Tap to Read ➤

Interesting Research Paper Topics

Choosing a topic for a research paper that would sufficiently challenge your analytical powers, is not an easy job. Here are some great research topics.
Omkar Phatak
Research is not just about unraveling facts, but about connecting the fact dots to create a coherent picture of the world as we know it. The spirit of a researcher is happiest and at its best, when exploring a subject close to her heart. Ergo it makes abundant sense to choose an interesting research paper topic that has piqued your curiosity often.

Interesting Topics For a Research Paper

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Genetics
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
  • Cognitive Science
  • Mathematics
  • Architecture
  • Economics
  • Philosophy
  • Literature
  • Sociology
  • History
Before deciding on a research paper topic, here are some points that might help you make a good choice. A matter of foremost consideration is the time frame for research. Be realistic in choosing a topic considering the time available for research.
You increase the probability of writing a good thesis, when the topic you select is of your interest and appeals to your inherent curiosity. Select a topic in your area of expertise, as that way, you do not have to spend a lot of time in reviewing the basics.
With proper research methodology, a good research guide and persistent effort, you should finish your thesis successfully; making your own unique contribution to the body of research in your field. It's an exciting journey as you push the limits of knowledge through your research and make a new discovery in the process.
Just look around you and observe the phenomena that are not clearly understood in your field. Take one such topic which you are curious about. Do not hesitate to take up a challenging topic, if you find it exciting enough.
In general, topics presented here vary in range of difficulty from simple to complicated. The lists mentioned here are representative of the important problems and questions in various fields which need an answer.

Physics Research Topics

  • Origin of Turbulence in Fluids
  • Observing Dark Matter
  • How Do Crystals Grow?
  • Physics of a Tsunami
  • Modeling Pre-Main Sequence Evolution of Stars
  • Creating Holographic Movies
  • Detection of Gravitational Waves
  • Growth of Plants in Microgravity
  • Testing Quantum Entanglement
  • Quantum Optical Storage Devices
  • Examples of Chaotic Behavior in Natur
  • Fractals and Tissue Growth in Plants
  • Building Cost-Effective/High Efficiency Solar Cells
  • Techniques for Detecting Exoplanets

Chemistry Research Topics

  • The Chemistry of Growing Yogurt
  • Artificial Photosynthesis
  • Synthesizing Bio-Degradable Plastics
  • Effects of Radioactive Exposure on Human Biology
  • Major Harmful Contaminants in Local Water Reserves
  • Building Fuel Cells
  • Simple Waste Water Treatment Techniques
  • Effects of Caffeine on the Brain
  • The Neurochemistry of Memory Formation
  • Synthesizing Bio-Fuel

Genetics Research Topics

  • Gene Therapy Techniques
  • Telomeres and Longevity
  • Origins of Mitochondrial DNA
  • Evolution of HIV
  • Mechanisms Contributing to Genetic Mutation
  • Function of 'Junk' DNA
  • Genetic Indicators of Alzheimer's Disease
  • Revival of Extinct Species Through Cloning
  • A Genetic Study of Local Population
  • The Genetic Basis of Aging
  • Genes Contributing to Obesity and Cardiovascular Diseases

Psychology Research Topics

  • Will Power Enhancement Techniques
  • Placebo Effect
  • Post-Traumatic Stress
  • Effective Therapies For Depression
  • The Psychology of Creativity
  • Connection Between Happiness and Focused Immersive Mental States
  • The Correlation Between Money and Happiness
  • Fostering Creativity in Children
  • The Impact of Parenting Styles
  • The Makings of a Healthy Relationship
  • Developing Better Teaching/Learning Techniques
  • Effect of Peer Pressure on Decision-Making
  • Stress and Its Effects On Individuals
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
  • Motivation Techniques
  • Individualism Vs. Conformism

Computer Science Research Topics

  • Building Intelligent Personal Assistants
  • A Stock Value Evaluation Algorithm
  • Semantic Search Engines
  • A General Differential Equation Solver
  • An Internet Reader For the Visually Impaired
  • Speech Recognition: Automating Dictation
  • A General Purpose Monte Carlo Engine
  • A Platform-Independent Mobile App Design Framework
  • Applying Machine Learning to Analyze Genetic Data
  • Modeling Human Memory Through Neural Networks

