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99 Cognitive Psychology Research Topics | Research Ideas

By Adam Oct 12, 2023 in Cognitive Psychology , Psychology | No Comments

Welcome to our comprehensive post on selecting compelling cognitive psychology research topics, designed to assist undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral-level students in crafting their thesis. The field of Cognitive Psychology offers a multitude of captivating research avenues and exploration, making it an ideal area to delve into for an academic dissertation. Choosing the right Cognitive Psychology […]

Welcome to our comprehensive post on selecting compelling cognitive psychology research topics, designed to assist undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral-level students in crafting their thesis.

The field of Cognitive Psychology offers a multitude of captivating research avenues and exploration, making it an ideal area to delve into for an academic dissertation. Choosing the right Cognitive Psychology research topics can significantly influence the success and impact of your research, paving the way for insightful discussions and noteworthy contributions to the discipline. In this post, we will delve into a plethora of potential topics, exploring their relevance and potential to broaden the horizons of your academic journey.

• Download Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Sample

The following is an extensive list of cognitive psychology dissertation topics for a student to choose from:

A list of cognitive psychology research topics:

Analyzing the cognitive processes underlying creativity and innovation.

Brand memory and cognitive psychology- how do marketing images of specific brands during childhood impact consumer choices in adulthood?

The role of cognitive therapy in treating eating disorders.

Analyzing the cognitive aspects of online gaming addiction.

The cognitive aspects of decision-making in medical ethics.

The role of cognitive interventions in improving memory in the elderly.

The relationship between sleep and memory consolidation: A meta-analysis.

Cognitive factors influencing financial decision-making in investment.

Investigating the effects of bilingualism on cognitive flexibility and executive functioning.

Children with reading and spelling disabilities in the UK- a qualitative study tracing trends across two generations.

The impact of social isolation on cognitive function and mental health in older adults.

Analyzing the cognitive aspects of decision-making in the financial industry.

Examining the impact of Brexit-related stress on cognitive functioning in the UK.

Understanding the cognitive mechanisms of placebo effects.

Cognitive changes in aging and their impact on daily life.

Investigating the cognitive processes behind eyewitness testimony accuracy.

Cognitive biases in political decision-making and their consequences.

How do culture and social support impact people with depression in the UK? A primary study.

Assessing cognitive interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in the UK.

Meta-analysis of studies on cognitive biases and decision-making.

Cognitive processes and brain structure: Exploring the intricate relationship in neuropsychology .

Does talking to oneself and self-counseling affect memory retrieval? Analysis from literature.

A review of cognitive interventions for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The impact of color perception on memory encoding and retrieval.

Analyzing the effects of socio-economic status on cognitive performance in British students.

Cognitive aspects of virtual reality experiences and their effects on memory and learning.

Cognitive development and moral reasoning in adolescents.

Habit formation versus habit maintenance- which phenomenon is a stronger one? Perspectives from cognitive psychology.

Examining cognitive biases in the British criminal justice system.

The role of cognitive interventions in improving attention and focus.

The effects of digital technology on attention and memory in British youth.

Investigating the cognitive aspects of human-robot interaction.

Cognitive mechanisms underlying trust and cooperation in social interactions.

Differentiating make-believe from reality- a review of children’s cognitive processing abilities.

Understanding the neurocognitive basis of addiction: A literature review.

The impact of social media on cognitive processes and well-being.

Evaluating the cognitive aspects of decision-making in British political leaders.

The relationship between self-esteem and cognitive functioning.

Cognitive differences in decision-making between entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs.

The impact of online education on cognitive development in UK students.

An exploration of cognitive process shifts in individuals over time and reasons for these shifts.

The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance.

The psychology of selective attention habits and behaviors among children and adults- a systematic review.

Conspiracy theories and distinctions between collective nationalistic causes and individualistic causes- a review of literature.

Why do some people age prematurely while others stay young? A cognitive psychological perspective from literature.

Cognitive factors influencing voting behavior in the United Kingdom.

The role of cognitive factors in the perception and experience of pain.

How have children’s attention spans changed over the course of the past fifty years? Finding answers from literature.

The relationship between cognitive functions and academic achievement in students.

Understanding the cognitive processes of false memories and their implications.

The evolution of cognitive psychology: A historical and theoretical review.

Cognitive factors influencing consumer choices in the digital era.

Cognitive development in the digital age: A cross-generational study.

Cognitive psychology and educational strategies : Enhancing learning through understanding cognitive mechanisms.

Investigating the relationship between cognitive functions and mathematical abilities.

Investigating the role of virtual reality therapy in mitigating post-pandemic mental health issues.

The 2015 Paris attacks and psychological perspectives of xenophobia- have things really stayed the same after all the so-called enlightenment of Europe?

A comparative analysis of online and in-person learning’s effects on students’ cognitive development post-COVID.

The role of cognitive load in multimedia learning and information processing.

The influence of cultural stereotypes on cognitive performance.

The impact of pandemic-related stress on cognitive functioning in healthcare workers.

The role of cognitive factors in language learning and bilingualism.

A systematic review of the impact of visual aids and smells in creating happy memories.

What prevents emotional motivation being translated into physical action? Explorations from literature.

Cognitive aspects of procrastination and its impact on academic performance.

Investigating the cognitive development of bilingual children in the United Kingdom.

Motivation and rewards- a comparative literature review of the behaviour of children and adults.

Investigating the role of emotional intelligence in cognitive processes.

Understanding the cognitive processes underlying consumer behavior in the UK.

Analyzing cognitive differences in individuals with various types of synesthesia.

Death anxiety between the genders and its manifestation- a review of literature.

Brexit debates in Britain and outside- perspectives from a psychological context.

Analyzing the cognitive processes involved in time perception and its distortions.

Cognitive factors influencing misinformation susceptibility in online environments.

Understanding the cognitive basis of learning disabilities.

The influence of cultural factors on memory recall among UK residents.

A systematic review of cognitive therapies for anxiety disorders.

Analyzing the role of working memory in problem-solving: A literature review.

Examining changes in cognitive flexibility during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Investigating the cognitive effects of meditation and mindfulness practices.

Are positive emotions direct consequence of or contributors to happiness? Construction from literature.

Investigating the impact of music on cognitive performance and emotional regulation.

The psychological explanation behind collective and individual obedience- review of literature.

A critical review of the impact of mindfulness meditation on cognitive functions.

Post-COVID cognitive challenges: A study of long-term effects on survivors.

Investigating the relationship between weather conditions and cognitive performance in the UK.

The thinking process as a reflection of past thoughts and future goals- review of literature.

The role of cognitive factors in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The role of cognitive rehabilitation in the recovery of stroke patients in the UK.

Can video games help children with special needs? A literature review.

Cognitive development and problem-solving abilities in early childhood.

The cognitive basis of humor perception and its influence on cognitive processes.

The process of reasoning- a comparative study between children and adults.

The psychology of memories- imagined or real – a systematic literature review.

Reviewing the cognitive theories of learning and their applications in education.

The effects of outdoor vs. indoor environmental settings on cognitive restoration.

There you go. Use the list on cognitive psychology research topics well and let us know if you have any comments or suggestions for our topics-related blog posts for the future or looking to get help with dissertation writing , send us an email at [email protected] .

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101 Examples of Dissertation Research Topics for Psychology Students

The journey of a psychology student culminates in the challenging task of selecting a dissertation topic . The decision you make at this point will set the stage for your academic and professional trajectory.

This momentous project is not just a rite of passage but an opportunity to delve deeply into a niche area of interest, contribute to a body of knowledge, and possibly even ignite a career-long pursuit. With the vast expanse of psychology stretching from the neural synapses of the brain to the complex social interactions of communities, the challenge lies not in finding a topic, but in narrowing down the multitude of possibilities!

In this article, we present an expansive list of dissertation topics for psychology students.

The ideas provided are designed to encourage exploration of both traditional and avant-garde topics, reflecting the current trends and enduring questions that shape the evolving landscape of psychological research. From the psychological impacts of digital detox to the cognitive rehabilitation techniques for stroke survivors, these topics are designed to accommodate various interests and academic pursuits. They cater not only to a comprehensive academic challenge but also to the practical implications that such research can have on individuals, systems, and societies.

As you take a look at these suggestions, it’s important that you consider not only what interests you but also what excites you. The best dissertation topic is one that you can commit to with passion and curiosity, one that promises a journey of discovery replete with challenges and rewards.

Before we present the list of dissertation ideas for psychology students, let’s take a look at what makes a good dissertation research topic.

What Makes a Good Dissertation Research Topic for Psychology Students?

A good psychology research topic should meet several key criteria to ensure it is valuable, feasible, and has the potential to contribute to the field. Here’s an overview of the characteristics that make a research topic stand out:

• Relevance : The topic should address current issues or gaps in the field of psychology. It needs to be pertinent to contemporary debates, practices, or policies. Relevance also means that the research could have practical applications or implications, potentially informing practitioners, policymakers, or the general public.
• Originality : A good research topic brings a new perspective to a known issue or explores an understudied area. The aim is to contribute original knowledge or insights rather than replicating past studies without adding substantial value.
• Specificity : Broad topics can be overwhelming and impractical to tackle within the constraints of a typical research timeline and budget. A well-defined and focused research question allows for a more thorough and in-depth study.
• Clarity : The topic should be framed in a way that is understandable and clear. This means avoiding jargon when unnecessary and defining key terms. A clearly articulated research question guides the methodology and helps maintain focus throughout the project.
• Feasibility : This involves considering the researcher’s access to subjects, resources, and data. The research should be achievable within the given time frame and with available resources. Feasibility also concerns the ethical considerations and approval processes required for conducting research.
• Interest : A researcher’s personal interest and passion for a topic can significantly influence the quality of the research. It’s beneficial if the topic resonates with the researcher’s own scholarly interests and curiosities.
• Scope for Scientific Method : Good psychology research topics should allow for systematic investigation through accepted scientific methods. This includes the potential for hypothesis testing, operationalization of variables, and the use of statistical analysis to draw conclusions.
• Ethical Soundness : Psychology research often involves human subjects, which necessitates careful ethical consideration. A good topic should conform to ethical standards, ensuring the privacy, consent, and welfare of participants.
• Implications : Lastly, a good research topic should have clear theoretical, practical, or clinical implications. It should contribute to a greater understanding of the human mind and behavior, potentially leading to better psychological interventions or therapies.

