applied experimental psychology topics

Experimental Psychology Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of experimental psychology research paper topics , tailored specifically for students aiming to explore and understand the intricacies of human psychological processes through empirical research. Experimental psychology serves as a cornerstone of psychological science, employing rigorous scientific methods to investigate and interpret the vast complexities of human behavior and mental functions. Through carefully designed experiments, researchers can isolate variables and establish causal relationships, paving the way for advancements in our understanding of perception, cognition, emotion, and other psychological phenomena. By delving into these topics, students will gain valuable insights into the experimental designs, methodologies, and ethical considerations that define this vibrant field. This resource is designed to inspire and facilitate impactful research endeavors, equipping students with the knowledge to contribute significantly to the expansion and refinement of psychological science.

100 Experimental Psychology Research Paper Topics

Experimental psychology stands as a pivotal branch of psychology that applies scientific methods to investigate and unravel the mechanisms behind human thought and behavior. This field allows researchers to design experiments that precisely manipulate variables to observe their effects on subjects, thereby providing clear, causal links between psychological phenomena. The selection of the right experimental psychology research paper topics is not merely academic—it is foundational to advancing our understanding of human psychology. By choosing insightful and challenging topics, students can push the boundaries of what is known and contribute valuable new insights to the scientific community.

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• The effects of color on mood and perception.
• Sensory deprivation and its impact on cognitive functions.
• The role of attention in perceptual processing.
• Multisensory integration and its effects on human perception.
• Perceptual illusions and what they reveal about the human brain.
• The influence of aging on sensory acuity.
• Cross-cultural differences in sensory perceptions.
• The impact of technology on visual and auditory perception.
• Neuropsychological insights into taste and smell.
• The perception of pain: mechanisms and modifiers.
• The impact of sleep on memory consolidation.
• Neuroplasticity and memory: how experiences rewire the brain.
• The effects of stress on memory retrieval.
• Comparative analysis of short-term and long-term memory.
• The role of repetition and spacing in learning effectiveness.
• Memory enhancement techniques: cognitive and pharmacological approaches.
• The reliability of eyewitness memory in different environments.
• Age-related differences in learning capacity and memory retention.
• The use of virtual reality in memory recall experiments.
• False memories: their creation and implications.
• Cognitive biases that influence decision making.
• The role of emotion in rational decision-making processes.
• The impact of cognitive overload on decision quality.
• Differences in decision making between genders.
• The effect of social influence on decision-making accuracy.
• Decision fatigue: causes and consequences.
• The use of heuristics in complex decision-making.
• Neurological underpinnings of spontaneous versus planned decisions.
• The role of intuition in cognitive processing.
• The impact of aging on decision-making abilities.
• The physiological basis of emotional responses.
• Emotional regulation and its effects on mental health.
• The impact of culture on emotional expression and recognition.
• The role of emotions in moral judgment.
• Emotional contagion in groups and crowds.
• The effects of music and art on emotional states.
• Gender differences in emotional processing.
• The relationship between emotional responses and psychopathologies.
• The development of emotional intelligence over the lifespan.
• Measuring emotions: methodologies and technologies.
• The influence of group dynamics on individual behavior.
• Conformity and obedience: experiments and explanations.
• The effects of social exclusion on psychological health.
• The role of social media in shaping public opinions.
• Stereotypes and prejudice: their formation and impacts.
• Altruism and prosocial behavior in controlled experiments.
• The psychology of persuasion and its mechanisms.
• Social loafing vs. social facilitation in work and sports.
• The impact of first impressions on subsequent interactions.
• Leadership styles and their psychological effects on group performance.
• The stages of cognitive development in children.
• The impact of parental styles on child behavior.
• Adolescence: risk factors and psychological resilience.
• Developmental disorders: early detection and intervention strategies.
• The role of play in social and cognitive development.
• Aging and cognitive decline: preventive strategies.
• Lifespan psychology: changes in aspirations and motivations.
• The effects of early educational interventions on developmental outcomes.
• The influence of genetics vs. environment in developmental trajectories.
• Social development and peer influences during childhood and adolescence.
• Brain injuries and their impact on personality and behavior.
• Neurological bases of addiction and substance abuse.
• The effects of neurological diseases on family dynamics.
• Cognitive rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors.
• The relationship between brain structure and cognitive functions.
• Neuroethics: the implications of brain research.
• The use of neuroimaging to study thought processes.
• The impact of diet and physical health on neurological health.
• Sleep disorders and their psychological effects.
• The role of mirror neurons in empathy and learning.
• Conditioning and learning: classical and operant approaches.
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on behavior modification.
• Behavioral theories in marketing and consumer behavior.
• Animal models in behavioral research: ethics and insights.
• The use of behavior therapy techniques for psychological disorders.
• The psychology of habits: formation, maintenance, and change.
• The role of behavioral factors in obesity and other health issues.
• Behavioral genetics: separating nature from nurture.
• The impact of environmental factors on behavior.
• Behavioral adaptations to climate change and environmental stresses.
• Language acquisition in children and adults.
• The cognitive processes involved in reading and writing.
• The relationship between language and thought.
• Language disorders: dyslexia, aphasia, and others.
• The impact of bilingualism on cognitive development.
• Speech perception and processing mechanisms.
• The neuroanatomy of language production and comprehension.
• Social interactions and language use.
• The evolution of language: theories and evidence.
• Artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
• The psychological impact of chronic illness on individuals and families.
• The effectiveness of psychological interventions in physical health care.
• Stress and its effects on physical health.
• The role of psychology in pain management.
• Behavioral risk factors for heart disease and other illnesses.
• The impact of patient-practitioner communication on health outcomes.
• Psychological aspects of reproductive health.
• The role of motivation in health behavior change.
• Health disparities: the impact of socioeconomic status and race.
• Psychoneuroimmunology: the link between mental states and immune response.

