research topics in educational psychology pdf

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Educational Psychology

About our research

Our research helps tackle some of the toughest issues in education today, including achievement gaps, autism, and behavioral and social-emotional development. We're dedicated to improving students' mathematical thinking and reading comprehension skills and analyzing student changes.

Identify and define problems

• Opportunity gap
• Mathematical thinking
• Language, literacy & reading
• Behavioral and social-emotional development

Create new tools for research and practice

• Statistical techniques
• Tests and outcome measures
• Neurobehavioral methods

Develop and evaluate solutions

• Prevention and multi-tiered systems of support
• Instruction and intervention
• Progress monitoring and assessment
• Professional development

Insights in Educational Psychology 2021

Loading... Original Research 20 February 2023 From entrepreneurship education to entrepreneurial intention: Mindset, motivation, and prior exposure Junhua Sun ,  1 more  and  Junfeng Zhang 4,428 views 7 citations

Original Research 06 January 2023 The stability of the twofold multidimensionality of academic self-concept: A study of Chinese secondary school students Feifei Han ,  2 more  and  Lukáš Novák 935 views 0 citations

Empirical Study 07 December 2022 One more step in the study of children’s daily stress: The spillover effect as the transfer of tension in family and school environments Lidia Infante-Cañete ,  3 more  and  Ángela Muñoz-Sánchez 2,806 views 0 citations

Original Research 23 November 2022 Knowledge mapping of students’ mental health status in the COVID-19 pandemic: A bibliometric study Yang Yang ,  2 more  and  Quan Zhuang 1,975 views 0 citations

Methods 07 November 2022 A proposed protocol for the registration of evidence-based Educational Psychology programs Jesús de la Fuente ,  2 more  and  José Manuel Martínez-Vicente 1,054 views 1 citations

Original Research 26 October 2022 Applying the mixed-blessings model and labeling theory to stigma in inclusive education: An experimental study of student and trainee teachers’ perceptions of pupils with ADHD, DLD, and intellectual disability Alexander Röhm ,  4 more  and  Matthias R. Hastall 4,203 views 0 citations

Original Research 20 October 2022 Syntactic structure and rhetorical combinations of Iranian English research article titles in medicine and applied linguistics: A cross-disciplinary study Shadab Moslehi  and  Reza Kafipour 1,610 views 2 citations

Loading... Original Research 17 October 2022 Effects of Asian cultural values on parenting style and young children’s perceived competence: A cross-sectional study Eunice Pui-Yu Yim 24,605 views 4 citations

Original Research 29 September 2022 Investigating teachers' experience and self-efficacy beliefs across gender in implementing the new standards-based curriculum in Ghana Edmond Kwesi Agormedah ,  5 more  and  Thomas Schack 3,026 views 6 citations

Original Research 27 September 2022 Examining the differences between information professional groups in perceiving information ethics: An analytic hierarchy process study Hsiu-Ping Yueh ,  1 more  and  Weijane Lin 1,552 views 1 citations

Original Research 22 September 2022 Examining EFL teachers’ changing conceptions of research: A case study of a continuing professional development program in mainland China Yan Kang  and  Luxin Yang 1,812 views 0 citations

Opinion 12 September 2022 Augmented reality board game with multidimensional scaffolding mechanism: A potential new trend for effective organizational strategic planning training Huei-Tse Hou 3,020 views 6 citations

Original Research 06 September 2022 Contributions of the psychology of mathematical cognition in early childhood education using apps Carlos Mera ,  4 more  and  José I. Navarro 2,577 views 0 citations

Brief Research Report 12 August 2022 Moving to remote learning in adult education: Challenges and solutions of limited technological resources and capabilities Aydin Yücesan Durgunoğlu ,  3 more  and  Kübranur Şahin 1,235 views 0 citations

Original Research 28 July 2022 The Effects of Teacher Feedback and Automated Feedback on Cognitive and Psychological Aspects of Foreign Language Writing: A Mixed-Methods Research Zehua Wang  and  Feifei Han 3,647 views 4 citations