While selecting a research topic for your dissertation is important, you should never overlook the importance of the writing and editing process. Dissertation proofreading services can help you refine your final draft and ensure it presents you in the best possible light.

101 Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• The Role of Social Media in Adolescent Mental Health: Investigate how different levels of social media use affect mood disorders in adolescents.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Depression: Analyze the efficacy of CBT interventions in treating depression among various age groups.
• Neuroplasticity and Rehabilitation After Brain Injuries: Study how different rehabilitation techniques can affect the brain’s plasticity and recovery trajectory post-injury.
• The Psychology of Pandemics: Explore the long-term psychological impact of pandemics on different populations, focusing on coping mechanisms and resilience.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adulthood: Examine the challenges and support systems available for adults with autism, including employment, social relationships, and healthcare.
• Sleep Patterns and Academic Performance: Investigate the correlation between sleep quality and academic success in college students.
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development: Analyze how different parenting styles affect a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.
• Workplace Psychology and Employee Well-being: Explore the effects of workplace culture on mental health and job satisfaction.
• Memory and Aging: Study the patterns of cognitive decline in memory with aging and the effectiveness of interventions to slow down this process.
• The Influence of Cultural Background on Psychological Treatment Outcomes: Research how cultural beliefs and practices affect the efficacy of psychological treatments for mental health issues.
• Psychological Resilience in First Responders: Investigate the coping strategies used by first responders to manage stress and trauma-related to their line of work.
• The Effect of Nature on Mental Health: Examine how regular exposure to natural environments influences psychological well-being and stress levels.
• Intergenerational Trauma and Healing: Study patterns of trauma transmission in families and communities and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at breaking these cycles.
• The Psychology of Fake News: Explore the cognitive biases that contribute to the belief in and spread of misinformation, and strategies for critical thinking promotion.
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Chronic Pain: Evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation practices in managing chronic pain and improving quality of life.
• Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Grief and Mourning: Research how different cultures process and express grief and the implications for counseling practices.
• The Impact of Bilingualism on Cognitive Development: Investigate how learning and using multiple languages from an early age affects cognitive abilities and neural plasticity.
• Social Isolation and Cognitive Function in the Elderly: Examine the long-term cognitive effects of social isolation in senior populations and potential interventions.
• Attachment Styles and Romantic Relationships: Study how early attachment patterns influence adult romantic relationships, including partner selection and relationship satisfaction.
• Cyberpsychology and Identity Formation: Investigate how online environments and social networks contribute to or disrupt the process of identity formation in adolescents and young adults.
• Emotional Regulation in High-Stress Professions: Study strategies and their effectiveness in managing emotional responses in professions such as surgery, law enforcement, or air traffic control.
• Virtual Reality as a Tool for Phobia Treatment: Explore the use of VR environments in the systematic desensitization of individuals with specific phobias.
• Influence of Dietary Patterns on Children’s Behavioral Disorders: Investigate the relationship between nutritional choices and behavioral outcomes in children with ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.
• Psychological Impacts of Climate Change: Examine the effects of climate change on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of loss or grief.
• The Role of Art Therapy in Treating PTSD: Evaluate the efficacy of art therapy interventions for veterans or victims of violence suffering from PTSD.
• Gender Identity Development in Adolescence: Research the factors that influence gender identity and expression during the critical developmental stage of adolescence.
• Cognitive Dissonance and Consumer Behavior: Study how cognitive dissonance affects purchasing decisions and brand loyalty in the retail sector.
• Psychology of Pain Management: Investigate the role of psychological factors in the perception of pain and the effectiveness of psychological pain management techniques compared to pharmacological treatments.
• Social Perception in Online vs. Face-to-Face Interactions: Compare the accuracy of social perception and formation of first impressions in online settings versus in-person encounters.
• The Impact of Social Support on Recovery from Substance Abuse: Explore how different types and sources of social support contribute to the recovery process from drug and alcohol addiction.
• Effects of Microaggressions on Workplace Performance: Investigate how subtle forms of discrimination impact employees’ job satisfaction and productivity.
• The Psychology of Financial Decision-Making in Young Adults: Explore how psychological factors influence financial literacy and decision-making in the transition to adulthood.
• The Role of Pet Ownership in Managing Chronic Mental Illness: Examine the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership for individuals with chronic mental health conditions.
• Mindfulness Interventions in Elementary Education: Study the effects of mindfulness practices on attention and emotional regulation in young children.
• Narrative Identity and Life Transitions: Analyze how personal storytelling and narrative identity evolve during major life transitions, such as retirement or career change.
• Cultural Competence in Psychotherapy: Evaluate the importance of cultural competence in therapeutic practices and client outcomes.
• Psychological Impact of Body Image Portrayed in Social Media: Explore the effects of social media on body image dissatisfaction and the development of eating disorders.
• Eco-Anxiety and Environmental Activism: Examine the psychological effects of climate change concerns on environmental activism behaviors.
• Psychological Processes in Extreme Sports: Study risk assessment, decision-making, and flow states in athletes who participate in extreme sports.
• The Effect of Music Therapy on Cognitive Decline in Dementia Patients: Research the impact of music therapy sessions on the progression of cognitive symptoms in dementia.
• Social Cognition in Virtual Teams: Evaluate how individuals understand and operate within teams that interact exclusively through digital means.
• Attachment Patterns and Social Media Usage: Investigate the connection between attachment styles and usage patterns of social media platforms.
• Psychological Safety and Learning in Academic Settings: Explore the concept of psychological safety and its impact on students’ willingness to engage in learning activities.
• Humor and Coping Mechanisms in Stressful Occupations: Analyze the role of humor as a coping strategy for professionals in high-stress fields like emergency medicine.
• Impact of Sleep Hygiene Education on Student Performance: Evaluate the effectiveness of sleep education programs in improving the sleep quality and academic performance of university students.
• Color Psychology in Marketing and Branding: Study how color influences consumer perceptions and behaviors towards products and brands.
• The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Chronic Pain Management: Explore how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can aid individuals with chronic pain in improving their quality of life.
• Cyberbullying and Self-esteem in Adolescents: Examine the long-term effects of cyberbullying on self-esteem and identity formation during adolescence.
• Emotional Intelligence and Conflict Resolution: Investigate how emotional intelligence skills facilitate conflict resolution in personal and professional relationships.
• Digital Detox and Psychological Well-Being: Examine the psychological effects of taking regular breaks from digital devices.
• Stress Resilience in Space Exploration: Study psychological resilience strategies for astronauts during long-duration space missions.
• Language Acquisition in Mixed-Language Households: Explore how children in bilingual homes acquire and separate languages cognitively.
• The Role of Play in Child Development: Investigate different play therapies and their impact on developmental disorders in children.
• Implicit Bias and Decision Making in Jury Deliberations: Examine how implicit biases can influence the decision-making process in legal settings.
• Cognitive Effects of Chronic Sleep Deprivation: Research the long-term cognitive impacts of chronic sleep deprivation in adults.
• The Psychology of Superstitions in Sports: Study the role and impact of superstitious behaviors on athletes’ performance.
• The Mental Health Effects of Urban vs. Rural Living: Compare the prevalence and types of mental health issues in urban versus rural populations.
• Psychological Outcomes of Genetic Testing: Explore the emotional and psychological impact of undergoing genetic testing for diseases.
• Intergenerational Effects of Historical Trauma: Investigate the psychological effects across generations within communities that have experienced historical trauma.
• The Impact of Social Comparisons on Self-Esteem: Examine how individuals’ self-esteem is affected by comparisons made on social media platforms.
• Emotion Recognition and AI Interactions: Study how humans perceive and react to emotional expressions by artificial intelligences and robots.
• Personality Development in Space Colonies: Speculate on how living in space colonies might affect personality development and social dynamics.
• The Effect of Parental Leave on Child Psychological Development: Research the long-term effects of various lengths and types of parental leave on children.
• Sensory Processing Disorders and Educational Outcomes: Examine the impact of sensory processing disorders on children’s educational achievements.
• The Influence of Scent on Memory Recall: Explore the connection between olfactory cues and the accuracy or vividness of memory recall.
• Peer Influence on Risky Behavior in Adolescence: Analyze how peer groups can impact the decision-making process in teenagers regarding risky behaviors.
• The Effect of Minimalism on Mental Health: Study the psychological impact of adopting a minimalist lifestyle in a consumer-driven society.
• Psychological Mechanisms of Radicalization: Investigate the cognitive and emotional pathways that lead individuals to adopt radical ideologies.
• Multitasking and Cognitive Load: Investigate the limits of cognitive load and its impact on multitasking efficiency.
• Psychological Effects of Long-Term Spaceflight: Explore the mental challenges astronauts face during extended missions.
• Therapeutic Effects of Creative Writing: Study how creative writing can be used as a therapeutic tool for emotional expression.
• Psychology of Religious Extremism: Examine the factors that contribute to religious extremism from a psychological perspective.
• Mental Health Implications of Climate Migration: Research the psychological impact of relocating due to climate change.
• Social Psychology of Urbanization: Explore how urban living influences social behavior and community dynamics.
• Gestures and Language Development in Children: Investigate the role of gestural communication in early language acquisition.
• Technology Addiction and Family Dynamics: Study the impact of technology addiction on interpersonal relationships within families.
• Psychology of Solitude: Examine the effects of solitude on mental health and personal growth.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation Techniques for Stroke Survivors: Explore effective cognitive rehabilitation methods for post-stroke recovery.
• Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Music on Infant Development: Research the long-term developmental effects of prenatal music exposure.
• Psychological Impacts of Participatory Art: Study how engagement with participatory art can affect psychological well-being.
• Neuroethics of Brain-Computer Interfaces: Delve into the ethical implications of using BCIs in neurology and psychiatry.
• Empathy Development in Virtual Reality Training: Investigate how VR can be used to enhance empathy in professional training programs.
• Social Media and Collective Memory Formation: Examine how social media platforms influence the formation of collective memories.
• Psychological Aspects of Cosmetic Surgery: Research the motivations and outcomes of cosmetic surgery from a psychological standpoint.
• Personality Traits and Online Dating Success: Analyze how different personality traits affect success in online dating.
• Psychological Strategies in Competitive Esports: Study the mental techniques used by esports players to enhance performance.
• Attachment Security and Pet Ownership: Explore the connection between attachment styles and the bond with pets.
• Psychological Effects of Autonomous Vehicles: Investigate how trust and control issues impact the acceptance of self-driving cars.
• Mental Health Services in Rural Communities: Examine the challenges and effectiveness of delivering mental health care in rural areas.
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Global Teams: Research the psychological barriers and facilitators of communication in international teams.
• Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Study the motivators and deterrents of engaging in environmentally sustainable behaviors.
• Impact of Witnessing Parental Conflict on Children: Investigate the long-term effects of exposure to parental conflict during childhood.
• Sleep Disorders and Emotional Regulation: Examine the relationship between sleep quality and the ability to regulate emotions.
• Trauma-Informed Practices in Education: Explore the implementation and outcomes of trauma-informed approaches in schools.
• Psychology of Menu Design: Analyze how menu layout and choice architecture influence dining decisions.
• Motivational Factors in Crowdfunding: Investigate what psychological factors motivate people to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns.
• Perception of Time in Different Cultures: Research how the cultural background affects the perception and value of time.
• Psychological Resilience in Extreme Athletes: Study the mental toughness and resilience strategies of athletes in extreme sports.
• Influence of Indoor Plants on Mood and Productivity: Explore the psychological benefits of having plants in indoor workspaces.