The breadth and depth of experimental psychology research paper topics provide a robust platform for students to explore and contribute to various facets of psychological science. These topics not only allow students to apply scientific methodologies to real-world psychological issues but also offer opportunities to innovate and enhance the understanding of human behavior. Students are encouraged to delve deeply into these experimental psychology research paper topics, as doing so will enable them to produce significant scholarly work that has the potential to influence theoretical frameworks and practical applications in psychology.

The Range of Experimental Psychology Research Paper Topics

Research Methods in Experimental Psychology

One of the core components of experimental psychology is its focus on methodological rigor and precision. The common research methodologies used in experimental psychology include controlled experiments, observational studies, and case studies, each serving different but complementary purposes. In controlled experiments, variables are manipulated in a controlled environment to observe causation and effect, making it possible to draw conclusions about how different factors influence psychological outcomes.

The importance of experimental design, controls, and variables cannot be overstated in this context. Good experimental design ensures that the results are attributable solely to the manipulated variables, not to external factors. Controls help isolate the effects of interest by holding constant other potential influences, thereby increasing the validity of the experiment. A discussion of these elements highlights their role in minimizing biases and errors, thus enhancing the reliability and applicability of the research findings.

Analyzing case studies of successful experimental setups further illustrates these points. For instance, classic experiments in social psychology, such as the Stanford prison experiment or Milgram’s obedience study, though controversial, have provided deep insights into human social behavior and conformity. These case studies not only show effective experimental design but also underscore the ethical considerations and psychological impacts associated with experimental psychology.

Innovative Areas in Experimental Research

Experimental psychology continually evolves as new technologies and theoretical approaches emerge. Cutting-edge research areas within this field include neuropsychology, cognitive robotics, and virtual reality applications, each pushing the boundaries of traditional experimental methods. These innovations allow for more precise measurements and the simulation of complex psychological processes in controlled environments.

Emerging technologies like eye-tracking devices, EEG, and fMRI have revolutionized the way experiments are conducted in experimental psychology. These tools offer unprecedented views into the neural underpinnings of cognition and behavior, allowing for more detailed and accurate predictions about how these processes operate under various conditions. Additionally, the integration of experimental psychology with fields like genetics, neuroscience, and information technology facilitates interdisciplinary research that enriches our understanding of cognitive and behavioral sciences.

Ethical Considerations in Experimental Research

Ethical considerations form a significant pillar of research in experimental psychology. Because experimental methods often involve manipulating variables to observe effects on real participants, ethical guidelines are crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of subjects. Discussions on ethical issues in experimental psychology include considerations about informed consent, deception, and the potential psychological harm that could arise from participation in studies.

Exploring the guidelines and regulations that govern experimental research helps safeguard the interests of participants and maintain public trust in psychological research. For example, the APA’s ethical guidelines mandate that experiments involving humans or animals must adhere to strict ethical standards to minimize harm and discomfort. Case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas in past research, such as the ethical controversies surrounding the aforementioned Stanford prison experiment, serve as important learning tools for current and future psychologists to understand and navigate the complex ethical landscape of experimental research.