Original Research 22 July 2022 Development of an Online Multilingual Educational Programme for Parents of Dual-Career Athletes: A Participatory Design Laura Capranica ,  17 more  and  Mojca Doupona 1,556 views 5 citations

Original Research 22 July 2022 I can look for it! Modulation of a concurrent Visual Working Memory task in Visual Search in development María Quirós-Godoy ,  1 more  and  Elena Perez-Hernandez 1,313 views 0 citations

Original Research 18 July 2022 English Language Teacher Agency in Response to Curriculum Reform in China: An Ecological Approach Lian Wang 3,323 views 1 citations

Original Research 06 July 2022 The Changing Role of Chinese English-as-Foreign-Language Teachers in the Context of Curriculum Reform: Teachers’ Understanding of Their New Role Man Lei  and  Jane Medwell 5,029 views 2 citations

Loading... Original Research 30 June 2022 Learning English as a Foreign Language Writing Skills in Collaborative Settings: A Cognitive Load Perspective Dayu Jiang  and  Slava Kalyuga 6,512 views 5 citations

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Education > Educational and Psychological Studies > Theses and Dissertations

Educational and Psychological Studies Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Exploring Time-Varying Extraneous Variables Effects in Single-Case Studies , Ke Cheng

Investigating Self-Regulation for Motivation and Creativity in Entrepreneurship: A Qualitative Study , Maham Khan

Identifying Contributors to Disproportionality: The Influence of Perception on Student Social, Emotional, and Academic Behavior Ratings , Chelsea Salvatore

Transformation Zone Schools and School Change Processes: Experiences of Families , Jesse Strong

Using Social Network Analysis to Measure and Visualize Student Clustering Within Middle and High Schools , Geoffrey David West

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Psychometric Characteristics of Academic Language Discourse Analysis Tools , Courtney (Cici) Brianna Claar

Hope 4 Boys: The Impact of a Youth Diversion Program , Justine C. Connolly

Promoting Subjective Well-Being In Middle School: Role Of Internalizing And Externalizing Behaviors In A Targeted Positive Psychology Intervention , Letty Langton DiLeo

The Impact of Teachers’ Treatment Fidelity to the Good Behavior Game on Problem Behaviors Exhibited within a Self-Contained Classroom Setting , Jennifer M. Hodnett

Distributed Leadership: Formal Leadership, Barriers, and Facilitators for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support , Joseph D. Latimer

Development and Initial Validation of the Parent and Family Engagement in Higher Education Measure , Michelle R. Mcnulty

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Mobile Response Teams and the Youth Emergency Behavioral Health System , Paige J. Alitz

Changes in Educator Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care , Amira Mattison Boylston

Sleep Hygiene Practices and Subjective Well-Being as Predictors of High School Students' Obtaining Sufficient Sleep During the School Week , Erin M. Brennan

A Longitudinal Examination of Coping and Subjective Well-Being Among High School Students in Accelerated Curricula , Hannah L. Gilfix

Retaining and Supporting Graduate Racially Minoritized Students: A Critical Analysis , Patricia Y. Gills

Educators’ Sensemaking of Data within an MTSS Framework: An Exploratory Case Study , Stephanie Marie Green

A Multi-faceted Approach to Understanding Acceptability of DOCS K-5: A Qualitative Analysis , Andrea Guarnieri

Predictors of Goal Attainment Among High School Students in Accelerated Academic Curricula Receiving School-Based Motivational Interviewing Intervention , Camille E. Hanks

Parent Engagement in an Online Behavioral Parent Training Program: A Case Study , Natalie A. Hofmann Leedy

An Investigation of the HOT DOCS Guide for Weekly Early Intervention Sessions: A Multiple Baseline Design , Cashea Holyfield

Native and Non-native English-speaking Doctoral Students' Strategies to Understand Idiomatics in Comics and Comic Strips , Himelhoch Luz-Aydé

Impact of Starting Right, Now on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth’s Mental Health and School Engagement , Camille A. Randle