Each of these topics has a broad range of literature to draw from and the potential to contribute new knowledge or insights to the field of psychology. It’s important to refine these ideas further to create a specific, researchable question that can be addressed within the scope of a dissertation.

Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

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

NB – This is just the start…

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

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

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

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

How To Find A Research Topic

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

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

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

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

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

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Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

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

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

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

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

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

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

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

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

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

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

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10 Comments

Great insight

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

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

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

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

I need counseling psychology research topics

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

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Cognitive Neuroscience - Thesis and dissertation

It is expected that the Master of Arts (MA) thesis will be completed within the first two years in the program. The Master's degree will normally be required before studies for the doctorate are begun.

The main component of the doctoral program is the dissertation. Students are usually assigned to a specific research supervisor when they are admitted to the program based on interests and background. Any of the core or cross-appointed faculty listed on the faculty page can serve as supervisors for the doctoral program. In addition, the adjunct appointees to the department are also occasionally willing to supervise our doctoral students. Completion of the Doctoral dissertation typically requires another three years after completing the MA.

Examples of dissertation research topics in Cognitive Neuroscience

• The benefits and boundary conditions of drawing on episodic memory. Melissa Meade, 2019.
• The desire to act: Exploring situational, dispositional and genetic correlates of a fundamental motivational state. Andriy Struk, 2019 .
• The Perceptual Mechanisms of Probability Effects. Syaheed Jabar, 2018.
• Emotions and the Environment: The Variable Effect of Environmental Complexity on Pleasure and Interest. Vedran Dzebic, 2017.
• Adapting to Change: The Role of Priors, Surprise and Brain Damage on Mental Model Updating. Alex Filipowicz, 2017.
• The Interdependence of Attention, Memory, and Performance Based Reward. Christie Haskell, 2016.
• Neural processing of fearful and happy facial expressions: effects of fixation to facial features and task demands. Karly Neath, 2015.
• The effects of eye gaze and head orientation on covert attention capture. Adam Palanica, 2014.
•  Modulation of gaze-oriented attention with facial expressions: ERP correlates and influence of autistic traits. Amandine Lassalle, 2013.
• Remembering Faces in Different Places:  The Influence of Context in Face Memory. Shahnaz Koji, 2013
• The science of wayfinding:  An analysis of navigational differences between good and poor wayfinders. Punya Singh, 2013
• The Investigation of Long-Term Cognitive Changes After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Novel and Sensitive Measures. Lana Ozen, 2012
• Perceptuomotor Incoordination During Manually-Assisted Search.  Grayden Solman, 2012
• Mechanisms of the Aging-Related Positivity Effect in Memory and Attention. Jennifer Tomaszczyk, 2012
• The Consequences of Everyday Inattention.  Jonathan Carriere, 2011
• “ Oops! I can’t believe I did that!!” Inducing Errors in a Routine Action Sequence. Amanda Clark, 2011
• June Must Be Right and 9 is on Top:  An Investigation of Time-Space and Number-Form Synaesthesia. Michelle Jarick, 2011
• Studying Journal Articles Under Time Pressure. Lisa Meschino, 2011
• Towards a Theory of Visual Concealment. Kelly Malcolmson, 2010
• The influence of study context on recollection: Cognitive, neural, and age-related processes. Erin Skinner , 2009

Psychology Dissertation Topics

A psychology dissertation needs to contribute original knowledge to the discipline. Normally, this is based on previous, well-documented research and should demonstrate a good understanding of the issues concerned. In particular, a good psychology dissertation requires a sound rationale, such as that of addressing a gap in the research literature. The dissertation usually has to follow a specific standardised format, and involves attempting to support or confirm a hypothesis based on the investigator’s individual insights and prior research in the field. However, qualitative psychology dissertations attempt to explore and answer a specific research question rather than confirming a hypothesis. Research aims and procedures need to be clearly stated and follow a standard format. The title should be succinct and accurately reflect the substance of the dissertation. It is also essential that research cited is linked together logically, in a way that is consistent with the research aim. Perhaps most importantly, there needs to be critical analysis of past research to highlight the need for the dissertation, but also critical evaluation of the study conducted for the dissertation itself. The conclusion needs to summarise the main arguments in relation to the claims, and presented in a way that indicates whether the initial hypothesis is supported or rejected. Alternatively, for qualitative research, the discussion and conclusion need to discuss whether the research question has been fully explored. If you are looking to complete a psychology dissertation, here are some ideas of topics that you could research:

• Cognitive Psychology dissertation topics
• Developmental Psychology dissertation topics
• Social Psychology dissertation topics
• Evolutionary Psychology dissertation topics

Abnormal Psychology dissertation topics

• The Psychology of Personality dissertation topics
• Additional Psychology dissertation Topics

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics

Cognitive psychology investigates the way the human brain represents information. It seeks to explore the underlying processes involved through experimentation, computer modelling and neuropsychology. Theories attempt to understand how information is encoded in the brain at macro and micro levels. This is a vast subject and there are many topics to choose from. If you are looking to base your dissertation on the area of cognitive psychology, below are just some psychology dissertation topics that could be researched further:

• The contribution of expectations, attention and emotional states to the perception of pain.
• The extent to which objective methods of measurement can support theoretical approaches to consciousness.
• Limitations of the modular view of the brain: The importance of feedback and cross-modulation in information processing.
• Are indirect and direct theories of perception incompatible or can recent enactive accounts potentially lead to a compromise?
• Assessing the development of implicit intergroup cognition in relation to in-groups and out-groups: social learning or pre-specified?
• How studies of bilingualism and trilingualism in infants can indicate the degree of interaction between representational systems encoding for different languages in the brain.
• The usefulness of the concept of ” grandmother cells ” for understanding the selectivity of neurons to high-level information processing, such as during facial recognition.
• The relationship between impaired social cognition, emotion and anxiety disorders.
• The role of implicit visual processing in the identification of objects: neural mechanisms and pathways.
• Changes in neural processing in response to event segmentation: separating cause and effect in boundary recognition.
• The sum of its parts? Consciousness is best explained as an output of implicit processes: implications for understanding intentionality.
• Of all the areas of the cortex, the prefrontal area is paramount in demarcating what makes humans human.
• The function of the prefrontal cortex can only be understood properly by considering how it relates to other areas of the brain.
• Rather than being related to specific areas of the brain, language is best explained as a function of multiple overlapping neural circuits existing throughout the cortex.
• Neural network theories might be able to account for some lower order functions of the brain but are unable to explain the representations that occur at higher areas: does the evidence reflect this?
• As information flows from earlier sensory-specific areas to higher regions of the brain, representations become more integrated: consequences and implications.
• Contribution of the cerebellum in relation to the higher functions of the cortex.
• Limits to the plasticity of the adult human brain.
• Are MRI studies a reliable indicator of brain function?
• The claim that the right and left brain hemispheres have different processing styles is fundamental to understanding how the brain functions.
• Parallel distributed processing is unable to provide an explanation for the higher functioning aspects of the human brain.
• Baddeley’s model of working memory compared to contemporary alternative theories.
• Working memory can best be explained as a function of long-term memory.
• Evidence for the role of the hippocampus in memory formation and consolidation: application of evidence to neurodegenerative disorders like dementia.
• The relationship between working memory and attention: bias in visual working memory and attention.
• The role of the prefrontal cortex in short-term memory.
• How emotional memory relates to episodic memory.
• Attention depends on the progressive activation of forward areas of the brain.
• Attention is better interpreted as a multivariate rather than a uni-modal concept.
• View-dependent theories of vision are more successful in accounting for natural perception than view-independent theories.
• Computer models of how perception occurs can lead to a misunderstanding of how the mechanisms of perception actually operate.
• How visual illusions help understand perceptual processes.
• Assessing the validity of Gibson’s theory of direct perception compared to constructivist accounts and more recent cognitive theories.
• Why does the sense of time vary according to circumstances?
• Is memory for past events partially influenced by the situation or context in which recall takes place?
• Effective cognition is about selecting appropriate information at the right time in the correct order.
• Does subliminal perception exist or is it part of a more complex phenomenon?
• Hierarchical explanations of information flow and parallel distributed processing.
• Can fMRI measures be used to accurately identify and distinguish deceptive information from guilty knowledge?
• The reliability, validity, and usefulness of research findings from cognitive psychology applied to real-life behaviour and cognition.
• The Network Neuroscience Theory: is general intelligence in humans a consequence of individual differences in neural network structure and architecture?