Reflecting on the breadth of experimental psychology research paper topics offers a window into the discipline’s vast potential to influence myriad aspects of modern life, from education and health to technology and beyond. The insights gained from rigorous experimental research provide a foundation for practical applications that improve psychological interventions, educational programs, and therapeutic practices, enhancing the quality of life across various settings. As experimental psychology continues to evolve, the fusion of innovative research methods, ethical consideration, and interdisciplinary collaboration holds the promise to further advance psychological science and its applications, ensuring its relevance and impact well into the future.

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61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Psychology is an incredibly diverse, critical, and ever-changing area of study in the medical and health industries. Because of this, it’s a common area of study for students and healthcare professionals.

We’re walking you through picking the perfect topic for your upcoming paper or study. Keep reading for plenty of example topics to pique your interest and curiosity.

• How to choose a psychology research topic

Exploring a psychology-based topic for your research project? You need to pick a specific area of interest to collect compelling data. 

Use these tips to help you narrow down which psychology topics to research:

Focus on a particular area of psychology

The most effective psychological research focuses on a smaller, niche concept or disorder within the scope of a study. 

Psychology is a broad and fascinating area of science, including everything from diagnosed mental health disorders to sports performance mindset assessments. 

This gives you plenty of different avenues to explore. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our list of 61 ideas further down in this article to get started.

Read the latest clinical studies

Once you’ve picked a more niche topic to explore, you need to do your due diligence and explore other research projects on the same topic. 

This practice will help you learn more about your chosen topic, ask more specific questions, and avoid covering existing projects. 

For the best results, we recommend creating a research folder of associated published papers to reference throughout your project. This makes it much easier to cite direct references and find inspiration down the line.

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

Once you’ve spent time researching and collecting references for your study, you finally get to explore. 

Whether this research project is for work, school, or just for fun, having a passion for your research will make the project much more enjoyable. (Trust us, there will be times when that is the only thing that keeps you going.) 

Now you’ve decided on the topic, ask more nuanced questions you might want to explore. 

If you can, pick the direction that interests you the most to make the research process much more enjoyable.

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

Need some extra help starting your psychology research project on the right foot? Explore our list of 61 cutting-edge, in-demand psychology research topics to use as a starting point for your research journey.

• Psychology research topics for university students

As a university student, it can be hard to pick a research topic that fits the scope of your classes and is still compelling and unique. 

Here are a few exciting topics we recommend exploring for your next assigned research project:

Mental health in post-secondary students

Seeking post-secondary education is a stressful and overwhelming experience for most students, making this topic a great choice to explore for your in-class research paper. 

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

Cyberbullying can occur at all ages, starting as early as elementary school and carrying through into professional workplaces. 

Examples of cyberbullying-based research topics you can study include:

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

If you’re looking to take a more clinical approach to your next project, here are a few topics that involve direct patient assessment for you to consider:

Chronic pain and mental health

Living with chronic pain dramatically impacts every aspect of a person’s life, including their mental and emotional health. 

Here are a few examples of in-demand pain-related psychology research topics:

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

Insomnia is where you have difficulty falling or staying asleep. It’s a common health concern that impacts millions of people worldwide. 

This is an excellent topic because insomnia can have a variety of causes, offering many research possibilities. 

Here are a few compelling psychology research topics about insomnia you could investigate:

The prevalence of insomnia based on age, gender, and ethnicity

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

Management and treatment of mental health conditions is an ever-changing area of study. If you can witness or participate in mental health therapies, this can make a great research project. 

Examples of mental health treatment-related psychology research topics include:

The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with severe anxiety

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

If you are looking to explore a more cutting-edge or modern psychology topic, you can delve into a variety of controversial and topical options:

The impact of social media and digital platforms

Ever since access to internet forums and video games became more commonplace, there’s been growing concern about the impact these digital platforms have on mental health. 

Examples of social media and video game-related psychology research topics include:

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

In recent years, the interest in using psychoactive medications to treat and manage health conditions has increased despite their inherently controversial nature. 

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

Ketamine and its use for complex PTSD (C-PTSD) symptom management

The effect of long-term psychedelic use and mental health conditions

• Mental health disorder research topics

As one of the most popular subsections of psychology, studying mental health disorders and how they impact quality of life is an essential and impactful area of research. 