Sharing Their Stories: A Qualitative Investigation of Adolescents’ Inpatient Experiences During Psychiatric Hospitalization , Jessica L. Rice

School Nurses’ Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Supporting Students with Chronic Health Conditions in an Ecological System , Destiny L. Singleton

Exploring Educators' Sensemaking Of Statewide Professional Learning For Educational Decision-Making Within An MTSS , Sarah E. Thoman

Relationship Between Working with Professional Evaluators and an Organization’s Evaluation Culture , James M. Wharton

Impacts of Model Misspecification on Individual-Level Differential Item Functioning Detection in Multilevel Data Using Hierarchical Generalized Linear Model , Yue Yin

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Counseling Clients with Traumatic Brain Injury: Exploring Counselors’ Perceived Knowledge, Comfort, and Self-Awareness , Michelle Bradham-Cousar

Predictive Validity of Standards-based and Curriculum-embedded Assessments for Predicting Readiness at Kindergarten Entry , Elizabeth Ashton DeCamilla

Parent Perceptions of the Acceptability, Effectiveness, and Experience of Engaging in the Group Stepping Stones Triple P Intervention for Parents of Children with Disabilities , Tara B. Delach

Longitudinal Examination of a Dual-Factor Model of Mental Health: Academic Adjustment and Stability of Group Membership in High School Students in Academically Accelerated Curricula , Letty Langton DiLeo

Examining Role Breadth, Efficacy, and Attitudes Toward Trauma-Informed Care in Elementary School Educators , Mikayla J. Drymond

Identifying the Academic and Emotional Risk and Resource Factors of Underrepresented Students in Accelerated Coursework , Jasmine L. Gray

Performance Based Funding and the Florida State University System: An Exploratory Analysis , Laura A. Hoffman

Distributed Leadership: Leadership Teams and Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support , Joseph D. Latimer

The Gentle Artist: Empowering Warrior-Scholars through the Physical Feminism of Jiu-Jitsu , E. Emily Mahoney

Facilitating Early Intervention Through Teacher Training in Brief Functional Behavior Assessment , Casie L. Peet

Adolescent Asthma and School Disparities: An Ecological Perspective of Students and Stakeholders , Tali Schneider

Intensive Longitudinal Data Analyses and Sample Size Considerations in Intervention Studies with Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling , Zhiyao Yi

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Exploring the Behavior of Model Fit Criteria in the Bayesian Approximate Measurement Invariance: A Simulation Study , Abeer Atallah S. Alamri

Ethnic Identity as a Protective Factor in Early Adolescent Youth Depression: An Investigation of Differences by Race and Gender , Leah Bonilla

Validating the Construct of Resiliency in the Health Literacy and Resiliency Scale (HLRS-Y) with the Child and Youth Resiliency Measure (CYRM-28) , Mercedes N. Cambric

MTSS Implementation in High Schools: Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives , Julie Daye

Promoting Healthy Sleep Practices Among Parents of Young Children: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial , Kristin Lynn Edwards

An Examination of the Roles of Classroom Quality and Approaches to Learning on the Early Academic Skills of Latino Dual Language Learners Enrolled in Head Start , Marcela A. Galicia

Character Strengths of Ninth Grade Students in Accelerated Curricula: A Mixed-Methods Investigation , Hannah L. Gilfix

Play Behaviors in Latino Dual Language Learners: The Relationship between Maternal Characteristics and Classroom Peer Play , Olivia Hernandez Gonzalez

Demographic Predictors and Reasons for Chronic Absenteeism amongst Secondary Students with Disabilities , Cashea Holyfield

Statistical Models to Test Measurement Invariance with Paired and Partially Nested Data: A Monte Carlo Study , Diep Thi Nguyen

Cognitivism in School Psychologists’ Talk about Cultural Responsiveness: A Critical Discourse Analysis , Sujay Sabnis

Investigating the Effects of Motivational Interviewing compared to Action Planning on Supporting the Emotional and Academic Success of Ninth Grade Students in Advanced Placement Classes , Kai Zhuang Shum

