good research topics for developmental psychology

101 Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

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

Need help doing your assignment?

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

How Do We Select The Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Interesting Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Excellent Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Professional Developmental Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Final Verdict

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

Useful Links

How much will your dissertation cost?

Have an expert academic write your dissertation paper!

Dissertation Services

Get unlimited topic ideas and a dissertation plan for just £45.00

Order topics and plan

Get 1 free topic in your area of study with aim and justification

Yes I want the free topic

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 3rd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A child’s behaviour is affected by his or her experiences. Language, IQ, and motor abilities are just some of the domains of developmental psychology which are commonly studied by students. Theories of development give different weights to experience or durable standards when explaining how change occurs. Others, however, advocate a middle approach that incorporates both.

Many people find developmental psychology to be very interesting and relevant, including parents, teachers, and doctors. Dissertations in developmental psychology can be both interesting and helpful. In this article, you will see multiple related psychology dissertations topics based on the studied analysis, previous professional demand and future growth expectations.

Development Psychology Dissertation Topics

Children’s primary emotional needs (care, love, support, freedom, safety, being accepted and understood, etc.)
Child abuse is the root cause of numerous psychological disorders in later life.
How young children learn and flourish when their upbringing is defined by caring, safe interactions with people
who can assist their child’s learning and development?
Neglecting a child’s emotional needs and how it affects adult life.
Animal and child mirror tests (similarities and differences)
Psychological modifications brought on by ageing
Causes of the rise in psychopathic behaviour among adolescents and young people
Effects of child maltreatment on a child’s mental growth
The ageing process-accelerating factors
The importance of developmental cognitive neuroscience for the early diagnosis and management of developmental disorders
In light of recent discoveries in cognitive neuroscience, is Piaget’s theory of cognitive development still a viable theory?
The idea of plasticity in child development helps explain how a child can adapt to either positive or negative situations in life
The impact of culture on conversational comprehension, where kids typically don’t talk to adults
The role of the amygdala as a change agent in adolescent brains
an enhancement in working memory and processing speed that is generally applicable to the development of conversational understanding
The development of short-term memory from childhood to old age
How much discipline is necessary for a child’s personality to grow healthily?
The development of children depends on both biological growth and cultural acquisition
The Importance of Emotion Regulation in Understanding Positive Emotion in Depression
How much knowledge of neural development’s mechanics can teach us about how early cognition takes place?
Demonstrating how evidence of growing system integration during development can be reconciled with growing structural separation
The elements influence a fetus’s ability to develop its brain
Emotional growth in adults. When and how does it occur?
The things that young children fear the most and how those fears affect their psychological development development psychology and the ageing process about each other
Children with dyscalculia are influenced by the condition, or are they largely independent in their abilities unrelated to numeracy?
The function of facial stimuli in determining the progression of the ventral pathway in humans from childhood to maturity
When explaining changes during cognitive development, one particular learning mechanism or a variety of learning paradigms for various issues?

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order Get Dissertation Writing Services Within Your Budget our dissertation outline service, which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

When choosing a dissertation topic , make sure it builds on your previous work. Don’t forget to be passionate about your topic/idea. Do not pick a topic that extends your adviser’s work or that you are generally ambivalent about. Don’t forget that the dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint.

If you are struggling to come up with a suitable dissertation topic and need professional dissertation writing services , we are just a click away.

Free Dissertation Topic

Phone Number

Academic Level Select Academic Level Undergraduate Graduate PHD

Academic Subject

Area of Research

Frequently Asked Questions

How to find development psychology dissertation topics.

To find developmental psychology dissertation topics:

Study current research and theories.
Explore stages like infancy, adolescence, aging.
Investigate cultural influences.
Examine cognitive, social, emotional aspects.
Identify gaps or controversies.
Select a topic resonating with your passion and research goals.

50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

good research topics for developmental psychology

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Specific Branches of Psychology
Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy
Human Cognition
Human Development
Critique of Publications
Famous Experiments
Historical Figures
Specific Careers
Case Studies
Literature Reviews
Your Own Study/Experiment

Are you searching for a great topic for your psychology paper ? Sometimes it seems like coming up with topics of psychology research is more challenging than the actual research and writing. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places to find inspiration and the following list contains just a few ideas to help get you started.

Finding a solid topic is one of the most important steps when writing any type of paper. It can be particularly important when you are writing a psychology research paper or essay. Psychology is such a broad topic, so you want to find a topic that allows you to adequately cover the subject without becoming overwhelmed with information.

I can always tell when a student really cares about the topic they chose; it comes through in the writing. My advice is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, so you’ll be more motivated to do thorough research.

In some cases, such as in a general psychology class, you might have the option to select any topic from within psychology's broad reach. Other instances, such as in an abnormal psychology course, might require you to write your paper on a specific subject such as a psychological disorder.

As you begin your search for a topic for your psychology paper, it is first important to consider the guidelines established by your instructor.

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

The key to selecting a good topic for your psychology paper is to select something that is narrow enough to allow you to really focus on the subject, but not so narrow that it is difficult to find sources or information to write about.

One approach is to narrow your focus down to a subject within a specific branch of psychology. For example, you might start by deciding that you want to write a paper on some sort of social psychology topic. Next, you might narrow your focus down to how persuasion can be used to influence behavior .

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

Prejudice and discrimination (i.e., homophobia, sexism, racism)
Social cognition
Person perception
Social control and cults
Persuasion, propaganda, and marketing
Attraction, romance, and love
Nonverbal communication
Prosocial behavior

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

Exploring a psychological disorder or a specific treatment modality can also be a good topic for a psychology paper. Some potential abnormal psychology topics include specific psychological disorders or particular treatment modalities, including:

Eating disorders
Borderline personality disorder
Seasonal affective disorder
Schizophrenia
Antisocial personality disorder
Profile a type of therapy (i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, psychoanalytic therapy)

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include:

False memories
Speech disorders
Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

In this area, you might opt to focus on issues pertinent to early childhood such as language development, social learning, or childhood attachment or you might instead opt to concentrate on issues that affect older adults such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Some other topics you might consider include:

Language acquisition
Media violence and children
Learning disabilities
Gender roles
Child abuse
Prenatal development
Parenting styles
Aspects of the aging process

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

One option is to consider writing a critique paper of a published psychology book or academic journal article. For example, you might write a critical analysis of Sigmund Freud's Interpretation of Dreams or you might evaluate a more recent book such as Philip Zimbardo's The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil .

Professional and academic journals are also great places to find materials for a critique paper. Browse through the collection at your university library to find titles devoted to the subject that you are most interested in, then look through recent articles until you find one that grabs your attention.

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

There have been many fascinating and groundbreaking experiments throughout the history of psychology, providing ample material for students looking for an interesting term paper topic. In your paper, you might choose to summarize the experiment, analyze the ethics of the research, or evaluate the implications of the study. Possible experiments that you might consider include:

The Milgram Obedience Experiment
The Stanford Prison Experiment
The Little Albert Experiment
Pavlov's Conditioning Experiments
The Asch Conformity Experiment
Harlow's Rhesus Monkey Experiments

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

One of the simplest ways to find a great topic is to choose an interesting person in the history of psychology and write a paper about them. Your paper might focus on many different elements of the individual's life, such as their biography, professional history, theories, or influence on psychology.

While this type of paper may be historical in nature, there is no need for this assignment to be dry or boring. Psychology is full of fascinating figures rife with intriguing stories and anecdotes. Consider such famous individuals as Sigmund Freud, B.F. Skinner, Harry Harlow, or one of the many other eminent psychologists .

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

Another possible topic, depending on the course in which you are enrolled, is to write about specific career paths within the field of psychology . This type of paper is especially appropriate if you are exploring different subtopics or considering which area interests you the most.

In your paper, you might opt to explore the typical duties of a psychologist, how much people working in these fields typically earn, and the different employment options that are available.

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

One potentially interesting idea is to write a psychology case study of a particular individual or group of people. In this type of paper, you will provide an in-depth analysis of your subject, including a thorough biography.

Generally, you will also assess the person, often using a major psychological theory such as Piaget's stages of cognitive development or Erikson's eight-stage theory of human development . It is also important to note that your paper doesn't necessarily have to be about someone you know personally.

In fact, many professors encourage students to write case studies on historical figures or fictional characters from books, television programs, or films.

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

Another possibility that would work well for a number of psychology courses is to do a literature review of a specific topic within psychology. A literature review involves finding a variety of sources on a particular subject, then summarizing and reporting on what these sources have to say about the topic.

Literature reviews are generally found in the introduction of journal articles and other psychology papers , but this type of analysis also works well for a full-scale psychology term paper.

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

Many psychology courses require students to design an actual psychological study or perform some type of experiment. In some cases, students simply devise the study and then imagine the possible results that might occur. In other situations, you may actually have the opportunity to collect data, analyze your findings, and write up your results.

Finding a topic for your study can be difficult, but there are plenty of great ways to come up with intriguing ideas. Start by considering your own interests as well as subjects you have studied in the past.

Online sources, newspaper articles, books , journal articles, and even your own class textbook are all great places to start searching for topics for your experiments and psychology term papers. Before you begin, learn more about how to conduct a psychology experiment .

What This Means For You

After looking at this brief list of possible topics for psychology papers, it is easy to see that psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. While this variety makes it possible to find a topic that really catches your interest, it can sometimes make it very difficult for some students to select a good topic.

If you are still stumped by your assignment, ask your instructor for suggestions and consider a few from this list for inspiration.

Hockenbury, SE & Nolan, SA. Psychology. New York: Worth Publishers; 2014.
Santrock, JW. A Topical Approach to Lifespan Development. New York: McGraw-Hill Education; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Developmental Psychology 101: Theories, Stages, & Research

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

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

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

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

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

This Article Contains:

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

Human beings change drastically over our lifetime.

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

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

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

History of developmental psychology

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Bowlby’s attachment styles

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

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

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

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

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

2. Piaget’s stage theory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Freud’s psychosexual development theory

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Bandura’s social learning theory

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

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

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

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

Overview of theories of development – Khan Academy

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

1. Nature vs nurture debate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Theory of mind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Little Albert

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

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

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

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

2. David Reimer

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

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

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

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

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Tools Pack (PDF)

By filling out your name and email address below.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17 Top-Rated Positive Psychology Exercises for Practitioners

