social science research projects ideas

189+ Best Social Science Research Paper Topics For Students

• Post author By Pooja Barman
• October 23, 2023

Social Science Research Paper Topics can be intriguing, insightful, and engaging, offering students an opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects that impact our society. Are you looking for the most interesting and good topics for a sociology research paper?

If yes, in this article, we will explore what Social Science Research Paper Topics are, provide guidance on how to choose and find them, and discuss why they are beneficial for students.

Additionally, we’ll present a comprehensive list of research paper topics across various social science fields.

Must Read: 125+ Most Creative Art Therapy Projects For Seniors

Table of Contents

What Are Social Science Research Paper Topics

Social Science Research Paper Topics are subjects, questions, or themes within the realm of social sciences that students investigate and write about in research papers. These topics cover a broad spectrum of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and more.

They aim to shed light on various aspects of human behavior, society, and culture, offering valuable insights and understanding.

How to Choose and Find Social Science Research Paper Topics

Selecting an engaging and relevant social science research paper topic is crucial for a successful paper. Here are some tips on how to choose and find the right topic:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by considering your personal interests within the social sciences. What subjects or issues captivate your attention? Choosing a topic you’re passionate about will make the research and writing process more enjoyable.

2. Review Course Material

Reflect on what you’ve learned in your social science courses. Often, your coursework can spark ideas for research topics based on your studies and readings.

3. Current Events and Trends

Stay informed about current events and societal trends. These can provide inspiration for research topics that are both timely and relevant.

4. Consult with Professors

Seek guidance from your professors or advisors. They can offer suggestions and help refine your topic ideas.

5. Consider Feasibility

Ensure that your chosen topic is manageable within the scope of your assignment. You should be able to find sufficient research material and complete the project within the given timeframe.

6. Narrow or Broaden Your Focus

Depending on the assignment’s length and requirements, you may need to narrow down a broad topic or expand on a more specific aspect of a larger subject.

Now, let’s dive into a comprehensive list of Social Science Research Paper Topics across various fields:

Sociology Research Paper Topics

• Income Inequality and Social Mobility
• The Impact of Immigration on Host Societies
• Gender Roles and Stereotypes in Society
• Social Isolation in the Digital Age
• Social Media’s Influence on Political Movements
• Social Media and Self-esteem: Impacts on Mental Health
• Gun Control Policies and Their Effects on Society
• The Sociology of Protests and Social Movements
• The Role of Religion in Social Cohesion
• Cultural Appropriation and Its Social Implications

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• The Psychology of Resilience in Adversity
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Cross-Cultural Differences in Psychological Disorders
• The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination
• Positive Psychology and Well-being
• The Impact of Technology on Cognitive Abilities
• Child Development and Attachment Theory
• The Psychology of Prejudice in Online Communities
• Understanding and Addressing Teenage Depression

Anthropology Research Paper Topics

• Cultural Relativism and Ethical Dilemmas
• Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability
• Human-Environment Interactions in Archaeology
• Anthropological Perspectives on Global Health
• Cultural Change and Adaptation in the Modern World
• Urban Anthropology and the Study of City Life
• Ethical Dilemmas in Anthropological Research
• Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Agriculture
• Anthropology of Food and Cultural Significance
• Archaeological Methods and Discoveries

Economics Research Paper Topics

• The Economic Impact of Natural Disasters
• Minimum Wage Policies and Their Consequences
• Behavioral Economics and Consumer Decision-Making
• The Gig Economy and Labor Market Trends
• The Economics of Healthcare and Insurance
• Global Economic Recession: Causes and Impacts
• Economic Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Economic Inequality and Social Unrest
• Behavioral Economics and Decision-Making in Investment

Political Science Research Paper Topics

• International Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
• Political Polarization and Its Effects on Governance
• Comparative Analysis of Political Systems
• Global Governance and International Organizations
• Political Propaganda and Media Manipulation
• Women in Politics: Representation and Challenges
• Political Extremism and Counterterrorism Policies
• The Role of Soft Power in International Relations
• Political Populism and Its Rise in Contemporary Politics
• Environmental Policies and Political Will

Social Science Education Research Paper Topics

• Inclusive Education and Special Needs Programs
• Homeschooling: Trends and Outcomes
• The Impact of Standardized Testing on Students
• Teacher Training and Professional Development
• Education Funding and Equity
• The Impact of Technology in Classroom Learning
• Education and Socioeconomic Achievement Gap
• Teacher-Student Relationships and Academic Performance
• School Bullying Prevention and Interventions

Environmental Social Science Research Paper Topics

• Urbanization and Urban Planning for Sustainability
• The Role of Wetlands in Ecosystem Health
• Environmental Ethics and Conservation
• Environmental Justice and Marginalized Communities
• Renewable Energy Policies and Implementation
• Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Practices
• Soil Erosion and Agricultural Sustainability
• Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity Preservation
• Environmental Education and its Role in Society
• Sustainable Urban Planning and Green Cities

History-Social Science Research Paper Topics

• The Historical Roots of Colonialism
• Decolonization Movements in the 20th Century
• The Impact of the Cold War on Global Politics
• Historical Perspectives on Women’s Rights
• The Cultural Significance of Historical Artifacts
• The Impact of the Renaissance on Art and Culture
• Historical Perspectives on the American Civil Rights Movement
• The Decline of Ancient Civilizations: Causes and Lessons
• Historical Analysis of Ancient Trade Routes
• Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples

Social Work Research Paper Topics

• Social Work in Crisis Intervention and Trauma Counseling
• Substance Abuse Treatment in Vulnerable Populations
• Child Protective Services and Family Welfare
• The Role of Social Workers in Healthcare
• Human Rights and Social Justice Advocacy
• Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice
• Homelessness and Social Services Interventions
• Social Work in Correctional Facilities
• Child Welfare and Family Reunification
• Human Rights and Advocacy in Social Work

Communication Research Paper Topics

• Crisis Communication in the Social Media Age
• The Impact of Fake News on Public Perception
• Visual Communication and its Influence
• Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges
• The Rhetoric of Political Speeches
• Digital Media and the Future of Journalism
• Intercultural Communication in a Globalized World
• Communication Technology and its Impact on Relationships
• Visual Communication and its Persuasive Power
• The Art of Public Speaking and Rhetoric

Criminology Research Paper Topics

• Cybersecurity and the Role of Law Enforcement
• Criminal Behavior and Psychological Profiles
• Recidivism and Rehabilitation Programs
• White-Collar Crime and Corporate Responsibility
• Policing Strategies and Community Relations
• Juvenile Justice and Rehabilitation Programs
• Cybersecurity and Law Enforcement Challenges
• Criminal Profiling and Offender Characteristics
• Hate Crimes and their Motivations
• The Effectiveness of Restorative Justice Programs

Gender Studies Research Paper Topics

• Toxic Masculinity in Popular Culture
• The Impact of #MeToo Movement
• Intersections of Gender and Race
• Transgender Rights and Healthcare Access
• The Influence of Gender in Language and Media
• Women’s Reproductive Rights and Policies
• Men’s Mental Health and Societal Expectations
• Gendered Violence and Prevention Strategies
• Gender Roles in Fairy Tales and Popular Culture
• The Role of Gender in Language and Linguistics

Social Policy Research Paper Topics

• Drug Policy and Harm Reduction Strategies
• Universal Basic Income and Poverty Alleviation
• Maternity and Paternity Leave Policies
• Aging Population and Social Security
• Immigration and Asylum Policies
• Universal Basic Income and Economic Equality
• Housing Policies and Affordable Housing Initiatives
• Youth and Social Services Programs
• Immigration and Family Reunification Policies
• Disability Rights and Social Inclusion

Health Science Research Paper Topics

• Healthcare Disparities in Underserved Communities
• Nutrition and Public Health Interventions
• The Opioid Epidemic and Prescription Drug Abuse
• Mental Health Services in Rural Areas
• Aging and Long-Term Care Services
• Mental Health Stigma in Healthcare
• The Impact of Social Determinants on Health Disparities
• Healthcare Access and Rural Communities
• Health Communication in Public Health Campaigns
• Healthcare Systems in Developing Countries

Family Studies Research Paper Topics

• The Impact of Divorce Mediation on Children
• Foster Care and Adoption Policies
• Sibling Relationships and Birth Order Effects
• Interethnic and Intercultural Marriages
• The Role of Grandparents in Child-Rearing
• The Effect of Divorce on Sibling Relationships
• Parental Involvement and Child Development
• Foster Care and Child Welfare Reforms
• Domestic Violence and Support Services
• Aging Parents and Caregiver Stress

Globalization and Development Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Humanitarian Aid and International Crisis Response
• Cultural Exchange Programs and Diplomacy
• Global Supply Chain and Labor Conditions
• Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation
• The Role of Multinational Corporations in Developing Economies
• Indigenous Rights and Sustainable Development
• Microfinance and Poverty Alleviation
• Fair Trade and Ethical Consumerism
• Global Health Partnerships and Disease Prevention

Social Justice Research Paper Topics

• Environmental Racism and its Implications
• Disability Rights and Inclusion
• LGBTQ+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Juvenile Justice and Restorative Practices
• Mass Incarceration and Prison Reform
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Global Advocacy
• Refugee Rights and Resettlement Challenges
• Disability Rights and Access to Healthcare
• Criminal Justice Reform and Social Equity
• Indigenous Land Rights and Environmental Justice

Sociology of Religion Research Paper Topics

• Religious Fundamentalism in Contemporary Society
• Religion and Healthcare Decision-Making
• Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding
• Cults and Their Social Impact
• Religion and Ethics in Bioengineering
• Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue
• Religious Radicalism and Terrorism
• Religion’s Influence on Political Policies
• The Role of Religion in Environmental Ethics
• Secularism and Non-religious Worldviews

Social Impact of Technology Research Paper Topics

• Online Privacy and Digital Surveillance
• Artificial Intelligence and Its Ethical Challenges
• E-Government and Online Civic Engagement
• Social Media Activism and Its Limitations
• Technology and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence
• The Digital Divide and Technological Inequities
• Social Media Activism and Online Movements
• Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Concerns
• Virtual Reality and Its Applications in Education

Social Movements and Activism Research Paper Topics

• Black Panther Party and its Legacy
• Disability Rights Movements
• Global Youth Activism and Climate Change
• The Arab Spring and Political Change
• Indigenous Rights Movements in Latin America
• Youth-Led Movements and Their Impact on Social Change
• Women’s Suffrage and the Fight for Voting Rights
• Environmental Activism and Conservation Efforts
• Indigenous Rights Movements in Asia

Why Social Science Research Paper Topics Are Beneficial for Students

Social Science Research Paper Topics offer several advantages for students:

• Critical Thinking : Researching and writing about social science topics fosters critical thinking skills. It encourages students to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information and arguments.
• Understanding Society : Social science research topics help students better understand the complexities of human society, culture, and behavior.
• Research Skills : Students develop valuable research skills, including finding and assessing sources, conducting surveys or interviews, and drawing meaningful conclusions.
• Communication Skills : Writing research papers hones students’ communication skills, including the ability to express complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Awareness of Social Issues : Exploring social science topics can raise awareness of pressing social issues and encourage students to engage with them more deeply.
• Preparation for Future Careers : Many careers in fields like sociology, psychology, and political science require strong research and analytical skills. Engaging in social science research prepares students for these roles.

Social Science Research Paper Topics provide students with an opportunity to explore, analyze, and contribute to our understanding of human society and its complexities. By following the guidance on selecting topics and recognizing their benefits, students can embark on research projects that are not only academically fulfilling but also socially relevant and impactful.