While studies in these areas are common, there’s always room for additional exploration, including the following hot-button topics:

Anxiety and depression disorders

Anxiety and depression are well-known and heavily researched mental health disorders. 

Despite this, we still don’t know many things about these conditions, making them great candidates for psychology research projects:

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

The prevalence of anxiety and depression in particular age groups or geographic areas

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex and multi-faceted area of psychology research. 

Use your research skills to learn more about this condition and its impact by choosing any of the following topics:

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is often stigmatized, and less common mental health disorders are a hotbed for new and exciting research. 

Here are a few examples of interesting research topics related to this mental health disorder:

The prevalence of schizoaffective disorder by certain age groups or geographic locations

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

Modern society’s impact is deeply enmeshed in our mental and emotional health on a personal and community level. 

Here are a few examples of societal and systemic psychology research topics to explore in more detail:

Access to mental health services

While mental health awareness has risen over the past few decades, access to quality mental health treatment and resources is still not equitable. 

This can significantly impact the severity of a person’s mental health symptoms, which can result in worse health outcomes if left untreated. 

Explore this crucial issue and provide information about the need for improved mental health resource access by studying any of the following topics:

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

Societal systems and the prevalence of systemic racism heavily impact every aspect of a person’s overall health.

Researching these topics draws attention to existing problems and contributes valuable insights into ways to improve access to care moving forward.

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

The impact of systemic racism on mental health and self-worth

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

Research about LGBTQIA+ people and their mental health needs is a unique area of study to explore for your next research project. It’s a commonly overlooked and underserved community.

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

Psychology research is an exciting and competitive study area, making it the perfect choice for projects or papers.

Take the headache out of analyzing your data and instantly access the insights you need to complete your next psychology research project by teaming up with Dovetail today.

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60 Psychology Experiment Ideas

Here are a number of great psychology experiment ideas. If you need an idea for an experiment, this is a great place to start.

In this article

If you’re taking a psychology class, you’re likely tasked with designing an experiment or study at some point. Choosing the right psychology experiment idea is crucial and often depends on several factors, including the number of participants you can gather, the time constraints of your project, and the materials available to you. Before you settle on an experiment, consider these aspects carefully.

In this article, we will explore a variety of psychology experiment ideas that can inspire your project and guide you through the research process.

A Quick List of Psychology Experiment Ideas

If you are looking for a quick experiment idea that would be easy to tackle, the following might be some research questions you want to explore:

• How many items can people hold in short-term memory ?
• Are people with a Type A personality more stressed than those with a Type B personality?
• Does listening to upbeat music increase heart rate?
• Are men or women better at detecting emotions ?
• Are women or men more likely to experience imposter syndrome ?
• Will students conform if others in the group all share an opinion that is different from their own?
• Do people’s heartbeat or breathing rates change in response to certain colors?
• How much do people rely on nonverbal communication to convey information in a conversation?
• Do people who score higher on measures of emotional intelligence also score higher on measures of overall well-being?
• Do more successful people share certain personality traits ?

More Experiment Topics to Explore

Most of the following ideas are easily conducted with a small group of participants, who may likely be your classmates. Some of the psychology experiment or study ideas you might want to explore:

Sleep and Short-Term Memory

Does sleep deprivation have an impact on short-term memory ?

Ask participants how much sleep they got the night before and then conduct a task to test short-term memory for items on a list.

Social Media and Mental Health

Is social media usage linked to anxiety or depression?

Ask participants about how many hours a week they use social media sites and then have them complete a depression and anxiety assessment.

Procrastination and Stress

How does procrastination impact student stress levels?

Ask participants about how frequently they procrastinate on their homework and then have them complete an assessment looking at their current stress levels.

Caffeine and Cognition

How does caffeine impact performance on a Stroop test?

In the Stroop test , participants are asked to tell the color of a word, rather than just reading the word. Have a control group consume no caffeine and then complete a Stroop test, and then have an experimental group consume caffeine before completing the same test. Compare results.

Color and Memory

Does the color of text have any impact on memory?

Randomly assign participants to two groups. Have one group memorize words written in black ink for two minutes. Have the second group memorize the same words for the same amount of time, but instead written in red ink. Compare the results.

Weight Bias

How does weight bias influence how people are judged by others?

Find pictures of models in a magazine who look similar, including similar hair and clothing, but who differ in terms of weight. Have participants look at the two models and then ask them to identify which one they think is smarter, wealthier, kinder, and healthier.

