social contexts. Child & Adolescent Psychology focuses on understanding the physical, social, psychological, and cognitive needs of young human beings. You can read more about the focus of Child & Adolescent Development on the American Psychological Association's Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology website This link opens in a new window . To find ideas for paper/research topics within child & adolescent development, visit these sites:

APA Psychology Topics This link opens in a new window (Try Bullying; Children; Education; Kids & the Media; Learning & Memory; Parenting; Teens)

Child & Adolescent Development Databases

Research in child & adolescent psychology utilizes core psychology resources, as well as resources in child & family development and sociology. You may find it helpful to search the following databases for your child & adolescent development topics or research questions, in addition to the core resources listed on the home page.

Child & Adolescent Development Subject Headings

You may find it helpful to take advantage of predefined subjects or subject headings in Shapiro Databases. These subjects are applied to articles and books by expert catalogers to help you find materials on your topic.

• Learn more about Subject Searching

Consider using databases to perform subject searches, or incorporating words from applicable subjects into your keyword searches. Here are some social psychology subjects to consider:

• adopted children
• Attachment Theory
• child abuse
• child behavior
• children of alcoholics
• cognitive development
• developmental stages
• early childhood development
• emotional development
• family relations
• middle school/junior high school/high school students
• parent child relations
• peer pressure
• personality

Child & Adolescent Development Organization Websites

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) This link opens in a new window A national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.
• Child & Adolescent Development course module (UNHCR) This link opens in a new window This Resource Pack published by the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees' Action for the Rights of Children (ARC) is a training module for those working with children and teen refugees. It covers major areas of child development acknowledging that " the concept of childhood is understood differently in different cultural and social contexts."
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD) This link opens in a new window NICHD’s mission is to lead research and training to understand human development, improve reproductive health, enhance the lives of children and adolescents, and optimize abilities for all.
• Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology (APA Division) This link opens in a new window The Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology is Division 53 of the American Psychological Association. Its purpose is to encourage the development and advancement of clinical child and adolescent psychology through integration of its scientific and professional aspects.
• Child Welfare Information Gateway - Understanding Adolescent Development This link opens in a new window United States Health & Human Services Children's Bureau Child Welfare Information Gateway has extensive resources on child & adolescent development. This link leads to their "Understanding Adolescent Development" resources page.
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• Next: Forensic Psychology >>

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 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

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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

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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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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Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics & Ideas 2023

Published 16 October, 2023

Best developmental psychology research topics:

• Prejudice and discrimination.
• How psychological development can be used to handle bullying?
• Child abuse prevention and treatment.
• The changes in the short-term memory of a person with age.
• Society and instant gratification.
• Some surprising facts about the right brain and left brain. Make a comparative study.
• Explain social cognition.
• Relationship between fundamental ways of parenting with developmental psychological research.
• How to build a better future?
• Explain four different stages of intellectual growth.
• Childhood trauma and impact on adults mental health.
• Social media and social development.
• Is women’s vulnerability the sign of their weakness? How mental strength plays a more important role in determining strength?
• How did attitude develop in a person?
• The role of media in facilitating violence.
• Developmental psychology and aging.

Read Also: Child Development Research Ideas 2023

Interesting developmental psychology research topics:

• The impact of eating breakfast on the school performance of a child.
• Children in a non-traditional family.
• How theoretical Psychological studies are different from Practical Psychological studies?
• Social control and cults.
• The psychological reasons for the existence of the aging process.
• Effect of family psychology on society.
• The comparison between the emotional development of infants and adolescents.
• Technology and physical development.
• How emotional turmoil of rape victims can be treated?
• Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing.
• The factors that are responsible for increasing child abuse.
• Research on early childhood development.
• Does a tangible reward such as candy work better for reinforcement when getting children to complete their homework than does praise?
• Religion and moral development.
• How memory can be enhanced in an easy way?

Latest developmental psychology research topics:

• Attraction, romance, and love.
• The factors causing violence in children.
• Child psychology and psychiatry.
• How a kid develop their fears and how does that fear spread into other aspects of their life as they grow older?
• Exposure to violence and children’s security.
• Determinants of psychological illness in adolescents. What therapies effectively treat their physical and mental development?
• Borderline personality disorder.
• What are the possible reasons for psychopathic behavior in youth?
• Child abuse and negligence.
• Explain the relation between birth order and the likeliness to procrastinate.
• Discipline at school and self-discipline.
• How IQ is different from EQ? What are their roles and which is more important?
• Antisocial personality disorder.
• Connection of gender roles with modern society.
• World association for infant mental health.