Whether you choose a topic from sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, or any other social science field. With this extensive list of Social Science Research Paper Topics, students have a wide range of subjects to choose from, spanning sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and more.

These topics offer an opportunity to delve into critical societal issues, analyze their implications, and contribute to a deeper understanding of human behavior and society’s complexities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a social science research question.

What are the sources of social inequality, and how does it relate to political institutions and social structures?

How do you write a good social science research paper?

The information should be detailed enough for someone to replicate the study, but it should also be concise.

What is social science research essay?

Social Science Research is the activity of gathering, analysing and interpreting information for a variety of social, economic, educational and political purposes.

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Recent Posts

100+ SS Project Ideas [Updated]

Embarking on a social science (SS) project is a journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional learning. As students, researchers, or enthusiasts delve into the realms of SS, they encounter a diverse range of challenges and opportunities. In this blog, we will explore the expansive world of SS project ideas, catering to various levels of expertise and interests.

Why Is It Important to Choose the Right SS Project Ideas?

Table of Contents

Choosing the right social science (SS) project ideas is crucial for several reasons:

• Relevance and Impact: Selecting a project that addresses relevant social issues ensures that your work contributes meaningfully to societal understanding or improvement.
• Personal Engagement: Projects aligned with your interests and passions lead to greater personal engagement and motivation, fostering a more dedicated and fulfilling research experience.
• Skill Development: The right project provides opportunities to develop and enhance research, critical thinking, and analytical skills, preparing you for future academic or professional endeavors.
• Contributing to Knowledge: Well-chosen projects contribute to the existing body of knowledge in social sciences, allowing you to make a valuable and lasting impact on your field of study.
• Real-world Application: The application of social science theories and methodologies to real-world problems prepares you to address complex challenges and implement effective solutions in various contexts.
• Networking Opportunities: Projects that align with current societal concerns often attract collaboration and networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to social change.
• Educational Growth: Whether you are a high school student or a researcher at the college level, selecting the right SS project fosters educational growth, encouraging continuous learning and intellectual development.
• Ethical Considerations: Thoughtfully choosing your project helps you navigate potential ethical considerations, ensuring that your research respects the rights and well-being of participants and the broader community.

In summary, the importance of choosing the right SS project ideas lies in their potential to contribute meaningfully to societal well-being, personal growth, and the advancement of knowledge in the field of social sciences.

100+ SS Project Ideas for Different Levels

35+ high school ss project ideas.

• Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health: Explore the correlation between social media use and mental health among high school students.
• Bullying Prevention Strategies: Investigate effective strategies to prevent bullying and promote a positive school environment.
• Diversity in High School Curricula: Analyze the representation of diverse perspectives in high school curricula and its impact on students’ understanding of society.
• Teen Substance Abuse Trends: Examine current trends in teen substance abuse and propose preventative measures for the school community.
• Educational Inequality: Investigate disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Effects of Sleep on Academic Performance: Study the relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance among high school students.
• Youth Political Engagement: Explore factors influencing political engagement among high school students and propose strategies to increase civic participation.
• Impact of Extracurricular Activities on Academic Success: Analyze how participation in extracurricular activities affects students’ academic success and personal development.
• Gender Stereotypes in High School: Examine the prevalence and impact of gender stereotypes within the high school environment.
• Peer Pressure and Decision-Making: Investigate the role of peer pressure in high school students’ decision-making processes.
• Mental Health Support in Schools: Assess the availability and effectiveness of mental health support services within high school settings.
• Environmental Awareness Campaigns: Develop and evaluate campaigns to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable practices among high school students.
• Impact of Family Structure on Academic Achievement: Explore how different family structures influence high school students’ academic achievement.
• The Role of School Uniforms: Investigate the impact of school uniforms on students’ behavior, sense of identity, and overall school culture.
• Effects of Technology on Study Habits: Analyze how technology use affects high school students’ study habits and academic performance.
• Student Perspectives on Online Learning: Collect feedback and analyze high school students’ perspectives on the effectiveness of online learning platforms.
• Cultural Awareness in the Classroom: Assess the level of cultural awareness within high school classrooms and propose strategies for improvement.
• Teen Stress and Coping Mechanisms: Explore the sources of stress among high school students and assess the effectiveness of various coping mechanisms.
• Impact of Music Education on Cognitive Skills: Investigate the correlation between music education and the development of cognitive skills among high school students.
• Digital Literacy Skills: Assess the digital literacy skills of high school students and propose initiatives to enhance their technological proficiency.
• Teen Relationship Dynamics: Study the dynamics of teenage romantic relationships and their influence on emotional well-being.
• Student Attitudes Toward School Safety Measures: Evaluate high school students’ attitudes and perceptions regarding safety measures implemented in schools.
• Social Perception of Academic Achievement: Examine how social perceptions influence students’ attitudes toward academic achievement.
• Impact of Nutrition on Academic Performance: Investigate the relationship between dietary habits and academic performance among high school students.
• Community Service and Civic Engagement: Explore the impact of community service activities on high school students’ civic engagement.
• Effective Communication in Peer Groups: Analyze communication patterns within high school peer groups and propose strategies for effective communication.
• Media Influence on Body Image: Investigate how media portrayal affects body image and self-esteem among high school students.
• School Policies and Student Well-being: Assess the impact of school policies on the overall well-being of high school students.
• Teen Employment and Academic Achievement: Study the effects of part-time employment on high school students’ academic achievement.
• Perceptions of Leadership: Explore high school students’ perceptions of leadership qualities and the impact on their aspirations.
• Role of Teachers in Career Guidance: Evaluate the role of teachers in providing effective career guidance to high school students.
• Teen Health Education Programs: Assess the effectiveness of health education programs in addressing the unique needs of high school students.
• The Influence of Peer Tutoring: Investigate the impact of peer tutoring on academic performance and the development of collaborative skills.
• Impact of Parental Involvement on Academic Success: Study the correlation between parental involvement in education and high school students’ academic success.
• Social Media Activism Among Teens: Explore the role of social media in facilitating activism and awareness among high school students.
• Perceptions of LGBTQ+ Inclusivity: Assess the inclusivity of high schools regarding LGBTQ+ issues and propose measures for improvement.

35+ College-Level SS Project Ideas

• Globalization and Local Economies: Investigate the impact of globalization on local economies, examining factors such as employment, income distribution, and cultural dynamics.
• Psychological Effects of Immigration Policies: Analyze the psychological well-being of individuals affected by immigration policies, considering stress, mental health, and acculturation challenges.
• Gender Disparities in Leadership Roles: Explore the reasons behind gender disparities in leadership positions, considering societal expectations, workplace dynamics, and policy implications.
• Digital Divide and Educational Inequality: Investigate how the digital divide contributes to educational inequality, focusing on access to technology and its effects on academic outcomes.
• Political Polarization in Modern Society: Examine the factors contributing to political polarization, studying media influence, social media algorithms, and their impact on public discourse.
• The Role of Education in Social Mobility: Analyze the correlation between education and social mobility, considering the effectiveness of educational policies in promoting upward mobility.
• Climate Change and Social Vulnerability: Explore the social implications of climate change, focusing on vulnerable communities and strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Cultural Identity in the Age of Globalization: Investigate how cultural identity evolves in the context of globalization, examining the influence of media, migration, and cultural exchange.
• Racial Disparities in Healthcare: Examine the root causes of racial disparities in healthcare access, treatment, and outcomes, proposing interventions to address systemic issues.
• Impact of Social Media on Political Activism: Analyze the role of social media in shaping political activism, studying its impact on mobilization, awareness, and social change.
• The Sociology of Urbanization: Explore the social implications of urbanization, studying changes in community structures, social interactions, and economic activities in urban environments.
• Technology and Social Isolation: Investigate how technology contributes to social isolation, studying the effects of screen time, social media usage, and virtual interactions.
• Mental Health Stigma in Different Cultures: Examine the stigma surrounding mental health in diverse cultural contexts, considering cultural attitudes, beliefs, and the effectiveness of awareness campaigns.
• Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment: Analyze the societal impact of AI on employment patterns, studying job displacement, skill acquisition, and potential policy solutions.
• Religious Diversity in Multicultural Societies: Explore the dynamics of religious diversity in multicultural societies, studying tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and potential sources of conflict.
• Social Implications of Aging Population: Investigate the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, considering healthcare, social support systems, and intergenerational relationships.
• Role of Nonprofit Organizations in Social Change: Examine the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in driving social change, considering their strategies, challenges, and impact on communities.
• The Intersectionality of Gender and Race: Explore how gender and race intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and privilege, studying the implications for social justice.
• Impact of Art and Culture on Social Movements: Analyze the role of art and culture in shaping and sustaining social movements, studying visual arts, music, and literature as tools for activism.
• Social Media and Body Image: Investigate the influence of social media on body image perceptions, studying the impact of beauty standards, online filters, and peer comparison.
• Ethical Considerations in AI Development: Examine the ethical challenges associated with the development and implementation of artificial intelligence, considering issues such as bias, privacy, and accountability.
• Food Insecurity and Social Welfare: Explore the factors contributing to food insecurity, studying the role of social welfare programs and community initiatives in addressing the issue.
• Impact of LGBTQ+ Inclusive Policies: Analyze the societal impact of policies that promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity, studying changes in public attitudes, legal frameworks, and community dynamics.
• Social Impact of Renewable Energy Adoption: Investigate the social implications of adopting renewable energy sources, studying community engagement, employment opportunities, and environmental justice.
• Civic Engagement and Youth Participation: Explore factors influencing civic engagement among young people, studying the role of education, social networks, and technology in fostering active citizenship.
• Media Representation of Social Issues: Analyze how the media portrays social issues, studying the framing, bias, and impact on public perception and policy discussions.
• Impact of Gentrification on Local Communities: Examine the social consequences of gentrification, studying changes in housing affordability, community identity, and displacement.
• Influence of Cultural Narratives on Health Behaviors: Investigate how cultural narratives shape health behaviors, studying the impact of cultural norms, storytelling, and community traditions.
• Social Consequences of Substance Abuse Policies: Analyze the societal impact of substance abuse policies, studying issues such as incarceration rates, rehabilitation strategies, and public health outcomes.
• Technology and Privacy Concerns: Explore the intersection of technology and privacy, studying the implications of surveillance, data collection, and individual rights in the digital age.
• Impact of Economic Inequality on Social Mobility: Analyze how economic inequality influences social mobility, studying the role of education, systemic barriers, and policy interventions.
• Social Dynamics of Online Communities: Investigate the social dynamics within online communities, studying communication patterns, social hierarchies, and the formation of virtual identities.
• The Effect of Political Propaganda on Public Opinion: Analyze the impact of political propaganda on public opinion, studying the strategies employed, media literacy, and potential countermeasures.
• Cultural Appropriation and Identity: Examine the social implications of cultural appropriation, studying power dynamics, respect, and the impact on marginalized communities.
• Societal Attitudes Toward Disability: Investigate how societal attitudes toward disability impact inclusion, studying accessibility, employment opportunities, and cultural perceptions.
• Impact of Environmental Policies on Indigenous Communities: Analyze the social consequences of environmental policies on indigenous communities, studying land rights, cultural preservation, and community resilience.