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

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ainsworth, M. D. S., & Bell, S. M. (1970). Attachment, exploration, and separation: Illustrated by the behavior of one-year-olds in a strange situation. Child Development , 41 , 49–67.
Ainsworth, M. D. S., Blehar, M. C., Waters, E., & Wall, S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation . Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
American Psychological Association. (2015). Top 20 principles from psychology for PREK-12 teaching and learning: Coalition for psychology in schools and education . Retrieved July 16, 2021, from https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/teaching-learning/top-twenty-principles.pdf
American Psychological Association. (2020). Developmental psychology. Dictionary of Psychology . Retrieved July 20, 2021, from https://dictionary.apa.org/
Baltes, P. B., Lindenberger, U., & Staudinger, U. M. (2007). Life span theory in developmental psychology. In R. M. Lerner & W. Damon (Eds.), Handbook of child psychology (pp. 569–564). Elsevier.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory . Prentice Hall.
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory . Prentice-Hall.
Bandura, A. Ross, D., & Ross, S. A. (1961). Transmission of aggression through the imitation of aggressive models. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology , 63 , 575–582.
Baron-Cohen, S., Leslie, A. M., & Frith, U. (1985). Does the autistic child have a ‘theory of mind’? Cognition , 21 (1), 37–46.
Berger, K. S. (2014). The developing person through the lifespan (9th ed.). Worth.
Bowlby, J. (1958). The nature of the child’s tie to his mother. International Journal of Psychoanalysis , 39 , 350–371.
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume 1: Attachment . Hogarth Press.
Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss: Volume 2: Anger and anxiety . Hogarth Press.
Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss: Volume 3: Loss, sadness and depression . Hogarth Press.
Brandon, A. R., Pitts, S., Wayne, H., Denton, C., Stringer, A., & Evans, H. M. (2009). A history of the theory of prenatal attachment. Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychological Health , 23 (4), 201–222.
Breuer, J., & Freud, S. (1957). Studies on hysteria . Basic Books.
Burman, E. (2017). Deconstructing developmental psychology . Routledge.
Colapinto, J. (2006). As nature made him: The boy who was raised as a girl . Harper Perennial.
Darwin, C. (1877). A biographical sketch of an infant. Mind, 2 , 285–294.
Erikson, E. (1959). Psychological issues . International Universities Press.
Fisher, S., & Greenberg, R. P. (1996). Freud scientifically reappraised: Testing the theories and therapy . John Wiley & Sons.
Freud, S. (1961). The ego and the id. In J. Strachey (Ed. & Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud (pp. 3–66). Hogarth Press. (Original work published 1923).
Hall, G. S. (1883). The contents of children’s minds. The Princeton Review , 1 , 249–272.
Harris, J. R. (1998). The nurture assumption: Why children turn out the way they do . Free Press.
Kevin, D. (1995). Developmental social psychology: From infancy to old age . Wiley-Blackwell.
Kubota, T., Miyake, K., & Hirasawa, T. (2012). Epigenetic understanding of gene-environment interactions in psychiatric disorders: A new concept of clinical genetics. Clinical Epigenetics , 4 (1), 1–8.
Larson, R. W. (2000). Toward a psychology of positive youth development. American Psychologist , 55 (1), 170–183.
Latham, G. I. (1994). The power of positive parenting . P&T Ink.
Levitt, M. (2013). Perceptions of nature, nurture and behaviour. Life Sciences Society and Policy , 9 (1), 1–13.
Lomas, T., Hefferon, K., & Ivtzan, I. (2016). Positive developmental psychology: A review of literature concerning well-being throughout the lifespan. The Journal of Happiness & Well-Being , 4 (2), 143–164.
Main, M., & Solomon, J. (1986). Discovery of an insecure-disorganized/disoriented attachment pattern. In T. B. Brazelton & M. W. Yogman (Eds.), Affective development in infancy . Ablex.
Meinhardt-Injac, B., Daum, M. M., & Meinhardt, G. (2020). Theory of mind development from adolescence to adulthood: Testing the two-component model. British Journal of Developmental Psychology , 38 , 289–303.
Nesterak, E. (2015, July 10). The end of nature versus nature. Behavioral Scientist. Retrieved July 19, 2021 from https://behavioralscientist.org/the-end-of-nature-versus-nurture/
Papalia, D. E., & Feldman, R. D. (2011). A child’s world: Infancy through adolescence . McGraw-Hill.
Piaget, J. (1928). La causalité chez l’enfant. British Journal of Psychology , 18 (3), 276–301.
Piaget, J. (1936). Origins of intelligence in the child . Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Piaget, J. (1951). Play, dreams and imitation in Childhood (vol. 25). Routledge.
Premack, D., & Woodruff, G. (1978). Does the chimpanzee have a theory of mind? Behavioral and Brain Sciences , 1 (4), 515–526.
Preyer, W. T. (1888). The mind of the child: Observations concerning the mental development of the human being in the first years of life (vol. 7). D. Appleton.
Seligman, M. E. P., Ernst, R. M., Gillham, J., Reivich, K., & Linkins, M. (2009). Positive education: Positive psychology and classroom interventions. Oxford Review of Education , 35 (3), 293–311.
Silverman, D. K. (2017). Psychosexual stages of development (Freud). In V. Zeigler-Hill & T. Shackelford (Eds.), Encyclopedia of personality and individual differences . Springer.
Simatwa, E. M. W. (2010). Piaget’s theory of intellectual development and its implications for instructional management at pre-secondary school level. Educational Research Review 5 , 366–371.
Śmigielski, L., Jagannath, V., Rössler, W., Walitza, S., & Grünblatt, E. (2020). Epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: A systematic review of empirical human findings. Molecular Psychiatr y, 25 (8), 1718–1748.
Thompson, D. (2016). Developmental psychology in the 1920s: A period of major transition. The Journal of Genetic Psychology , 177 (6), 244–251.
Vaillant, G. (2004). Positive aging. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive psychology in practice (pp. 561–580). John Wiley & Sons.
Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes . Harvard University Press.
Wadsworth, B. J. (1971). Piaget’s theory of cognitive development: An introduction for students of psychology and education . McKay.
Wang, Y. G., Wang, Y. Q., Chen, S. L., Zhu, C. Y., & Wang, K. (2008). Theory of mind disability in major depression with or without psychotic symptoms: a componential view. Psychiatry Research , 161 (2), 153–161.
Washburn, D., Wilson, G., Roes, M., Rnic, K., & Harkness, K. L. (2016). Theory of mind in social anxiety disorder, depression, and comorbid conditions. Journal of Anxiety Disorders , 37 , 71–77.
Watson, J. B., & Rayner, R. (1920). Conditioned emotional reactions. Journal of Experimental Psychology , 3 (1), 1–14.
Wellman, H. M., & Liu, D. (2004). Scaling theory of mind tasks. Child Development , 75 , 759–763.

Share this article:

Article feedback

What our readers think.

This article has enticed me to delve deeper into the subject of Positive Psychology. As a primary school teacher, I believe that positive psychology is a field that is imperative to explore. Take my gratitude from the core of my heart for your excellent work.

Let us know your thoughts Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Hierarchy of Needs: A 2024 Take on Maslow’s Findings

One of the most influential theories in human psychology that addresses our quest for wellbeing is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. While Maslow’s theory of [...]

Emotional Development in Childhood: 3 Theories Explained

We have all witnessed a sweet smile from a baby. That cute little gummy grin that makes us smile in return. Are babies born with [...]

Using Classical Conditioning for Treating Phobias & Disorders

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? Classical conditioning, a psychological phenomenon first discovered by Ivan Pavlov in the late 19th century, has proven to [...]

3 Positive Psychology Tools (PDF)

Research Topics

There are currently no items in this folder.

List of People

Developmental Psychology Research Seminar Calendar

University of California, Davis 135 Young Hall One Shields Avenue Davis , CA 95616

[email protected] 530-752-1880

Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

How to find a research topic (video)
Behavioural psychology
Clinical psychology
Cognitive psychology
Developmental psychology
Educational psychology
Forensic psychology
Social psychology
Sports psychology
Examples of actual dissertation topics
Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
The impact of late-night screen use on child development
The role of digital play on child development outcomes
Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
The role of parental attachment in child resilience
The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

Need a helping hand?

Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

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

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

You Might Also Like:

Topic Kickstarter: Research topics in education

10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Print Friendly

149+ Good Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics [2024 Updated]

Are you searching for good psychology research topics related to child development? Child developmental psychology research topics offer a glimpse into how children grow, learn, and interact with the world. Here, we give a collection of accessible topics suitable for students and those interested in understanding the complexities of child development.

Child developmental psychology explores children’s physical, mental, emotional, and social growth. The good qualitative research topics cover a range of factors influencing this growth, from early infancy to youth, highlighting cultural, family, and environmental influences. All of these research topics help the students to boost their skills and knowledge in the research field.

Addressing areas such as technology’s impact on social and emotional development, cultural variations in play, and creativity. The effects of parental migration are that these topics use simple language to facilitate understanding. Whether you’re a student or simply curious about child development, these research topics provide good knowledge of this essential field.

Table of Contents

What Is Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics?

Child developmental psychology studies how children grow and change over time. Researchers study how children develop physically, socially, mentally, emotionally, and intellectually from birth to adolescence.

Some Child developmental psychology research topic examples are:

How children learn the language
How children learn motor skills like crawling, walking
Childhood friendships and peer groups
Development of memory and thinking abilities
Personality and emotional development
Effects of music lessons or art exposure on development

Researchers use scientific methods to study these topics. They observe children’s skills and abilities at different ages. They test things to see how it affects learning. The goal is to understand better what children need at each stage to develop in a healthy way.

These child psychology research topics aim to help parents, teachers, and caregivers support children’s growth. The knowledge guides them to give the best care for children to develop well. It also helps make good policies regarding the education, health, and safety of children.

How Can I Find Good Child Developmental Psychology Research Topic?

Child developmental psychology focuses on scientific understanding of different factors influencing change in children over the course of their childhood. Here are useful tips on selecting interesting and current research topics in this domain:

1. Understand the Broad Areas of the Field

To select a focused topic, you need a broad overview of the field. Some key developmental areas to get insight into are:

(i) Cognitive Development

This involves mental abilities like reasoning, thinking, and learning that transform during childhood phases spanning infancy, early childhood through adolescence.

(ii) Social and Emotional Development

The social relationships, emotional regulation, and personality changes occur through stages as kids mature.

(iii) Physical and Biological Development

The bodily changes relating to growth, mobility, motor skills, and brain development during the phase from birth to late adolescence.

2. Find Gaps in Literature

Look at the existing academic papers and scholarly articles on childhood psychology published in science journals relevant to the developmental domains. Identify aspects with limited exploration where further research can add useful knowledge.

3. Determine Interesting Concepts

Within the broad areas and gaps you identified, narrow down concepts that seem intriguing for you to work on. Interesting topics could involve the effects of various influences like technology, arts exposure, or culture on developmental patterns in present-day children.

4. Select a Focused Question

Further, refine an appealing concept into a specific research question that your study can aim to answer through systematic analysis. Frame a question highlighting the target age group of kids, factor, and development area being investigated.

What Is The Relationship Between Developmental Psychology And Child Psychology?

Here is a table explaining the relationship between developmental psychology and child psychology:

List of Interesting Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Here are the following child developmental psychology research topics for students:

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics Related To Cognitive Development

The Role of Executive Functions in Child Development
Memory Development in Early Childhood
The Impact of Screen Time on Cognitive Development
Language Acquisition and Cognitive Development
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development Revisited
Cultural Influences on Cognitive Development in Children
Cognitive Development in Children with Learning Disabilities
The Influence of Socialization on Cognitive Skills
The Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Cognitive Development
Cognitive Development in Multiple Intelligence Frameworks

Great Emotional Development Research Topics

Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood
Parent-Child Attachment and Emotional Development
The Impact of Early Trauma on Emotional Development
Socialization and Emotional Competence in Children
Gender Differences in Emotional Development
Temperament and its Role in Emotional Regulation
Cultural Variations in Emotional Expression in Children
Parenting Styles and Emotional Development
Bullying and its Effects on Emotional Well-being
The Influence of Media on Emotional Development in Children

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics In Social Development

Peer Relationships and Social Development
Socialization in the Family and Its Impact on Social Development
The Role of Play in Social Development
Cultural Influences on Social Development in Children
The Impact of Social Media on Social Skills in Children
Gender Roles and Social Development
Inclusive Education and Social Development in Children
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Socialization
The Effect of Parental Divorce on Social Development
Social Development in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Cool Physical and Motor Development Research Topics

Motor Skills Development in Early Childhood
The Impact of Nutrition on Physical Development
Physical Activity and Motor Skills in School-Age Children
Sleep and its Role in Physical and Motor Development
Puberty and Physical Development in Adolescents
Health and Wellness in Child Development
Environmental Factors Influencing Physical Development in Children
Technology Use and its Impact on Physical Development
Genetic Influences on Physical Development
Sports Participation and Motor Skill Development in Children

Child Developmental & Educational Development Research Topics

The Role of Early Education Programs in Cognitive Development
Learning Styles and Educational Development in Children
The Impact of Classroom Environment on Academic Achievement
Educational Interventions for Children with Learning Disabilities
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Educational Practices
Technology Integration in Early Childhood Education
Parental Involvement and Academic Success in Children
Teacher-Student Relationships and Educational Development
The Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Educational Attainment
Gifted and Talented Programs: Nurturing Academic Excellence in Children

Child Moral Development Research Topics & Title Examples

Moral Reasoning and Decision-Making in Children
Parental Influence on Moral Development
Cultural Variations in Moral Values and Development
The Role of Religion in Shaping Moral Beliefs in Children
Peer Influence on Moral Development
Moral Dilemmas and Ethical Decision-Making in Adolescents
Media Influence on Moral Development in Children
Moral Development in Children with Conduct Disorders
Empathy and Prosocial Behavior in Early Childhood
Moral Development and Social Justice Education

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics: Psychopathology in Children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Academic Performance
Anxiety Disorders in Childhood: Causes and Interventions
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Early Diagnosis and Intervention
Conduct Disorders in Adolescents: Risk Factors and Prevention
Childhood Depression: Identifying Signs and Providing Support
Trauma and PTSD in Children: Long-Term Effects and Coping Strategies
Eating Disorders in Adolescents: Psychosocial Influences
Substance Abuse and Its Impact on Adolescent Mental Health
Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Genetic and Environmental Factors
Resilience in Children Facing Psychopathological Challenges

Child Parenting and Family Dynamics Research Topics

Parenting Styles and Child Behavior: A Longitudinal Analysis
Sibling Relationships and Their Impact on Social Development
The Influence of Divorce on Parent-Child Relationships
Foster Care and Child Development Outcomes
Cultural Variations in Parenting Practices
Parenting Children with Special Needs: Challenges and Coping Strategies
The Impact of Work-Life Balance on Parenting Quality
Intergenerational Transmission of Parenting Styles
Single Parenthood and Child Development
Parental Involvement in Children’s Education: A Comparative Study

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics About Cross-Cultural Perspectives

Cross-Cultural Differences in Play and its Impact on Development
Cultural Influences on Attachment Patterns in Infants
Language Development in Bilingual Children: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Parenting Practices and Child Discipline Across Cultures
Socialization of Gender Roles in Different Cultural Contexts
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Adolescent Identity Formation
Cultural Influences on Children’s Understanding of Emotions
Traditional Practices and Modern Influences on Child Rearing
Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Education Programs
Cross-Cultural Approaches to Intervention and Support for Developmental Challenges

Child Developmental Technology and Media Influence Research Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Identity Development
Screen Time and Sleep Patterns in Children: A Longitudinal Study
Educational Apps and Cognitive Development in Preschoolers
Cyberbullying and its Effects on Adolescent Mental Health
Media Literacy and its Role in Shaping Children’s Perspectives
Virtual Reality and its Potential for Cognitive Enhancement in Children
Online Safety Education: Mitigating Risks for Children
The Influence of Advertising on Children’s Consumer Behavior
Gaming and its Effects on Attention and Memory in Children
Parental Mediation of Media Content: Strategies and Effectiveness

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics: Gender Development

Gender Identity Formation in Early Childhood
The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Children’s Behavior
Parental Influence on Gender Role Socialization
LGBTQ+ Youth: Challenges and Resilience in Identity Development
Gender Differences in Cognitive Abilities: A Meta-Analysis
Gender-Based Bullying in Schools: Prevalence and Prevention
Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Gender Development
The Role of Teachers in Fostering Gender Equality in Education
Media Portrayals of Gender and their Influence on Children
Gender Nonconformity in Children: Understanding and Support