Have a Look: Health And Social Care Research Paper Ideas

Developmental psychology research topics for high school students:

• Are Piaget’s stages of concrete operation describing when children start using logic and reasoning still valid?
• Sex in the media and sexual development.
• The science behind the family rituals. Is it psychological or holds some significance in scientific terms.
• Media violence and children.
• The factors that are responsible for learning languages and language learning capabilities.
• Society for research in child development.
• Extended family and social development.
• How children’s psychology can be changed? How parents can understand their emotions and groom their personalities?
• Aspects of the aging process.
• Adult development and aging.
• The factors affecting language in children between the age group of 9 months to 33 years old.
• Emigration and cultural development.
• How do family rituals affect the mindset of people? How stringent rituals hampers the family environment?
• National Institute on aging.

View: Lifespan Development Research Paper Ideas   

Developmental psychology research topics for college/ university students:

• Discuss the relationship between self-efficacy and memory.
• How emotional bonding affects human behavior?
• Dyslexia screening test.
• The factors that are responsible to impact the brain development of a baby during gestation.
• Early entry of toddlers should be banned in schools.
• Why the younger people blame internal variables for their behavior whereas older people blame external variables for their behavior?
• The impact of society, profession, and environment on an individual
• Adolescent depression and its effect on their mental and physical health.
• Too much pressure affects physical and mental development.
• The role of word games and mental activities in retaining older people their cognitive abilities longer?
• How do surroundings affect a depressed patient?
• What is a seasonal affective disorder?
• Different types of phobias. What are the ways to treat them? Role of science with a period of time.
• Why criminals are involving children in crimes? How it impacts society?

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Psychology Research Paper Topics

In the list of psychology research paper topics below we have attempted to capture psychology’s vast and evolving nature in the 16 categories and more than 100 topics.

100+ Psychology Research Paper Topics

Research Paper Topics in History of Psychology

• Psychology Before 1900
• Psychology in the 20th Century
• Psychology Into the 21st Century
• Women and Minorities in Psychology
• Conducting Research on the History of Psychology

Research Paper Topics in Research Methodology and Analytic Techniques in Psychology

• Statistical Techniques and Analysis
• Nonexperimental Research Methods
• Experimental Designs
• Single-Subject Designs
• Qualitative Research
• Ethics of Psychological Research

Neuroscience Research Paper Topics

• Biological Psychology
• Neurotransmission
• Traditional Neuroscience Research Methods
• Imaging Techniques for the Localization of Brain Function
• Drugs and Behavior
• Behavioral Pharmacology

Research Paper Topics in Sensory Processes and Perception

• Psychophysics
• States of Consciousness
• Somatosensory Systems

Research Paper Topics in Evolution and Behavior

• Evolutionary Psychology: The Impact of Evolution on Human Behavior
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Mate Preferences
• Animal Learning and Behavior
• Animal Cognition
• Comparative Psychology

Research Paper Topics in Basic Learning Processes

• Classical Conditioning
• Recent Trends in Classical Conditioning
• Taste-Aversion Learning
• Operant Conditioning
• Recent Trends in Operant Conditioning
• Social Learning
• Stimulus Equivalence

Research Paper Topics in  Individual Differences and Personality

• Psychometrics
• Testing and Assessment
• Personality Development
• Personality Psychology
• Intelligence
• Motivation and Emotion

Cognitive Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Memory: A Look Into the Past, Present, and Future
• Memory and Eyewitness Testimony
• Repressed and Recovered Memory
• Language and Language Development
• Thinking and Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Artificial Intelligence

Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Prenatal Development and Infancy
• Childhood and Adolescence
• Adulthood and Aging: Perspectives on Adult Development
• Disabilities
• Death, Dying, and Bereavement
• Nature Versus Nurture
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Myth or Mental Disorder?