35+ Unique SS Project Ideas

• Digital Citizenship Education Program: Develop an educational initiative to promote responsible and ethical use of technology among students.
• Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Investigate how social media usage influences mental health outcomes among different age groups.
• Community-Based Recycling Campaign: Design and implement a recycling campaign to raise awareness and increase community participation in recycling efforts.
• Interactive Historical Podcast Series: Create an engaging podcast series that explores overlooked historical events and their relevance to contemporary issues.
• Urban Green Spaces and Well-being: Study the correlation between access to urban green spaces and the well-being of residents in metropolitan areas.
• Cultural Exchange Through Art: Facilitate an art-based cultural exchange program to foster understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.
• Economic Impact of Local Farmers Markets: Analyze the economic implications of local farmers markets on small-scale farmers and the surrounding community.
• Technology-Assisted Language Learning for Refugees: Develop a language-learning app tailored to the needs of refugees to enhance their integration and communication skills.
• The Influence of Music on Mood: Explore the emotional impact of different music genres on individuals and its potential therapeutic applications.
• Climate Change Perception in Coastal Communities: Investigate how coastal communities perceive and respond to the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.
• Community Wellness Workshops: Organize workshops addressing physical and mental well-being within local communities, emphasizing preventive measures.
• Gender Representation in Media: Analyze the portrayal of gender in various forms of media and its influence on societal perceptions and expectations.
• Inclusive Education Practices: Assess the effectiveness of inclusive education practices in promoting equal opportunities and academic success for all students.
• Public Opinion on Sustainable Transportation: Conduct surveys and interviews to gauge public opinion on sustainable transportation options and potential barriers to adoption.
• Civic Engagement Through Mobile Apps: Develop a mobile app to encourage civic engagement, providing information on local government activities and community events.
• Psychological Effects of Urbanization: Investigate the psychological impact of rapid urbanization on residents’ stress levels and mental health.
• Exploring Food Deserts: Examine the existence and impact of food deserts in urban and rural areas, proposing solutions for improved access to nutritious food.
• Online Learning and Academic Performance: Assess the correlation between online learning methods and academic performance, considering factors like student engagement and motivation.
• Interactive Theater for Social Change: Create and perform interactive theater productions addressing social issues and fostering community dialogue.
• The Impact of Social Support on Addiction Recovery: Study the role of social support systems in the recovery process for individuals struggling with addiction.
• Promoting Diversity in Tech: Develop initiatives to encourage underrepresented groups to pursue careers in technology, addressing diversity gaps in the industry.
• Effects of Nature Sounds on Productivity: Explore how exposure to nature sounds influences workplace productivity and well-being.
• Cultural Preservation Through Traditional Crafts: Document and promote traditional crafts as a means of preserving cultural heritage and providing economic opportunities.
• Community-Based Wildlife Conservation: Engage local communities in wildlife conservation efforts, focusing on sustainable practices and habitat preservation.
• Global Health Education Program: Create an educational program to increase awareness about global health issues and promote preventive healthcare practices.
• Restorative Justice Programs in Schools: Implement and evaluate restorative justice programs in schools to address conflicts and promote a positive school environment.
• Youth-Led Environmental Initiatives: Empower youth to lead environmental projects in their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and activism.
• Human Rights Education Curriculum: Develop a comprehensive curriculum to educate students about human rights issues and advocacy strategies.
• Entrepreneurship Training for Marginalized Communities: Provide entrepreneurship training to marginalized groups to empower them economically and foster community development.
• The Impact of Social Capital on Community Resilience: Examine how social capital contributes to the resilience of communities in the face of economic or environmental challenges.
• Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits: Develop educational campaigns and workshops to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep habits.
• Sports for Social Inclusion: Organize sports programs aimed at fostering social inclusion and breaking down societal barriers.
• Local History Documentation Project: Collaborate with community members to document and preserve local history through oral interviews, photographs, and artifacts.
• Empowering Women in STEM: Develop initiatives to encourage and support women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
• Artificial Intelligence for Social Good: Explore the potential applications of artificial intelligence in addressing social challenges, such as poverty, healthcare, or education.
• Promoting Mindfulness in Schools: Implement mindfulness programs in schools to enhance students’ emotional well-being and academic performance.

Tips for Choosing and Executing SS Projects

Identifying personal interests and passions.

Choosing a project aligned with personal interests is vital for sustained motivation. Whether it’s a fascination with historical events, a passion for environmental sustainability , or a keen interest in psychology, aligning the project with personal passions ensures a more fulfilling and dedicated approach.

Collaboration and Networking

Collaboration enhances the impact of SS projects. Working with peers, mentors, or community members not only brings diverse perspectives but also creates a support network. Networking opportunities arise, opening doors for partnerships and shared initiatives that amplify the project’s reach and impact.

Case Studies

A. successful ss projects.

Real-world examples showcase the potential impact of SS projects. Consider the success stories of projects addressing homelessness, promoting inclusivity in education, or advocating for sustainable urban development. 

These case studies offer valuable insights into the challenges, strategies, and outcomes of impactful SS projects.

B. Lessons Learned from Successful Projects

Examining the lessons learned from successful projects provides valuable guidance for aspiring SS project enthusiasts.

From effective project management and community engagement strategies to navigating ethical considerations, these insights pave the way for a smoother and more impactful project execution.

In the realm of SS projects, creativity knows no bounds. Whether you’re a high school student exploring the foundations of society or a seasoned researcher addressing global challenges, SS projects offer a transformative journey of discovery and impact.

By choosing projects that align with personal passions, embracing innovative approaches, and leveraging technology, individuals can contribute to a more informed, sustainable, and compassionate world.

So, unleash your creativity, explore the vast landscape of SS project ideas, and embark on a journey that goes beyond academia, leaving a lasting imprint on the fabric of society.

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147 Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project

Social studies is an integrated research field. It includes a range of topics on social science and humanities, such as history, culture, geography, sociology, education, etc. A social studies essay might be assigned to any middle school, high school, or college student. It might seem like a daunting task, but perhaps the most challenging part of the job is choosing the best topic from the many research topics in social studies. Sure, you might have a specific topic assigned to you.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

If you’re looking for social science research topics, you’re in the right place! Custom writing experts have prepared a fresh list of ideas! This article contains 147 social studies project topics on history, culture, politics, law, migration, and other fields.

New headings & sections:

• Social Study Areas => Social Science Topics & Research Areas
• Social Studies Topics on History => Social Studies Project Topics on History
• Other Social Studies Topics => Other Research Topics in Social Studies
• 🔝 Top 10 Topics

👨‍🎓 Social Study Areas

🎨 social studies topics on culture, 🏛️ social studies topics on politics & governance, 🏧 social studies topics on economics & consumption, 🏺 social studies topics on history, 💡 other social studies topics, 🔗 references, 🔝 top 10 social studies topics.

• Pros and cons of monarchy.
• Is voting a civic responsibility?
• Should democracy be everywhere?
• The causes of mass consumption.
• Globalization vs. Americanization.
• The elements of personal identity.
• What are the USA’s major resources?
• Do communication technologies impact politics?
• The importance of cultural diversity in the workplace
• How do religious institutions reinforce social stability?

Social studies can be represented by ten aspects described below:

• Culture. While working with social studies, you need to understand how culture shapes our society and affects our lives. It includes learning how people create, adapt to, and share their cultural diversity.
• People and the environment. This aspect helps students create their perception of the world and how human beings interact with their environment. It is achieved through learning about different locations, people, and resources that are there.
• Production and consumption. Here, it is all about studying how people manage the production and distribution of goods. Usually, this theme is represented by subjects connected with economics.
• Time. It is mostly related to history. Therefore, students get to know about the significant events and changes that influenced our present. In addition, they learn about the beliefs and values of our ancestors.
• Identity. This theme is vital because it allows learners to understand how personal identity develops. They find out how family, culture, and friends affect people’s actions and personal growth.
• Institutions and groups. There are multiple institutions created by people: families, colleges, governments, and religious organizations. This theme lets students understand how institutions are formed and maintained and what changes they bring.
• Authority and governments. One of the essential parts of social studies is the theme of authority. Thanks to it, students can understand how different forms of governance are created. It also includes analyzing the functions and purposes of political systems.
• Globalization. Learners are helped to discover the interconnections between societies and the issues they create on a global scale. Everything is interdependent nowadays, and the importance of global connections is rising.
• Civic ideas. Students need to understand civic ideas to be fully functioning independent members of society. This vital theme includes learning about citizen’s rights and responsibilities.
• Science and technology. This aspect is not only about the development of technology and scientific achievements. It is also about how society is connected to those processes. Moreover, students learn about their impacts on people.

If you are looking for social studies project topics on the culture, you might consider the following aspects.

Every social study project would focus on how cultural attributes, such as traditions, arts, literature, are created and shared. It is important to remember to highlight both differences and similarities while doing comparative research.

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One of the features of culture is that it’s dynamic and continuously changing, which means it is correlated with the personal development and beliefs of citizens. Moreover, you can look into the influence of culture on different political and religious institutions.

All in all, the list of topics in social studies below is all about the interconnection between culture and society. If you’re not a fan of the listed options, you can at least take the keywords and use a generator of random topics to write about . This will give you a lot more variants to choose from.

• The principles of the multicultural policy of Australia : benefits. Australia is one of the countries that support cultural diversity. The government even created an official policy based on four principles to ensure that everybody has equal rights to participate in the community.
• Indonesian communities and ancestor worships. Practices connected to ancestor worship are based on the belief that the spirits of the dead have the powers to affect the destinies of the living.
• The domestic etiquette of modern Americans . All cultures have different etiquette – a set of rules that governs social behavior. Those norms are changing along with the culture, but can also be different depending on the social situation.
• Gender issues and women in Medieval society. In the Middle Ages, women were not allowed to receive education, had limited social rights, and had to obey their fathers’ and husbands’ will.
• Gender roles : how are boys and girls raised in American families? Gender roles enforce some specific standards and expectations of how men and women should behave. Study the socially appropriate gender roles in modern families.
• Taboos and emotions in modern society. Taboo is something prohibited from doing under the fear of punishment. Even though taboos are originally related to the sacred and spiritual practices, today, people are banned from expressing some emotions.
• How have hippies created the US? This research would focus on the ways the hippie movement made a change in the history of the country. Their cultural practices have influenced many aspects of our lives.

• Family values and religion. The family has always been considered the base of a happy American life. However, to what extent has religion affected the most common family values?
• Why does political correctness matter so much today? Political correctness means the ban on using some phrases that may be inappropriate. As a cultural phenomenon, it was created by college students in America in the 1980s.
• Is our future in social responsibility ? Social responsibility is a policy that encourages people to act for the benefit of their community and society as a whole. Could this approach help us build a better future?

One of the most important themes of social studies is about politics. When conducting science research related to this topic, you should possess a considerable amount of knowledge and experience in the issues described below.

Understanding the existing systems of governance means also knowing how political views and institutions were created. In the constantly changing world, the functions of authorities are dynamic as well.

However, you should not forget to include the relationship with citizens in this equation. Every member of society has needs, rights, and responsibilities, issues with which should also be addressed.