Assess how each model was rated and how weight bias may have influenced how they were described by participants.

Music and Exercise

Does music have an effect on how hard people work out?

Have people listen to different styles of music while jogging on a treadmill and measure their walking speed, heart rate, and workout length.

The Halo Effect

How does the Halo Effect influence how people see others?

Show participants pictures of people and ask them to rate the photos in terms of how attractive, kind, intelligent, helpful, and successful the people in the images are.

How does the attractiveness of the person in the photo correlate to how participants rate other qualities? Are attractive people more likely to be perceived as kind, funny, and intelligent?

Eyewitness Testimony

How reliable is eyewitness testimony?

Have participants view video footage of a car crash. Ask some participants to describe how fast the cars were going when they “hit into” each other. Ask other participants to describe how fast the cars were going when they “smashed into” each other.

Give the participants a memory test a few days later and ask them to recall if they saw any broken glass at the accident scene. Compare to see if those in the “smashed into” condition were more likely to report seeing broken glass than those in the “hit into” group.

The experiment is a good illustration of how easily false memories can be triggered.

Simple Psychology Experiment Ideas

If you are looking for a relatively simple psychology experiment idea, here are a few options you might consider.

The Stroop Effect

This classic experiment involves presenting participants with words printed in different colors and asking them to name the color of the ink rather than read the word. Students can manipulate the congruency of the word and the color to test the Stroop effect.

Memory Recall

Students can design a simple experiment to test memory recall by presenting participants with a list of items to remember and then asking them to recall the items after a delay. Students can manipulate the length of the delay or the type of encoding strategy used to see the effect on recall.

Social Conformity

Students can test social conformity by presenting participants with a simple task and manipulating the responses of confederates to see if the participant conforms to the group response.

Selective Attention

Students can design an experiment to test selective attention by presenting participants with a video or audio stimulus and manipulating the presence or absence of a distracting stimulus to see the effect on attention.

Implicit Bias

Students can test implicit bias by presenting participants with a series of words or images and measuring their response time to categorize the stimuli into different categories.

The Primacy/Recency Effect

Students can test the primacy /recency effect by presenting participants with a list of items to remember and manipulating the order of the items to see the effect on recall.

Sleep Deprivation

Students can test the effect of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance by comparing the performance of participants who have had a full night’s sleep to those who have been deprived of sleep.

These are just a few examples of simple psychology experiment ideas for students. The specific experiment will depend on the research question and resources available.

10 Cognitive Psychology Experiment Ideas

If you want to explore a topic in cognitive psychology , here are 10 ideas to get you started:

• Memory recall and emotion: Investigate how emotional content influences memory recall by comparing participants’ ability to remember neutral versus emotional stories presented to them.
• Effects of multitasking on cognitive performance: Study how performing multiple tasks simultaneously affects performance on cognitive tasks, measuring reaction times and accuracy in completing a primary task.
• Priming and decision-making: Examine how exposure to specific words or images can influence participants’ subsequent choices in decision-making tasks, assessing the impact of priming on their selections.
• Impact of cognitive load on problem-solving: Investigate how varying levels of cognitive load (e.g., working memory demands) affect participants’ ability to solve complex problems or puzzles.
• Visual perception and illusions: Study how different types of visual illusions affect participants’ perception and interpretation of images, analyzing how context influences their understanding.
• Language processing speed: Examine how bilingualism impacts language processing speed by testing participants on language tasks in their native and second languages.
• The role of sleep on memory consolidation: Investigate the relationship between sleep quality and memory retention by testing participants on a memory task before and after different sleep durations.
• Spatial awareness and navigation: Explore how different types of navigation strategies (e.g., map-based vs. landmark-based) influence participants’ ability to navigate through virtual environments.
• Attention and selective perception: Study how distractions affect participants’ ability to focus on a primary task, measuring how external stimuli impact their performance and attention span.
• The role of context in memory retrieval: Investigate how context influences memory retrieval by presenting participants with a list of words in a specific setting (e.g., a quiet room versus a noisy environment) and then testing their recall of the words in different contexts.