Social Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Social Cognition
• Attitudes and Attitude Change
• Group Processes
• Social Influence
• The Nature of Love
• Prejudice and Stereotyping
• Leadership: Theory and Practice

Research Paper Topics in Health, Stress, and Coping

• Health Psychology
• Stress and Stressors
• Coping Skills
• Positive Psychology
• Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Behavior Disorders and Clinical Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Abnormal Psychology
• Ethics of Therapists
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Mood Disorders: An Overview
• Schizophrenia: Understanding a Split Mind
• Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders
• Psychotherapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Family Therapy and Therapy With Children
• Pharmacotherapy
• Forensic Clinical Psychology: Sensationalism and Reality
• Sexual Offending Behavior

Applied Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Human Factors
• Community Psychology
• Sport Psychology
• Environmental Psychology
• Psychology and the Law
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Organizational Behavior Management

Research Paper Topics in Human Diversity

• Gender and Sexual Orientation
• Multiple Axes of Human Diversity
• Psychology and Religion
• Cross-Cultural Psychology and Research
• International Psychology

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

• Agoraphobia
• Alcohol Problems
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Classifying Mental Disorders: Nontraditional Approaches
• Conduct Disorder
• Dependent Personality
• Mental Retardation and Mental Health
• Mood Disorders
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Attacks
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Psychopathology
• Schizophrenia
• Sexual Disorders
• Somatization and Hypochondriasis
• Substance Abuse

Assessment and Psychotherapy Research Paper Topics

• Assessment of Mental Health in Older Adults
• Behavior Therapy
• Behavioral Medicine
• Biofeedback
• Brain Scanning/Neuroimaging
• Child Sexual Abuse
• Classifying Mental Disorders
• Clinical Assessment
• Cognitive Therapy
• Community Mental Health
• Constructivist Psychotherapies
• Coping with Stress
• Couples Therapy
• Depression—Applied Aspects
• Domestic Violence Intervention
• Family Therapy
• Hypnosis and the Psychological Unconscious
• Meditation and the Relaxation Response
• Personality Assessment
• Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment Interventions
• Psychoanalysis
• Psychopharmacology
• Sexual Dysfunction Therapy
• Standards for Psychotherapy
• Support Groups

For example, the early years of the 20th century witnessed the development and popularization of the now classic “schools of psychology” such as structuralism, functionalism, Gestalt psychology, and behaviorism. World War II and the Korean War spurred the development of modern clinical psychology. In the middle of the 20th century, individual schools rose to prominence and tended to dominate psychological research and theorizing. These dominant schools often clashed with clinical psychology. For example, disagreements between behaviorists and clinicians, which have their roots in the 1940s and 1950s, still persist.

Toward the end of the 1960s, the nature of the field began to change, and the face of modern psychology was forever altered. First, Ulrich Neisser’s 1967 book, Cognitive Psychology, ushered in the “cognitive revolution” and put behaviorism on the decline. Technological advances in computer technology, which allowed researchers to simulate human thought and memory processes and to create images of neurological processes, played an inestimable role in modern psychology’s metamorphosis. Likewise, advances in social concern and action increased psychologists’ awareness of psychology’s diversity and its ability to make significant contributions in these areas. To be sure, the face of contemporary psychology was changing drastically. In fact, in 1992 former American Psychological Association (APA) president George A. Miller believed that psychology had become “an intellectual zoo” (p. 40). Clearly, that situation has not changed, as psychology is evolving in the 21st century.

Nowhere are psychology’s expansion and change seen more clearly than in the evolution of the APA. Founded in 1892 by G. Stanley Hall at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, the APA began with 31 charter members. Currently, there are over 60,000 APA members and 56 divisions with which these members and other interested psychologists can affiliate. The diversity of the APA divisions clearly reflects the changing face of contemporary psychology as well as represents wide subjects of psychological research. They include General Psychology (Division 1), the Study of Social Issues (Division 9), Clinical Psychology (Division 12), Pharmacology and Substance Abuse (Division 28), Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (Division 33), Media Psychology (Division 46), International Psychology (Division 52), and Trauma Psychology (Division 56). Clearly, psychology research topics in the 21st century continue to be diverse and evolving.

We believe that our choice of traditional and cutting-edge research paper topics reflects contemporary psychology’s diverse nature. For example, the “traditional”  research paper topics include the following:

The cutting-edge research paper topics include the following:

Browse examples of psychology research papers to find sample research paper on all topics in the list above. Whether the research paper deals with a traditional topic or a cutting-edge topic, you will find that it presents the materials in a decidedly contemporary manner. We hope that students will enjoy reading the research papers on different topics in psychology as much as we have enjoyed collecting them for you.