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Here are some examples of social studies topics related to politics, which you may find useful:

• The American Whig party: a case study of the South. In the 19th century, the Whigs were one of two main political parties in the US. In this research, you could concentrate on analyzing the political tensions of this party in the South.
• Political parties and violence in the US. There are two major political parties nowadays. However, have you ever thought about why there are so much political violence and harsh competition between them?
• The change of the ideology of the Republican party after the Civil War. The Civil War has changed the perception of many people. It left a mark on the political views as well. Track the transformation of the Republican party’s ideology since then.
• Tory party and the British welfare under their rule. For the sake of some diversity, we have included a topic on the British political party as well. In this research, you would look into the social issues caused by the Tories.
• Is there a connection between anti-Americanism and anti-Semitic movement? Study the roots of anti-Americanism as a political view. Also, you can work on contrasting and comparing it to anti-Semitism.
• Student activism and the Black Power movement. This civil rights movement has been around for ages. For this research, you would need to study the Black Power’s topic and the student activism involved in it.
• The difficulties of the civil war in Sri Lanka. This island country has suffered the Sinhalese- Tamil conflict and the proceeding civil war. Your task would be to look into the complexities of this conflict.
• The power of Congress over presidential elections. It is one of the social science topics that requires gathering a lot of materials. You would have to analyze the Constitution and find the related cases in history.
• Voting technology: what can the law do against election fraud? Bribery and other corrupt practices in relation to the election process is not anything new. However, how can the law make a change?
• The most prominent political machines of the last decade. This paper would be interesting for students you prefer analyzing and comparing. You would need to gather information on the most prominent political machines in the US.
• A discussion of judicial independence
• Political culture in the U.S.
• A comparison of the models of democracy
• A comparison of electoral systems
• Authoritarianism vs. totalitarianism

Research topics in social studies on economics would always be related to the theme of production and consumption. You would have to understand how people manage to produce and sell goods and services worldwide.

There are multiple issues in the global economics that you, as a student, could address in your argumentative paper. It includes the unequal distribution of goods along with the growing demand.

You might as well find it interesting to research how the production of specific goods is organized and the role of technology in that process. It is also essential to look into how governments cope with market failures and how they improve the well-being of the economies.

• The flaws of the economic democracy system: a case study. Pick and analyze the issues that this socioeconomic system might have. It would be better if you add real-life cases to the analysis.
• Morality and global capitalism. Your task would be to analyze the five features of global capitalism and determine how it can be socially acceptable. Look through every moral issue that arises.
• The bankruptcy of the middle class in the US. This research focuses on the root causes, as well as consequences, of so many cases of bankruptcy among American middle-class families.
• Can we foresee the future of the European Monetary System? Ever since 1979, the Euro has been serving its purpose. However, this paper would highlight the economic factors that can lead to disruptions in this system.
• Wall Street : did we learn from the 2008 crash ? The year of 2008 punched many Americans, leaving their wealth reduced noticeably. But did we learn from past mistakes? Can we prevent the crisis from happening again?
• Understanding stock markets : profitable investments. To make a profitable investment, you need to know everything about the industry sector and stock market cycles. Compile the tips and tricks that can make it work.
• How has the Silk Road influenced the current global economy? Connecting East and West, those trade routes existed for centuries. For this cool research, you would need to analyze the current economic situation and find the features that exist thanks to the Silk Road.
• Coffee beans and fair trade . Selling coffee beans internationally, some communities and families depend on this business. However, how fair is this fair trade market? Who looks after social justice?
• Pros and cons of dollarization: a case study. Currency substitution or dollarization can’t solve the economic crisis. Study some cases of this process in different countries and analyze the benefits and problems of it.
• How to predict the exchange rate behavior? In this research, you would need to study the sources of changes in the exchange rates. You might as well look into the tools that might help predict the behavior of the rates.

• Provide real-life examples of how you or someone else plans their studies, controls pocket money, or organizes their working day.
• How organizations foster social and civic responsibility
• Crisis management post-9/11
• The growth of management in developing countries
• Conflict management in virtual and global teams
• An analysis of the benefits vs. cost of attaining a post-secondary education
• Wealth distribution and the availability of resources
• An examination of the trickle-down effect in today’s society
• Is the financial crisis of 2008 really over?
• How advertisements can create a sense of separation and association with the feminine identity
• The role of censorship in advertising
• The image of perfection in advertising
• Gender roles in advertising
• Rhetorical analysis of various marketing campaigns . How global corporations influence people’s decisions?
• Transnational organizations analytics. Determining the most appropriate and effective marketing strategies
• Advertisement analysis . The significance of the assessment in a rhetorical essay.
• Marketing reports . Explain the primary objectives of the document. When writing business or marketing essays, it is crucial to include analysis of particular examples.
• The importance of an analytical paragraph in a business essay. How does it help to define specific company’s strengths and weaknesses?
• Unethical advertising examples. What must be avoided when developing another strategy?
• Is it always worth it to spend immense amounts of money on risky advertising campaigns?
• Will the most common advertising methods work for every kind of a product?
• What issues must be considered when organizing an ad campaign?
• Positive and negative effects of advertising .

In the list of social science essay topics, there should always be at least a few questions dedicated to history. Unless we know our past, we can’t possibly understand human nature.

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For high school students, it is necessary to learn about the changes and different experiences in society. The way that values, traditions, and rules have been changing shapes our current development.

While looking for interesting social studies topics in this field, consider analyzing the root causes and consequences of different changes. Look into the ways how our social system has been developing, and you would find something exciting, for sure!

• What was the social meaning of corsets in the 20th century? Corsets are the part of the outfit that was designed to shape or modify the figure. By the 20th century, it has somewhat shaped the culture as well.
• Demystifying the stereotypes about 19th-century women in the US . There was war, and there were changes. How did the life a woman look like back then? Find the most common misunderstandings about it and conduct a historical analysis.
• African American : the historical study of social factors affecting crime. For this research, you could look into the cultural and social aspects that have influenced the response of African Americans to crimes and injustice.
• The changes in the lives of average American citizens in the 1930s. Urbanization and technological development shook the world in those years. Find out how Americans were adjusting to their new lives.
• How the environment shapes the perspective: the baby boomers ? In the example of the baby boomers’ generation, study the effects of the social and cultural aspects on identity and personal values.
• The process of development of Italian fashion and the US. You would be studying the historical facts in support of the idea that the US played an essential role in the Italian fashion industry development.
• Generation X and global leaders. This topic focuses on the most prominent world leaders in different areas. Your task would be to find the connection between the personal specifics of generation X and global leaders.
• Women in the Victorian Age and domestic rules. Conduct research on the ideology of Victorian women. What social challenges connected to industrialization were they forced to face?
• Servants in the American houses in the middle of the 20th century. In the 1920s, women started quitting their housewives’ chores and hiring servants to do them instead. You would look into the social sources of such a change in the domestic life of that time.
• What is the connection between social change and the American schooling system? Look into the development of the educational institutions in the US over a chosen period. Find out what social factors have affected the process.
• Civil disorders
• Political terrorism
• Non-political terrorism
• Limited political terrorism
• Expand on the problem of democracy and domestic terrorism
• A study of terrorist groups
• State-sponsored terrorism
• The tactics of terrorism
• The history of terrorism
• The causes of terrorism
• Responses to terrorism and counter-terrorism global policy
• For more topics ideas, check out Research Guide for Students .
• How enlistment in the U.S. Army works
• The top five army bases
• Customs and courtesies in the military
• The history of Memorial Day
• The threat of homelessness for veterans
• Turkic migration
• Mongol invasions
• Great migration of the 1630s
• Great migration of African Americans
• Government regulations
• Socially irresponsible corporations
• Antitrust provision
• International business law and legal regulations for international corporations and companies
• Business law in the Islamic world and how it differs from that of other countries

Criminology

• Crime prevention
• Juvenile delinquency
• Victimology
• Deviant behavior

When you write an essay on justice, you have a great opportunity to present your opinion on the subject. Here are some potential topics:

• Justice: A Myth or Reality?
• Tell about today’s idea of justice. What do people do to establish justice in the world?
• Give your reasons why absolute justice is impossible.
• How justice is portrayed in Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky
• Discuss the Heaven Justice

Gender Studies

• Women and the Taliban
• Chinese women as seen through the Chinese culture
• Women and Confucian cultures in Korea
• Witch hunts in the Western world
• The influence of feminism on men
• The challenge of feminist biblical interpretation
• Gender identity and the particulars of word-of-mouth communication
• How leadership styles differ based on gender
• Women empowerment
• Why do women think that their rights are neglected in free countries?
• Gender inequality : are men more likely to receive well-paid jobs than women with precisely same characteristics?
• Are men considered to be better employees than women ?
• Can feminists persuade the government to make changes in the law beneficial for them?
• Gender discrimination in everyday life
• The purpose of feminist demonstrations
• Are people concerned about the problem of gender inequality in their everyday lives?
• Where are the human rights of women neglected and why?
• Causes of gender inequality
• Is the factor of overall equality necessary for the development of the world or not?
• What are the most popular examples of equality among citizens of one country?

• Gender stratification definition. Where can it be observed in the modern society?
• What can be changed because of mass feminism?
• Gender stereotypes . Is everything that we hear about discrimination right?
• What is gender stratification ?
• Are females discriminated in the modern society, or this issue is fabricated?
• Gender roles in the workplace
• Factors contributing to gender inequality
• Disadvantages of gender equality
• Gender equality theory
• Gender imbalance definition. What is the origin of the term and where it is used?
• Gender superiority. Is it true that males were always dominant figures in the history?
• History of gender discrimination . Was this societal rule present in the prehistoric times, and when it was introduced?
• Gender disparity definition. What is the origin of the term and where it is used today?

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Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology

50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research Project

If you’re just starting out exploring sociology-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research by providing a hearty list of research ideas , including real-world examples from recent sociological studies.

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . These topic ideas provided here are intentionally broad and generic , so keep in mind that you will need to develop them further. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

To develop a suitable research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan to fill that gap. If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Sociology-Related Research Topics

• Analyzing the social impact of income inequality on urban gentrification.
• Investigating the effects of social media on family dynamics in the digital age.
• The role of cultural factors in shaping dietary habits among different ethnic groups.
• Analyzing the impact of globalization on indigenous communities.
• Investigating the sociological factors behind the rise of populist politics in Europe.
• The effect of neighborhood environment on adolescent development and behavior.
• Analyzing the social implications of artificial intelligence on workforce dynamics.
• Investigating the impact of urbanization on traditional social structures.
• The role of religion in shaping social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights.
• Analyzing the sociological aspects of mental health stigma in the workplace.
• Investigating the impact of migration on family structures in immigrant communities.
• The effect of economic recessions on social class mobility.
• Analyzing the role of social networks in the spread of disinformation.
• Investigating the societal response to climate change and environmental crises.
• The role of media representation in shaping public perceptions of crime.
• Analyzing the sociocultural factors influencing consumer behavior.
• Investigating the social dynamics of multigenerational households.
• The impact of educational policies on social inequality.
• Analyzing the social determinants of health disparities in urban areas.
• Investigating the effects of urban green spaces on community well-being.
• The role of social movements in shaping public policy.
• Analyzing the impact of social welfare systems on poverty alleviation.
• Investigating the sociological aspects of aging populations in developed countries.
• The role of community engagement in local governance.
• Analyzing the social effects of mass surveillance technologies.

Sociology Research Ideas (Continued)

• Investigating the impact of gentrification on small businesses and local economies.
• The role of cultural festivals in fostering community cohesion.
• Analyzing the societal impacts of long-term unemployment.
• Investigating the role of education in cultural integration processes.
• The impact of social media on youth identity and self-expression.
• Analyzing the sociological factors influencing drug abuse and addiction.
• Investigating the role of urban planning in promoting social integration.
• The impact of tourism on local communities and cultural preservation.
• Analyzing the social dynamics of protest movements and civil unrest.
• Investigating the role of language in cultural identity and social cohesion.
• The impact of international trade policies on local labor markets.
• Analyzing the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and community development.
• Investigating the impact of housing policies on homelessness.
• The role of public transport systems in shaping urban social life.
• Analyzing the social consequences of technological disruption in traditional industries.
• Investigating the sociological implications of telecommuting and remote work trends.
• The impact of social policies on gender equality and women’s rights.
• Analyzing the role of social entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges.
• Investigating the effects of urban renewal projects on community identity.
• The role of public art in urban regeneration and social commentary.
• Analyzing the impact of cultural diversity on education systems.
• Investigating the sociological factors driving political apathy among young adults.
• The role of community-based organizations in addressing urban poverty.
• Analyzing the social impacts of large-scale sporting events on host cities.
• Investigating the sociological dimensions of food insecurity in affluent societies.