10 Social Psychology Experiment Ideas

Some ideas that might inspire your research in social psychology include:

• Peer pressure: Examine how group dynamics influence personal choices by surveying participants on risky versus safe options.
• Conformity: Test how group size affects conformity by having participants answer questions in varying group sizes and comparing their responses.
• Social media impact: Analyze the effect of limiting social media use on self-esteem by having participants complete self-assessments before and after the experiment.
• Behavioral labels: Explore how labeling individuals as “leaders” or “followers” influences their interactions in group tasks.
• Authority influence: Investigate how perceived authority affects decision-making by creating scenarios where participants must choose to obey or defy directives.
• Humor in persuasion: Examine whether humorous messages are more effective than serious ones in persuading participants about a product or topic.
• First impressions: Assess how initial interactions shape long-term perceptions of individuals in social situations.
• Groupthink: Analyze how group cohesion leads to poor decision-making by observing discussions around controversial topics.
• Online vs. in-person communication: Compare the effectiveness of communication styles in digital versus face-to-face interactions.
• Emotional contagion: Investigate how emotions are spread within a group by measuring mood changes before and after group interactions.

10 Developmental Psychology Experiment Ideas

Development is one interesting topic area you might want to explore in your research. Some ideas you might consider include:

• Attachment styles and emotional regulation : Investigate how different attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) in children influence their ability to regulate emotions in stressful situations through observational studies.
• Effects of parenting styles on child development : Study the impact of authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles on children’s self-esteem and social skills by surveying parents and assessing children’s behaviors in structured settings.
• Language acquisition and social interaction : Examine how the frequency and quality of social interactions influence language acquisition in toddlers by comparing language development in children with different levels of verbal interaction.
• Impact of screen time on attention span : Investigate how varying amounts of screen time affect attention span in preschoolers by conducting attention-focused tasks before and after screen exposure.
• Moral development and peer influence : Study how peer interactions influence moral reasoning in adolescents by presenting them with moral dilemmas and analyzing their responses in group discussions versus individual settings.
• Role of play in cognitive development : Explore how different types of play (free play versus structured play) affect cognitive skills like problem-solving and creativity in early childhood by observing children during playtime.
• Socialization and gender roles : Investigate how exposure to gendered toys and activities influences children’s understanding of gender roles by comparing children’s preferences and behaviors in mixed-gender and single-gender playgroups.
• Resilience in childhood : Examine factors that contribute to resilience in children facing adversity by conducting interviews with children and parents to identify coping strategies and support systems.
• Impact of early education on academic achievement : Study the long-term effects of early childhood education programs on academic performance in later years by analyzing test scores and classroom behaviors of students who attended different types of early education.
• The influence of culture on identity development : Investigate how cultural background shapes identity development in adolescents by conducting surveys and interviews that explore the intersection of cultural values and personal identity.

5 Forensic Psychology Experiment Ideas

Interested in forensic psychology? Here are some experiment ideas that might inspire you:

• Witness memory accuracy: Investigate how the time elapsed since witnessing an event affects memory recall accuracy by presenting participants with a video and later testing their memory of details.
• The effect of stress on decision-making: Study how different stress levels impact decision-making in simulated police interrogation scenarios by varying stress-inducing factors and analyzing participant choices.
• Facial recognition and emotion: Examine how different emotional expressions on faces influence participants’ ability to accurately recognize faces in a lineup setting.
• Influence of media on perception of crime: Analyze how exposure to crime-related media influences participants’ perceptions of safety and risk in their own communities through surveys before and after media exposure.
• Role of empathy in jury decision-making: Explore how jurors’ levels of empathy affect their verdicts by presenting them with case studies and measuring their emotional responses.

Elements of a Good Psychology Experiment

Finding psychology experiment ideas is not necessarily difficult, but finding a good experimental or study topic that is right for your needs can be a little tough. You need to find something that meets the guidelines and, perhaps most importantly, is approved by your instructor.

Requirements may vary, but you need to ensure that your experiment, study, or survey is:

• Easy to set up and carry out
• Easy to find participants willing to take part
• Free of any ethical concerns

In some cases, you may need to present your idea to your school’s institutional review board before you begin to obtain permission to work with human participants.

Tips for Finding a Good Experimental Idea

Consider your own interests.

At some point in your life, you have likely pondered why people behave in certain ways. Or wondered why certain things seem to always happen. Your own interests can be a rich source of ideas for your psychology experiments.

As you are trying to come up with a topic or hypothesis, try focusing on the subjects that fascinate you the most. If you have a particular interest in a topic, look for ideas that answer questions about the topic that you and others may have. Examples of topics you might choose to explore include:

• Development
• Personality
• Social behavior

This can be a fun opportunity to investigate something that appeals to your interests.