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5 Elaborate Developmental Psychology Research Paper Topics

Developmental psychology is one of the most fascinating branches of psychological sciences, as it deals with the development of the human personality from birth to death. It is easy to produce a decent research paper in this field, but if you want to go beyond common and simple topics, here are five suggestions for you.

• Attachments and aging.

The importance of attachments in early childhood is broadly discussed and explored, but less attention is paid to how strong and positive attachments influence an adult’s life. Review the recent research on attachments as a way to maintain the mental capacity of seniors. Investigate the link between having positive attachments in old age and having them as a child. Are people who lacked attachments as children bound to lack them in older age as well? Can qualified psychological treatment fix the problem?

• Prenatal development.

Prenatal development is a fashionable trend, but its efficiency is debatable. Summarize the scientific knowledge on how the human brain develops in its embryonic period. Pay special attention to recent research studies that lay down the theoretical bases for prenatal development. Critically evaluate and discuss the validity of their findings. Draw a conclusion on whether popular prenatal development techniques can work, and whether they can be dangerous to a child.

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• Genetics and developmental disabilities.

Many developmental disabilities have genetic causes, and with recent advancements in genetic engineering, there are calls for DNA modification to be the most efficient method to cure and prevent them. Explore the genetic causes of a particular developmental disability such as dyslexia. Determine whether this problem is more likely to arise from genetic or environmental factors. Discuss whether this disability can be treated efficiently by the existing methods, and the pros and cons of using DNA modification to prevent anyone from being born with it.

• Child abuse prevention.

Statistically, most child abuse comes from those who should be protective, such as parents and caregivers. Identify the causes behind adult violence towards the children in their care. Discuss the limitations of legal methods of child protection. Provide a rationale behind your choice of the most efficient method of preventing child abuse in families. This may be compulsory parenting courses or enhanced character education and the empowerment of children.

• Developmental psychology careers.

Look at career opportunities in developmental psychology. Identify the main problems this branch of science faces today. Demonstrate how a better financing of certain programs or research projects could result in considerable benefits for society in general.

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101 Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Psychologists always strive to understand change. But change is inevitable. They spot potential challenges when studying developmental psychology and provide early solutions for better results. But what does it take to find the best developmental psychology research topics? Although psychology is an exciting course, finding the best ideas for projects can be a hassle. However, HelpForHomework is here to solve the quagmire and provide you with top-quality writing services.

Suppose you are looking for a legit platform to help your research writing; we offer 100% unique content and topic recommendations. In that case, we have employed a team of crème de la crème psychology writers and tutors who understand how to work on professional psychology research papers. As a result, they provide original, professionally formatted, edited and revised content.

It does not matter if your research paper is on short notice. We will help you select an exciting topic and help you write a proposal and the main paper on time.

Need help doing your assignment?

If you struggle to find expert developmental psychology research topics, go through this article and choose the best one for your project.

How Do We Select The Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics?

We have an excellent team of researchers to go above and beyond to find you the best developmental psychology research topics. But which criteria do we use to create suggestions?

Originality: Originality is an integral part of psychological research writing. For that reason, we generate unique topics and highlight the shallowly researched ones. We understand that exhausting research topics can be irrelevant to your audience. Consequently, our writers do extensive reading to expose themselves to new information crucial to the topic formulation.

Feasibility: Before publishing this article, we test the feasibility of all topics. We ask ourselves:

•  Is the research topic relevant?
•  Are these ideas sustainable?
•  Is the political psychology research question possible to answer?
•  Is the question manageable?

Appeal: A good research topic should be appealing to the researcher and the audience. For this reason, you should choose topics that excites you to do extensive, enjoyable research.

Expert Tip: After helping you with the topic selection, you should engage your supervisor for approval and guidance. Engaging the supervisor frequently ensures that your research falls within the scope and that all mistakes are cleared at an early stage.

Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Getting the best developmental psychology research topics is not an easy task. But we have a list of suggestions for you:

• A cognitive approach to child abuse prevention
• A developmental perspective on imitation and social cognition
• Children’s perception of gender-based violence and gender discrimination
• Development of gender stereotypes and prejudice
• Development of social networks in early and middle childhood: How does gender influence the development of social networks
• Developmental implications of prejudice and discrimination
• Developmental psychology perspective on child abuse prevention and treatment
• Developmental psychology: The ecology of development processes
• History, current status and future of developmental psychology
• How do structured leisure activities influence psychological development in middle childhood
• How does delay in gratification and low self-control affect academic achievement
• How does history influence the current status and future of developmental psychology?
• How does self-control influence academic performance?
• How does the media influence instant gratification?
• Influence of culture on marketing and impulsive buying behavior
• Instant gratification and self-control in the adolescent.: A case study for a school near you
• Origin of prejudice and discrimination
• Parenting: The relationship between parenting and developmental psychology
• People and the internet: A developmental psychology perspective
• Prejudice and discrimination in children: Origin and interventions
• Social and developmental psychology: Trends influencing the future of psychology
• Social cognition and academic competence in early childhood education
• Social media influence on self-control and instant gratification
• Substance abuse and violent behavior effects of academic achievement at a school in your country
• The role of psychology professionals in the prevention of child abuse

Interesting Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Are you looking for excellent developmental psychology research topics? We hope you find one from the list below:

• Addressing child abuse and trauma in a developmental context
• Child trauma and mental health indicators among the LGBTQ adults
• Development of cyber violence
• Developmental psychology perspective on children raised in non-traditional families
• Developmental psychology perspective on writing techniques and intellectual growth for college students
• Developmental psychology perspective to the impacts of social media use
• Developmental psychology: Relationship between childhood trauma and adulthood chronic illness and mental health
• Does social media increase children’s tolerance to real-life violence and aggression?
• Dynamics of development and decline: Life-span developmental psychology
• Effects of long-term childhood trauma
• Explain the growth patterns during the early adulthood to old age
• How does social media fuel violence? How can it be controlled?
• Intellectual growth in early childhood development
• Leadership development: Current state and future expectations in your country
• Media effects on violent behavior: Psychological analysis
• Media use among children with autism spectrum disorder and development implications
• Neuropsychological development in the context of childhood abuse and trauma
• Online communication, friendships and social media use in adolescents
• The effects of media on violence, attitudes and emotions: Historical and current status
• The perspective of developmental psychology of money spending on a virtual world
• The psychology of adult development and ageing
• The role of media in social development
• Theoretical proposition on intellectual growth
• Use of older people experience to understand developmental psychology: Challenges and benefits
• Use of social media to facilitate community education and development

Excellent Developmental Psychology Research Topics

If you select one of the excellent developmental psychology topics below, be sure of top grades. Choose one and tell us what you think:

• A developmental perspective on global political marketing
• Correlation between gender, power and developmental psychology
• Development of relationships in adolescence: Social media influence
• Developmental psychology application in the development of children laws
• Developmental psychology perspective of family
• Developmental psychology perspective of human behavior
• Developmental psychology perspective on child psychology and mental health development
•  Developmental psychology perspective on mass persuasion
• Developmental psychology perspective on religious cults
• Developmental psychology perspective on social propaganda and social marketing
• Developmental psychology: Sexual repression, social control and gender hierarchy in Native America
• Does religion promote moral development?
• How does religion influence politics in your country?
• How does religious bias influence moral development? A developmental psychology investigation
• Influence of culture on social control organizations
• Islamist political propaganda: Developmental psychology perspective on political marketing
• Modern responses on cults
• Precursors of attraction, romance and love in young adulthood
• Psychological interventions on improving school discipline
• Relationship between developmental psychology and political psychology in your country
• Social control in significant religions: A developmental psychology perspective
• Social discipline in your country: Prevention, correction and long-term social development
• The psychology of grandparenthood: A developmental psychology perspective
• The psychology of religion: Ethics and implications of moral implications
• The psychology of religion: Social media influence on the development of religion

Professional Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Are you looking for professional psychology research topics for your project? We have the best suggestions for you:

• Biological aspects of the development of human violence behavior
• Can participation in extracurricular activities support psychological intervention programs in schools?
• Development of self-identity through social media
• Developmental difference between children exposed to the internet and media and those who spend more time on playgrounds
• Developmental psychology perspective on emotions and customer experience
• Developmental psychology perspective on happiness
• Does child trauma influence adulthood antisocial personality disorder?
• Does the media influence sexual identity?
• Dynamics of human behavior: Mass panic
• Early identifications of adulthood antisocial behavior
• How does loneliness influence personality across the lifespan?
• Impacts of maternal stress to cognitive development of children
• Infant mental health: Development and significance of early childhood mental health
• Influence of media on sexual development
• Internet addiction and happiness for adolescents
• Internet, sex, and adolescents: Implications on sexual development
• Management of phobia in children and adolescents
• Neuropsychological perspective on evolution of human behavior
• Personality disorders: Tracing the roots through developmental psychology
• Phobia: Fear appeals and security behaviors
• Relationship between emotion-cognition and human development
• Relationship between exposure to sexual content on children and sexual outcomes
• Relationship between happiness and social development
• Relationship between human behavior and psychological development
• School discipline and self-discipline: Psychological interventions to improve student behavior
• The neuropsychological perspective of social bonding

Final Verdict

Have you selected an interesting developmental psychology research topic? If not, contact us and let us help you. If you have found one, you should also contact us to help you in the proposal process. Once you work with us, you quickly realize why we are the best research help platform. Also check out Educational Psychology Research Topics.

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50+ Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Categories Psychology Education

If you have ever had to write a paper for one of your psychology classes, then you probably know that choosing psychology paper topics can sometimes be tricky. Fortunately, there are plenty of great topics for psychology research papers to help you finish your assignment.

Keep reading to learn more about how to find topics for psychology research papers and find inspiration to help you get started.

Table of Contents

How to Choose Topics for Psychology Research Papers

If you are going to write a psychology paper, the first thing you need to do is pick a good topic. This is often easier said than done.

In some cases, your instructor might assign you topics for psychology research papers, or at least narrow your range of options by providing a general subject area on which to focus your paper.

But in many cases, choosing the topic of your psychology paper is entirely up to you—and that’s where things can get tricky. How do you choose a great topic? What if you pick something too specific and struggle to find sources? Or what if you go too broad and end up biting off more than you can chew?

Following a few simple steps can make the topic selection process a lot easier.

Choose a General Subject

Part of what makes picking a topic for a psychology paper so difficult is how overwhelmed you are by the information you feel. Make it easier on yourself by restricting your options to at least a general topic area.

Narrow Down to a More Specific Topic

Once you’ve chosen a general area, you can then narrow topics for psychology research papers down to something much more specific and manageable.

For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write your paper on a topic within a specific branch of psychology . From there you might further narrow your focus down to a much narrower subject area within that branch

So, imagine that you’re writing a psychology research paper in your general psychology course. Your instructor has given you free rein to select any topic you please, so you begin by deciding to write your paper on a social psychology topic.

Now that you have a general idea, you drill down further and decide to research and write your paper on how prejudice forms and ways to minimize it.

General Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Because general psychology classes cover such a wide range of topics, you have a very large selection of subject ideas to choose from. Start by choosing a general topic, and then narrow your focus down so that you can fully cover the subject.

Some ideas include:

• An issue paper:  Tackle one of the current issues in psychology, such as parity in mental health care or involving psychologists in military interrogations.
• Profile a famous psychologist:  Select a well-known  psychologist  and then write a profile exploring his or her life, theories, and career.
• Explore a well-known psychology experiment:  Write a paper on a classic psychology study, such as the Milgram Obedience Experiment or the Stanford Prison Experiment.
• Write about a topic within personality psychology:   Personality psychology focuses on the traits and dispositions that contribute to overall personality. This is one of the largest topics within psychology so there are plenty of fascinating research topics from which to choose. Some specific topics that might interest you include whether personality can change, different theories of personality development and the  Big Five theory of personality.

Specific Topics for Psychology Research Papers

You might also want to choose topics for psychology research papers that are related to a specific branch of psychology. Some options that you might consider include:

Clinical Psychology

• How effective is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating specific phobias?
• What is the relationship between childhood trauma and borderline personality disorder?
• How do medication and psychotherapy compare in the treatment of depression?
• How does social media affect teen mental health?

Developmental Psychology

• How do parenting styles influence child development?
• What are the long-term effects of early childhood education?
• What role does play have in cognitive development?
• What effect does having siblings have on developmental outcomes?

Cognitive Psychology

• How does sleep deprivation influence the memory consolidation process?
• What impact does aging have on cognitive functioning?
• How does exercise impact working memory?
• Does learning a second language have cognitive benefits?