Child Neurodevelopmental Aspects Research Topics

Brain Development in Early Childhood: Structural and Functional Changes
The Role of Neurotransmitters in Emotional Regulation in Children
Neurobiological Factors in ADHD: Insights from Imaging Studies
Epigenetics and Its Impact on Neurodevelopment in Children
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Autism Spectrum Disorders
Neurodevelopmental Basis of Learning Disabilities in Children
Early Intervention and Neuroplasticity in Atypical Development
The Neurobiology of Trauma: Effects on Brain Development
Executive Functions and Frontal Lobe Development in Adolescence
Neural Correlates of Resilience in Children Facing Adversity

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics: Environmental Influences

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Child Development Outcomes
Urban vs. Rural Environments: Differential Effects on Child Development
Environmental Toxins and Cognitive Development in Children
Green Spaces and their Role in Promoting Child Well-being
The Influence of Family Socioeconomic Mobility on Child Outcomes
Technology Exposure and Outdoor Play: Balancing Environmental Influences
Parental Employment and its Effects on Child Development
Housing Instability and its Impact on Child Behavior
Neighborhood Safety and Child Mental Health
Cultural Variations in Environmental Influences on Child Development

Hot Intervention and Prevention Research Topics For Students

Early Intervention Programs for At-Risk Infants
School-Based Mental Health Programs and Academic Performance
Parent Training Programs for Children with Behavioral Challenges
Preventing Bullying in Schools: Strategies and Effectiveness
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents
Play Therapy in the Treatment of Emotional and Behavioral Issues
Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety in Children
Positive Youth Development Programs: Enhancing Resilience
Family-Based Interventions for Children with ADHD
Community-Based Programs for Promoting Social Inclusion in Children

Child Developmental Disabilities Research Topics

Intellectual Disability: Identification and Intervention in Early Childhood
Down Syndrome: Cognitive and Social Development Profiles
Language Development in Children with Speech and Language Disorders
Sensory Processing Disorders in Children: Assessment and Interventions
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Communication and Social Challenges
Developmental Coordination Disorder and Motor Skills Development
Genetic Syndromes and Their Impact on Child Development
Neurodevelopmental Aspects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Learning Disabilities: Educational Strategies and Support
Mental Health in Children with Developmental Disabilities

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics About Youth and Identity

Identity Development in Adolescence: Exploring Cultural Variations
Peer Influence and Identity Formation in Adolescents
Social Media and Adolescent Identity: Constructing the Self
Ethnic Identity Development in Multicultural Adolescents
The Role of Schools in Fostering Positive Identity in Adolescents
Career Identity Development: Decision-Making and Exploration
Gender Identity Exploration in Adolescence: Challenges and Support
Sexual Identity Development in LGBTQ+ Adolescents
Parent-Adolescent Communication and Identity Formation
Cultural Influences on Identity Development in Diverse Adolescents

Child Psychology Research Topics – Early Childhood

Child psychology research topics – mental health, best child psychology research topics, interesting child psychology research topics, professional child psychology research topics, great child developmental psychology research topics pdf.

Here are the child developmental psychology research topics pdf:

What Are The Current Research Topics In The Developmental Biology Field Of Study?

Here is a table outlining some of the current research topics in the field of developmental biology:

Final Words – Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics

Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics encapsulate a vast exploration into the intricacies of children’s growth and understanding. This diverse collection serves as a gateway for students and enthusiasts alike, delving into the multifaceted realm of child development.

Child Developmental Psychology is a fascinating journey, unraveling the physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions of childhood. The topics covered, ranging from early language development to mental health considerations, reflect the comprehensive nature of this field. These research topics not only facilitate a deeper comprehension of children’s experiences but also encourage curiosity and a proactive stance toward understanding their world.

From the nuances of early childhood experiences to the complex terrain of mental health in adolescence, each topic employs accessible language, making this knowledge accessible to everyone. As we conclude this exploration, it is clear that Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics hold the potential to shape the future of how we nurture and support the upcoming generations. The significance of understanding these aspects cannot be overstated, as it forms the basis for informed interventions, supportive environments, and the overall well-being of our children. In essence, these research topics represent not just academic inquiries but keys to fostering healthier, happier, and more resilient individuals in society.

100+ Most Qualitative Research Topics For High School Students In 2024

100+ Most Interesting Google Scholar Research Topics For Students [Updated 2024]

Articles on Developmental psychology

Displaying 1 - 20 of 31 articles.

From viral social media ‘pranks’ to hooning, what makes teens behave so badly?

Kathryn Daley , RMIT University

Advertising toys to children is an environmental nightmare – here’s how parents can deal with it

Michelle Cowley-Cunningham , Dublin City University

Secure attachment to both parents − not just mothers − boosts children’s healthy development

Or Dagan , Long Island University Post and Carlo Schuengel , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Children, like adults, tend to underestimate how welcome their random acts of kindness will be

Margaret Echelbarger , Stony Brook University (The State University of New York)

At what age are people usually happiest? New research offers surprising clues

Clare Mehta , Emmanuel College

10 parenting strategies to reduce your kids’ pandemic stress

Amanda Sheffield Morris , Oklahoma State University and Jennifer Hays-Grudo , Oklahoma State University

Teens are wired to resent being stuck with parents and cut off from friends during coronavirus lockdown

Catherine Bagwell , Emory University

Isolating together is challenging – and relationship stresses can affect biological functioning

Hannah L. Schacter , Wayne State University

Knowledge is a process of discovery: how constructivism changed education

Luke Zaphir , The University of Queensland

Grudges come naturally to kids – gratitude must be taught

Nadia Chernyak , University of California, Irvine ; Peter Blake , Boston University , and Yarrow Dunham , Yale University

Father’s Day: Lesser-known ways dads improve children’s lives

Audrey-Ann Deneault , L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Adolescents have a fundamental need to contribute

Andrew J. Fuligni , University of California, Los Angeles

Children are natural optimists – which comes with psychological pros and cons

Janet J. Boseovski , University of North Carolina – Greensboro

When can you buy a gun, vote or be sentenced to death? Science suggests US should revise legal age limits

Laurence Steinberg , Temple University

Teens aren’t just risk machines – there’s a method to their madness

Jessica Flannery , University of Oregon ; Elliot Berkman , University of Oregon , and Jennifer Pfeifer , University of Oregon

More children are starting school depressed and anxious – without help, it will only get worse

Dr Amelia Shay , Australian Catholic University and Cen Wang , Charles Sturt University

Lies about Santa? They could be good for your child

Kristen Dunfield , Concordia University

For baby’s brain to benefit, read the right books at the right time

Lisa S. Scott , University of Florida

How to combat racial bias: Start in childhood

Gail Heyman , University of California, San Diego

Babies can learn the value of persistence by watching grownups stick with a challenge

Julia Leonard , Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Top contributors

Professor of Psychology, University of California, San Diego

F. Wendell Miller Distinguished Professor, University of Iowa

Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Oregon

Medical & Science Writer, University of Iowa

Assistant Professor of Psychology, Johns Hopkins University

Researcher, UQ Critical Thinking Project, The University of Queensland

Graduate Student, University of Iowa

Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Northwestern University

Professor of Human Sciences and Psychology; Faculty Associate of the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University

Senior Analyst, Strategic Research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Assistant Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Yale University

Ph.D. Student in Developmental Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Associate Professor of Psychology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland

Clinician, Australian Catholic University

X (Twitter)
Unfollow topic Follow topic

Research in Developmental Psychology

What you’ll learn to do: examine how to do research in lifespan development.

Desk shown from above, pair of hands seen gesturing towards a graph

How do we know what changes and stays the same (and when and why) in lifespan development? We rely on research that utilizes the scientific method so that we can have confidence in the findings. How data are collected may vary by age group and by the type of information sought. The developmental design (for example, following individuals as they age over time or comparing individuals of different ages at one point in time) will affect the data and the conclusions that can be drawn from them about actual age changes. What do you think are the particular challenges or issues in conducting developmental research, such as with infants and children? Read on to learn more.

Learning outcomes

Explain how the scientific method is used in researching development
Compare various types and objectives of developmental research
Describe methods for collecting research data (including observation, survey, case study, content analysis, and secondary content analysis)
Explain correlational research
Describe the value of experimental research
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of developmental research designs (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sequential)
Describe challenges associated with conducting research in lifespan development

Research in Lifespan Development

How do we know what we know.

An important part of learning any science is having a basic knowledge of the techniques used in gathering information. The hallmark of scientific investigation is that of following a set of procedures designed to keep questioning or skepticism alive while describing, explaining, or testing any phenomenon. Not long ago a friend said to me that he did not trust academicians or researchers because they always seem to change their story. That, however, is exactly what science is all about; it involves continuously renewing our understanding of the subjects in question and an ongoing investigation of how and why events occur. Science is a vehicle for going on a never-ending journey. In the area of development, we have seen changes in recommendations for nutrition, in explanations of psychological states as people age, and in parenting advice. So think of learning about human development as a lifelong endeavor.

Personal Knowledge

How do we know what we know? Take a moment to write down two things that you know about childhood. Okay. Now, how do you know? Chances are you know these things based on your own history (experiential reality), what others have told you, or cultural ideas (agreement reality) (Seccombe and Warner, 2004). There are several problems with personal inquiry or drawing conclusions based on our personal experiences.

Our assumptions very often guide our perceptions, consequently, when we believe something, we tend to see it even if it is not there. Have you heard the saying, “seeing is believing”? Well, the truth is just the opposite: believing is seeing. This problem may just be a result of cognitive ‘blinders’ or it may be part of a more conscious attempt to support our own views. Confirmation bias is the tendency to look for evidence that we are right and in so doing, we ignore contradictory evidence.

Philosopher Karl Popper suggested that the distinction between that which is scientific and that which is unscientific is that science is falsifiable; scientific inquiry involves attempts to reject or refute a theory or set of assumptions (Thornton, 2005). A theory that cannot be falsified is not scientific. And much of what we do in personal inquiry involves drawing conclusions based on what we have personally experienced or validating our own experience by discussing what we think is true with others who share the same views.

Science offers a more systematic way to make comparisons and guard against bias. One technique used to avoid sampling bias is to select participants for a study in a random way. This means using a technique to ensure that all members have an equal chance of being selected. Simple random sampling may involve using a set of random numbers as a guide in determining who is to be selected. For example, if we have a list of 400 people and wish to randomly select a smaller group or sample to be studied, we use a list of random numbers and select the case that corresponds with that number (Case 39, 3, 217, etc.). This is preferable to asking only those individuals with whom we are familiar to participate in a study; if we conveniently chose only people we know, we know nothing about those who had no opportunity to be selected. There are many more elaborate techniques that can be used to obtain samples that represent the composition of the population we are studying. But even though a randomly selected representative sample is preferable, it is not always used because of costs and other limitations. As a consumer of research, however, you should know how the sample was obtained and keep this in mind when interpreting results. It is possible that what was found was limited to that sample or similar individuals and not generalizable to everyone else.

Scientific Methods

The particular method used to conduct research may vary by discipline and since lifespan development is multidisciplinary, more than one method may be used to study human development. One method of scientific investigation involves the following steps:

Determining a research question
Reviewing previous studies addressing the topic in question (known as a literature review)
Determining a method of gathering information
Conducting the study
Interpreting the results
Drawing conclusions; stating limitations of the study and suggestions for future research
Making the findings available to others (both to share information and to have the work scrutinized by others)

The findings of these scientific studies can then be used by others as they explore the area of interest. Through this process, a literature or knowledge base is established. This model of scientific investigation presents research as a linear process guided by a specific research question. And it typically involves quantitative research , which relies on numerical data or using statistics to understand and report what has been studied.

Another model of research, referred to as qualitative research, may involve steps such as these:

Begin with a broad area of interest and a research question
Gain entrance into a group to be researched
Gather field notes about the setting, the people, the structure, the activities, or other areas of interest
Ask open-ended, broad “grand tour” types of questions when interviewing subjects
Modify research questions as the study continues
Note patterns or consistencies
Explore new areas deemed important by the people being observed
Report findings

In this type of research, theoretical ideas are “grounded” in the experiences of the participants. The researcher is the student and the people in the setting are the teachers as they inform the researcher of their world (Glazer & Strauss, 1967). Researchers should be aware of their own biases and assumptions, acknowledge them, and bracket them in efforts to keep them from limiting accuracy in reporting. Sometimes qualitative studies are used initially to explore a topic and more quantitative studies are used to test or explain what was first described.

A good way to become more familiar with these scientific research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, is to look at journal articles, which are written in sections that follow these steps in the scientific process. Most psychological articles and many papers in the social sciences follow the writing guidelines and format dictated by the American Psychological Association (APA). In general, the structure follows: abstract (summary of the article), introduction or literature review, methods explaining how the study was conducted, results of the study, discussion and interpretation of findings, and references.

Link to Learning

Brené Brown is a bestselling author and social work professor at the University of Houston. She conducts grounded theory research by collecting qualitative data from large numbers of participants. In Brené Brown’s TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability , Brown refers to herself as a storyteller-researcher as she explains her research process and summarizes her results.