Read About Classic Psychology Experiments

Sometimes, reviewing classic psychological experiments that have been done in the past can give you great ideas for your own psychology experiments. For example, the false memory experiment above is inspired by the classic memory study conducted by Elizabeth Loftus.

Textbooks can be a great place to start looking for topics, but you might want to expand your search to research journals. When you find a study that sparks your interest, read through the discussion section. Researchers will often indicate ideas for future directions that research could take.

Ask Your Instructor

Your professor or instructor is often the best person to consult for advice right from the start.

In most cases, you will probably receive fairly detailed instructions about your assignment. This may include information about the sort of topic you can choose or perhaps the type of experiment or study on which you should focus.

If your instructor does not assign a specific subject area to explore, it is still a great idea to talk about your ideas and get feedback before you get too invested in your topic idea. You will need your teacher’s permission to proceed with your experiment anyway, so now is a great time to open a dialogue and get some good critical feedback.

Experiments vs. Other Types of Research

One thing to note, many of the ideas found here are actually examples of surveys or correlational studies .

For something to qualify as a tru e experiment, there must be manipulation of an independent variable .

For many students, conducting an actual experiment may be outside the scope of their project or may not be permitted by their instructor, school, or institutional review board.

If your assignment or project requires you to conduct a true experiment that involves controlling and manipulating an independent variable, you will need to take care to choose a topic that will work within the guidelines of your assignment.

Types of Psychology Experiments

There are many different types of psychology experiments that students could perform. Examples of psychological research methods you might use include:

Correlational Study

This type of study examines the relationship between two variables. Students could collect data on two variables of interest, such as stress and academic performance, and see if there is a correlation between the two.

Experimental Study

In an experimental study, students manipulate one variable and observe the effect on another variable. For example, students could manipulate the type of music participants listen to and observe its effect on their mood.

Observational Study

Observational studies involve observing behavior in a natural setting . Students could observe how people interact in a public space and analyze the patterns they see.

Survey Study

Students could design a survey to collect data on a specific topic, such as attitudes toward social media, and analyze the results.

A case study involves in-depth analysis of a single individual or group. Students could conduct a case study of a person with a particular disorder, such as anxiety or depression, and examine their experiences and treatment options.

Quasi-Experimental Study

Quasi-experimental studies are similar to experimental studies, but participants are not randomly assigned to groups. Students could investigate the effects of a treatment or intervention on a particular group, such as a classroom of students who receive a new teaching method.

Longitudinal Study

Longitudinal studies involve following participants over an extended period of time. Students could conduct a longitudinal study on the development of language skills in children or the effects of aging on cognitive abilities.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of psychology experiments that students could perform. The specific type of experiment will depend on the research question and the resources available.

Steps for Doing a Psychology Experiment

When conducting a psychology experiment, students should follow several important steps. Here is a general outline of the process:

Define the Research Question

Before conducting an experiment, students should define the research question they are trying to answer. This will help them to focus their study and determine the variables they need to manipulate and measure.

Develop a Hypothesis

Based on the research question, students should develop a hypothesis that predicts the experiment’s outcome. The hypothesis should be testable and measurable.

Select Participants

Students should select participants who meet the criteria for the study. Participants should be informed about the study and give informed consent to participate.

Design the Experiment

Students should design the experiment to test their hypothesis. This includes selecting the appropriate variables, creating a plan for manipulating and measuring them, and determining the appropriate control conditions.

Collect Data

Once the experiment is designed, students should collect data by following the procedures they have developed. They should record all data accurately and completely.

Analyze the Data

After collecting the data, students should analyze it to determine if their hypothesis was supported or not. They can use statistical analyses to determine if there are significant differences between groups or if there are correlations between variables.

Interpret the Results

Based on the analysis, students should interpret the results and draw conclusions about their hypothesis. They should consider the study’s limitations and their findings’ implications.

Report the Results

Finally, students should report the results of their study. This may include writing a research paper or presenting their findings in a poster or oral presentation.

Britt MA. Psych Experiments . Avon, MA: Adams Media; 2007.

Martin DW. Doing Psychology Experiments. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning; 2008.

Editor-in-Chief

Kendra Cherry, MS.Ed., is a writer, editor, psychosocial therapist, and founder of Explore Psychology, an online psychology resource. She is a Senior Writer for Verywell Mind and is the author of the Everything Psychology Book (Adams Media).

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