Recent Studies & Publications: Sociology

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

Below, we’ve included a selection of recent studies to help refine your thinking. These are actual studies,  so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Social system learning process (Subekti et al., 2022)
• Sociography: Writing Differently (Kilby & Gilloch, 2022)
• The Future of ‘Digital Research’ (Cipolla, 2022).
• A sociological approach of literature in Leo N. Tolstoy’s short story God Sees the Truth, But Waits (Larasati & Irmawati, 2022)
• Teaching methods of sociology research and social work to students at Vietnam Trade Union University (Huu, 2022)
• Ideology and the New Social Movements (Scott, 2023)
• The sociological craft through the lens of theatre (Holgersson, 2022).
• An Essay on Sociological Thinking, Sociological Thought and the Relationship of a Sociologist (Sönmez & Sucu, 2022)
• How Can Theories Represent Social Phenomena? (Fuhse, 2022)
• Hyperscanning and the Future of Neurosociology (TenHouten et al., 2022)
• Sociology of Wisdom: The Present and Perspectives (Jijyan et al., 2022). Collective Memory (Halbwachs & Coser, 2022)
• Sociology as a scientific discipline: the post-positivist conception of J. Alexander and P. Kolomi (Vorona, 2022)
• Murder by Usury and Organised Denial: A critical realist perspective on the liberating paradigm shift from psychopathic dominance towards human civilisation (Priels, 2022)
• Analysis of Corruption Justice In The Perspective of Legal Sociology (Hayfa & Kansil, 2023)
• Contributions to the Study of Sociology of Education: Classical Authors (Quentin & Sophie, 2022)
• Inequality without Groups: Contemporary Theories of Categories, Intersectional Typicality, and the Disaggregation of Difference (Monk, 2022)

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

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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400+ Social Studies Topics & Ideas for Your Research Paper

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In a world that's always evolving, the social bonds that tie us together are constantly shifting. With these changes comes the abundance of social sciences research topics. From different societies, cultures and issues to specific social norms and customs, there is always something to study. Yet, many students find themselves staring at a blank page, not knowing where to start their exploration.

Enter this blog! We've painstakingly curated hundreds of unique social studies topics focusing on various societal aspects, cultural patterns, historical moments, and more.  Whether you're tackling an essay or need to conduct an academic research in social studies, you are sure to find an idea or two for inspiration. So, pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let's explore this list of amazing social studies research topics.

What Are Social Studies Topics?

In a nutshell, social studies is the study of people, societies and cultures. It is divided into multiple branches each offering a unique lens to view our world:

• Anthropology
• Psychology, etc.

Social science research topics explore how different groups interact with each other and how they shape their environment. And this blog offers just that. From the latest buzz on social media to the turning points of history, we've got you covered! Stay tuned, we are about to get started.

What Makes Social Sciences Topics Good? 

Finding the right social science research topic can feel like striking gold! But what makes social sciences research topics shine? Let's figure this out. Here’re some of the features you should account for:

• Relevance Think about current events, social trends, or persistent societal challenges. The more relevant your topic is, the more engaging your research will be.
• Searchability A captivating question is only as good as the information you can find to answer it. A researchable topic has enough trustworthy information available for you to delve into. Yet, it should be specific enough to keep your research focused.
• Authenticity While it's important to build upon existing research, a good social science topic brings something new to the table. It could be a fresh perspective, an overlooked aspect, or a novel way to apply an existing theory.
• Personal interest This feature is a bit subjective, but crucial nonetheless. If the social studies topic excites you, you will be willing to carry research out and come up with compelling insights.

Long story short, your research idea should be a blend of pertinence, originality, and personal interest. And that's exactly what you'll find in the arsenal of social studies project ideas our online essay writing service prepared for you in this blog.

How to Choose a Social Studies Topic?

When picking a topic in social studies, make sure you've got the scope and depth of the research question covered. To do so, follow these steps:

• Brainstorm ideas Look for any themes that inspire you. These could be anything from current social trends, historical events, or psychological phenomena.
• Do preliminary research You need to gather background information to narrow your focus. Read scholarly articles, books, or watch related content to collect data about your theme.
• Analyze sources As you read the material, spot any data gaps, inconsistencies, or even contradictions in existing research. These gaps can often provide a fresh perspective or a new angle for your research.
• Refine your topic Come up with a concise question to define the scope of your project.
• Develop your hypothesis Now comes the exciting part – writing a hypothesis ! Based on all the information you've gathered so far, consider what answer or outcome you might expect from completing your research.

Now, let's dive into our list of social studies research paper topics to get your exploration started!

List of Social Studies Topics

Recognizing the importance of social studies topics, we've created this comprehensive list. Remember, these are starting points. Feel free to tweak and tailor these social studies essay topics and ideas to better suit your instructions!

• Impact of climate change on global economies.
• Repercussions of fake news on democracy.
• Ethical implications of AI in society.
• Global migration trends: Causes and consequences.
• How has the Internet reshaped political activism?
• Can universal basic income solve poverty?
• Rise of populist politics in the 21st century.
• Cultural assimilation vs cultural preservation: What's at stake?
• Influence of social media on body image.
• How does gentrification affect urban communities?
• Influence of gender roles on career choices.
• Decoding the psychology behind prejudice.
• Internet privacy: Right or privilege?
• How does multiculturalism shape national identity?
• Impact of globalization on indigenous cultures .

Good Social Studies Topics

Below you can find unique social studies ideas and topics. Each one can be backed by credible data, ready to be explored. These research topic ideas are your stepping stones – feel free to adjust them according to your academic requirements.

• Analyzing cryptocurrency's future prospects and risks.
• Evaluating pandemic responses throughout history.
• Impact of mandatory voting on democratic participation.
• Effects of video games on youth behavior.
• Examining scientific and cultural interpretations of dreams.
• How mass media shapes public opinion.
• Role of women in World War II .
• Impact of climate change policies on national economies.
• Link between educational systems and economic development.
• Causes and impacts of overpopulation.
• Civil rights movements across the globe.
• Migration patterns and their influence on cultural identity.
• Psychological factors influencing consumer behavior.
• Effects of urbanization on biodiversity.
• Influence of technology on interpersonal communication.

Interesting Social Studies Topics

If you're searching for something more novel to explore, here is a list of captivating social research topics. These research ideas provide an invigorating twist on familiar issues, and are sure to spark your curiosity!

• Role of technology in reshaping education.
• Influence of modern architecture on societal behavior.
• Impact of globalization on language diversity.
• Mental health awareness: Societal progress or stagnation?
• Disparity in global access to clean water.
• Has digitization democratized art?
• Urban planning and its role in community wellbeing.
• E-commerce boom : Economic benefit or environmental burden?
• Evolution of gender representation in media.
• Internet censorship : Protection or suppression?
• Space exploration: Scientific pursuit or geopolitical competition?
• Impact of online learning on student performance.
• How does cyberbullying affect teenage mental health?
• Influence of cultural heritage on fashion trends.
• Rise and fall of nuclear energy: Historical analysis.

Cool Social Studies Topics

Topics in social science don’t need to be mundane. When you're digging into subjects that are unconventional and often disregarded, research becomes absorbing. Consider these social sciences topics, each inviting you to peek behind curtains, question norms, and explore the lesser-traveled paths of knowledge.

• Cryptocurrency adoption and its economic implications.
• Food as a cultural identifier across nations.
• Role of podcasts in modern information dissemination.
• Impact of the fashion industry on climate change.
• Surveillance technology: Security boon or privacy bane?
• Influence of music on societal norms.
• Exploring the phenomenon of viral Internet trends.
• Rise of telemedicine in the post-pandemic world.
• Evolution and implications of drone technology.
• Voluntourism: altruism or new face of colonialism?
• Impact of biotechnology on agriculture sustainability.
• Historical progression of LGBTQ+ rights.
• Role of data analytics in shaping marketing strategies.
• Influence of reality TV on perception of fame.
• Examining the ethical boundaries of genetic engineering.

Controversial Social Science Research Topics

Conducting a study involving controversial social science topics for research can be quite thrilling. These subjects stir strong opinions, spark heated debates, and often don't have clear-cut answers. Check out these debatable topics for social studies that challenge norms and question established beliefs.

• Should gene editing be allowed for human embryos?
• Mandatory vaccination: Public health necessity or infringement of rights?
• Can artificial intelligence replace the human workforce?
• Euthanasia : A matter of compassion or violation of life?
• Is animal testing justified for human benefits?
• Gun control: Right to self-defense or public safety concern?
• Should religions have influence over educational content?
• Role of censorship in freedom of speech.
• Is capital punishment a deterrent for crime?
• Should governments control Internet access?
• Income inequality : Result of economic structure or individual effort?
• Is privacy compromised in the name of national security?
• Can countries justify wars in the name of democracy?
• Legalization of recreational drugs: Freedom of choice or public health disaster?
• Are single-sex schools beneficial for education?

Funny Social Sciences Research Topics

Who says academic research has to be all serious and no fun? Adding a dash of humor can make your research more memorable. Below are funny yet insightful Social Science topics that will tickle your funny bone and stimulate your intellectual curiosity at the same time.

• Role of humor in diplomatic relations.
• The sociology behind superhero fandom.
• How do lottery wins affect individuals' social status?
• Analysis of workplace culture in sitcoms.
• Are our shopping habits influenced by weather patterns?
• The social implications of ' fashion faux pas '.
• Impact of reality TV on the perception of reality.
• Does superstition influence economic decision-making?
• Historical analysis of famous political cartoons.
• Impact of humor on political campaign success.
• Social effects of viral funny animal videos.
• Why do funny advertisements resonate more with consumers?
• Humor as a social coping mechanism in times of crisis.
• Do societal norms dictate what we find funny?
• The science behind ‘ earworms ’: Why do songs get stuck in our heads?

Best Social Sciences Topics for Research

Are you looking for top-tier research topics for social science? We've got your back. These subjects are not just relevant to our times, but they are also rich in resources for deep exploration. Look through these standout social studies project topics that promise robust discussions.

• Role of NGOs in shaping public policy.
• Media's influence on body image across cultures.
• Impact of colonization on contemporary political structures.
• Social implications of multilingualism.
• Evolution of gender roles in society.
• The effect of urban design on community interaction.
• Is there a link between poverty and crime rates?
• Cultural factors influencing dietary habits.
• Decoding the sociocultural impact of folklore and myths.
• Historical analysis of migration patterns and their effects.
• Psychological implications of living in a digital world.
• Role of art in social and political movements .
• Correlation between education level and political participation.
• Influence of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• Studying the societal impacts of aging populations.

Social Studies Topics for Students

Whether you're a novice scholar or a seasoned academic, below you'll find a plethora of social study topics tailored to your level of study. We've carefully curated these subjects, from the simpler to the more complex, making your search easier. So, gear up and get ready to discover special topics in social studies for students. From middle and high school social studies topics to university research ideas, you will definitely find what you are browsing for.

Social Studies Topics for Middle School

Exploring social studies topics can be challenging for middle schoolers. In middle school, you are not expected to show solid analytical skills. Yet, you still need to come up with a great research topic. To make the process easier, we've compiled some middle school social studies topics. These ideas are perfect for inspiring your own unique project!