Research Methods and Objectives

The main categories of psychological research are descriptive, correlational, and experimental research. Research studies that do not test specific relationships between variables are called descriptive, or qualitative, studies . These studies are used to describe general or specific behaviors and attributes that are observed and measured. In the early stages of research, it might be difficult to form a hypothesis, especially when there is not any existing literature in the area. In these situations designing an experiment would be premature, as the question of interest is not yet clearly defined as a hypothesis. Often a researcher will begin with a non-experimental approach, such as a descriptive study, to gather more information about the topic before designing an experiment or correlational study to address a specific hypothesis. Some examples of descriptive questions include:

“How much time do parents spend with their children?”
“How many times per week do couples have intercourse?”
“When is marital satisfaction greatest?”

The main types of descriptive studies include observation, case studies, surveys, and content analysis (which we’ll examine further in the module). Descriptive research is distinct from correlational research , in which psychologists formally test whether a relationship exists between two or more variables. Experimental research goes a step further beyond descriptive and correlational research and randomly assigns people to different conditions, using hypothesis testing to make inferences about how these conditions affect behavior. Some experimental research includes explanatory studies, which are efforts to answer the question “why” such as:

“Why have rates of divorce leveled off?”
“Why are teen pregnancy rates down?”
“Why has the average life expectancy increased?”

Evaluation research is designed to assess the effectiveness of policies or programs. For instance, research might be designed to study the effectiveness of safety programs implemented in schools for installing car seats or fitting bicycle helmets. Do children who have been exposed to the safety programs wear their helmets? Do parents use car seats properly? If not, why not?

Research Methods

We have just learned about some of the various models and objectives of research in lifespan development. Now we’ll dig deeper to understand the methods and techniques used to describe, explain, or evaluate behavior.

All types of research methods have unique strengths and weaknesses, and each method may only be appropriate for certain types of research questions. For example, studies that rely primarily on observation produce incredible amounts of information, but the ability to apply this information to the larger population is somewhat limited because of small sample sizes. Survey research, on the other hand, allows researchers to easily collect data from relatively large samples. While this allows for results to be generalized to the larger population more easily, the information that can be collected on any given survey is somewhat limited and subject to problems associated with any type of self-reported data. Some researchers conduct archival research by using existing records. While this can be a fairly inexpensive way to collect data that can provide insight into a number of research questions, researchers using this approach have no control over how or what kind of data was collected.

Types of Descriptive Research

Observation.

Observational studies , also called naturalistic observation, involve watching and recording the actions of participants. This may take place in the natural setting, such as observing children at play in a park, or behind a one-way glass while children are at play in a laboratory playroom. The researcher may follow a checklist and record the frequency and duration of events (perhaps how many conflicts occur among 2-year-olds) or may observe and record as much as possible about an event as a participant (such as attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and recording the slogans on the walls, the structure of the meeting, the expressions commonly used, etc.). The researcher may be a participant or a non-participant. What would be the strengths of being a participant? What would be the weaknesses?

In general, observational studies have the strength of allowing the researcher to see how people behave rather than relying on self-report. One weakness of self-report studies is that what people do and what they say they do are often very different. A major weakness of observational studies is that they do not allow the researcher to explain causal relationships. Yet, observational studies are useful and widely used when studying children. It is important to remember that most people tend to change their behavior when they know they are being watched (known as the Hawthorne effect ) and children may not survey well.

Case Studies

Case studies involve exploring a single case or situation in great detail. Information may be gathered with the use of observation, interviews, testing, or other methods to uncover as much as possible about a person or situation. Case studies are helpful when investigating unusual situations such as brain trauma or children reared in isolation. And they are often used by clinicians who conduct case studies as part of their normal practice when gathering information about a client or patient coming in for treatment. Case studies can be used to explore areas about which little is known and can provide rich detail about situations or conditions. However, the findings from case studies cannot be generalized or applied to larger populations; this is because cases are not randomly selected and no control group is used for comparison. (Read The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Dr. Oliver Sacks as a good example of the case study approach.)

A person is checking off boxes on a paper survey

Surveys are familiar to most people because they are so widely used. Surveys enhance accessibility to subjects because they can be conducted in person, over the phone, through the mail, or online. A survey involves asking a standard set of questions to a group of subjects. In a highly structured survey, subjects are forced to choose from a response set such as “strongly disagree, disagree, undecided, agree, strongly agree”; or “0, 1-5, 6-10, etc.” Surveys are commonly used by sociologists, marketing researchers, political scientists, therapists, and others to gather information on many variables in a relatively short period of time. Surveys typically yield surface information on a wide variety of factors, but may not allow for an in-depth understanding of human behavior.

Surveys are useful in examining stated values, attitudes, opinions, and reporting on practices. However, they are based on self-report, or what people say they do rather than on observation, and this can limit accuracy. Validity refers to accuracy and reliability refers to consistency in responses to tests and other measures; great care is taken to ensure the validity and reliability of surveys.

Content Analysis

Content analysis involves looking at media such as old texts, pictures, commercials, lyrics, or other materials to explore patterns or themes in culture. An example of content analysis is the classic history of childhood by Aries (1962) called “Centuries of Childhood” or the analysis of television commercials for sexual or violent content or for ageism. Passages in text or television programs can be randomly selected for analysis as well. Again, one advantage of analyzing work such as this is that the researcher does not have to go through the time and expense of finding respondents, but the researcher cannot know how accurately the media reflects the actions and sentiments of the population.

Secondary content analysis, or archival research, involves analyzing information that has already been collected or examining documents or media to uncover attitudes, practices, or preferences. There are a number of data sets available to those who wish to conduct this type of research. The researcher conducting secondary analysis does not have to recruit subjects but does need to know the quality of the information collected in the original study. And unfortunately, the researcher is limited to the questions asked and data collected originally.

Correlational and Experimental Research

Correlational research.

When scientists passively observe and measure phenomena it is called correlational research . Here, researchers do not intervene and change behavior, as they do in experiments. In correlational research, the goal is to identify patterns of relationships, but not cause and effect. Importantly, with correlational research, you can examine only two variables at a time, no more and no less.

So, what if you wanted to test whether spending money on others is related to happiness, but you don’t have $20 to give to each participant in order to have them spend it for your experiment? You could use a correlational design—which is exactly what Professor Elizabeth Dunn (2008) at the University of British Columbia did when she conducted research on spending and happiness. She asked people how much of their income they spent on others or donated to charity, and later she asked them how happy they were. Do you think these two variables were related? Yes, they were! The more money people reported spending on others, the happier they were.

Understanding Correlation

Scatterplot of the association between happiness and ratings of the past month, a positive correlation (r = .81)

With a positive correlation , the two variables go up or down together. In a scatterplot, the dots form a pattern that extends from the bottom left to the upper right (just as they do in Figure 1). The r value for a positive correlation is indicated by a positive number (although, the positive sign is usually omitted). Here, the r value is .81. For the example above, the direction of the association is positive. This means that people who perceived the past month as being good reported feeling happier, whereas people who perceived the month as being bad reported feeling less happy.

A negative correlation is one in which the two variables move in opposite directions. That is, as one variable goes up, the other goes down. Figure 2 shows the association between the average height of males in a country (y-axis) and the pathogen prevalence (or commonness of disease; x-axis) of that country. In this scatterplot, each dot represents a country. Notice how the dots extend from the top left to the bottom right. What does this mean in real-world terms? It means that people are shorter in parts of the world where there is more disease. The r-value for a negative correlation is indicated by a negative number—that is, it has a minus (–) sign in front of it. Here, it is –.83.

Scatterplot showing the association between average male height and pathogen prevalence, a negative correlation (r = –.83).

Experimental Research

Experiments are designed to test hypotheses (or specific statements about the relationship between variables ) in a controlled setting in an effort to explain how certain factors or events produce outcomes. A variable is anything that changes in value. Concepts are operationalized or transformed into variables in research which means that the researcher must specify exactly what is going to be measured in the study. For example, if we are interested in studying marital satisfaction, we have to specify what marital satisfaction really means or what we are going to use as an indicator of marital satisfaction. What is something measurable that would indicate some level of marital satisfaction? Would it be the amount of time couples spend together each day? Or eye contact during a discussion about money? Or maybe a subject’s score on a marital satisfaction scale? Each of these is measurable but these may not be equally valid or accurate indicators of marital satisfaction. What do you think? These are the kinds of considerations researchers must make when working through the design.

The experimental method is the only research method that can measure cause and effect relationships between variables. Three conditions must be met in order to establish cause and effect. Experimental designs are useful in meeting these conditions:

The independent and dependent variables must be related. In other words, when one is altered, the other changes in response. The independent variable is something altered or introduced by the researcher; sometimes thought of as the treatment or intervention. The dependent variable is the outcome or the factor affected by the introduction of the independent variable; the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. For example, if we are looking at the impact of exercise on stress levels, the independent variable would be exercise; the dependent variable would be stress.
The cause must come before the effect. Experiments measure subjects on the dependent variable before exposing them to the independent variable (establishing a baseline). So we would measure the subjects’ level of stress before introducing exercise and then again after the exercise to see if there has been a change in stress levels. (Observational and survey research does not always allow us to look at the timing of these events which makes understanding causality problematic with these methods.)
The cause must be isolated. The researcher must ensure that no outside, perhaps unknown variables, are actually causing the effect we see. The experimental design helps make this possible. In an experiment, we would make sure that our subjects’ diets were held constant throughout the exercise program. Otherwise, the diet might really be creating a change in stress level rather than exercise.

A basic experimental design involves beginning with a sample (or subset of a population) and randomly assigning subjects to one of two groups: the experimental group or the control group . Ideally, to prevent bias, the participants would be blind to their condition (not aware of which group they are in) and the researchers would also be blind to each participant’s condition (referred to as “ double blind “). The experimental group is the group that is going to be exposed to an independent variable or condition the researcher is introducing as a potential cause of an event. The control group is going to be used for comparison and is going to have the same experience as the experimental group but will not be exposed to the independent variable. This helps address the placebo effect, which is that a group may expect changes to happen just by participating. After exposing the experimental group to the independent variable, the two groups are measured again to see if a change has occurred. If so, we are in a better position to suggest that the independent variable caused the change in the dependent variable . The basic experimental model looks like this:

The major advantage of the experimental design is that of helping to establish cause and effect relationships. A disadvantage of this design is the difficulty of translating much of what concerns us about human behavior into a laboratory setting.

Developmental Research Designs

Now you know about some tools used to conduct research about human development. Remember, research methods are tools that are used to collect information. But it is easy to confuse research methods and research design. Research design is the strategy or blueprint for deciding how to collect and analyze information. Research design dictates which methods are used and how. Developmental research designs are techniques used particularly in lifespan development research. When we are trying to describe development and change, the research designs become especially important because we are interested in what changes and what stays the same with age. These techniques try to examine how age, cohort, gender, and social class impact development.

Cross-sectional designs

The majority of developmental studies use cross-sectional designs because they are less time-consuming and less expensive than other developmental designs. Cross-sectional research designs are used to examine behavior in participants of different ages who are tested at the same point in time. Let’s suppose that researchers are interested in the relationship between intelligence and aging. They might have a hypothesis (an educated guess, based on theory or observations) that intelligence declines as people get older. The researchers might choose to give a certain intelligence test to individuals who are 20 years old, individuals who are 50 years old, and individuals who are 80 years old at the same time and compare the data from each age group. This research is cross-sectional in design because the researchers plan to examine the intelligence scores of individuals of different ages within the same study at the same time; they are taking a “cross-section” of people at one point in time. Let’s say that the comparisons find that the 80-year-old adults score lower on the intelligence test than the 50-year-old adults, and the 50-year-old adults score lower on the intelligence test than the 20-year-old adults. Based on these data, the researchers might conclude that individuals become less intelligent as they get older. Would that be a valid (accurate) interpretation of the results?

Text stating that the year of study is 2010 and an experiment looks at cohort A with 20 year olds, cohort B of 50 year olds and cohort C with 80 year olds

No, that would not be a valid conclusion because the researchers did not follow individuals as they aged from 20 to 50 to 80 years old. One of the primary limitations of cross-sectional research is that the results yield information about age differences not necessarily changes with age or over time. That is, although the study described above can show that in 2010, the 80-year-olds scored lower on the intelligence test than the 50-year-olds, and the 50-year-olds scored lower on the intelligence test than the 20-year-olds, the data used to come up with this conclusion were collected from different individuals (or groups of individuals). It could be, for instance, that when these 20-year-olds get older (50 and eventually 80), they will still score just as high on the intelligence test as they did at age 20. In a similar way, maybe the 80-year-olds would have scored relatively low on the intelligence test even at ages 50 and 20; the researchers don’t know for certain because they did not follow the same individuals as they got older.

It is also possible that the differences found between the age groups are not due to age, per se, but due to cohort effects. The 80-year-olds in this 2010 research grew up during a particular time and experienced certain events as a group. They were born in 1930 and are part of the Traditional or Silent Generation. The 50-year-olds were born in 1960 and are members of the Baby Boomer cohort. The 20-year-olds were born in 1990 and are part of the Millennial or Gen Y Generation. What kinds of things did each of these cohorts experience that the others did not experience or at least not in the same ways?