Supporting Students with Chronic Health Conditions: An Evaluation of School Nurses’ Collaborative Practices with School Psychologists , Destiny L. Singleton

Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Systems Coaching Survey , Sarah E. Thoman

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Transitions to Preschool Special Education: The Relationship of Child, Family, and Early Intervention Characteristics , Tara B. Delach

Smart Start for Trauma: A Multiple Baseline Design , Sarah E. Dickinson

Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study of an Assessment of Pediatric Providers' Practices and Perceptions , Kristin Lynn Edwards

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Effect of the Starting Right, Now Program on Unaccompanied Homeless Adolescents' Well-Being , Emily E. Esposito

Case Study of a Collaborative Approach to Evaluation Within a School District Central Office , Oriana Eversole

Application of the Fusion Model for Cognitive Diagnostic Assessment with Non-diagnostic Algebra-Geometry Readiness Test Data , Robert H. Fay

PRE-SERVICE TEACHER MICRO-HEGEMONIC CONSTRUCTION OF LITERACY TEACHER IDENTITY , Brian M. Flores

Resisting Essentialism in Cultural Research: A Participatory Action Research Study of Parent Involvement in Education among Spanish-Speaking Students and Families , Michael J. Frank

Assessing Readiness to Seek Formal Mental Health Services: Development and Initial Validation of the Mental Health Belief Model Assessment (MHBMA) , Jennifer A. Greene

Relationship between Extracurricular Activity Involvement and Student Success Among High School Students in Accelerated Academic Curricula , Camille E. Hanks

Improving Elementary Students’ Complete Mental Health: Examining the Added Impact of a Teacher-Focused Strengths-Based Intervention , Mollie Mccullough Headley

The Intervention Path: The Experiences of Mothers Seeking Help for Their Child with Atypical Behavioral Development , Renee Hoopes

The Experience of Coparenting Within the Parameters of Divorce: Perspectives from Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Nycole C. Kauk

Missing Data in Complex Sample Surveys: Impact of Deletion and Imputation Treatments on Point and Interval Parameter Estimates , Anh Pham Kellermann

Adult College Students' Perceptions about Learning Mathematics via Developmental Mathematical xMOOCs , Pelagia Alesafis Kilgore

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Analysis of Behavioral Patterns and Treatment Barriers , Kimberly A. Knap

A Participatory Action Research using Photovoice to Explore Well-Being in Young Adults with Autism , Gary Yu Hin Lam

Behavior Change for Children Participating in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: A Growth Curve Analysis , Kayla LaRosa

Eustress in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Students , Amanda C. Moseley

Teacher Perceptions of Students with Conduct Problems With and Without Callous Unemotional Traits , Casie L. Peet

Adolescents’ Perceptions of Parenting Practices and their Influence on Success, Academic Motivation, and School Belonging , David Rubio Jr.

An Application of the Dual Factor Model of Mental Health in Elementary School Students: Implications for Social Functioning and Psychopathology , Nicholas David W. Smith

Reduce Challenging Behaviors and Enhance Functioning in Youth with an Intellectual Disability: A Meta-Analysis of Behavioral Interventions Using Single Case Design , Brett A. Stone

Early Identification Of Students In Accelerated Curricula With Signs Of Academic And Emotional Risk: Working With Teachers To Identify At-Risk Students , Elizabeth D. Storey

Covariates in Factor Mixture Modeling: Investigating Measurement Invariance across Unobserved Groups , Yan Wang

Classroom Support and Students’ Subjective Well-Being: A Mixed-Methods Investigation , Emily J. Wingate

Predictive Validity of Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test , Alisa Murphy Žujović

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Faculty Perceptions of the Quality Enhancement Plan in a US Public Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity: A Case Study , Maha Alamoud

Benchmarks of Equality? School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and School Discipline Risk and Disparities for Black and Hispanic Students , Christopher M. Barclay

Associations between Ethnic Identity, Academic Efficacy, Achievement Goals and School Belonging among Early Adolescents , Leah Bonilla

The Relationship between Chronic Health Conditions and Health Literacy, Resiliency and Support/Self-advocacy in Youth , Mercedes N. Cambric