• How do holidays teach us about cultures?
• Why are team sports important in school?
• Why should every person vote when they are old enough?
• How has the Internet changed the way we talk to each other?
• Why are historical landmarks important to our town or city?
• What role do newspapers play in our daily life?
• How does buying locally grown food help our community?
• How does weather affect our daily activities?
• Do school uniforms unite us or make us all the same?
• How do cartoons influence kids?
• What does our local government do for us?
• How do public parks benefit our health?
• What does our school cafeteria food say about our eating habits?
• Are video games helpful or harmful for kids?
• How does recycling help our planet?

Social Studies Topics for High School

At high school, you are expected to display a higher level of critical thinking. That's why below we've gathered more challenging social studies topics for high school students. Take a look at these ideas – they should help you develop your own project!

• Role of teenagers in promoting environmental conservation.
• Understanding income inequality within your local community.
• Impact of volunteering on personal development.
• Fast fashion: An exploration of its societal implications.
• Role of music in shaping cultural identity.
• Influence of graphic novels on youth culture.
• How does architecture reflect societal changes?
• Examining the impact of " cancel culture ."
• Role of community libraries in the digital age.
• Impact of food deserts on health outcomes.
• Influence of language diversity in classrooms.
• Examining the trend of urban gardening.
• Social implications of virtual reality technology.
• Understanding the role of local farmers' markets.
• The cultural impact of street art in cities.

Social Studies Topics for College Students

College scholars, now it’s your turn! You're at a stage where you're encouraged to engage with complex themes that test your capacity for in-depth research, critical analysis, and independent thought. You should aim to show your ability to critically examine different societal dynamics, interlinking various aspects of social sciences. Here are some social science topics for research papers suiting a college level.

• Impact of income disparity on societal stability.
• Analyzing the " gig economy " and worker rights.
• Understanding the sociology of leisure.
• Exploring the culture of political satire.
• How do environmental policies affect local industries?
• Rise of mindfulness: A societal response to stress?
• Impact of universal basic income on society.
• Does 'screen-time' change interpersonal communication?
• Social dynamics of homelessness.
• Role of museums in preserving cultural heritage.
• Examining cyber-bullying and mental health.
• Intersectionality and its role in social justice movements.
• Ethical implications of data collection and privacy.
• How has pandemic influenced societal norms and behaviors?
• Exploring cultural implications of space exploration.

Social Sciences Topics for University Students 

University scholars, step up! Your task now is to grapple with themes that demand extensive research, intricate analysis, and mastery of your chosen field. Your studies should demonstrate not only your understanding of social phenomena, but also your ability to critique and contribute to existing scholarly debates. Here are novel research topics in social sciences to push your intellectual boundaries.

• Transformation of privacy in the digital age.
• Political implications of memes culture.
• Ecotourism's effect on local economies.
• Social consequences of binge-watching culture.
• Impact of DIY culture on traditional industries.
• Virtual reality as a socializing platform.
• Bioethics in the posthumanism era.
• Veganism as a social movement.
• Longevity research and societal structures.
• Urban farming and food security.
• Cryptocurrency adoption and economic structures.
• Telehealth services and healthcare accessibility.
• Virtual influencers and consumer culture.
• Digital nomadism and its economic implications.

Social Science Research Topics by Subjects

Apart from the social science topics given above, you can further narrow down your choices by looking at specific social study subjects. Here you'll find a variety of social sciences topics for research in disciplines such as anthropology, economics, history, psychology and sociology. Dig deeper into your specialized field with these inspiring prompts!

Social Studies Ideas on Politics

Politics is all about the theory and practice of governance. It involves the analysis of political systems, behavior, and activity. This branch of social sciences covers a wide range of issues from global affairs to local policy-making. Our coursework writers brought together these social scientific research topics to fuel your critical thought and inspire your political research.

• Diplomatic strategies in contemporary conflicts.
• Grassroots movements and their success factors.
• Lobbying as a tool in modern democracies.
• Analyzing the gender gap in political representation.
• Evolution of political satire in the media.
• Cyber warfare and international relations.
• Rise of populist movements globally.
• Political symbolism in public spaces.
• Environmental policies across different regimes.
• Decoding the politics of language.
• Do referendums truly reflect public opinion?
• Political implications of data privacy breaches.
• The phenomenon of political dynasties.
• Shifts in political landscapes post-pandemics.
• Role of political cartoons in shaping opinions.

>> View more: Political Science Research Topics

Social Studies Research Topics on Law

Law studies the system of rules that regulate behavior and ensure order in society. It encompasses everything from constitutional rights to international treaties, from business contracts to criminal justice. Here are 15 research ideas to ignite your legal eagerness. Choose the most fitting law topic for social studies and see if you need any term paper help from professionals. 

• Cybercrime legislation and its loopholes.
• Legal perspectives on climate change.
• Reparation laws and historical injustices.
• Space exploration and legal implications.
• Comparative study of divorce laws worldwide.
• Restorative justice in modern legal systems.
• Intellectual property rights in digital era.
• Legal challenges of autonomous vehicles.
• Role of AI in legal decision-making.
• Prison reform laws across countries.
• Legal ramifications of data breaches.
• Regulation of genetic engineering.
• Wildlife laws and animal rights.
• Legal issues surrounding digital currencies.
• Defining human rights in virtual realities.

>> Read more: Legal Research Paper Topics

Social Sciences Research Topics on Economics

Economics is the science that studies how people make decisions when it comes to utilizing scarce resources. Its principles shed light on issues such as inequality, poverty, consumer behavior, and global trade. Here are some intriguing social studies research topics in economics :

• Economies of video game industries.
• Economics behind professional sports.
• Fashion industry and economic trends.
• Influence of music festivals on local economies.
• Role of microfinance in poverty reduction.
• Economics of endangered species protection.
• Carbon pricing and its effectiveness.
• Understanding the coffee trade market.
• Food waste and its economic implications.
• Bitcoin mining and its economic costs.
• Dark web economy.
• Economics of longevity and aging populations.
• Water scarcity and its economic implications.
• Impact of tourism on local economies.
• Economics of the global arms trade .

Social Sciences Topics for Research in Communication

Communication is a complex study that seeks to understand how we interact with each other and the world. It looks at various aspects of interpersonal communication, from language and media to digital spaces. From the use of rhetoric to exploring communication patterns in groups, these topics for social studies will help you get started on your communication project.

• Evolution of memes as communication.
• Role of emojis in modern communication.
• Communication patterns in virtual reality.
• Miscommunication: Causes and consequences.
• Body language in different cultures.
• Communication strategies in successful startups.
• Importance of listening in effective communication.
• Deconstructing political rhetoric.
• Impact of censorship on information dissemination.
• Information overload in the digital age.
• Role of storytelling in marketing.
• Crisis communication in natural disasters.
• Communication barriers in multicultural societies.
• Impact of deep fakes on communication.
• Decoding non-verbal communication in politics.

>> Read more: Communication Research Topics

Social Science Topics on History

History is the social study of past events and their influence on the present and the future. From ancient civilizations to recent geopolitical shifts, history research topics give context to our collective experience. Discover these research topics in social studies focusing on historical aspects.

• Food culture in medieval Europe.
• Influence of pirate communities on maritime laws.
• Role of fashion in 1920s America.
• Art as propaganda during the Cold War.
• Coffee houses and the Enlightenment period.
• Influence of Roman architecture on modern cities.
• Graffiti and urban culture evolution.
• Impact of radio on World War II propaganda.
• Influence of jazz on the Civil Rights Movement.
• History of the global perception of tattoos.
• Role of women in Victorian society.
• Impact of the printing press on the Renaissance.
• Iconic design trends of the 20th century.
• History of the concept of privacy.
• World War I and the evolution of modern medicine.

Anthropology Topics in Social Studies

Anthropology is a study of human societies and cultures across time and space. It investigates how people's behaviors, beliefs, and institutions are shaped, exploring everything from ancient civilizations to modern urban societies. The field of anthropology is like a melting pot of social studies, bearing witness to the diversity of human experience. Browse these research topics of social studies that reflect the richness of this discipline:

• Rituals and social cohesion in indigenous tribes.
• Cultural adaptation in immigrant communities.
• Tattoos as identity markers across cultures.
• Matrilineal societies and gender roles.
• Food taboos and their social implications.
• Body language and non-verbal communication in different cultures.
• Music as a cultural unifier in African societies.
• Role of folk tales in cultural preservation.
• Impact of urbanization on tribal communities.
• Cultural beliefs influencing health practices.
• Graffiti as an urban subculture.
• Spirituality and healing in Eastern cultures.
• Cultural appropriation vs cultural appreciation.
• Influence of pop culture on language evolution.
• The interplay between culture and fashion.

Social Studies Topics on Culture

Culture is an interesting study area within social sciences, dealing with human behavior, beliefs, values, norms, and artifacts that constitute people's way of life. This branch examines how societies define their identities, express themselves, and interact with other cultures. Whether you're fascinated by cultural shifts or intercultural communication, there are plenty of topics of social science to explore. Check out these ideas for example:

• Nurturing cultural diversity in globalized cities.
• Virtual communities and digital cultures.
• Culinary traditions as cultural diplomacy.
• Impact of cinema on cultural stereotypes.
• Cyberculture and its role in shaping modern societies.
• Cross-cultural misunderstandings and their resolution.
• Artistic expressions of cultural resistance.
• Sports as a unifying cultural element.
• Cultures of silence : A look at unspoken norms.
• Exploration of meme culture.
• Body modifications and cultural connotations.
• Social dynamics in online gaming culture.
• Understanding fan culture and celebrity worship.
• Rituals of birth and death across cultures.
• Hip-hop culture and its global influence.

Topics in Social Studies Research on Religion

Religion is a complex element of human societies, examining the beliefs and practices of many groups. Analyzing religion from a social science perspective requires research into its history, function, and impact on culture. Here are some exciting social science research topics to explore in your project on religion:

• Role of religious charities in community development.
• Evolution of atheism in the 21st century.
• Secularization and modern society.
• Religion in virtual reality: An emerging trend?
• Spirituality in the workplace: A new norm?
• New age movements and modern spirituality.
• Comparative analysis of creation stories.
• Religion in science fiction literature.
• Faith healing practices across cultures.
• Environmentalism as a new form of spirituality?
• Role of religion in conflict resolution.
• Syncretic religions and cultural fusion.
• Influence of celebrity religious endorsements.
• Religious iconography in popular culture.
• Religion and mental health: An exploration.

Social Sciences Topics for Research in Philosophy

Philosophy encourages critical thinking and provides answers to fundamental questions about life. Philosophical research can be a rewarding challenge for college and university scholars. Take a look at these thought-challengingsocial study topics and ideas for your project.

•  Artificial Intelligence and ethical considerations.
• Analyzing Stoicism in modern society.
• Existentialism in contemporary literature.
• Understanding determinism in a technological era.
• Bioethics : Morality in medical advancements.
• Veganism as a philosophical belief?
• Postmodern philosophy: A critical analysis.
• Nihilism and its portrayal in pop culture.
• Virtue ethics in business practices.
• Exploration of truth: A subjective perspective?
• Human rights: Universal or culturally relative?
• Philosophy behind climate change denial.
• Rationality versus emotion in decision-making.
• Feminist philosophy: Key tenets and evolution.
• Space exploration: Ethical dimensions and implications.