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Developmental psychology investigates how children’s behaviour changes over time, by studying experience and behaviour. Change is, for example, studied in a variety of areas including language, intelligence and motor skills. Theories of development propose a number of models to account for how change occurs, and gives pre-eminence either to experience or more enduring criteria. Some approaches take a mid-way position, however, by proposing an interaction between the two. Developmental psychology is an interesting area and relevant to many people, including doctors, teachers and parents. A psychology dissertation on developmental psychology may indeed be useful and well read.

• Are abilities unconnected with numeracy of children with dyscalculia affected by the condition or are they relatively independent?
• The role of face stimuli in assessing the development of the human ventral pathway from infancy to adulthood.
• The extent and role of plasticity in shaping visual cognitive development.
• Explaining change during cognitive development: one type of learning mechanism or diverse learning paradigms for different problems?
• Assessing whether intrinsic factors or the quality of interaction between human caregivers and children lead to successful learning outcomes.
• The extent to which understanding the mechanisms of neural development can be informative as to how early cognition occurs.
• Explaining how evidence for increasing integration of systems during the course of development can be assimilated with the increasing dissociation of structures.
• The development of conversational understanding as a domain-general improvement in processing speed and working-memory capacity in cognitive effort.
• The influence of culture on conversational understanding, where children do not normally communicate with adults.
• Scale errors and action planning in children: Assessing the implications of DeLoache’s findings for understanding the “what/where” pathways in the human brain.
• Developmental cognitive neuroscience’s significance for the early detection and treatment of developmental disorders.
• Is Piaget’s theory of cognitive development still a valid theory in the light of modern findings in cognitive neuroscience?
• How young children learn and thrive when their childhood is shaped by positive, secure relationships with knowledgeable adults, who are able to support their child’s learning and development.
• How the notion of plasticity in child development can account for the child’s ability to change in response to negative or positive life experiences.
• The acquirement of culture and biological growth is essential for child development.

Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Social psychology involves studying how individuals in groups interact. This is achieved through investigating how individual behaviour is influenced by others. Immediate social interactions comprise the main focus of concern in which such behaviours as social influence, attitudes and non-verbal communication etc., may be studied in controlled situations, particularly that of traditional laboratory experiments, but also field experiments. Nevertheless, there is a growing trend in social psychology towards the use of qualitative research methods, such as that of interviews or focus groups, which provide more in-depth explanations of social psychology. Below are just some suggestions for psychology dissertation topics based on social psychology:

• Factors modulating automatic priming effects in relation to social behaviour: assessing magnitude and duration.
• The influence of automatic effects of priming on complex behaviour in real-life situations.
• An overlapping neural network representing the concept of self and other: Implications for sustaining self-integrity and understanding interpersonal relations.
• Behavioural game theory: How players learn from and influence others in relation to strategic thinking, and the implications for real-life social interaction.
• Assessing the contribution of reason and emotion in moral judgment through the social intuitionist model.
• Early stable development of implicit social cognition and preference for in-groups: assessing how evaluation is assigned.
• Charting how cognitive neuroscience can inform social psychology in terms of integrating social dimensions of cognition and knowledge of neural networks and mechanisms.
• Agent-based computational models of collective behaviour: understanding group behaviour from the bottom-up.
• The early onset of non-verbal communication in infants: nature or nature?
• The Behaviour Stimulus Interaction (BSI) theory and cognitive conflict in approach/avoidance situations: The duration of the devaluation effect.
• The enduring legacy of cognitive dissonance.

Evolutionary Psychology Dissertation Topics

Evolutionary psychology seeks to explain psychological attributes through applying evolutionary theory to behaviour that is held to derive from natural selection and adaptation. In this regard, humans have inherited psychological mechanisms from their ancestors that helped solve enduring problems throughout evolutionary time. Such mechanisms are assumed to constrain the behaviour of modern-day individuals. The study of evolutionary psychology enables you to research into history of man, as well as the application of evolutionary psychology to many areas of modern day society, such as organisations. Writing a psychology dissertation in this area may prove enjoyable for the author, as well as the reader.

• Is evolutionary psychology merely a field of enquiry or a robust paradigm for investigating human behaviour?
• Investigating whether reciprocal altruism is adequate in explaining altruism in different social situations.
• Why individual traits and cognitive modules fail to explain the complexities of human social behaviour.
• Assessing the relative importance of facial symmetry, averageness and secondary sex characteristics as reliable indicators of mate choice.
• Investigating whether artificially-induced examples of evolutionary game theory can be a valid means of assessing human behaviour in the real world.
• Comparing sex differences in emotional outlook as a function of parental investment theory between principal biological carers and principal non-biological carers.
• Discriminating between phobias and anxiety states that are adaptive compared to those that are learned.
• Humans engage in social exchange behaviour using the same cognitive reasoning that enables them to engage in everything else they do.
• Are human mental abilities better described by a general learning mechanism based on language or a more dedicated mechanism?
• Human cognitive development as a proxy for understanding the evolution of the human brain.
• The executive functions of the frontal cortex are what make humans unique.
• An appraisal of Fodor’s modular account of the brain in the light of recent neuroscientific research.
• A cheater detection module: fact or fantasy?
• Ethnographic examples as a valid measure of universal human abilities.
• Sex differences in attitudes to self as a function of evolutionary constraints.
• How can evolutionary psychology explain anomalies in human decision-making?
• Evolutionary psychology on group behaviour can explain the way in which humans behave in organisations whether that behaviour is rational or irrational.
• Is Darwin’s theory of sexual selection still applicable for explaining cross-cultural activities and the human expression of emotions?

Abnormal psychology is about the scientific study of abnormal behaviour that serves to describe and explain such behaviour in order to affect positive change. Abnormal, in this context, is defined as any person that has psychological traits that deviate from the norm. Abnormal psychology is for those students who want to explore more uncommon conditions. The topics below will make it easier to research for a specific topic on which to write your psychology dissertation.

• Questioning the validity of DSM-V as a tool for categorising abnormal psychological symptoms.
• Relating subtypes with substance dependence to dissociable networks of disruption in the limbic system.
• The significance of the anterior cingulated cortex for understanding cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
• The role of a dysfunctional amygdale and ventromedial prefrontal cortex in psychopathology.
• A study of Schizophrenia as a multi-dimensional syndrome.
• The extent to which the use of cannabis leads to deficits in working memory.
• The role of MRI studies for assessing neurobiological theories that schizophrenia is caused by abnormal fronto-temporal lobe connections.
• Can a malfunctioning mirror neuron system sufficiently account for autism or are additional explanations based on cognitive models of social behaviour required to understand the syndrome more fully?
• The probable causes of face processing deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder: social or visual?
• Is category deficits evidence of category-specific knowledge or a more distributed system of processing?
• Why do schizophrenics tend to experience auditory rather than visual hallucinations?
• Can phobias be treated more effectively by medication, cognitive retraining therapies, behavioural techniques or psychotherapeutic approaches?
• Can the fact that some autistics display isolated talents help explain the syndrome’s cause?
• Assessing the symptoms of ADHD in adults and in children: Is there a different ADHD disorder for adults?
• How do cognitive processes in individuals with schizophrenia differ to those of an individual with typical cognitive processes?
• How, and in what ways is Intellectual development disorders (IDD) different to Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The Psychology of Personality Dissertation Topics

Personality is a set of unique features possessed by an individual that, according to a given situation, will govern their behaviour. The psychology of personality is therefore the study of the similarity and differences that exist amongst various individuals. There have been two main approaches to the study of this subject area; those that seek to formulate general characteristics that apply to many individuals and those that are more focused upon the nuances of personality traits. For psychology dissertation topics to base your dissertation on, see below:

• Evaluating whether the Health Personality Inventory can predict risk of substance misuse in adolescents.
• In relation to cognitive dissonance, to what extent do extroverts and introverts differ when involved in group discussion.
• To what extent can different forms of perfectionism predict attitudes to success and failure?
• Can the use of personality inventories accurately assess different personality traits?
• Can the identification of personality traits at a young age predict personality profiles in adults?
• Creativity as a multi-faceted propensity: identifying the crucial traits and cognitive factors.
• Drugs of choice and personality: differences between sensation seekers and the internally conflicted.
• Personality and decision making: the role of impulsivity and rational thinking.
• First impressions and the impact they have on assessing personality traits.
• Predicting individuals at risk of suicide through identification of personality traits associated with extroversion and introversion.
• Which personality inventories are the most effective in assessing personality?
• To what extent can personality change over a period of time?
• The effectiveness of using personality inventories for identifying personality disorders
• The effectiveness of the current approach used to diagnosis personality disorders