Social Psychology

• What effect does discrimination have on self-esteem?
• How does self-presentation online differ from self-presentation in real-world settings?
• How do leadership styles influence productivity in groups?

Okay, let’s just imagine that you’re having a bad case of writer’s block. You understand the basic approach for picking a good topic, but nothing seems to be catching your interest. You’re looking for some more inspiration to get you started.

Here are just a few great topics for psychology papers that you might want to consider:

Controversial Topics for Psychology Research Papers

The history of psychology is not always positive, and if you enjoy writing about controversial topics, psychology’s history is rich with material.

• The use of lobotomies to treat mental illness
• The history of mental asylums in the United States
• The use and effects of electroconvulsive therapy
• Conversion therapy and its damaging effects
• Attachment therapy
• Controversial experiments such as Milgram’s obedience experiment or Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison experiment
• The debate over the nature of intelligence
• The impact of the eugenics movement on psychology
• Controversies surrounding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

Disorder Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Writing about the history, prevalence, and treatment of a specific mental condition can be an interesting topic for a psychology paper. Some options you might consider include:

• Eating disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse and addictions
• Developmental disorders

Other Great Topics for Psychology Research Papers

Here is a sampling of topics that you might consider:

• How attitudes form
• How bullying affects children
• How people use nonverbal communication
• Factors that can affect prenatal development
• How media violence influences children’s behavior
• How parenting styles influence child development
• How does intrinsic motivation influence learning
• How does mindset impact academic achievement
• What factors influence IQ and is it possible to increase IQ
• Factors that influence self-actualization
• Is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs still relevant today
• How does perfectionism impact mental well-being
• Different theories of personality
• How different leadership styles influence the success of groups
• Profile a specific career in psychology

As you can see, your options for psychology paper topics are really only limited by your own imagination (and the specific guidelines issued by your instructor, of course). Spend some time thinking about topics that really interest you, then narrow your focus to hone in on a specific idea.

Finally, always be sure to run your chosen topic by your instructor. He or she may be able to offer suggestions that can help you during your research and make it much easier to write an outstanding psychology paper.

75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples

🏆 best lifespan development topics, 📌 simple lifespan development research paper topics, 👍 good lifespan psychology topics, ❓ lifespan development research topics & questions.