You may have come up with many differences between these cohorts’ experiences, such as living through certain wars, political and social movements, economic conditions, advances in technology, changes in health and nutrition standards, etc. There may be particular cohort differences that could especially influence their performance on intelligence tests, such as education level and use of computers. That is, many of those born in 1930 probably did not complete high school; those born in 1960 may have high school degrees, on average, but the majority did not attain college degrees; the young adults are probably current college students. And this is not even considering additional factors such as gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The young adults are used to taking tests on computers, but the members of the other two cohorts did not grow up with computers and may not be as comfortable if the intelligence test is administered on computers. These factors could have been a factor in the research results.

Another disadvantage of cross-sectional research is that it is limited to one time of measurement. Data are collected at one point in time and it’s possible that something could have happened in that year in history that affected all of the participants, although possibly each cohort may have been affected differently. Just think about the mindsets of participants in research that was conducted in the United States right after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Longitudinal research designs

Middle aged woman holding own photograph of her younger self.

Longitudinal research involves beginning with a group of people who may be of the same age and background (cohort) and measuring them repeatedly over a long period of time. One of the benefits of this type of research is that people can be followed through time and be compared with themselves when they were younger; therefore changes with age over time are measured. What would be the advantages and disadvantages of longitudinal research? Problems with this type of research include being expensive, taking a long time, and subjects dropping out over time. Think about the film, 63 Up , part of the Up Series mentioned earlier, which is an example of following individuals over time. In the videos, filmed every seven years, you see how people change physically, emotionally, and socially through time; and some remain the same in certain ways, too. But many of the participants really disliked being part of the project and repeatedly threatened to quit; one disappeared for several years; another died before her 63rd year. Would you want to be interviewed every seven years? Would you want to have it made public for all to watch?

Longitudinal research designs are used to examine behavior in the same individuals over time. For instance, with our example of studying intelligence and aging, a researcher might conduct a longitudinal study to examine whether 20-year-olds become less intelligent with age over time. To this end, a researcher might give an intelligence test to individuals when they are 20 years old, again when they are 50 years old, and then again when they are 80 years old. This study is longitudinal in nature because the researcher plans to study the same individuals as they age. Based on these data, the pattern of intelligence and age might look different than from the cross-sectional research; it might be found that participants’ intelligence scores are higher at age 50 than at age 20 and then remain stable or decline a little by age 80. How can that be when cross-sectional research revealed declines in intelligence with age?

The same person, "Person A" is 20 years old in 2010, 50 years old in 2040, and 80 in 2070.

Since longitudinal research happens over a period of time (which could be short term, as in months, but is often longer, as in years), there is a risk of attrition. Attrition occurs when participants fail to complete all portions of a study. Participants may move, change their phone numbers, die, or simply become disinterested in participating over time. Researchers should account for the possibility of attrition by enrolling a larger sample into their study initially, as some participants will likely drop out over time. There is also something known as selective attrition— this means that certain groups of individuals may tend to drop out. It is often the least healthy, least educated, and lower socioeconomic participants who tend to drop out over time. That means that the remaining participants may no longer be representative of the whole population, as they are, in general, healthier, better educated, and have more money. This could be a factor in why our hypothetical research found a more optimistic picture of intelligence and aging as the years went by. What can researchers do about selective attrition? At each time of testing, they could randomly recruit more participants from the same cohort as the original members, to replace those who have dropped out.

The results from longitudinal studies may also be impacted by repeated assessments. Consider how well you would do on a math test if you were given the exact same exam every day for a week. Your performance would likely improve over time, not necessarily because you developed better math abilities, but because you were continuously practicing the same math problems. This phenomenon is known as a practice effect. Practice effects occur when participants become better at a task over time because they have done it again and again (not due to natural psychological development). So our participants may have become familiar with the intelligence test each time (and with the computerized testing administration). Another limitation of longitudinal research is that the data are limited to only one cohort.

Sequential research designs

Sequential research designs include elements of both longitudinal and cross-sectional research designs. Similar to longitudinal designs, sequential research features participants who are followed over time; similar to cross-sectional designs, sequential research includes participants of different ages. This research design is also distinct from those that have been discussed previously in that individuals of different ages are enrolled into a study at various points in time to examine age-related changes, development within the same individuals as they age, and to account for the possibility of cohort and/or time of measurement effects. In 1965, K. Warner Schaie described particular sequential designs: cross-sequential, cohort sequential, and time-sequential. The differences between them depended on which variables were focused on for analyses of the data (data could be viewed in terms of multiple cross-sectional designs or multiple longitudinal designs or multiple cohort designs). Ideally, by comparing results from the different types of analyses, the effects of age, cohort, and time in history could be separated out.

Challenges Conducting Developmental Research

The previous sections describe research tools to assess development across the lifespan, as well as the ways that research designs can be used to track age-related changes and development over time. Before you begin conducting developmental research, however, you must also be aware that testing individuals of certain ages (such as infants and children) or making comparisons across ages (such as children compared to teens) comes with its own unique set of challenges. In the final section of this module, let’s look at some of the main issues that are encountered when conducting developmental research, namely ethical concerns, recruitment issues, and participant attrition.

Ethical Concerns

You may already know that Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) must review and approve all research projects that are conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions (each broad discipline or field, such as psychology or social work, often has its own code of ethics that must also be followed, regardless of institutional affiliation). An IRB is typically a panel of experts who read and evaluate proposals for research. IRB members want to ensure that the proposed research will be carried out ethically and that the potential benefits of the research outweigh the risks and potential harm (psychological as well as physical harm) for participants.

What you may not know though, is that the IRB considers some groups of participants to be more vulnerable or at-risk than others. Whereas university students are generally not viewed as vulnerable or at-risk, infants and young children commonly fall into this category. What makes infants and young children more vulnerable during research than young adults? One reason infants and young children are perceived as being at increased risk is due to their limited cognitive capabilities, which makes them unable to state their willingness to participate in research or tell researchers when they would like to drop out of a study. For these reasons, infants and young children require special accommodations as they participate in the research process. Similar issues and accommodations would apply to adults who are deemed to be of limited cognitive capabilities.

When thinking about special accommodations in developmental research, consider the informed consent process. If you have ever participated in scientific research, you may know through your own experience that adults commonly sign an informed consent statement (a contract stating that they agree to participate in research) after learning about a study. As part of this process, participants are informed of the procedures to be used in the research, along with any expected risks or benefits. Infants and young children cannot verbally indicate their willingness to participate, much less understand the balance of potential risks and benefits. As such, researchers are oftentimes required to obtain written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian of the child participant, an adult who is almost always present as the study is conducted. In fact, children are not asked to indicate whether they would like to be involved in a study at all (a process known as assent) until they are approximately seven years old. Because infants and young children cannot easily indicate if they would like to discontinue their participation in a study, researchers must be sensitive to changes in the state of the participant (determining whether a child is too tired or upset to continue) as well as to parent desires (in some cases, parents might want to discontinue their involvement in the research). As in adult studies, researchers must always strive to protect the rights and well-being of the minor participants and their parents when conducting developmental research.

Recruitment

An additional challenge in developmental science is participant recruitment. Recruiting university students to participate in adult studies is typically easy. Unfortunately, young children cannot be recruited in this way. Given these limitations, how do researchers go about finding infants and young children to be in their studies?

The answer to this question varies along multiple dimensions. Researchers must consider the number of participants they need and the financial resources available to them, among other things. Location may also be an important consideration. Researchers who need large numbers of infants and children may attempt to recruit them by obtaining infant birth records from the state, county, or province in which they reside. Researchers can choose to pay a recruitment agency to contact and recruit families for them. More economical recruitment options include posting advertisements and fliers in locations frequented by families, such as mommy-and-me classes, local malls, and preschools or daycare centers. Researchers can also utilize online social media outlets like Facebook, which allows users to post recruitment advertisements for a small fee. Of course, each of these different recruitment techniques requires IRB approval. And if children are recruited and/or tested in school settings, permission would need to be obtained ahead of time from teachers, schools, and school districts (as well as informed consent from parents or guardians).

And what about the recruitment of adults? While it is easy to recruit young college students to participate in research, some would argue that it is too easy and that college students are samples of convenience. They are not randomly selected from the wider population, and they may not represent all young adults in our society (this was particularly true in the past with certain cohorts, as college students tended to be mainly white males of high socioeconomic status). In fact, in the early research on aging, this type of convenience sample was compared with another type of convenience sample—young college students tended to be compared with residents of nursing homes! Fortunately, it didn’t take long for researchers to realize that older adults in nursing homes are not representative of the older population; they tend to be the oldest and sickest (physically and/or psychologically). Those initial studies probably painted an overly negative view of aging, as young adults in college were being compared to older adults who were not healthy, had not been in school nor taken tests in many decades, and probably did not graduate high school, let alone college. As we can see, recruitment and random sampling can be significant issues in research with adults, as well as infants and children. For instance, how and where would you recruit middle-aged adults to participate in your research?

A tired looking mother closes her eyes and rubs her forehead as her baby cries.

Another important consideration when conducting research with infants and young children is attrition . Although attrition is quite common in longitudinal research in particular (see the previous section on longitudinal designs for an example of high attrition rates and selective attrition in lifespan developmental research), it is also problematic in developmental science more generally, as studies with infants and young children tend to have higher attrition rates than studies with adults. Infants and young children are more likely to tire easily, become fussy, and lose interest in the study procedures than are adults. For these reasons, research studies should be designed to be as short as possible – it is likely better to break up a large study into multiple short sessions rather than cram all of the tasks into one long visit to the lab. Researchers should also allow time for breaks in their study protocols so that infants can rest or have snacks as needed. Happy, comfortable participants provide the best data.

Conclusions

Lifespan development is a fascinating field of study – but care must be taken to ensure that researchers use appropriate methods to examine human behavior, use the correct experimental design to answer their questions, and be aware of the special challenges that are part-and-parcel of developmental research. After reading this module, you should have a solid understanding of these various issues and be ready to think more critically about research questions that interest you. For example, what types of questions do you have about lifespan development? What types of research would you like to conduct? Many interesting questions remain to be examined by future generations of developmental scientists – maybe you will make one of the next big discoveries!

Lifespan development is the scientific study of how and why people change or remain the same over time. As we are beginning to see, lifespan development involves multiple domains and many ages and stages that are important in and of themselves, but that are also interdependent and dynamic and need to be viewed holistically. There are many influences on lifespan development at individual and societal levels (including genetics); cultural, generational, economic, and historical contexts are often significant. And how developmental research is designed and data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted can affect what is discovered about human development across the lifespan.

Share This Book

80 fascinating psychology research questions for your next project

Last updated

15 February 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Psychology research is essential for furthering our understanding of human behavior and improving the diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions.

When psychologists know more about how different social and cultural factors influence how humans act, think, and feel, they can recommend improvements to practices in areas such as education, sport, healthcare, and law enforcement.

Below, you will find 80 research question examples across 16 branches of psychology. First, though, let’s look at some tips to help you select a suitable research topic.

How to choose a good psychology research topic

Psychology has many branches that break down further into topics. Choosing a topic for your psychology research paper can be daunting because there are so many to choose from. It’s an important choice, as the topic you select will open up a range of questions to explore.

The tips below can help you find a psychology research topic that suits your skills and interests.

Tip #1: Select a topic that interests you

Passion and interest should fuel every research project. A topic that fascinates you will most likely interest others as well. Think about the questions you and others might have and decide on the issues that matter most. Draw on your own interests, but also keep your research topical and relevant to others.

Don’t limit yourself to a topic that you already know about. Instead, choose one that will make you want to know more and dig deeper. This will keep you motivated and excited about your research.

Tip #2: Choose a topic with a manageable scope

If your topic is too broad, you can get overwhelmed by the amount of information available and have trouble maintaining focus. On the other hand, you may find it difficult to find enough information if you choose a topic that is too narrow.

To determine if the topic is too broad or too narrow, start researching as early as possible. If you find there’s an overwhelming amount of research material, you’ll probably need to narrow the topic down. For example, instead of researching the general population, it might be easier to focus on a specific age group. Ask yourself what area of the general topic interests you most and focus on that.

If your scope is too narrow, try to generalize or focus on a larger related topic. Expand your search criteria or select additional databases for information. Consider if the topic is too new to have much information published on it as well.

Tip #3: Select a topic that will produce useful and relevant insights

Doing some preliminary research will reveal any existing research on the topic. If there is existing research, will you be able to produce new insights? You might need to focus on a different area or see if the existing research has limitations that you can overcome.

Bear in mind that finding new information from which to draw fresh insights may be impossible if your topic has been over-researched.

You’ll also need to consider whether your topic is relevant to current trends and needs. For example, researching psychology topics related to social media use may be highly relevant today.

80 psychology research topics and questions

Psychology is a broad subject with many branches and potential areas of study. Here are some of them:

Developmental

Personality

Experimental

Organizational

Educational

Neuropsychology

Controversial topics

Below we offer some suggestions on research topics and questions that can get you started. Keep in mind that these are not all-inclusive but should be personalized to fit the theme of your paper.

Social psychology research topics and questions

Social psychology has roots as far back as the 18th century. In simple terms, it’s the study of how behavior is influenced by the presence and behavior of others. It is the science of finding out who we are, who we think we are, and how our perceptions affect ourselves and others. It looks at personalities, relationships, and group behavior.

Here are some potential research questions and paper titles for this topic:

How does social media use impact perceptions of body image in male adolescents?