Additional Psychology Dissertation Topics

• To what extent can colour influence sporting performance?
• The influence of colour on emotion.
• How does colour and design influence time perception?
• Can language influence perception?
• Does language influence thought? The linguistic-relativity debate.
• The cross-cultural differences in number processing.
• The psychology of religion: a systematic review.
• How does religion impact mental wellbeing?
• The physical and mental impact of cannabis use in healthy adults.
• The effect of cannabis on creativity.
• Models of memory: a systematic review.
• Can learning memory techniques effectively improve academic performance?
• Can mindfulness improve mental wellbeing?
• The history of 20th century psychology movements.
• Individual personality differences and their impact on creativity.
• Creative thought: a systematic review.
• How is creativity influenced by environment?
• The psychology of happiness: a systematic review.
• Does the use of social media decrease happiness?
• To what extent does exposure to nature increase happiness?
• Can exercise improve happiness?
• The influence of exercise on wellbeing.
• The influence of exercise on cognitive functioning.
• To what extent do indoor plants increase employee productivity?
• To what extent do video games affect personal wellbeing?
• How does sleep influence personal wellbeing?
• Financial markets and the impact on the psychology of the masses.
• The role of psychology in modern day sport.
• Internet pornography: the effects on a generation of users.
• The problem of death: how we all deal with knowing the end of our story.
• The link between socio-economic status and being able to access therapy.
• To what extent can executive function become impaired by emotion?
• The use of effective therapies for psychological conditions.

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Psychology Dissertation Topics: 30+ Examples You Can Explore

by  Antony W

February 19, 2022

Psychology can be an interesting area to explore in your dissertation assignment provided you choose the right topic. That’s why in this guide, we give you a list of 30+ psychology dissertation topics from which you can pick one interesting topic to investigate.

There are many areas to explore as a psychology student, including personality, social, biological, cognitive, behavioral, industrial, psychosocial, and personality psychology. So it should be easy to find an interesting topic that you can investigate provided it falls within the scope of the project.

Our guide to choosing topics for your dissertation remains unchanged. That means the topic you choose to investigate has a gap in existing literature that your research can fill. With that said, let’s look at some of the psychology dissertation topics that you can explore right now.

Psychology Dissertation Topics: 30+ Examples

The following is a list of 30+ psychology dissertation topics. You can use them as inspiration to help you come up with a unique topic of your own. Or you can pick one topic idea from the list, improve it, talk to your supervisor about the topic, and then begin your investigation.  

Developmental Psychology Dissertation Topics

Development psychology explores how behaviors change from time to time based on motor skills, language, and intelligence.

Researchers develop a number of theories and models to explain how these changes take place, making this an interesting area to explore. Some of the topics that may be interesting to explore under this category of study include:

• Explaining cognitive development change: one sort of learning mechanism or several learning paradigms for various problems
• The extent to which knowing neuro development mechanisms can provide insight into how early cognition happens.
• Conversational comprehension as a domain-wide enhancement in processing speed and working-memory capacity in cognitive effort.
• The acquisition of culture and biological growth is critical for the development of a kid.
• Are children with dyscalculia’s talents unrelated to numeracy affected by the disorder, or are they largely independent?
• How the concept of plasticity in child development may account for a kid’s capacity to alter in response to both positive and bad life experiences.

Abnormal Psychology Dissertation Topics

This area of study focuses on analyzing abnormal behavior with an effort to establish a positive change.

Ideally, this area of study suits students interested in studying psychological traits that go against what we consider to be normal and goes further into exploring uncommon conditions.

Some topics that may be worth exploring in this area of study are as follows:

• Subtypes of drug dependency are linked to dissociable networks of disturbance in the limbic brain.
• The efficacy of the DSM-V as a tool for categorizing aberrant psychiatric symptoms is being questioned.
• How do the cognitive processes of people with schizophrenia vary from those of those with conventional cognitive processes?
• What distinguishes Intellectual Development Disorders (IDD) from Autism Spectrum Disorders?
• The relevance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in evaluating neurobiological ideas that schizophrenia is caused by aberrant fronto-temporal lobe connections.
• Schizophrenia is studied as a multi-dimensional condition.
• Is it possible that the fact that some autistics have isolated skills might assist explain the syndrome’s cause?
• A malfunctioning amygdale and ventromedial prefrontal cortex have a role in psychopathology.

Evolutionary Psychology Dissertation Topics

In evolutionary psychology, the focus is on explaining psychological characteristics by applying evolutionary behavior with an effort to derive and explain adaptation and natural selection.

With this respect, researchers hold that humans’ psychological mechanisms are ancestral inheritance, which has played a major role in solving problems throughout human’s history.

Evolutionary psychology is an interesting area of study that lets you dig deeper into human history and explain the impact if evolutionary psychology on the modern society. Some interesting topics to explore here are: 

• The relative relevance of face symmetry, averageness, and secondary sex features as valid predictors of mate selection.
• The application of evolutionary psychology to group behavior helps explain how humans act in organizations, whether that behavior is logical or irrational.
• Examining if artificially produced instances of evolutionary game theory may be used to evaluate human behavior in the actual world.
• Why individual features and cognitive modules can’t account for the intricacies of human social behavior.
• Understanding the evolution of the human brain through human cognitive growth.
• Investigating if reciprocal altruism is sufficient to explain altruism in various social circumstances.
• What role does evolutionary psychology play in explaining anomalies in human decision-making?

Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Social psychology is an interesting area of study that focuses on how people in groups interact through influential behavior.

You may study behavioral factors such as social influence, non-verbal communication, and attitudes in controlled situations to investigate how the behavior of individuals influences each other in groups.

Here are some suggestions of dissertation topics that you can explore under this category:

• Behavioral game theory: How players learn from and influence others in strategic thinking.
• The impact of priming’s automatic effects on complicated behavior in real-life circumstances.
• Nature or nurture? The early development of nonverbal communication in infants: nature or nurture?
• Assessing the amount and duration of factors affecting automatic priming effects in relation to social behavior.
• The social intuitionist paradigm is used to assess the role of reason and emotion in moral judgment.
• Demonstrating how cognitive neuroscience may inform social psychology by merging social cognition and understanding of brain networks and systems

Cognitive Psychology Dissertation Topics

If you’re interested in learning how the human brain perceives and represents information, then you should immerse yourself in studying cognitive psychology.

You’ll be studying the processes involved information presentation through computer modelling, neuropsychology, and experimentation to understand the encoding of information in the human brand at both micro and macro levels.

Some of the most interesting dissertation topics to explore in this area include the following:

• Is MRI testing an accurate predictor of brain function?
• The idea of “grandmother cells” is important for explaining neuronal selectivity to high-level information processing, such as during facial recognition.
• Effective cognition entails picking the right information at the right moment and in the proper order.
• Changes in brain processing in response to event segmentation: distinguishing between cause and effect in boundary recognition
• Bias in visual working memory and attention: a study of the link between working memory and attention.
• The connection between poor social cognition, emotion, and anxiety disorders.
• The cerebellum’s contribution to higher-order cortical activities.
• The dependability, validity, and applicability of cognitive psychology study findings to real-life behavior and cognition.
• Evaluating Gibson’s theory of direct perception in comparison to constructivist explanations and more modern cognitive theories.
• The concept that the right and left hemispheres of the brain have different processing methods is critical to understanding how the brain works.
• The mature human brain’s adaptability is limited.
• Is there really a thing as subliminal perception, or is it part of a more complicated phenomenon?

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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172 Awesome Psychology Dissertation Topics For High Scores

An ideal dissertation topic should be clear, manageable, original, and relevant to your academic discipline. Primarily, the case ought to have enough information that will help you support your arguments. Unfortunately, many college and university students have difficulty coming up with exceptional topics, considering how detailed and time-consuming the brainstorming process can be.

On the bright side, we have the best psychology dissertation ideas to get you underway. If you are hungry for exceptional psychology dissertation topics, this article features over 170 hand-picked views to whet your appetite. Read on to get a taste of what we have to offer:

Dissertation Topics In Educational Psychology

• Discuss the measures that can help children with an anxiety disorder improve their performance in tests
• A qualitative study of how the concept of reflective practice can be in childhood learning
• Examine whether identifying a child’s learning style can help to improve outcomes
• Elaborate whether the attachment theory can explain the development of a subjective self in the child
• Explain the causes of increased anorexia rate in children
• Elaborate how operant conditioning works
• Define learning in educational psychology
• What brings about achievement gaps?
• Examine how listening to music affects a child’s cognitive skills
• Discuss the link between self-esteem and academic success
• Evaluate the importance of showing affection to children
• Examine if homosexuality is a psychological disorder
• Discuss fetishes and their related behavior
• Define childhood trauma and outline its effects

Dissertation Topics In Counseling Psychology

• Discuss the concept of attention span among children
• What is the distinction between explicit and implicit memory?
• Discuss language and speech development in children
• What is the role of color psychology in cognitive development studies?
• Which factors affect one’s problem-solving ability?
• What is the link between temperament and creativity?
• Explain how marriage alters your personality
• What is the relationship between prosaical behavior and personality?
• Is there any link between your choice of pet and your personality

Dissertation Topics In Industrial Psychology

• What are the psychological consequences of a hate crime?
• Discuss the role of psychologists in military interrogations
• Explain the psychological impacts of a miscarriage on a couple
• What are the effects of abortion on the emotional and mental well-being of women?
• Elaborate why attractive people often tend to have the upper hand at work
• What is the impact of homelessness on mental health?
• Elaborate whether there is a difference between depression in females and males
• Analyze the relationship between working memory and attention
• Explore the relationship between television and obesity
• Evaluate the role of the family in the socialization process of a child
• Effects of laughter on your emotional and physical health
• Discuss gender role and identity in children
• What are the health benefits of dreams?
• Elaborate the impact of dreams on one’s social life
• Do violent fantasies have any meaning in real life?