>> View more: Philosophy Research Paper Topics

Social Study Topics on Psychology

Psychology investigates the complexities of human behavior, mind, and emotions, serving as a bridge between social studies and natural sciences. It's an expansive field, with myriad facets ranging from developmental psychology to neuropsychology. The topics in psychology can be incredibly diverse, mirroring the intricacy of the human mind. Here are original social science research questions that you can consider for your study in psychology:

• Mindfulness and stress reduction: A correlation?
• Adoption and its effects on child psychology.
• Developmental advantages of bilingual education.
• Dopamine fasting: An analysis of its psychological effects.
• Emotional intelligence in leadership roles.
• Color psychology in marketing and advertising.
• Impact of sleep quality on cognitive function.
• Virtual reality as a tool in phobia treatment.
• Autism spectrum disorders: Advancements in understanding.
• Psychological resilience: Nature or nurture?
• Psychological triggers of impulse buying behavior.
• Art therapy: Efficacy in mental health treatment.
• Psychological aspects of pain perception.
• Stereotype threat and its effects on performance.
• Psychology behind procrastination.

Topics for Social Science Research on Sociology

Sociology deals with human societies and interactions, focusing on patterns, trends, and social structures. It offers insights into group behavior, societal change, and the factors that influence them. Get ready for your next project in sociology with these carefully selected social studies topics. Remember, these are merely suggestions; you're encouraged to adapt them to your own interests.

• Deviance in corporate culture: An exploration.
• Intersectionality and social inequality.
• Role of social media in modern protests.
• Sociological perspectives on homeschooling.
• Gentrification: Communities in transition.
• Is fashion reflective of societal values?
• Intergenerational trauma and its effects on identity.
• Social media applications of the bystander effect.
• The sociology of conspiracy theories.
• ​​Adolescent development in multicultural contexts.
• Impact of migration on host communities.
• Analysis of societal reaction to pandemics.
• Hyper-consumerism and its effects on modern society.
• Racial disparities in educational outcomes.

>> More ideas: Sociology Research Topics

Social Sciences Research Paper Topics on Social Work 

Social work examines the dynamics of social relationships and human behavior, utilizing research-based evidence to inform practice. It covers a wide range of topics related to social welfare, including social justice, public health, policy advocacy, service delivery systems, and more. Consider these research topics for social studies related to social work:

• Strategies to support homeless populations beyond shelters.
• Importance of empathy in societal support structures.
• Mental health literacy in social work.
• Vicarious trauma and its implications for professionals in helping roles.
• How society can better support the aging population.
• Addressing domestic violence through community initiatives.
• Poverty alleviation strategies in social work.
• Child labor - societal consequences and preventative measures.
• Tackling youth crime through proactive community programs.
• Evolution of refugee support in contemporary society.
• Challenges in serving indigenous populations.
• Racism and discrimination in social work practice.
• Approaches to combat human trafficking in local communities.
• Suicide prevention strategies in social work.
• Addressing unemployment through innovative community initiatives.

>> View more: Social Work Research Topics

Social Scientific Research Topics on Gender Studies 

Gender studies analyzes how our identities and societal roles are shaped by perceptions of gender. In contemporary society, various genders face different challenges due to their associated social norms and expectations. Here are some research topics for social studies related to gender:

• Intersectionality in feminist movements.
• Representation of women in global politics.
• Role of masculinity in modern society.
• LGBTQ+ representation in the media.
• Influence of culture on gender norms.
• Impact of transgender rights movements.
• Are gender norms changing in sports?
• Sexism in the workplace: Understanding its roots.
• Role of education in breaking gender stereotypes.
• Effects of gender bias in medical research.
• Influence of religion on gender perceptions.
• Non-binary identities: Cultural acceptance and legal issues.
• Do gender roles impact mental health?
• Body image: Societal expectations and personal struggle.
• How does technology affect gender equality?

Social Studies Topics on Linguistics

Linguistics is the science of language and its many aspects. It covers topics such as how to learn a language, language change, and language variation across cultures. Here are some social science research topic ideas in linguistics that you might like:

• Impact of the digital age on language evolution.
• Influence of bilingualism on cognitive development.
• Role of dialects in shaping regional identities.
• Preservation of endangered languages: Why and how?
• Language acquisition: Nature versus nurture debate.
• Influence of language on perception of reality.
• Language in advertising: Power and persuasion.
• Politics of language: Policy and identity.
• Code-switching and cultural identity.
• Role of language in social stratification.
• Artificial Intelligence and language learning.
• How does language influence thought?
• Language discrimination and societal biases.
• Forensic linguistics: Role in justice system.
• Impact of immigration on language diversity.

Extra Ideas & Topics in Social Studies

So, you know how some topics for social studies just don't quite fit into neat academic boxes? Well, we have a bunch of those in social sciences. They crisscross different areas like society, culture, politics, you name it. We've got a bunch of these social studies project ideas coming up next. They're a bit of a mix, but that's what makes them so interesting. Let's jump right in and check them out.

Social Studies Topics on War

War and conflict are inevitable parts of human history, with far-reaching ramifications. Social science research in this area can explore a range of topics from causes of war to peacekeeping strategies. Look at these  ideas that you could consider for your project:

• Impact of psychological warfare on societies.
• Cyber warfare: New battlegrounds.
• Influence of drone technology in conflicts.
• Propaganda as a tool of conflict.
• Civilian life in zones of conflict.
• Post-conflict reconstruction and societal healing.
• Child soldiers : A hidden tragedy?
• Pacifism movements in face of aggression.
• Role of international organizations in conflict resolution.
• Environmental cost of military confrontations.
• Role of women in resistance movements.
• Effect of conflicts on educational systems.
• Healthcare challenges in war-torn regions.
• Economic implications of arms trade.
• How do conflicts shape national identity?

Social Science Research Topics on Conflict

Conflict resolution is a crucial skill in both personal and professional relationships. Social science research can explore strategies for mitigating conflicts and managing disagreements. We’ve prepared some social studies topics for research on conflict management.

• Influence of resource scarcity on global tensions.
• Diplomacy's role in international relations.
• Ethnic tensions and societal stability.
• Power dynamics in negotiation processes.
• Is effective leadership key to resolving disputes?
• Border disputes and their effect on local communities.
• Economic inequality as a source of unrest.
• How does religion contribute to global tensions?
• Cybersecurity threats and international relations.
• Migration patterns influenced by global tensions.
• Role of international law in territorial disputes.
• Impact of cultural differences on diplomatic relations.
• Influence of mass media on international disputes.
• How can education contribute to peacebuilding?
• Effect of political ideologies on international relations.

Social Studies Research Topics on Justice

Justice is an essential part of society, guaranteeing fairness and order. Research in this field can examine questions such as how justice systems should operate and what the role of punishment should be. Consider these social sciences research paper topics concerning social justice:

• Investigating wrongful convictions: Causes and implications.
• Role of technology in ensuring fair trials.
• Environmental law and its enforcement.
• How do socioeconomic factors influence legal outcomes?
• Examining the concept of restorative punishment.
• Prison reform and rehabilitation processes.
• Public perceptions of law enforcement.
• Influence of culture on legal systems.
• Impacts of immigration laws on communities.
• Balancing national security and individual rights.
• Human rights in international law.
• Disparities in sentencing: A case study.
• Cybercrime and its implications for legal systems.
• Child protection laws and their effectiveness.
• Hate crime legislation: Comparative analysis.

>> More ideas: Criminal Justice Topics for Research Papers

Social Studies Fair Project Ideas

Social studies fairs provide an ideal platform to explore and display interesting projects on social issues. Here are some project ideas for social studies that you could develop further:

• Music and mood: Create a survey to study the influence of different music genres on people's emotions and behavior, display results using charts or infographics.
• Global games: Construct a visual exhibit of traditional games from various cultures, showing rules, equipment, and cultural significance.
• Social media and self-image: Conduct a survey on social media's impact on body image among peers, visualize data with charts or a 3D model.
• Local climate change effects: Showcase changes in local weather patterns, plant or animal behavior with photographs, charts, and maps over time.
• School lunch around the world: Prepare a visual comparison of typical school lunches in different countries, focusing on nutrition, diversity, and food culture.
• Historical fashion show: Design and create outfits representing different periods in history, showing the evolution of fashion.
• Mapping local immigration: Use local census data to show patterns of immigration in your community over time, illustrate this on a large map.
• Food waste awareness: Monitor food waste in your school cafeteria for a week and present the results in an eye-catching way.
• Understanding local politics: Create a simplified flowchart of how local government works, based on interviews or research.
• Disaster preparedness: Create a hands-on display showing what to include in a disaster preparedness kit, and why.

Bottom Line on Social Studies Research Paper Topics

Social studies are an essential part of education, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the world we live in. Whether you’re researching social sciences topics on politics, economics, history or anything else related to society, make sure to think outside the box. We hope this list gave you some inspiration for your next project! If you are experiencing any struggles with your research, don't hesitate to contact our service.

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• Agricultural practices
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• Eating utensils
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Related subject guide and suggested database

Articles in anthropology.

The Anthropological Index Online (AIO) is published by the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) in cooperation with Anthropology Library and Research Centre at the British Museum. It is an index to articles in journals taken by the Library, which incorporates the former RAI holdings, covering all branches and areas of anthropology. In addition, AIO includes journals and periodicals of anthropological interest that are not in the Library’s catalogues. Films held at the Royal Anthropological Institute are equally indexed as part of the bibliography. The Library holds some 4,000 periodical titles (1,500 current). Nearly 650 journals, published in more than 40 languages, are indexed on a continuing basis. Records cover 1957 to the present.

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• Advocacy journalism
• Bot journalists
• Cancel culture
• Comic strips
• Disinformation
• Embedded journalism
• Greenwashing
• Hobo signs and signals
• Media ethics
• Newspapers' declining revenues
• Objectivity in journalism
• Press embargoes
• Section 230 (Communications Decency Act)
• Social media as social justice
• Social media influencers
• Social media literacy
• Social networking
• Underground newspapers
• Yellow journalism

Comprehensive coverage of communication topics in Communication Abstracts and Communication & Mass Media Complete.

Covers major journals in communication, mass media, and other closely-related fields of study as far back as 1915. Includes indexing/abstracting for 600+ journals; full text of 500+ journals.

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• Bail reform
• Cadaver dogs
• Capital punishment as deterrent
• Community policing
• Crime statistic reporting
• Cyber crime
• Death penalty
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1968-present. Journals, books, and governmental & non-governmental reports.

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• African American Vernacular English
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• English language learner
• Great Vowel Shift
• Indo-European language history
• Language revitalization
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Indexes literature in linguistics and related disciplines.

Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts (LLBA) abstracts and indexes the international literature in linguistics and related disciplines in the language sciences. The database covers all aspects of the study of language including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Complete coverage is given to various fields of linguistics including descriptive, historical, comparative, theoretical and geographical linguistics. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,500 serials publications, and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, and dissertations. 

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• 2016 presidential campaign
• Arab Spring
• Automatic voter registration
• Campaign finance laws
• Congressional Review Act
• Democratization
• Effect of mass media
• Electoral College reform
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Executive actions
• Executive power, limits of
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• Mutual defense alliances
• National Popular Vote Bill
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• Bernie Sanders
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• Donald Trump
• Voter turnout

Includes full-text journals, reference books, monographs, and conference papers, including those of the International Political Science Association.

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• Anger management
• Animal assisted therapy
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• Behaviorism
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• Compulsion loop
• Cross-dressing
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• Postnatal (postpartum) depression
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• Replication Crisis
• Self-esteem
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• Theory of mind

1887-present. Includes journals, books, book chapters, and dissertations in psychology.  Short video tutorials on using PsycINFO

Includes the collections APA PsycInfo and APA PsycArticles.