2. Is childhood bullying a risk factor for social anxiety in adults?

Is homophobia in individuals caused by genetic or environmental factors?

What is the most important psychological predictor of a person’s willingness to donate to charity?

Does a person’s height impact how other people perceive them? If so, how?

Cognitive psychology research questions

Cognitive psychology is the branch that focuses on the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving. It also explores the reasons humans think the way they do.

This topic involves exploring how people think by measuring intelligence, thoughts, and cognition.

Here are some research question ideas:

6. Is there a link between chronic stress and memory function?

7. Can certain kinds of music trigger memories in people with memory loss?

8. Do remote meetings impact the efficacy of team decision-making?

9. Do word games and puzzles slow cognitive decline in adults over the age of 80?

10. Does watching television impact a child’s reading ability?

Developmental psychology research questions

Developmental psychology is the study of how humans grow and change over their lifespan. It usually focuses on the social, emotional, and physical development of babies and children, though it can apply to people of all ages. Developmental psychology is important for understanding how we learn, mature, and adapt to changes.

Here are some questions that might inspire your research:

11. Does grief accelerate the aging process?

12. How do parent–child attachment patterns influence the development of emotion regulation in teenagers?

13. Does bilingualism affect cognitive decline in adults over the age of 70?

14. How does the transition to adulthood impact decision-making abilities

15. How does early exposure to music impact mental health and well-being in school-aged children?

Personality psychology research questions

Personality psychology studies personalities, how they develop, their structures, and the processes that define them. It looks at intelligence, disposition, moral beliefs, thoughts, and reactions.

The goal of this branch of psychology is to scientifically interpret the way personality patterns manifest into an individual’s behaviors. Here are some example research questions:

16. Nature vs. nurture: Which impacts personality development the most?

17. The role of genetics on personality: Does an adopted child take on their biological parents’ personality traits?

18. How do personality traits influence leadership styles and effectiveness in organizational settings?

19. Is there a relationship between an individual’s personality and mental health?

20. Can a chronic illness affect your personality?

Abnormal psychology research questions

As the name suggests, abnormal psychology is a branch that focuses on abnormal behavior and psychopathology (the scientific study of mental illness or disorders).

Abnormal behavior can be challenging to define. Who decides what is “normal”? As such, psychologists in this area focus on the level of distress that certain behaviors may cause, although this typically involves studying mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

Here are some questions to consider:

21. How does technology impact the development of social anxiety disorder?

22. What are the factors behind the rising incidence of eating disorders in adolescents?

23. Are mindfulness-based interventions effective in the treatment of PTSD?

24. Is there a connection between depression and gambling addiction?

25. Can physical trauma cause psychopathy?

Clinical psychology research questions

Clinical psychology deals with assessing and treating mental illness or abnormal or psychiatric behaviors. It differs from abnormal psychology in that it focuses more on treatments and clinical aspects, while abnormal psychology is more behavioral focused.

This is a specialty area that provides care and treatment for complex mental health conditions. This can include treatment, not only for individuals but for couples, families, and other groups. Clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health. This category is very broad, so there are lots of topics to explore.

Below are some example research questions to consider:

26. Do criminals require more specific therapies or interventions?

27. How effective are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating mental health disorders?

28. Are there any disadvantages to humanistic therapy?

29. Can group therapy be more beneficial than one-on-one therapy sessions?

30. What are the factors to consider when selecting the right treatment plan for patients with anxiety?

Experimental psychology research questions

Experimental psychology deals with studies that can prove or disprove a hypothesis. Psychologists in this field use scientific methods to collect data on basic psychological processes such as memory, cognition, and learning. They use this data to test the whys and hows of behavior and how outside factors influence its creation.

Areas of interest in this branch relate to perception, memory, emotion, and sensation. The below are example questions that could inspire your own research:

31. Do male or female parents/carers have a more calming influence on children?

32. Will your preference for a genre of music increase the more you listen to it?

33. What are the psychological effects of posting on social media vs. not posting?

34. How is productivity affected by social connection?

35. Is cheating contagious?

Organizational psychology research questions

Organizational psychology studies human behavior in the workplace. It is most frequently used to evaluate an employee, group, or a company’s organizational dynamics. Researchers aim to isolate issues and identify solutions.

This area of study can be beneficial to both employees and employers since the goal is to improve the overall work environment and experience. Researchers apply psychological principles and findings to recommend improvements in performance, communication, job satisfaction, and safety.

Some potential research questions include the following:

36. How do different leadership styles affect employee morale?

37. Do longer lunch breaks boost employee productivity?

38. Is gender an antecedent to workplace stress?

39. What is the most effective way to promote work–life balance among employees?

40. How do different organizational structures impact the effectiveness of communication, decision-making, and productivity?

Forensic psychology research questions

Some questions to consider exploring in this branch of psychology are:

41. How does incarceration affect mental health?

42. Is childhood trauma a driver for criminal behavior during adulthood?

43. Are people with mental health conditions more likely to be victims of crimes?

44. What are the drivers of false memories, and how do they impact the justice system?

45. Is the media responsible for copycat crimes?

Educational psychology research questions

Educational psychology studies children in an educational setting. It covers topics like teaching methods, aptitude assessment, self-motivation, technology, and parental involvement.

Research in this field of psychology is vital for understanding and optimizing learning processes. It informs educators about cognitive development, learning styles, and effective teaching strategies.

Here are some example research questions:

46. Are different teaching styles more beneficial for children at different times of the day?

47. Can listening to classical music regularly increase a student’s test scores?

48. Is there a connection between sugar consumption and knowledge retention in students?

49. Does sleep duration and quality impact academic performance?

50. Does daily meditation at school influence students’ academic performance and mental health?

Sports psychology research question examples

Sport psychology aims to optimize physical performance and well-being in athletes by using cognitive and behavioral practices and interventions. Some methods include counseling, training, and clinical interventions.

Research in this area is important because it can improve team and individual performance, resilience, motivation, confidence, and overall well-being

Here are some research question ideas for you to consider:

51. How can a famous coach affect a team’s performance?

52. How can athletes control negative emotions in violent or high-contact sports?

53. How does using social media impact an athlete’s performance and well-being?

54. Can psychological interventions help with injury rehabilitation?

55. How can mindfulness practices boost sports performance?

Cultural psychology research question examples

The premise of this branch of psychology is that mind and culture are inseparable. In other words, people are shaped by their cultures, and their cultures are shaped by them. This can be a complex interaction.

Cultural psychology is vital as it explores how cultural context shapes individuals’ thoughts, behaviors, and perceptions. It provides insights into diverse perspectives, promoting cross-cultural understanding and reducing biases.

Here are some ideas that you might consider researching:

56. Are there cultural differences in how people perceive and deal with pain?

57. Are different cultures at increased risk of developing mental health conditions?

58. Are there cultural differences in coping strategies for stress?

59. Do our different cultures shape our personalities?

60. How does multi-generational culture influence family values and structure?

Health psychology research question examples

Health psychology is a crucial field of study. Understanding how psychological factors influence health behaviors, adherence to medical treatments, and overall wellness enables health experts to develop effective interventions and preventive measures, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Health psychology also aids in managing stress, promoting healthy behaviors, and optimizing mental health, fostering a holistic approach to well-being.

Here are five ideas to inspire research in this field:

61. How can health psychology interventions improve lifestyle behaviors to prevent cardiovascular diseases?

62. What role do social norms play in vaping among adolescents?

63. What role do personality traits play in the development and management of chronic pain conditions?

64. How do cultural beliefs and attitudes influence health-seeking behaviors in diverse populations?

65. What are the psychological factors influencing the adherence to preventive health behaviors, such as vaccination and regular screenings?

Neuropsychology research paper question examples

Neuropsychology research explores how a person’s cognition and behavior are related to their brain and nervous system. Researchers aim to advance the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral and cognitive effects of neurological disorders.

Researchers may work with children facing learning or developmental challenges, or with adults with declining cognitive abilities. They may also focus on injuries or illnesses of the brain, such as traumatic brain injuries, to determine the effect on cognitive and behavioral functions.

Neuropsychology informs diagnosis and treatment strategies for conditions such as dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the neural basis of behavior enhances our ability to optimize cognitive functioning, rehabilitate people with brain injuries, and improve patient care.

Here are some example research questions to consider:

66. How do neurotransmitter imbalances in specific brain regions contribute to mood disorders such as depression?

67. How can a traumatic brain injury affect memory?

68. What neural processes underlie attention deficits in people with ADHD?

69. Do medications affect the brain differently after a traumatic brain injury?

70. What are the behavioral effects of prolonged brain swelling?

Psychology of religion research question examples

The psychology of religion is a field that studies the interplay between belief systems, spirituality, and mental well-being. It explores the application of the psychological methods and interpretive frameworks of religious traditions and how they relate to both religious and non-religious people.

Psychology of religion research contributes to a holistic understanding of human experiences. It fosters cultural competence and guides therapeutic approaches that respect diverse spiritual beliefs.

Here are some example research questions in this field:

71. What impact does a religious upbringing have on a child’s self-esteem?

72. How do religious beliefs shape decision-making and perceptions of morality?

73. What is the impact of religious indoctrination?

74. Is there correlation between religious and mindfulness practices?

75. How does religious affiliation impact attitudes towards mental health treatment and help-seeking behaviors?

Controversial topics in psychology research question examples

Some psychology topics don’t fit into any of the subcategories above, but they may still be worthwhile topics to consider. These topics are the ones that spark interest, conversation, debate, and disagreement. They are often inspired by current issues and assess the validity of older research.

Consider some of these research question examples:

76. How does the rise in on-screen violence impact behavior in adolescents.

77. Should access to social media platforms be restricted in children under the age of 12 to improve mental health?

78. Are prescription mental health medications over-prescribed in older adults? If so, what are the effects of this?

79. Cognitive biases in AI: what are the implications for decision-making?

80. What are the psychological and ethical implications of using virtual reality in exposure therapy for treating trauma-related conditions?

Inspiration for your next psychology research project

You can choose from a diverse range of research questions that intersect and overlap across various specialties.

From cognitive psychology to clinical studies, each inquiry contributes to a deeper understanding of the human mind and behavior. Importantly, the relevance of these questions transcends individual disciplines, as many findings offer insights applicable across multiple areas of study.

As health trends evolve and societal needs shift, new topics emerge, fueling continual exploration and discovery. Diving into this ever-changing and expanding area of study enables you to navigate the complexities of the human experience and pave the way for innovative solutions to the challenges of tomorrow.

Get started today

Go from raw data to valuable insights with a flexible research platform

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 21 December 2023

Last updated: 16 December 2023

Last updated: 6 October 2023

Last updated: 25 November 2023

Last updated: 12 May 2023

Last updated: 15 February 2024

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 18 May 2023

Last updated: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 10 April 2023

Last updated: 20 December 2023

Latest articles

Writing custom essays & research papers since 2008

40 creative child development research paper topics.

Child development research topics are not so common as compared to others types of writing ideas. As such, students seeking such prompts have to dig deeper to find one or two that would match their specifications. However, this task is not easy, and most students would give up way before they start. That is why we have developed a professional list of child development topics for high school and college students.

What Is A Child Development Research Paper?

It is a field that specializes in exploring how children grow and change in the course of childhood. It uses theories that center on child development, such as emotional, social, and cognitive growth. Child development is considered one of the wealthiest areas of study, with quite a low number of research papers done on it.

Studying child development is necessary as it has direct implications on the long-term state of the child in the end. Some of the aspects that child development will handle include school attainment, future opportunities, and the child’s earning potential. Therefore, it would be improper to avoid taking such a subject.

How To Write Child Development Papers

Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of such a paper, it is essential to understand the importance. A child development paper will help set the foundation for the children’s lifelong health, learning, and behavior. In other words, it will help shape our understanding of early childhood stages that will impact the child in the future.

Some of the areas of development in a child will include:

Social, personal and emotional development Physical development Literacy skills Understanding the world around them Communication and language

Therefore, if you want a top-rated child development research paper, start with these simple steps:

Conduct thorough research on various aspects of child development
Brainstorm with your friends, teachers, or experts
Understand the audience you are writing for
Make sure that the writing ideas are meaningful

You can identify world-class topics for a child development paper through:

Reputable online sources,
The UNICEF website
TV shows that involve children
Talks and symposiums on child development

Through these, you will come up with unique and researchable child development topics for papers.

Are you stuck right now on where to start? Below is a list of reputable writing ideas that will offset your paper. Give them a try and see the results!

Interesting Early Childhood Education Research Paper Topics

Stages that children pass through in their early years of development
Diseases that are common to children under five years old
Key cognitive aspects of early childhood development
The impact of the environmental factors in the development of a child
How television, videos, and games shape a child during his developmental years
How children develop ego and self-centeredness in their early years of growth
Why parents should always be by the side of their children during early years
The role of caregivers in child development at early stages

Early Childhood Education Research Paper Topics For College Students

How often should a mother be close to their children in their early years?
Factors that facilitate mental development for children
How noise-induced hearing loss affects children
Essential nutrients for premature children
The impact of social interaction during early years of a child
Discuss the various development aspects during the prenatal stage
The role of early childhood life in shaping their adult life
Why play is essential during the early stages of child development

Accessible Child Psychology Research Paper Topics

The implications of a child growing in a technology environment
How the coronavirus pandemic has shaped child psychology
The role of a psychologist in the early stages of child development
The implication of the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine on child psychology
Why attention is necessary for children in their early development stages
Effective monitors for the psychological development of children
The role of music in child psychology development
The effects of birth disorders in child psychological development

Hot Research Topics On Child Development

The impact of bullying on child development
How to analyze behavioral child development aspects
The significant role of proper nutrition in child development
How to identify genius children from birth
How to explain the connection between a mother and a child
The impact of genes in the development of a child
How a particular community will affect a child’s development
The implication of celebrating birthdays on child development

First-Class Research Topics On Children

How to deal with childhood trauma
The effects of single families on child development
At what stage should parents start teaching core skills to their children?
The role of family doctors in child development
Toxic events that may impact a child’s development
Implications of divorce on children
How low income affects children development
Effects of graphic violence through animations on child development

Are you thinking of online writing help with child development research papers? We are here for you. Contact us today for a brilliant article!