Psychology Thesis Topics List

• Examine what the Stroop effect says about one’s mind
• Analyze whether excessive social media use is comparable to drug addiction
• Is there are a link between your music taste and your personality?
• What effects does music have on your psychological response?
• How do colors affect a child’s learning?
• What are the best strategies to manage loss and grief?
• Discuss effective programs that can curb suicide among students
• Explain why depression seems to be more in women than in men
• Assess the most effective communication techniques with patients
• In what ways can breast cancer patients manage stress?
• Explain the neurobiology behind suicidal thoughts
• What factors contribute to deviant behavior in the workplace?
• Discuss mood disorders among young adults
• Elaborate how lying impacts your mental health
• How does age affect your memory?
• Explain the difference between the midlife crisis in men and women
• Highlight different ways to cope with grief
• What influence does genetics have on social relationships?
• Review the theory of behavioral game
• Elaborate how the frontal cortex executive function makes every human unique
• Evaluate a modular account of the brain by Fodor in the light of modern neuroscientific research
• Discuss the first signs of ADHD among children and adults
• To what degree can there be a change of personality over some time?
• Outline the mental and physical effects of marijuana use among healthy adults
• Define and discuss the theory of memory models
• Investigate how internet pornography impacts a generation of users
• Highlight the link between easy access to therapy and socio-economic status
• Explain the multiple dimensions of schizophrenia
• Look at the link between educational attainment level and self-motivation
• Investigate cults as social constructs
• What is the involvement of mood in the use of language?
• Analyze the effects of frequent exposure to computers on the proper development of attention
• Examine how a talent affect a sportsman’s popularity
• How does intelligence influence committed crimes?
• What are the pros and cons of cross-cultural relationships?
• Highlight the influence of social pressure on an individual’s morale
• Review the cognitive-behavioral theory
• Explain the link between mental games and a child’s cognitive skills
• Elaborate the role of sex hormones in the development of the brain during the puberty stage
• An overview of deep engagement relationship and friendship
• What is the difference between clinical and abnormal psychology

Mental Health Dissertation Topics

• A study of long term psychological effects of divorce on the adult children of divorcees
• What sort of mental health problems do prisoners face?
• Discuss the link between mental health and unemployment
• Examine how deteriorating mental health affects one’s physical health
• Address effects of television advertisements in the cognitive development of children in the U.S
• Investigate the role of social media friendships on deteriorating mental health
• Analyze the impact of emotional attachment on your mental well being
• Explain the impact of breakups on a man’s mental health
• How does social media play out in provoking aggression?
• What are the psychological and social impacts of virtual networks?
• Address the psychological impact of cyberbullying
• Discuss mental health and psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic

Psychology Research Questions

• Examine different types of learning disabilities and how to manage them
• What is the link between performance and job satisfaction?
• Detail the effects f romantic jealousy in maintaining a committed relationship
• Analyze the role of anxiety in hyperalgesia
• Review the factors that influence ineffective training organization
• Examine dating violence and controlling issues affecting women
• Investigate stress responses in survivors of sexual abuse
• A case study of the attachment theory as it applies to family relationships
• Discuss impacts of ambiguity and job roles on behavioral disorders
• Address the effects of behavioral therapy on body image and weight loss
• What are the results of maternal stress on language acquisition among children?

Forensic Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• Which rules should psychologists follow when verbally interacting with criminals in court?
• Elaborate the credibility of the statement of a mentally challenged eyewitness
• What is the legitimacy and reliability of an eyewitness’s memory?
• What rules of conduct should be followed by forensic psychologists while in court?
• Discuss the role of upbringing in curbing the making of a serial killer
• Define internet policing and explain some valuable strategies to make it effective
• What is the role of video games, movies, and the internet in augmenting copycat crimes?
• Elaborate why society tends to neglect domestic violence inflicted on men
• What drives people into mass killings, and why is it so rampant in the U.S?
• Are there enough measures to reduce the risks of folks in special education ending up in the penal system?
• Explain how a role in law enforcement impacts an individual’s private life?
• Juvenile murders: Point out the factors that affect areas with high rates of murders committed by children
• Are prisons and the criminal justice system effective in rehabilitation?
• Discuss the factors that have contributed to the emergence of home-grown terrorism

Social Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• What is the influence of automatic effects of priming on complex behavior in real-life situations?
• Evaluate the contribution of emotion and reason in moral judgment through the social intuitionist model
• Discuss the enduring legacy of cognitive dissonance
• What are the effects of spanking on a child’s psychology
• Explain the effects and causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children
• Detail the reasons for antisocial behavior among young adults
• Discuss the early signs of a mental illness among infants
• Point out the leading causes of increased stress and depression in young adults
• Elaborate different types of torture, highlighting their impact on a child’s mind and adult life
• Explain the effects of video games and violent music on a child’s mind and behavior
• Examine different phases of a child’s growth and psychological development
• What effect does the birth order have on a child’s accomplishments and success?
• Detail the outcomes of a self-centered mother on a child’s mental health
• What are remedial and preventive measures that can curb childhood abuse?
• The introvert personality: What are the consequences of the introvert personality among children?
• Elaborate the relationship between negligence in parents and obesity among children
• Look into the psychological, ethical, and legal aspects of adoption

Clinical Psychology Dissertation Ideas

• Look into the major depressive disorder (MDD) within a cognitive framework
• Explain the barriers to communicating associated with sexual dysfunction following heart trauma
• What is the link between experiences and eating behavior among adults?
• Explore the concept of body image and identity among folks who have undergone a lung or heart transplant
• Highlight the demographic and clinical factors that predict insight in individuals with compulsions and obsessions
• Define schizophrenia and point out potential therapies
• What medication and treatments can treat paranoia and phobias?
• What therapies can treat anxiety disorder and panic attacks?
• Which medicines and therapies are effective in treating addictions?
• Discuss different clinical treatments for insomnia
• Examine the effectiveness of antidepressants in therapy treatments
• Explain the most effective practices utilized in treating depression
• What factors lead to post-traumatic stress disorder?
• Are antidepressants addictive? Discuss their effectiveness and potential side effects
• Is behavioral therapy the best treatment for criminals?
• In what ways can psychology be used to manage chronic pain?

Exciting Ideas For A Psychology Dissertation

• Elaborate how a sleeping disorder affects a sportsman’s stamina
• Discuss the prevalence of panic attacks in athletes and point out effective ways to combat them
• What are the potential adverse effects of steroids on the mental health of an athlete
• Highlight the significance of sports psychology in promoting mental health
• Which methods can athletes use to manage and control their negative emotions appropriately?
• Define the term team chemistry and explain how it can build a sound, supportive team

Dissertation Ideas Psychology

• Examine how group belonging influences a person’s behavior
• Explain how physical exercise can manage mood swings
• Define the link between psychology and mythology
• Discuss the basic techniques utilized in psychological research
• Look at compliance and obedience as a function of social status
• Highlight different ways to control aggression among youths
• What are the effects and causes of dehumanization in prisons across the U.S
• Analyze how human cloning can be a solution to childless couples
• Explain the concept of a double foot-in door and how it can manipulate someone
• Define the term Mood Freezing and elaborate its effects
• Is it true that geniuses are made and not born?
• What is the connection between the use of social media and the spike in cases of violence among young adults?
• Examine the impact of breakfast on a person’s overall day to day activities
• Revisit notorious human experiments in history and their ethical shortcomings
• Explain how different colors can enhance a person’s mood
• Explain the factors that contribute to dissociative orders
• Define the difference between mental disorders and mood disorders

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

• Specific Branches of Psychology
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• Critique of Publications
• Famous Experiments
• Historical Figures
• Specific Careers
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• 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.

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.

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Cognitive psychology is one of the many branches of psychology that deals with the thinking process of individuals. It gives insights into how people think and why they think the way they do. Cognitive Psychology is an emerging field of psychology as it directly deals with the thought process of people. Students must come up with great cognitive psychology dissertation ideas to stand out in their thesis and get excellent grades.

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This collection contains some of the theses and dissertations produced by students in the University of Oregon Psychology Graduate Program. Paper copies of these and other dissertations and theses are available through the UO Libraries .