Cognitive Science Research Topics

  • Memory Formation in the Human Brain
  • Chinese Room Argument: What Does it Mean to Understand Something
  • Evolution of the Human Brain
  • Visual Image Processing in the Brain
  • The Role of Analogies in Cognition
  • Impact of Meditation Techniques on the Brain
  • Brain Plasticity
  • How Does 'Awareness' Arise?
  • Language Acquisition in Children

Mathematics Research Topics

  • Parabolic and Hyperbolic Partial Differential Equations
  • Constructing Cellular Automatons
  • Studying Chaotic Behavior in Complex Systems
  • Modeling Traffic Flow in Urban Environments
  • Mobius Strips and Other Non-Orientable Surfaces
  • Mathematics of Knots
  • Implications of Gödel's Incompleteness theorem
  • Prime Numbers and Cryptography
  • Applications of Bayes's Rule
  • Various Approaches to Calculation of Pi (π)

Architecture Research Topics

  • Daylighting: Building Structures With Ample Natural Light
  • Energy Saving Through Efficient Insulation Design
  • Designing Modern Cities
  • Post-Modern Architectural Innovations
  • Architectural Marvels That Stand Out
  • Earthquake Proof Structures
  • Mars Colonization: Architectural Challenges
  • Sustainable Housing
  • Evolution of the Skyscraper

Economics Research Topics

  • Sub-Prime Mortgage Crisis: Causes & Global Implications
  • Decision Making & Judgment Biases
  • The Microfinance Model: Pros and Cons
  • Fiat Money: Advantages and Disadvantages
  • Game Theoretic Analysis of Human Behavior
  • Relation Between Monetary Policy & Inflation
  • Hedge Funds: Strategies and Risks
  • The Anatomy of a Stock Market Bubble
  • Turning Points in World Financial History
  • Causes of Recent Economic Depression
  • Causes & Remedies for Widespread Unemployment
  • Communism Vs. Capitalism
  • Keynesian Economic Theories: Pros & Cons
  • Application of Game Theory in Economics
  • Effect of Monetary Policy on Inflation

Philosophy Research Topics

  • Existentialism Vs. Absurdism
  • The Mind-Body Problem
  • A Critique of Materialism
  • Aristotle: Impact on Modern Philosophy
  • Contemporary Approaches to Intentionality
  • Mind as a Self-Referential System
  • A Study of Solipsism
  • Computational Theory of Mind
  • The Problem of Qualia
  • Philosophical Challenges Posed By Quantum Theory

Literature Research Topics

  • An Analysis of I.A. Richards' take on Pseudo Statements
  • T.S. Eliot's Views on Tradition and the Individual Talent
  • Phonology and Literature
  • Literary Characteristics of The Elizabethan Era
  • The Shakespearean Tragic Hero: A Study of Pathos
  • Literary Devices Used in My Last Duchess
  • Overview of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar
  • Metaphors and Similes in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Summary of The Odyssey - by Homer
  • Evolution of the English Novel in Post-Colonial Era

Sociology Research Topics

  • Problem of the Clash of Civilizations
  • Gender Roles In a Family/Society
  • Effect of Divorce on Children
  • Media & Effect of Unequal Information Distribution in Society
  • Effects of Unemployment
  • Social Welfare Pros and Cons
  • Pre- Marital Sex Issues
  • Anatomy of Power Distribution in Society

History Research Topics

  • History of Modern Naval Warfare
  • Expansion of the Roman Empire
  • Study of Inca Civilization
  • Legacy of the Vikings
  • Evolution of the Modern Superpowers
  • Rise and Fall of USSR
  • World War II and the End of Colonization
  • China: Rising Giant in World Politics
  • Evolution of the Stock Exchange Through the Centuries
There are a multitude of questions waiting to be answered in every field of humanities and sciences. If you did indeed find an appealing research paper topic in the aforementioned list or found motivation for one after reading through them, we would consider our job well done.