• The Significance of Lifespan Development in the Practice of Counseling Psychology The physical aspect of lifespan development is one of the important ones: it is related to the growth and development of the body and changes in the body and the brain.
• Lifespan Development Psychology: Observation at Cosmo Park Finally, the paper will discern the parenting style that the parents were using on the subject being observed.”Life Span is the study of life from the womb to the tomb”.
• Lifespan development and the human servises This is the period when their attachment to parents decreases and they search for new relationships. This is also the period when adolescents find their selves and learn how to be a part of the […]
• Aspects of Lifespan Human Development Thus, I decided not to stop there and continue to build my life in a way that would make my grandmother proud of me.
• Areas That Tied to Lifespan Development Such important problems as health and well-being, parenting, education, socio-cultural context, and social policy are the cause for concern and reflection and are closely related to the development of the life cycle of individuals and […]
• Schizophrenia & Neurosis and Lifespan Development The learning objectives are to comprehend worrying conduct in the scope of the growth missions, series, and procedures that show human development.
• Lifespan Development: Adolescent Psychology Physical changes occur in the child during the period of adolescence as they hit puberty. It is known as the formal operational period and is the fourth stage in the life of the individual.
• Lifespan Development and Learning Disabilities in Childhood Parents in this situation would most likely select the authoritative parenting style to manage children because they are left to make their own choices under a guided framework.
• Lifespan Development and Its Stages in Psychology The choice of this research method is preconditioned by the need to investigate the way cognitive processes among this age group occur and find out factors that result in the appearance of differences between participants.
• Exploring Lifespan Development: Child Perspectives Mesman, van Ijzendoorn, and Bakermans-Kranenburg are the authors of the article about parental sensitivity and its role in the establishment of family relationships and child development.
• Lifespan Perspectives on Human Development This makes it necessary for individuals to understand the human development process, a function that they can achieve using the human lifespan perspective. Finally, because the context of occurrence of different activities is important in […]
• Issues in Lifespan Development Although a strand of existing literature demonstrates that research on human growth and development is a relatively recent endeavor, particularly in reference to the fact that studies involving children did not begin until the late […]
• Lifespan Developmental Theories The article can be considered credible and serve as an illustration to the inappropriateness of contrasting nature and nurture, as the knowledge about the interaction between the hereditary factors and environmental influences is the key […]
• Lifespan Development and Personality Paper The traits that are visible includes; development of hair in the pubic and armpits, onset of menstruation, enlargement of breasts, endometrial development for females due to estrogen and penis enlargement for males and spermarche or […]
• Lifespan Development and Personality In the same way, the genes that a child gets from the parents also affects the way development of the mind.
• Lifespan Development and Its Theories This paper will discuss lifespan development perspective, theories of lifespan development, and the interaction between heredity and environment. Culture and the context in which the changes occur must be considered when analyzing the changes.
• Schizophrenia, Psychosis and Lifespan Development Schizophrenia is a complicated condition not only due to its nature but also due to the fact that it results from a wide range of factors.
• Lifespan Development of Howard Hughes
• Pupal Development And Adult Lifespan Of Different Beetles
• An Analysis of the Behavior Perspective of Lifespan Development Theories
• Development Across the Lifespan: Adulthood
• A Thematic Analysis on Lifespan Development of a Couple
• Personal and Occupational Development Throughout the Lifespan
• Child Observation During The Lifespan Development
• How Having An Understanding Of Lifespan Development Can Help Those Delivering Care To Different Client Groups
• Development in the Lifespan/Preschool & Elderly
• Theories And Theorists On Lifespan Development
• Advanced Lifespan and Development by John Santrock
• Physical, Mental, And Psychosocial Development Through Lifespan
• Edgar Allan Poe’s Personality and Lifespan Development
• How Human Lifespan Develops During Emotional Development
• Human Lifespan and Development: The Nature of Children
• The Confusing Issues, Concepts, and Definitions of Development Theories in Essentials of Lifespan Development
• Lifespan Development: Examining Child and Adolescent Development Influence on Adulthood
• Motivational Theory Of Lifespan Development
• The Contribution Of Piaget On The Field Of Lifespan And Development
• Main Developmental Tasks and Milestones Associated with Each Stage in Human Development over the Lifespan
• Schizophrenia and Psychosis and Lifespan Development Matrix
• Adloph Hitler – Lifespan Development and Personality
• Theories Of Lifespan Development In Psychology
• Synthesis Of Principles Defining The Lifespan Development
• Human Development and Performance Throughout the Lifespan
• Schizophrenia and Disorder of Lifespan Development
• Human Development : The Importance Of Human And Lifespan
• How Does Human Behavior Affect Lifespan Development?
• Are the Lifespan Development and the Development of Communication Related?
• What Are the Psychological Theories of Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Issues Surrounding the Lifespan Development?
• What Is Physical Development in Lifespan Development?
• Which Best Describes the Concept of Lifespan Development?
• What Is the Outlook for Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Psychological Factors of Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Main Stages of Lifespan Development?
• How Does Schizophrenia Affect Lifespan Development?
• What Is Lifespan Perspective in Child Development?
• Should the Lifespan Development Be Explored?
• What Are the Concepts of Lifespan Development?
• Does Adverse Childhood Experience Affect Lifespan Development?
• What Were Stages of Erikson’s Theory of Lifespan Development?
• How Does Personality Affects Development Across Lifespan?
• Do Alzheimer’s Genes Impair the Lifespan Development?
• Does Lifelong Brain Plasticity Affect the Lifespan Development?
• Can Physical Activity Improve the Lifespan Development?
• What Is Freud’s Theory of Lifespan Development?
• How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Lifespan Development?
• Why Is It Important to View Health From a Lifespan Developmental Perspective?
• Does Medicine Improve the Development of the Lifespan Development?
• How Does Transhumanist Technology Work to Increase the Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Main Tasks of the Lifespan Development?
• Why Is Lifespan Development Important to Mental Health Professionals?
• Do Multivitamins Affect Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Different Views of Lifespan Development?
• Does Exercise Improve Lifespan Development?
• What Are the Human Needs at Each Stage of the Lifespan Development?
• Child Development Research Ideas
• Adolescence Questions
• Gerontology Titles
• Attachment Theory Essay Topics
• Emotional Intelligence Paper Topics
• Personal Growth Research Ideas
• Goals Questions
• Morality Research Ideas
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IvyPanda . "75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/.