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• When “Self-Harm” Means “Suicide”: Adolescent Online Help-Seeking for Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors  Lind, Monika ( University of Oregon , 2024-03-25 ) The sensitive period of adolescence facilitates key developmental tasks that equip young people to assume adult roles. Adolescence features important strengths, like the need to contribute, and some risks, like vulnerability ...
• Stereotypes and Social Decisions: The Interpersonal Consequences of Socioeconomic Status  Hughes, Bradley ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) Interpersonal perceptions of socioeconomic status (SES), those formed in face-to-face interactions, can perpetuate inequality if they influence interpersonal interactions in ways that disadvantage people with low SES. There ...
• Utilization of Linguistic Markers in Differentiation of Internalizing Disorders, Suicidality, and Identity Distress  Ivie, Elizabeth ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) The adolescent period of development is associated with a significant increase in the occurrence of mental illness. In addition, death by suicide is one of the leading causes of death amongst adolescents. Identity formation ...
• The Role of Fractal Fluency on Visual Perception  Robles, Kelly ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) From quarks to galaxies, the natural world is organized with fractal geometry. Fractal fluency theory suggests that due to their omnipresence in our visual world, fractals are more fluently processed by the visual system ...
• The Anatomy of Antagonism: Exploring the Relations of 20 Lexical Factors of Personality with Machiavellianism, Grandiose Narcissism, and Psychopathy  Kay, Cameron ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) Despite being the focus of extensive research over the past two decades, the structure of the “Dark Triad”—or, as I will refer to it here, the “Aversive Triad”—is still shrouded in confusion. Much of this confusion stems ...
• Content Representation in Lateral Parietal Cortex  Zhao, Yufei ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) While the lateral parietal cortex (LPC) in the human brain is traditionally investigated for its functions in visual perception, more recent evidence has highlighted its substantial contribution to supporting human episodic ...
• Sociocultural Contexts of Emotion Socialization in BIPOC Families  Lee, Angela ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) Having effective emotion regulation skills is critical to socioemotional well-being, and parents play a key role in the development of children’s emotion regulation through emotion socialization behaviors. However, since ...
• Cross-ideological Communication: The Impact of Real Conversations Compared to Imagined Ones  Niella, Tamara ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) Political polarization has visibly increased in the last few years. A sense of divisiveness has been exacerbated by a surge in social media communication about contentious issues which has been replacing face-to-face ...
• Inflammation, Mental Health, and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Study with Child Welfare Service Involved Families  Horn, Sarah ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has posited unique challenges for families and significantly disrupted several aspects of children’s environments. The pandemic is an ongoing risk experience, with young children being ...
• Testing Novel Norm Interventions for Promoting Pro-environmental Consumption  Lieber, Sara ( University of Oregon , 2024-01-09 ) The purpose of the current project was to investigate how a social psychology approach could be used to develop an effective climate-change mitigation tool. A commonly used technique in the social psychology literature for ...
• Understanding the Misunderstood Emotion: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Variants of Anger  Razavi, Pooya ( University of Oregon , 2023-07-06 ) In cultural accounts and scholarly writings about anger, we see conceptualizations that reflect the existence of two variants: an anger perceived as moral, appropriate, and justified; and an anger considered wrong and ...
• Measuring long-term memories at the feature level reveals mechanisms of interference resolution  Drascher, Maxwell ( University of Oregon , 2023-07-06 ) When memories share similar features, this can lead to interference, and ultimately forgetting. At the same time, many highly similar memories are remembered vividly for years to come. Understanding what causes interference ...
• The Role of Hierarchical Structures in Cognition  Moss, Melissa ( University of Oregon , 2023-07-06 ) Individuals routinely execute complex tasks that involve multiple, dependent levels of information, such as driving a car or cooking dinner. It is amazing that our cognitive system is able to represent such complex, ...
• A Contextual Psychology Approach to Improving Health Outcomes in the Perinatal Period  Lightcap, April ( University of Oregon , 2023-07-06 ) The United States holds alarming records for highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the developed world. The US infant mortality rate is on par with many low and middle income countries, and despite the decline in ...
• The Study of Behavior Settings as an Aid in Mental Hospital Analysis: A Methodological Exploration  Rose, David William ( University of Oregon , 1969-06 ) The ultimate goal of all mental hospital analyses is to provide information which by direct implication or through analysis might act as a guide in restructuring environment in which the mental patient lives. The goal of ...
• Personality-Driven Social Media Curation: How Personality Traits Affect Following Decisions on Twitter  Bedford-Petersen, Cianna ( University of Oregon , 2023-03-24 ) As social media occupies an increasingly important place in people’s lives, new opportunities are presented for people to select and modify their online environments. On many platforms, users have significant control over ...
• Stability of Mind-Mindedness Across the Transition to Motherhood and its Longitudinal Association with Children’s Theory of Mind & Executive Function  Gluck, Stephanie ( University of Oregon , 2023-03-24 ) Parental mind-mindedness refers to caregivers’ propensity to attribute mind-like and intentional qualities in their interactions with or representation of their young children. It is proposed to be associated with positive ...
• Dating and Mating in Adolescence: How Hormones and Puberty Influence Adolescent Mating Motivation  Donaldson, Sarah ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Puberty marks the physical transition towards sexual maturity, culminating in the ability to reproduce. It follows that maturing cognitive, affective, and social skills develop concurrently to support reproductive competence, ...
• Individual Differences in Memory Functions and Their Relation to Hippocampal Connectivity  Frank, Lea ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) The hippocampus plays an important role in many aspects of learning and memory. It is most known for its role in episodic memory and spatial navigation, though it has also been shown to contribute to other processes like ...
• Collective Ongoing Betrayal Trauma: Gendered and Racialized Police Violence toward the Black Community  Barnes, Melissa ( University of Oregon , 2022-10-26 ) Racialized and gendered police violence is a pernicious problem for Black communities. For my dissertation, I empirically tested a novel theoretical concept, Collective Ongoing Betrayal Trauma (COBT). COBT integrates the ...

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OPINION article

Psychological construction as a theoretical principle for guiding cognitive-behavioral treatments.

• Department of Psychology, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania

Cognitive behavior therapies (CBT) are considered the benchmark for evidence-based psychological treatments for psychological disorders ( David et al., 2018 ). CBT treatments work and are well-known because they constantly update with new scientific research encompassing the theory, models, and their real-life applications ( Ingram et al., 2019 ). The integration of psychopathology research into the development of CBT models and practices is the current standard for enhancing their scientific plausibility ( Hayes and Hofmann, 2018 ). Although CBT is characterized by a strong integration of science, it considers emotion and cognition as essential entities that exist as natural kinds and that we can identify, assess, and change in order to improve people's lives. In other words, it is based on an essentialist assumption regarding conscious psychological states. Recent research suggests a different perspective, claiming that psychological categories are not “essential” phenomena, but observer-dependent constructed entities ( Barrett, 2009 ; Gündem et al., 2022 ).

In this article, I argue that (1) psychological essentialism is one core assumption in CBT theories and models; (2) psychological essentialism has been recently challenged by a “psychological construction approach” of psychological states ( Barrett, 2009 ); and (3) a “psychological construction approach” brings significant changes to the practice of CBT.

Psychological essentialism and the “essence” of psychological states in CBT

Essentialism suggests that categories we encounter, such as dogs, trees, or birds, have an underlying essence or existence that causally determines what they are ( Brick et al., 2022 ; Neufeld, 2022 ). Psychological essentialism is the hypothesis that psychological categories (emotions, cognitions, and behaviors) are natural kinds rather than social constructions ( Barrett, 2009 ; Brick et al., 2022 ). They have an essence that determines their characteristics and what they are ( Brick et al., 2022 ; Neufeld, 2022 ). They are distinct (emotion is separate from cognition) and homogenous (types of emotion share more attributes between them than with types of cognition) categories with sharp boundaries ( Neufeld, 2022 ). For instance, feeling sad is a conscious psychological state that is caused by having an emotion. Emotions such as sadness exist as natural kinds. When we feel sad, we experience the reality of the emotion of sadness. Feeling sad is an attribute of sadness. Low arousal, body feelings, avoidant action tendencies, and sad thoughts are accompanying features of sadness, determined by its essence, which is emotion. It is distinct from cognition and behavior. It has distinct brain bases and causal relationships. Thus, we try to recognize, discover, and study emotions.

There are two major arguments that suggest CBT is founded on a psychological essentialist assumption. The first major argument for the psychological essentialism of CBT is the fact that CBT considers perception, cognition, emotion, and behavior as distinct entities that are discovered based on assessments of their manifestations. Based on the assessment of their attributes, the therapists identify and discover which cognitions, behaviors, and emotions are involved in patients' problems ( Westbrook et al., 2007 ). Both therapists and patients should not confuse emotion, behavior, and cognition. Emotion, behavior, and cognition have distinct attributes that reflect their essence ( Neufeld, 2022 ). When patients “mistakenly” say, “I feel like a failure,” the therapists have to correct patients to recognize it is a thought, not an emotion, and to help them realize they are confounding feelings with cognitions. Thus, CBT bears heavily on “faculty” psychology and the essentialist assumption that emotion, cognition, and behavior are distinct, homogenous entities with clear boundaries that exists as natural kinds and can be discovered ( Neufeld, 2022 ). The second major argument for the psychological essentialism of CBT is the ABC model of cognitive causation in CBT. The ABC model asserts that emotions (C) are not caused by A (negative events), but by beliefs or cognition (B) ( Westbrook et al., 2007 ). One entity, cognition, causes another entity, emotion, or behavior. Thus, the ABC model relies on the essentialist assumption that these entities are natural kinds that interact based on mechanistic causation ( Barrett, 2009 ). A natural kind (“cognition”) causes another natural kind (“emotion”) ( Barrett, 2009 ). All these descriptions of the CBT principles suggest a strong essentialist foundation for CBT.