Write my thesis
Thesis writers
Buy thesis papers
Bachelor thesis
Master's thesis
Thesis editing services
Thesis proofreading services
Buy a thesis online
Write my dissertation
Dissertation proposal help
Pay for dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help online
Buy dissertation online
Cheap dissertation
Dissertation editing services
Write my research paper
Buy research paper online
Pay for research paper
Research paper help
Order research paper
Custom research paper
Cheap research paper
Research papers for sale
Thesis subjects
How It Works

100 Best Child Development Research Topics for 2023

If you need to write a research paper about child development, you probably already know that finding great child development research topics is a very difficult task. In fact, it can sometimes take you days to find a good topic to write an interesting essay on. Fortunately, we have a list of research topics in child development that will help you immensely. Remember, all our topics are free to use. You can use them as they are or reword them. To help as many students as possible, we are constantly updating the list. You can easily find fresh topics for 2022 right here.

Having Trouble Finding Topics in Child Development?

Of course, you can try to find topics in child development on various websites. The problem is that most of those topics are years old. Furthermore, most of those child development research paper topics have been used by students over and over again. Your professor is probably bored of reading the same essays every semester, don’t you think?

To make sure you get a top grade on your essay, you need to find original, highly interesting topics. You need research topics for child development that are relevant for the scientific community today. Just pick one of our topics and start writing your essay in minutes.

Easy Child Development Topics

If you are looking from some easy topics so that you don’t have to spend much time writing the essay, you might want to take a look at our awesome easy child development topics:

Describe 3 important child development theories
Define childhood development
Talk about the Vygotsky Theory.
What are childcare centers?
Are children more intelligent than adults?
Music and its benefits for child development.

Child Development Essay Topics for College

Of course, college students should pick topics that are more advanced than those picked by high school attendees. Take a look at some interesting child development essay topics for college students:

Child Abuse Prevention programs and how they work.
Discuss Children Services in relation to child development
How does a divorce affect the development of children?
Analyzing the moral development stages
Domestic violence effects on child development
Three best parenting styles and why they work
Special needs of differently-abled children

Controversial Topics Child Development

Child development is, of course, filled with controversial ideas, theories and practices. You may want to talk about some of them, so here are some controversial topics child development ideas:

The best parenting model.
Family conflict hinders proper child development.
Does obesity affect child development?
Does race affect child development?
Are siblings important at all?
Imaginary friends can be a problem.

Best Research Topics on Child Development

Nobody knows what your professor likes or dislikes better than you do. However, we believe the following list of ideas contains some of the best research topics on child development:

Coronavirus lockdown and its effects on children.
Peers’ influence on child development.
Children understand life through play.
A green environment and its effects on children.
Describe the 4 types of parenting.
Diet and its role on child development.
How important is his family for a small child?

ADHD Child Development Topics

ADHD is a disorder that affects a growing number of children worldwide. It goes without saying that picking one of our ADHD child development topics will surely surprise your professor:

What is Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Discuss the main causes of ADHD.
Incidence rate of ADHD in small children.
The challenges of ADHD for parents.
Special needs of children suffering from ADHD.
In-depth analysis of therapy methods.
Can ADHD be cured in the 21st century?

Interesting Topics Related to Child Development

Are you looking for the most interesting topics related to child development? Here is the list of what our ENL writers consider to be the most intriguing things to talk about in 2022:

Games that stimulate child development
Does poverty affect the development of children?
Tech and its effects of child development.
Do imaginary friends play a role?
Child development and its effects on the person’s entire life
Why are children often more creative than adults?

Child Development Psychology Topics

But what if you want to talk about psychology? The good news is that we have several original child development psychology topics that you can choose from right now for free:

What are the five stages of psychological development?
An in-depth look at the mental development of children.
Improving mental growth: best practices.
Lack of attention and its effects.
Behavioral psychology of autistic children.
Society is changing the psychology of our children.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Difficult Child Development Topics for Research

Are you looking for a challenge? Do you want to test your ability to write a complex academic paper on a difficult subject? Just pick one of these difficult child development topics for research and start writing:

The coronavirus pandemic and its effects on child development.
Eliminating dyslexia with novel child development techniques.
Best way to develop your child’s language skills.
Eliminating autism with novel child development techniques.
The minimum time that you should spend with your child.
3 best games for child mental growth.

Current Topics in Child Development

Of course, your professor is most interested in new and exciting research. This is why it is generally a great idea to pick a current topic to write about. Here are some of the best current topics in child development:

COVID-19 anxiety in small children.
Advancements in children cognitive development.
Latest social development techniques.
The link between psychical and physical development
What are developmental milestones?
Solving behavioral issues correctly.
Link between play and social skills.
Best methods to cure autism in 2022. Check out more autism research topics .

Child Mental Health Development Paper Ideas

Interested in writing about the mental health development of children of all ages? We have some very good news for you. We have a list of child mental health development paper ideas you will find most intriguing:

The effects of divorce on small children
The effects of the death of a parent on small children
The effects of family violence on child development
The effects of substance abuse on children
The effects of mono parental families on small children
The effects of financial insecurity on children
The effects of sleep disorders on the development of a child

Child Development Project Topics

Are you looking for an original project idea? Our team managed to create a list of 100% original child development project topics just for you:

Talking and its effects on child development.
Analyze the impact of sports on child development.
Poor dieting and its negative effects.
Technology effects on small children.
Are books important for small children?
Positive social relations and their effect on toddlers.
Is Internet exposure recommended?

Psychology Research Topics on Child Development

Researching the psychology of child development can be a very difficult thing to do. However, if you think you are up to the task, pick one of these great psychology research topics on child development:

Define the term “sociocultural theory”
The 4 stages of psychological development.
Analyzing the main psychological processes of children.
In-depth analysis of child psychology.
Does your children need to see a psychologist?
The science behind understanding child emotions.
Deviant behavior in small children.

Early Child Development Topics

Talking about infants and toddlers can be very interesting, especially if you manage to find a great topic. Choose one of these early child development topics and start writing your paper right away:

Stages of toddler mental development.
How much time should you spend with your small child?
The importance of socialization.
Games to play with your toddler.
Is play important for early child development?
Infant vs. toddler: the similarities.
When does the ego first appear?

Topics About the Stages of Childhood Development

Are you interested in talking about the various stages of childhood development? You are certainly in luck today. We have just added these topics about the stages of childhood development to our list:

What are the 5 stages of child development?
What defines a newborn?
Describe the transition between a newborn to an infant.
Child development stages: the toddler.
Preschool and school age children: key differences

Latest Child Development Paper Topics

It’s difficult to keep up with science, we know. Here are the latest child development paper topics you may want to write about:

Genetics effect on child development.
Social media effects on children.
Pollution effects on the development of children.
Social insecurity effects.
Good sleep and its benefits.
Preschool programs are improving emotional skills.
The science of childhood development.

Need More Child Development Topics for Papers?

But what if you want more than these interesting topics in child development? In case you need a list of original, well thought of topics, we have the perfect solution. Our experienced academic writers can put together a list of new child development topics for papers in no time. And the best part is that only you will get the new list. So, if you need dozens of child development research topics that nobody else thought of yet, you need our help. If you need a custom thesis , we can also help you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, even during the night.

75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples

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

The Significance of Lifespan Development in the Practice of Counseling Psychology The physical aspect of lifespan development is one of the important ones: it is related to the growth and development of the body and changes in the body and the brain.
The Lifespan Development Perspective In addition, the impact of the interaction between genes and the environment on the process of human development is also discussed. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Lifespan development and the human servises This is the period when their attachment to parents decreases and they search for new relationships. This is also the period when adolescents find their selves and learn how to be a part of the […]
Aspects of Lifespan Human Development Thus, I decided not to stop there and continue to build my life in a way that would make my grandmother proud of me.
Areas That Tied to Lifespan Development Such important problems as health and well-being, parenting, education, socio-cultural context, and social policy are the cause for concern and reflection and are closely related to the development of the life cycle of individuals and […]
Schizophrenia & Neurosis and Lifespan Development The learning objectives are to comprehend worrying conduct in the scope of the growth missions, series, and procedures that show human development.
Lifespan Development: Adolescent Psychology Physical changes occur in the child during the period of adolescence as they hit puberty. It is known as the formal operational period and is the fourth stage in the life of the individual.
Lifespan Development Psychology: Observation at Cosmo Park Finally, the paper will discern the parenting style that the parents were using on the subject being observed.”Life Span is the study of life from the womb to the tomb”.
Lifespan Development and Learning Disabilities in Childhood Parents in this situation would most likely select the authoritative parenting style to manage children because they are left to make their own choices under a guided framework.
Lifespan Development and Its Stages in Psychology The choice of this research method is preconditioned by the need to investigate the way cognitive processes among this age group occur and find out factors that result in the appearance of differences between participants.
Exploring Lifespan Development: Child Perspectives Mesman, van Ijzendoorn, and Bakermans-Kranenburg are the authors of the article about parental sensitivity and its role in the establishment of family relationships and child development.
Lifespan Perspectives on Human Development This makes it necessary for individuals to understand the human development process, a function that they can achieve using the human lifespan perspective. Finally, because the context of occurrence of different activities is important in […]
Issues in Lifespan Development Although a strand of existing literature demonstrates that research on human growth and development is a relatively recent endeavor, particularly in reference to the fact that studies involving children did not begin until the late […]
Lifespan Developmental Theories The article can be considered credible and serve as an illustration to the inappropriateness of contrasting nature and nurture, as the knowledge about the interaction between the hereditary factors and environmental influences is the key […]
Lifespan Development and Personality Paper The traits that are visible includes; development of hair in the pubic and armpits, onset of menstruation, enlargement of breasts, endometrial development for females due to estrogen and penis enlargement for males and spermarche or […]
Lifespan Development and Personality In the same way, the genes that a child gets from the parents also affects the way development of the mind.
Lifespan Development and Its Theories This paper will discuss lifespan development perspective, theories of lifespan development, and the interaction between heredity and environment. Culture and the context in which the changes occur must be considered when analyzing the changes.
Schizophrenia, Psychosis and Lifespan Development Schizophrenia is a complicated condition not only due to its nature but also due to the fact that it results from a wide range of factors.
Lifespan Development of Howard Hughes
Pupal Development And Adult Lifespan Of Different Beetles
An Analysis of the Behavior Perspective of Lifespan Development Theories
Development Across the Lifespan: Adulthood
A Thematic Analysis on Lifespan Development of a Couple
Personal and Occupational Development Throughout the Lifespan
Child Observation During The Lifespan Development
How Having An Understanding Of Lifespan Development Can Help Those Delivering Care To Different Client Groups
Development in the Lifespan/Preschool & Elderly
Theories And Theorists On Lifespan Development
Advanced Lifespan and Development by John Santrock
Physical, Mental, And Psychosocial Development Through Lifespan
Edgar Allan Poe’s Personality and Lifespan Development
How Human Lifespan Develops During Emotional Development
Human Lifespan and Development: The Nature of Children
The Confusing Issues, Concepts, and Definitions of Development Theories in Essentials of Lifespan Development
Lifespan Development: Examining Child and Adolescent Development Influence on Adulthood
Motivational Theory Of Lifespan Development
The Contribution Of Piaget On The Field Of Lifespan And Development
Main Developmental Tasks and Milestones Associated with Each Stage in Human Development over the Lifespan
Schizophrenia and Psychosis and Lifespan Development Matrix
Adloph Hitler – Lifespan Development and Personality
Theories Of Lifespan Development In Psychology
Synthesis Of Principles Defining The Lifespan Development
Human Development and Performance Throughout the Lifespan
Schizophrenia and Disorder of Lifespan Development
Human Development : The Importance Of Human And Lifespan
How Does Human Behavior Affect Lifespan Development?
Are the Lifespan Development and the Development of Communication Related?
What Are the Psychological Theories of Lifespan Development?
What Are the Issues Surrounding the Lifespan Development?
What Is Physical Development in Lifespan Development?
Which Best Describes the Concept of Lifespan Development?
What Is the Outlook for Lifespan Development?
What Are the Psychological Factors of Lifespan Development?
What Are the Main Stages of Lifespan Development?
How Does Schizophrenia Affect Lifespan Development?
What Is Lifespan Perspective in Child Development?
Should the Lifespan Development Be Explored?
What Are the Concepts of Lifespan Development?
Does Adverse Childhood Experience Affect Lifespan Development?
What Were Stages of Erikson’s Theory of Lifespan Development?
How Does Personality Affects Development Across Lifespan?
Do Alzheimer’s Genes Impair the Lifespan Development?
Does Lifelong Brain Plasticity Affect the Lifespan Development?
Can Physical Activity Improve the Lifespan Development?
What Is Freud’s Theory of Lifespan Development?
How Does Bipolar Disorder Affect Lifespan Development?
Why Is It Important to View Health From a Lifespan Developmental Perspective?
Does Medicine Improve the Development of the Lifespan Development?
How Does Transhumanist Technology Work to Increase the Lifespan Development?
What Are the Main Tasks of the Lifespan Development?
Why Is Lifespan Development Important to Mental Health Professionals?
Do Multivitamins Affect Lifespan Development?
What Are the Different Views of Lifespan Development?
Does Exercise Improve Lifespan Development?
What Are the Human Needs at Each Stage of the Lifespan Development?
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 28). 75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/

"75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 28 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples'. 28 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "75 Lifespan Development Essay Ideas & Examples." February 28, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/lifespan-development-essay-topics/.