Exploring the Test of Covariate Moderation Effect and the Impact of Model Misspecification in Multilevel MIMIC Models , Chunhua Cao

The Empirical Selection of Anchor Items Using a Multistage Approach , Brandon Craig

An Evaluation of IDEA Part C Interventionists’ Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practices for Young Children with Challenging Behavior , Sarah Elizabeth Dickinson

Traumatic Brain Injury in Adolescence: The Relationship between High School Exiting and Future Productivity , Jeffrey S. Garofano

Promoting Happiness in Elementary Schoolchildren: Evaluation of a Multitarget, Multicomponent Classwide Positive Psychology Intervention , Brittany Valle Hearon

Students with Disabilities at Risk: Predictors of On-Time Graduation , Kelli S. Henson

Predictors of Behavior Problems in the Context of Peer Play Interactions: A Sample of Low-Income Latino Preschoolers , Olivia Hernandez Gonzalez

Parent Perceptions of Treatment Effectiveness and Attendance Rates in a Behavioral Parent Training Program: Do They Predict Treatment Outcomes for Children? , Natalie A. Hofmann Leedy

Robustness of the Within- and Between-Series Estimators to Non-Normal Multiple-Baseline Studies: A Monte Carlo Study , Seang-Hwane Joo

Extending the Model with Internal Restrictions on Item Difficulty (MIRID) to Study Differential Item Functioning , Yong "Isaac" Li

Health Literacy, Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as Predictors of Biological Markers of Immune Functioning in Youth and Young Adults with HIV , Courtney A. Lynn

The Common Core State Standards and the Elementary Social Studies Curriculum: A Case Study of Teacher Perceptions in Florida , Kacie M. Nadeau

The performance of Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM) in comparison to Multilevel Modeling (MLM) in multilevel mediation analysis with non-normal data , Thanh Vinh Pham

Exploring the Facilitators and Barriers of Cognitive Engagement among Ninth Grade Students in Accelerated Curricula , Kai Zhuang Shum

Partial Mediation and Moderation Effects of Class Peer Norms on the Relations of Teacher Support with Student Aggression and Academic Engagement during Early Adolescence , Huanhuan Wang

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Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related 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 sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
• List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
• Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
• Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
• The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
• The impact of teacher training on student learning
• The impact of classroom design on student learning
• The impact of poverty on education
• The use of student data to inform instruction
• The role of parental involvement in education
• The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The role of critical thinking in education
• The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
• The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
• The use of gamification in education
• The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
• The impact of school leadership on student achievement
• The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
• The implementation of blended and online learning
• The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning
• The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
• The effects of school culture on student achievement
• The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
• The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
• The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
• The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
• The use of project-based learning in the classroom
• The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
• The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
• The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
• The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
• The use of positive reinforcement in education
• The impact of school climate on student engagement
• The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
• The effects of school choice on student achievement
• The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

• Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
• Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
• The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
• The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
• The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
• Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
• The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
• The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
• The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
• Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
• The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
• Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
• Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
• Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
• Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
• The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
• Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
• Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
• The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
• Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
• The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
• The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
• The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
• The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
• Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
• The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
• Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
• The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
• Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

• Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
• The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
• The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
• The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
• The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
• Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
• The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
• Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
• The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
• The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
• The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
• The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
• The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
• The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
• Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
• The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
• The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
• The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
• Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
• The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
• Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
• The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

• The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
• The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
• The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
• Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
• The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
• The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
• The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
• Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
• The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
• The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
• The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
• The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
• Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
• Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
• Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
• The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
• Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
• Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
• The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
• Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
• The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
• The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
• The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
• Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
• Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
• The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
• The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects 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.

• From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
• Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
• A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
• A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
• Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
• Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
• Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
• Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
• Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
• The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
• Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
• Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
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• The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

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Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body's cells, which determine how the body forms and functions.

When babies are growing, the extra chromosome changes how their body and brain develop. This can cause both physical and mental challenges.

People with Down syndrome often have developmental challenges, such as being slower to learn to speak than other children.