The psychological construction approach

Recently, increasing research from affective neuroscience supports the idea that psychological states we know (emotion, cognition, and behavior) are not natural kinds, but conceptual constructions reflecting how we explain what the internal and external sensations stand for given prior experience (see Gündem et al., 2022 for reviews of the evidence). Perception is the mental states humans have when they understand what the external sensations stand for based on prior experience ( Barrett, 2009 ). Cognition refers to the mental state during the process of replaying past experiences in the brain ( Barrett, 2009 ). Emotion refers to mental states when individuals comprehend the meaning of internal bodily experiences ( Barrett, 2009 ). In short, mental states are ad-hoc conceptualizations of internal and/or external sensations based on simulations of what those sensations stand for given prior experience ( Barrett, 2009 ). Although there are many differences brought in by the psychological construction approach regarding mental states ( Barrett, 2009 ), here I describe two of them in relation to psychological treatments: the constructed and “recipe-like” nature of mental states and the probabilistic causation. First, psychological essentialism considers conscious mental states as natural kinds (entities with distinct brain bases, features, and mechanisms that control them) ( Barrett, 2009 ). The psychological construction approach negates this view and considers psychological states to be composite “recipe-like” constructions made up of basic ingredients such as concepts, core affect, behavioral repertoire, prior experience, and internal and external sensations ( Barrett, 2009 ). Therefore, the conceptualization and the type of ingredients recruited for its composition determine how a psychological state will change. When we change depressed feelings, distorted emotional concepts and unhelpful ingredients will be of interest. Second, psychological essentialism advances mechanistic psychological causation ( Barrett, 2009 ). A causes B. If we activate or develop an entity A, then we will change another entity B. Instead, the psychological construction approach advanced a probabilistic, not mechanistic causality relationship ( Barrett, 2009 ). The occurrence of cognition does not directly cause emotion. Rather, the presence of a specific cognition increases the likelihood of a constructed state of cognition transitioning into a specific constructed state of emotion ( Barrett, 2009 ). Believing that failing at an exam is awful (B) does not directly cause a feeling of anxiety but increases the probability that the psychological state we have will transform into a state of anxiety (C) rather than just fear.

Previous proposals focused on the clinical implications of a psychological construction approach based on brain-based mechanisms such as dysfunctions of energy regulation in mental disorders ( Shaffer et al., 2022 ). Here, I outlined several consequences of applying the psychological construction approach as a principle for changing mental states through the talking methods of CBT.

Implications for CBT formulation

Formulation is the process by which we describe the psychological mechanisms that underlie psychological issues and the ways through which we modify them ( David et al., 2018 ). From the psychological construction approach, understanding the patients' emotional problems will require understanding why the patients construct the psychological state they have into dysfunctional feelings of depression and not into functional feelings of sadness. During this process, the therapists will try to find which are the emotional concepts of the individual and which are the ingredients, or “psychological primitives,” of their depressed feelings (i.e., conceptual granularity, prior experience, core affect, behavioral repertories). Then, they will try to find the prior states that increased the probability of having depressed feelings (i.e., beliefs) and the mechanisms that control the frequent construction of their state as depressed feelings (i.e., context, attention). As the therapists explain the relationship between B and C, they will follow a probabilistic causation approach. For instance, instead of teaching the client that his beliefs that the exam is awful cause his feelings of anxiety, based on a psychological construction approach, the therapist will say, “You understand that as long as you believe that failing the exam is awful, you will probably feel anxiety and not concern.”

Implications for CBT practice

Although traditional CBT treats cognition, behavior, and emotion as distinct entities, at a closer look at the practice of CBT, we may find several precursors of the psychological construction approach. For instance, in the mainstream practice, therapists who follow a behavioral tradition often conceptualize cognition as a behavior and instead of cognitive interventions, to change cognition, they use behavioral interventions. Consequently, rather than employing cognitive restructuring, the therapists alter cognition by changing the environmental cues that initiate cognition (e.g., refraining from remaining in bed if that is the place where negative thinking occurs more frequently), and substituting it with an alternative cognition (e.g., rather than believing “I am useless,” the patients may be asked to recall instances of successful performance, what to change and that one failure does not define us) that has comparable consequences (e.g., motivating and giving importance to the problems).

Treating cognition as a behavior resembles the psychological construction approach.

However, the mainstream approach views cognition as behavior or belief, influenced by different theories on how cognition is understood (cognitivist vs. behaviorism), rather than being the same psychological state differently constructed by the individual as cognition or behavior. The psychological construction approach suggests that the same psychological state may be cognition, behavior, or emotion, depending on how it is constructed by the individual and on its “ingredients.” Thus, changing a cognition as a behavior is not something that follows the theoretical orientation of the therapist, but something that follows how the individual constructs that psychological state. From the psychological construction approach, when patients say I keep thinking “I am useless,” they are referring to a behavior. Probably, this psychological state is predominantly under the control of what is known as behavioral mechanisms (e.g., reinforcement). The client's statement, “I believe I am useless,” might indicate a different construction that the patients have engaged in, that of belief. Then, the intervention will focus on the analysis of confirmatory and dis-confirmatory information to change beliefs. Nonetheless, the individuals may construct the psychological state as something they feel—“I feel I am useless.” In this case, changing the psychological state as a feeling by validating, expressing, and processing the feeling may be more appropriate. As individuals may construct their mental state as different psychological states, depending on the type of construction (emotion, cognition, behavior), we may find some control mechanisms to be more often involved than others. Although early applications of multiple change strategies for the same mental state indicates possible benefits, scientific research may clarify which strategy or combination of strategies and in which condition would be more efficient for a particular individual. Furthermore, the intervention should consider the principles related to the ingredients or “recipe-like” composition of psychological states. When we target changing a psychological state (distorted appraisals) that may transform into dysfunctional feelings, the affective ingredients become the focus of treatment ( Tiba, 2010 ; Tiba and Manea, 2018 ). For instance, the cognitive satiation procedure is one good illustration of changing the affective ingredients of negative thoughts and reducing their emotional impact. For this purpose, the therapist may introduce a semantic satiation method: “One way to reduce the affective load of the thought “I am useless” is to use semantic satiation. In this exercise, we must repeat the expression “I am useless” more than 40 times until we load the thought with a phonetic rather than affective composition.”

Summary and outlook

A psychological construction approach brings important changes to how we deliver evidence-based psychological treatments: (1) understanding emotion, cognitive states, and behavior as different constructions of conscious psychological states; (2) changing psychological states is done by changing the general and specific control mechanisms involved in the specific unfolding of those states; (3) changing the ingredients involved in psychological states is a way of changing the relation between “thoughts” and “feelings.” As these principles may be viewed as super-ordinate principles guiding the models of psychological treatments, they can be integrated into the metacognitive principles of the CBT models. Given the enrichment of CBT interventions, the psychological construction approach has the potential to bring significant advancements to CBT treatment.

Author contributions

AT: Writing—original draft, Writing—review & editing.

The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The funding for publication of the article was provided by the University of Oradea. This work was supported by a grant of the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization, CNCS - UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-1090, within PNCDI III.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher's note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Keywords: psychological construction, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), essentialism, emotional disorders, constructed mind

Citation: Tiba AI (2024) Psychological construction as a theoretical principle for guiding cognitive-behavioral treatments. Front. Psychol. 15:1363819. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1363819

Received: 31 December 2023; Accepted: 07 March 2024; Published: 19 March 2024.

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Copyright © 2024 Tiba. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Alexandru I. Tiba, alexandrutiba@gmail.com

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Forensic Psychiatrist Identifies Physical Indicators of Trump’s Cognitive Decline: Alterations in Movement and Gait

D onald Trump’s evident challenges with speech, language, and cognitive function continue to exacerbate, as highlighted during a recent rally in Ohio where he exhibited a disjointed manner of speech, veering off-topic, and making puzzling statements such as claiming Joe Biden defeated Barack Obama in swing states.

This pattern of behavior is not an isolated incident but rather indicative of broader issues affecting Trump’s ability to communicate and process information, suggesting a potential underlying neurological condition.

Psychiatrist Dr. John Gartner, known for his contributions to the book “The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump,” has repeatedly raised concerns about Trump’s cognitive and communicative difficulties. Despite these warnings, there has been a lack of acknowledgment from many in the media and political spheres, with attention often diverted to trivialities like Biden’s occasional verbal slip-ups.

However, Gartner asserts that Trump’s behavior is indicative of a more serious issue, suggesting a stark contrast between the cognitive decline observed in Biden and the concerning symptoms displayed by Trump.

Gartner’s concerns are echoed by hundreds of medical professionals who have signed a petition diagnosing Trump with probable dementia. The implications of Trump’s deteriorating mental faculties extend beyond national borders, raising the alarming prospect of a man with diminishing cognitive abilities wielding the immense power of the presidency, including control over nuclear weapons.

Despite these glaring signs, mainstream media outlets have largely overlooked Trump’s cognitive decline, opting instead for a focus on superficial aspects of political discourse. However, there are exceptions, such as Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post, who has addressed Trump’s physical and cognitive changes.

To gain further insight into Trump’s behavior, Dr. Elizabeth Zoffman, a forensic psychiatrist, suggests that Trump’s symptoms align with Behavioral Variant Fronto-Temporal Dementia (FTD). This diagnosis is based on observed changes in Trump’s speech patterns, cognitive focus, pronunciation difficulties, tangential thinking, repetition of words, and social behavior.

Zoffman emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive evaluation by neurologists specializing in FTD to confirm the diagnosis.

While some may question the danger posed by individuals with FTD, Zoffman clarifies that it does not inherently make someone dangerous. However, the associated disinhibition may exacerbate existing personality traits, potentially leading to socially inappropriate behavior and harmful rhetoric, as seen in Trump’s dehumanizing statements toward marginalized groups.

Zoffman dispels misconceptions about dementia, emphasizing that it encompasses various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease and FTD. She stresses the need to consider all available observations collectively to form a comprehensive understanding of Trump’s condition.

Addressing skepticism surrounding her decision to speak out, Zoffman acknowledges societal biases against female experts but emphasizes the importance of contributing to an objective evaluation of Trump’s health alongside other professionals.

In contrast to Trump, President Biden’s cognitive abilities appear intact, as evidenced by his recent State of the Union Address. Despite occasional pauses due to his lifelong struggle with stuttering, Biden’s speech was coherent, articulate, and devoid of tangential digressions or disinhibited behavior.

Regarding Trump’s prognosis, Zoffman warns that FTD is a progressive disorder leading to deterioration and early death. Therefore, a thorough assessment by experts specializing in neurodegenerative disorders is imperative to determine the extent of Trump’s condition and its potential implications.

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