Cognitive Development Essay Ideas
Emotional Development Questions
Human Development Research Ideas
Moral Development Essay Topics
Personality Development Ideas
Social Development Essay Topics
Developmental Psychology Essay Ideas
Child Development Research Ideas
Adolescence Questions
Gerontology Titles
Attachment Theory Essay Topics
Emotional Intelligence Paper Topics
Personal Growth Research Ideas
Goals Questions
Morality Research Ideas

Life goals and their changes drive success

New study indicates if you can dream it, you can be it.

"Where is my life going?" "Who do I want to be?"

As future-thinkers, adolescents spend significant time contemplating these types of questions about their life goals. A new study from the University of Houston shows that as people grow from teenagers to young adults, they tend to change the importance they place on certain life goals, but one thing is certain: The existence of high prestige and education goals, as well as their positive development, can drive success.

"Adolescents who endorsed higher levels of prestige and education goals tended to have higher educational attainment, income, occupational creativity, occupational prestige and job complexity after 12 years," reports Rodica Damian, associate professor of psychology in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . The paper's first author, Andreea Sutu, is a former graduate student of Damian's. Also on the team are former UH assistant professor Kevin Hoff and Sif Einarsdóttir of the University of Iceland.

No prior studies have investigated associations between life goal development and educational or occupational outcomes.

Damian and colleagues found that goals fluctuate -- some dreams and goals of youth fall away while some, related to family (like being close to your relatives), relationships (like having good friendships or a romantic partner) and community (like being involved in your neighborhood or helping others) stay strong. These goals might become even more significant as people get older.

"Life goals are expected to change over time and these changes are expected to have consequences for future life outcomes, including occupational outcomes," said Damian. "By understanding how changes in life goals relate to educational and occupational outcomes (above and beyond adolescent levels), we show how changes within individuals may also predict desired educational and occupational attainment."

The study examined how life goals developed with age and how adolescent levels of goals, and their development through young adulthood, related to educational attainment and occupational outcomes in young adulthood. The study used two nationally representative samples of Icelandic youth followed longitudinally across 12 years from late adolescence to young adulthood.

"For educational attainment, the strongest effects were found for education goals. Both initial levels and slopes of education goals were positively associated with educational attainment in both samples," said Damian. "This indicates that adolescents with higher education goals, and those who showed a more positive change pattern in education goals, had higher educational attainment in young adulthood."

Education and prestige goals emerged as the most consistent predictors of later income and that changes in these goals across time were the most consistent predictors of later occupational prestige and complexity.

"Our work highlights the importance of better understanding sources of goal development in adolescence and young adulthood. Overall, our focus on life goal development, educational attainment and occupational outcomes informs theoretical and practical understanding about the importance of life goals for real-world outcomes," said Damian.

Child Psychology
Social Psychology
Child Development
Learning Disorders
Education and Employment
STEM Education
Educational Policy
Poverty and Learning
Macroeconomics
Business administration
Microeconomics
Cooperation
Funding policies for science
Psychotherapy
United Nations Development Programme

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Houston . Original written by Laurie Fickman. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

Andreea Sutu, Kevin A. Hoff, Chu Chu, Sif Einarsdóttir, James Rounds, Rodica Ioana Damian. Life goal development, educational attainment, and occupational outcomes: A 12-year, multisample longitudinal study. . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 2024; DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000499

Cite This Page :

Explore More

Holographic Displays: An Immersive Future
Harvesting Energy Where River Meets Sea
Making Diamonds at Ambient Pressure
Eruption of Mega-Magnetic Star
Clean Fuel Generation With Simple Twist
Bioluminescence in Animals 540 Million Years Ago
Fossil Frogs Share Their Skincare Secrets
Fussy Eater? Most Parents Play Short Order Cook
Precise Time Measurement: Superradiant Atoms
Artificial Cells That Act Like Living Cells

Your Career Doesn’t Need to Have a Purpose

Stephen Friedman

Focus on making your work meaningful instead.

Outside of popular anecdotes and social media stories, there is little evidence that a single, defined “purpose” is necessary for a rewarding career. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. It’s surprisingly common to go after what we think is our purpose only to discover that we hate it. Instead, shift your focus from “purpose” to “meaning.” Ask yourself:

What do I like, prefer, or enjoy doing? Let go of yearning for a career purpose. Dial it back and consider what you liked about any of your previous jobs, school projects or other ways you spend your time. Perhaps you liked helping your peers organize their work or enjoyed researching sources for group projects. Or maybe you liked working on a team than alone. Use that as a starting point.
What am I good at? Early on in your career, you will have many bourgeoning skills. These are skills that you are good at now and can get even better at with more practice. Think about stuff you are progressively getting better at. Getting to use and improve skills that you’re already good will energize you, and provide you with a feeling of recognition and usefulness.
Would this role provide growth and learning that I can use later? Research shows that what scholars call “ability development” (i.e. getting better at what you do) brings with it greater happiness, satisfaction, and meaning.

As an organizational studies professor at the Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Canada, I get the opportunity to help my students with various aspects of their career development. In the process, I’ve noticed two common threads. First, most of my students are not only eager to enter the world of work, but also to be excellent at what they do. Second, they want their post-graduation job to be loaded with purpose .

Stephen Friedman is an Adjunct Professor of Organizational Studies and a Senior Faculty of Executive Education, at The Schulich School of Business, York University in Toronto. He teaches and writes about leadership development, organizational behavior, complexity science, career development, human resource management, workplace inclusion, and mental health.

Partner Center

IMAGES

Psychology Research Paper Topics: 50+ Great Ideas
149+ Good Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics
270+ Psychology Research Topics
203 Psychology Research Topics To Spice Up Your Paper
😍 Good psychology topics to write about. Psychology Research Paper
developmental psychology topics examples presentation

VIDEO

Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Common Research Methods: Developmental Psychology
Introduction developmental psychology
Chapter 1 Developmental Psych Research in Life Span Developmental
Top 10 PhD Life Science Research Ideas For 2022-23

COMMENTS

Developmental Psychology Topics
Topics you might pick can range from prenatal development to health during the final stages of life. Developmental psychology is a broad topic that involves studying how people grow and change throughout their whole lifetime. Topics don't just include physical growth but also the emotional, cognitive, and social development that people ...
61 Interesting Psychology Research Topics (2024)
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.
101 Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics
Best Developmental Psychology Research Topics. Getting the best developmental psychology research topics is not an easy task. But we have a list of suggestions for you: A cognitive approach to child abuse prevention. A developmental perspective on imitation and social cognition. Children's perception of gender-based violence and gender ...
Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics
Development Psychology Dissertation Topics. Children's primary emotional needs (care, love, support, freedom, safety, being accepted and understood, etc.) Child abuse is the root cause of numerous psychological disorders in later life. How young children learn and flourish when their upbringing is defined by caring, safe interactions with people.
50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers
Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition. Some of the possible topics you might explore in this area include thinking, language, intelligence, and decision-making. Other ideas might include: Dreams. False memories. Attention. Perception.
Frontiers in Psychology
Research Topics; Type at least 3 characters 160 Research Topics Guest edit your own article collection Suggest a topic. Submission. ... Innovation in Developmental Psychology, Education, Sports, and Arts: Advances in Research on Individuals and Groups - Volume II. Radu Predoiu; Alexandra Predoiu;
Developmental Psychology 101: Theories, Stages, & Research
2 Questions and Research Topics. Developmental psychology has given rise to many debatable questions and research topics. Here are two of the most commonly discussed. 1. Nature vs nurture debate. One of the oldest debates in the field of developmental psychology has been between nature and nurture (Levitt, 2013).
Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology® publishes articles that significantly advance knowledge and theory about development across the life span. The journal focuses on seminal empirical contributions. The journal occasionally publishes exceptionally strong scholarly reviews and theoretical or methodological articles. Studies of any aspect of psychological ...
Developmental Psychology
December 16, 2015. Older (Compared With Younger) Adults More Frequently Engage in Future-Oriented Thoughts. from Psychology and Aging. November 12, 2015. Old Age is Getting Younger: Today's 75-Year-Olds Are Cognitively Fitter and Happier Than the 75-Year-Olds of 20 Years Ago. from Psychology and Aging. October 1, 2015.
Frontiers in Developmental Psychology
Resources for Developmental Ecological Psychology: Organicism, Epigenetics, Relational Development, Dynamic Systems. Catherine E Read. Agnes Szokolszky. Iris Nomikou. Lisette De Jonge-Hoekstra. 884 views. Advances our understanding of the cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans and the effects these internal processes have on ...
Research Topics
Research Topics. Research topics include issues in developmental neuroscience in typical and atypical populations, symbolic representation in infants and children, children's psychological understanding and theory of mind, memory development (e.g., trauma and memory development, eyewitness testimony, metamemory), language development, emotional ...
Research Topics
Department of Psychology. University of California, Davis135 Young Hall One Shields AvenueDavis , CA95616. [email protected] 530-752-1880. Research topics include issues in developmental neuroscience in typical and atypical populations, symbolic representation in infants and children, children's psychological understanding and theory of ...
Research Topics In Psychology (+ Free Webinar)
Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology. The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development. The effects of parenting styles on children's executive function. The impact of late-night screen use on child development. The role of digital play on child development outcomes.
149+ Good Child Developmental Psychology Research Topics
These child psychology research topics aim to help parents, teachers, and caregivers support children's growth. The knowledge guides them to give the best care for children to develop well. It also helps make good policies regarding the education, health, and safety of children. How Can I Find Good Child Developmental Psychology Research Topic?
Developmental psychology
Persistence and self-control are valuable traits that can help kids succeed in school and beyond. A new study suggests infants can learn stick-to-itiveness by watching adults persist in a ...
Research in Developmental Psychology
Lifespan development is a fascinating field of study - but care must be taken to ensure that researchers use appropriate methods to examine human behavior, use the correct experimental design to answer their questions, and be aware of the special challenges that are part-and-parcel of developmental research.
Psychology Research Questions: 80 Ideas For Your Next Project
Cognitive psychology is the branch that focuses on the interactions of thinking, emotion, creativity, and problem-solving. It also explores the reasons humans think the way they do. This topic involves exploring how people think by measuring intelligence, thoughts, and cognition. Here are some research question ideas: 6.
115 Developmental Psychology Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Language development is mainly the ability of a child to use and […] Development of Creativity - Psychology. The child energy directed at exploration and learning was used to the fullest and resulted in a massive increase of divergent thinking and creativity. Neuroscience and Child Development - Psychology.
60+ Psychology Research Topics 2024+
When choosing a good psychology research topic, it is important to consider the practicalities of conducting your research. For example, you need to make sure that you will be able to access the necessary data or participants for your study. 6. Make sure your chosen topic is ethical. It is important to choose a topic that is ethical and ...
40 Impressive Child Development Research Paper Topics
Social, personal and emotional development. Physical development. Literacy skills. Understanding the world around them. Communication and language. Therefore, if you want a top-rated child development research paper, start with these simple steps: Conduct thorough research on various aspects of child development.
100 Exiting Child Development Research Topics
Psychology Research Topics on Child Development. Researching the psychology of child development can be a very difficult thing to do. However, if you think you are up to the task, pick one of these great psychology research topics on child development: Define the term "sociocultural theory" The 4 stages of psychological development.
135 Adolescent Research Topics & Essay Samples
Adolescence and Adulthood Developmental Stages - Psychology. The onset of adolescence marks the refinement of most individuals' thinking abilities because at this stage the majority of individuals would have attained control in their thinking process. Adolescence as a Stage of the Person Development.
75 Lifespan Development Essay Topics to Write about
The Significance of Lifespan Development in the Practice of Counseling Psychology. The physical aspect of lifespan development is one of the important ones: it is related to the growth and development of the body and changes in the body and the brain. The Lifespan Development Perspective. In addition, the impact of the interaction between genes ...
Shaping the future of behavioral and social research at NIA
Embracing a life course approach to understand aging processes and the developmental origins of health and disease, including approaches to midlife prevention of aging-related diseases. Innovating and supporting large-scale observational studies, mechanistic investigations, and translational research to better understand how social and ...
Life goals and their changes drive success
Life goal development, educational attainment, and occupational outcomes: A 12-year, multisample longitudinal study.. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 2024; DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000499
Your Career Doesn't Need to Have a Purpose
Research shows that what scholars call "ability development" (i.e. getting better at what you do) brings with it greater happiness, satisfaction, and meaning.