Distinct physical signs of Down syndrome are usually present at birth and become more apparent as the baby grows. They can include facial features, such as:

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Other physical signs can include:

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Some people with Down syndrome have other medical problems as well. Common health problems include:

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Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 5,700 babies born in the US have Down syndrome. 1

There are three types of Down syndrome. The physical features and behaviors are similar for all three types.

With Trisomy 21, each cell in the body has three separate copies of chromosome 21. About 95% of people with Down syndrome have Trisomy 21.

Translocation Down syndrome

In this type, an extra part or a whole extra chromosome 21 is present. However, the extra chromosome is attached or "trans-located" to a different chromosome rather than being a separate chromosome 21. This type accounts for about 3% of people with Down syndrome.

Mosaic Down syndrome

Mosaic means mixture or combination. In this type, some cells have three copies of chromosome 21, but other cells have the typical two copies. People with mosaic Down syndrome may have fewer features of the condition. This type accounts for about 2% of people with Down syndrome.

Risk factors

We don't know for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role. We do know that some things can affect your risk of having a baby with Down syndrome.

One factor is your age when you get pregnant. The risk of having a baby with Down syndrome increases with age, especially if you are 35 years or older when you get pregnant. 2 3 4

However, the majority of babies with Down syndrome are still born to mothers less than 35 years old. This is because there are many more births among younger women. 5 6

Regardless of age, parents who have one child with Down syndrome are at an increased risk of having another child with Down syndrome. 7

Screening and diagnosis

There are two types of tests available to detect Down syndrome during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. A screening test can tell you if your pregnancy has a higher chance of being affected Down syndrome. Screening tests don't provide an absolute diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests can typically detect if a baby will have Down syndrome, but they carry more risk. Neither screening nor diagnostic tests can predict the full impact of Down syndrome on a baby.

The views of these organizations are their own and do not reflect the official position of CDC.

Down Syndrome Resource Foundation (DSRF) : The DSRF supports people living with Down syndrome and their families with individualized and leading-edge educational programs, health services, information resources, and rich social connections so each person can flourish in their own right.

GiGi's Playhouse : GiGi's Playhouse provides free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation : This foundation is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care, education and advocacy.

National Association for Down Syndrome : The National Association for Down Syndrome supports all persons with Down syndrome in achieving their full potential. They seek to help families, educate the public, address social issues and challenges, and facilitate active participation.

National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) : NDSS seeks to increase awareness and acceptance of those with Down syndrome.

• Stallings, E. B., Isenburg, J. L., Rutkowski, R. E., Kirby, R. S., Nembhard, W.N., Sandidge, T., Villavicencio, S., Nguyen, H. H., McMahon, D. M., Nestoridi, E., Pabst, L. J., for the National Birth Defects Prevention Network. National population-based estimates for major birth defects, 2016–2020. Birth Defects Research. 2024 Jan;116(1), e2301.
• Allen EG, Freeman SB, Druschel C, et al. Maternal age and risk for trisomy 21 assessed by the origin of chromosome nondisjunction: a report from the Atlanta and National Down Syndrome Projects. Hum Genet. 2009 Feb;125(1):41-52.
• Ghosh S, Feingold E, Dey SK. Etiology of Down syndrome: Evidence for consistent association among altered meiotic recombination, nondisjunction, and maternal age across populations. Am J Med Genet A. 2009 Jul;149A(7):1415-20.
• Sherman SL, Allen EG, Bean LH, Freeman SB. Epidemiology of Down syndrome. Ment Retard Dev Disabil Res Rev. 2007;13(3):221-7.
• Olsen CL, Cross PK, Gensburg LJ, Hughes JP. The effects of prenatal diagnosis, population ageing, and changing fertility rates on the live birth prevalence of Down syndrome in New York State, 1983-1992. Prenat Diagn. 1996 Nov;16(11):991-1002.
• Adams MM, Erickson JD, Layde PM, Oakley GP. Down's syndrome. Recent trends in the United States. JAMA. 1981 Aug 14;246(7):758-60.
• Morris JK, Mutton DE, Alberman E. Recurrences of free trisomy 21: analysis of data from the National Down Syndrome Cytogenetic Register. Prenatal Diagnosis: Published in Affiliation With the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis. 2005 Dec 15;25(12):1120-8.

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How Scientific Is Educational Psychology Research? The Increasing Trend of Squeezing Causality and Recommendations from Non-intervention Studies

• REFLECTION ON THE FIELD
• Published: 15 March 2023
• Volume 35 , article number  37 , ( 2023 )

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• Anna C. Brady   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1361-2412 1 ,
• Marlynn M. Griffin 1 ,
• Ariah R. Lewis 2 ,
• Carlton J. Fong 3 &
• Daniel H. Robinson 4  

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The field of educational psychology has been moving away from intervention and experimental methods and toward observational and correlational methods (Hsieh et al., Journal of Educational Psychology, 97(4), 523–529, 2005 ; Reinhart et al., Journal of Educational Psychology, 105(1), 241–247, 2013 ; Robinson et al., American Educational Research Journal, 44(2), 400–413, 2007 ). Additionally, there has been an increase in the percentage of observational and correlational articles that include recommendations for practice. The present study updated previous data to 2020 by examining methodologies and recommendations for practice in articles published in five empirical educational psychology journals ( Journal of Educational Psychology , American Educational Research Journal , Cognition and Instruction , Journal of Experimental Education , and Contemporary Educational Psychology ). The percentage of articles employing experimental methods has continued to decrease (20%), whereas qualitative methods have increased (22%). Across correlational, qualitative, and mixed method articles, two-thirds included recommendations for practice—up from 46% in 2010. Implications are discussed.

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Brady, A.C., Griffin, M.M., Lewis, A.R. et al. How Scientific Is Educational Psychology Research? The Increasing Trend of Squeezing Causality and Recommendations from Non-intervention Studies. Educ Psychol Rev 35 , 37 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09759-9

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Eurasian jays can use 'mental time travel' like humans, study finds

Study finds jays remember incidental details, similar to episodic memory in humans.

Eurasian jays can remember incidental details of past events, which is characteristic of episodic memory in humans, according to a study published May 15, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by James Davies of the University of Cambridge, UK and colleagues.

When remembering events, humans have the ability of "mental time travel," consciously reimagining past experiences and potentially recalling details that seemed unimportant at the time. Some researchers have suggested that this "episodic memory" is unique to humans. In this study, Davies and colleagues ran a memory experiment to test for episodic-like memory in seven Eurasian jays, birds that excel at remembering the location of stored food.

In the experiment, the birds watched food get placed beneath one cup in a line of four identical cups and were then rewarded for correctly selecting the baited cup. Over several trials, the birds were trained to identify the correct cup by remembering its position in line. Then, at test, the jays were given an unexpected memory assessment: they watched food get placed beneath one of the cups, which now all had unique visual characteristics, but they were then separated from the cups for 10 minutes while the cups were relocated and rearranged. Despite the changed positions of the cups and the added time delay, the birds still correctly identified the baited cup according to their visual characteristics 70% of the time.

These results suggest that even though visual differences between the cups were unimportant during training, the birds were able to notice those differences at test and recall them later, similar to episodic memory in humans. This study indicates that episodic-like memory might aid jays in finding food stores, and the researchers suggest that future studies might investigate whether the birds can perform similar feats of memory in other non-food-related scenarios.

The authors add: "As the jays were able to remember details that held no specific value or relevance at the time that the memory was created, this suggests that they are able to record, recall, and access incidental information within a remembered event. This is an ability that characterises the type of human memory through which we mentally 'relive' past events (or episodes ), known as 'episodic' memory."

• Intelligence
• Educational Psychology
• Animal Learning and Intelligence
• Canada Lynx
• Jane Goodall
• Memory-prediction framework
• Memory bias
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• Philosophy of mind

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Journal Reference :

• James R. Davies, Elias Garcia-Pelegrin, Nicola S. Clayton. Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) show episodic-like memory through the incidental encoding of information . PLOS ONE , 2024; 19 (5): e0301298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301298

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