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• Ambient awareness
• Anti-vaccination
• Black Lives Matter
• Conflict theory
• Consumerism
• Counter-cultures
• Cultural assimilation
• Family issues
• Fashion trends
• Flocking behavior
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• Internet communities
• Nationality
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Provides access to the international literature in sociology, social services, and related disciplines, 1952-present.

Includes the databases Sociological Abstracts, Social Services Abstracts, and Sociology Database, which may each be searched separately. Sociological Abstracts abstracts and indexes the international literature in sociology and related disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences. The database provides abstracts of journal articles and citations to book reviews drawn from over 1,800 serials publications, and also provides abstracts of books, book chapters, dissertations, and conference papers. Many records from key journals in sociology, added to the database since 2002, also include the references cited in the bibliography of the source article. Each individual reference may also have links to an abstract and/or to other papers that cite that reference; these links increase the possibility of finding more potentially relevant articles. These references are linked both within Sociological Abstracts and across other social science databases available on ProQuest. Updated monthly, with approximately 30,000 records added per year. (Description from the publisher's website.)

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Top Social Science Research Topics: Exploring the Dynamics of Society in 2023

Social science research topics encompass a vast array of subjects that delve into the intricate dynamics of human behavior, societal structures, and the complexities of the world we inhabit. The field of social science provides a rich tapestry of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics, which collectively contribute to our understanding of social phenomena.

Through rigorous inquiry and investigation, social science research seeks to unravel the intricacies of social processes, shed light on societal issues, and inform policies and interventions that foster positive change.

The exploration of social science research topics serves multiple purposes. It allows us to gain insights into the diverse facets of human life, ranging from social inequalities and gender roles to cultural diversity and political ideologies.

By studying these topics, we can better comprehend the nuances of our society, identify patterns and trends, and propose solutions to the challenges we face.

Definition of social science research

Table of Contents

Social science research refers to the systematic and empirical investigation of social phenomena, human behavior, and societal structures using scientific methods and approaches. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, and more.

Importance of social science research

Social science research is of paramount importance due to its significant contributions to our understanding of human behavior, societal dynamics, and the complexities of the world we live in. It plays a vital role in various aspects of society, informing policies, interventions, and decision-making processes. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of social science research:

Understanding Society

Social science research helps us gain insights into the functioning of societies, social structures, and cultural norms. It enables us to comprehend social phenomena, such as social inequality, gender roles, cultural diversity, and political ideologies. By examining these aspects, we can better understand the challenges and opportunities that societies face.

Evidence-Based Decision Making

Social science research provides empirical evidence and data-driven insights that guide policy-making and decision-making processes. It helps policymakers, organizations, and institutions make informed choices by providing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions, the impact of social policies, and the evaluation of program outcomes.

Addressing Social Issues

Social science research focuses on studying and addressing pressing social issues, such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, crime, health disparities, and environmental challenges. Through rigorous investigation, it identifies the root causes, consequences, and potential solutions to these complex problems, leading to more effective strategies for social change.

Advancing Knowledge

Social science research contributes to the advancement of knowledge within various disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics. It adds to the existing body of knowledge by challenging existing theories, proposing new perspectives, and generating innovative ideas. This knowledge advancement enables further exploration and understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics.

Promoting Social Justice and Equality

Social science research plays a critical role in promoting social justice, equality, and inclusivity. It uncovers patterns of discrimination, social disparities, and marginalization, shedding light on the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized communities. By highlighting these issues, social science research informs advocacy efforts, policy reforms, and social movements aimed at achieving a more just and equitable society.

Enhancing Well-Being

Social science research contributes to our understanding of individual and collective well-being. It explores factors influencing mental health, relationships, educational outcomes, economic stability, and overall quality of life. This knowledge helps shape interventions, programs, and policies that aim to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

Informing Global Perspectives

Social science research provides insights into global issues, such as globalization, migration, climate change, and political conflicts. It helps us understand the interconnections between societies, cultures, and nations, fostering a global perspective and facilitating cross-cultural understanding and cooperation.

In summary, social science research plays a crucial role in understanding human behavior, addressing social challenges, promoting social justice, and informing policies and decision-making processes.

Its importance lies in its ability to generate knowledge, provide evidence-based insights, and contribute to positive social change, ultimately leading to the betterment of individuals and societies as a whole.

social science research topics

Have a close look at social-science research topics.

Study of society and social behavior

• Sociology is the scientific study of society, social interactions, and social structures.
• It examines how individuals and groups shape and are shaped by social processes, norms, and institutions.
• Sociologists use various research methods to explore social phenomena, including surveys, interviews, observations, and data analysis.

Research topics

Social inequality and its impact on marginalized communities.

• Investigating the causes and consequences of social inequality based on factors such as race, class, gender, and ethnicity.
• Examining the experiences of marginalized communities and their struggles for social justice and equal opportunities.
• Analyzing the role of institutions and policies in perpetuating or challenging social inequality.

Gender roles and their influence on societal norms

• Exploring the construction of gender identities and the expectations placed on individuals based on their gender.
• Investigating the impact of gender roles on individuals’ behaviors, aspirations, and opportunities.
• Examining how gender norms intersect with other social categories, such as race and class.

Social media and its effects on interpersonal relationships

• Studying the impact of social media platforms on communication patterns and the formation of online communities.
• Investigating the influence of social media on self-presentation, identity formation, and social interactions.
• Analyzing the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media usage in terms of social connections, mental health, and privacy.

Exploring these research topics in sociology allows us to gain insights into the social dynamics, power structures, and societal norms that shape our everyday lives. By understanding and addressing social inequalities, gender roles, and the impact of technology on relationships, sociologists contribute to creating more inclusive, equitable, and informed societies.

Study of human behavior and mental processes

• Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, behavior, and cognitive processes of individuals.
• It seeks to understand how people think, feel, and behave in various contexts, from individual experiences to social interactions.
• Psychologists employ a range of research methods, including experiments, surveys, observations, and clinical studies.

The influence of childhood experiences on adult mental health

• Investigating how early childhood experiences, such as attachment patterns, family dynamics, and trauma, shape individuals’ mental well-being in adulthood.
• Examining the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on mental health outcomes and resilience.
• Exploring preventive interventions and therapeutic approaches to mitigate the impact of early-life experiences on mental health.

Understanding the factors contributing to addiction and substance abuse

• Examining the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors.
• Investigating risk factors, such as genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and psychological vulnerabilities, for addiction.
• Exploring effective prevention strategies, treatment approaches, and recovery programs for individuals struggling with addiction.

Psychological effects of trauma and methods of recovery

• Studying the psychological impact of various types of trauma, including physical abuse, sexual assault, war, and natural disasters.
• Investigating the mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related psychological disorders.
• Examining evidence-based interventions and therapeutic techniques aimed at promoting trauma recovery and resilience.

By delving into these research topics in psychology, we deepen our understanding of human behavior, mental health, and well-being. Research in these areas helps inform prevention efforts, intervention strategies, and therapeutic approaches to support individuals’ mental health and recovery from trauma and addiction. Ultimately, psychological research contributes to improving individuals’ quality of life and promoting psychological well-being in society.

Anthropology

Study of human societies and cultures.

• Anthropology is the scientific study of human societies, cultures, and their development over time.
• It explores the diversity of human experiences, beliefs, practices, and social structures across different communities and time periods.
• Anthropologists employ various research methods, including ethnography, participant observation, interviews, and archival research.

Cultural diversity and its impact on social integration

• Investigating the role of cultural diversity in fostering social cohesion, understanding, and cooperation within multicultural societies.
• Examining the challenges and opportunities of integrating diverse cultural practices, values, and norms in education, healthcare, and public institutions.
• Exploring strategies for promoting inclusive and respectful intercultural dialogue and understanding.

Ethnographic studies of indigenous communities and their traditions

• Conducting in-depth ethnographic research to document the cultural practices, rituals, beliefs, and social structures of indigenous communities.
• Examining the impact of historical colonization, globalization, and modernization on indigenous cultures and identities.
• Collaborating with indigenous communities to preserve and revitalize their cultural heritage and address contemporary challenges.

The effects of globalization on cultural identity

• Investigating the ways in which globalization processes, such as migration, mass media, and transnational connections, influence cultural identities.
• Analyzing the dynamics of cultural hybridity, adaptation, and resistance in the face of global cultural flows.
• Examining the impacts of global consumerism, tourism, and cultural commodification on local traditions and practices.

Exploring these research topics in anthropology helps us understand the complexity of human cultures, the importance of cultural diversity, and the challenges faced by communities in a rapidly changing world.

Anthropological research contributes to fostering cultural understanding, promoting respect for different cultural perspectives, and supporting the preservation and revitalization of diverse cultural heritage.

Political Science

Study of political systems, institutions, and behavior.

• Political science is the systematic study of political processes, structures, and behavior at the individual, group, and societal levels.
• It examines the distribution of power, decision-making processes, and the functioning of political institutions and systems.
• Political scientists employ various research methods, including surveys, case studies, statistical analysis, and comparative analysis.

Analysis of political ideologies and their influence on policymaking

• Investigating different political ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and their impact on policy formation and implementation.
• Analyzing how political ideologies shape public opinion, party platforms, and policy debates.
• Examining the role of political ideologies in shaping domestic and international policies, including economic, social, and environmental issues.

Comparative studies of democratic and authoritarian regimes

• Comparing and contrasting the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of democratic and authoritarian political systems.
• Investigating the factors that contribute to the stability or fragility of democratic institutions and the consolidation or erosion of authoritarian regimes.
• Analyzing the impact of political regimes on human rights, civil liberties, and governance effectiveness.

The role of social media in shaping political opinions and activism

• Examining the influence of social media platforms on political communication, public opinion formation, and electoral campaigns.
• Investigating the role of social media in mobilizing and organizing political protests, social movements, and activism.
• Analyzing the implications of social media algorithms, echo chambers, and online misinformation for democratic processes and political polarization.

Research in political science allows us to gain insights into the functioning of political systems, the dynamics of political behavior, and the impact of ideologies and media on politics.

By examining political ideologies, comparing different political systems, and studying the role of social media in politics, political scientists contribute to informed policy debates, democratic governance, and the understanding of political processes in contemporary societies.

Study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

• Economics is the social science that examines how individuals, businesses, and governments allocate resources to satisfy their needs and wants.
• It analyzes the behavior and interactions of economic agents , such as consumers, producers, and policymakers.
• Economics employs various research methods, including statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, and experimental studies.

The impact of globalization on income inequality

• Investigating the effects of global economic integration on income distribution within and across countries.
• Analyzing how trade liberalization, foreign direct investment, and technological advancements influence income inequality.
• Examining the role of government policies, social protection programs, and labor market institutions in mitigating or exacerbating income disparities.

Behavioral economics and decision-making processes

• Studying how cognitive biases, heuristics, and social influences affect individual decision-making in economic contexts.
• Analyzing the implications of behavioral economics for consumer behavior, financial markets, and public policy.
• Investigating ways to design interventions and policies that nudge individuals towards making better economic decisions.

Economic growth and its relationship with environmental sustainability

• Examining the trade-offs between economic growth, resource consumption, and environmental degradation.
• Investigating the role of technological innovation, sustainable development strategies, and policy frameworks in achieving both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
• Analyzing the impacts of climate change, natural resource depletion, and pollution on long-term economic development.

Research in economics allows us to understand how societies allocate scarce resources, make economic decisions, and address societal challenges. By studying the impact of globalization on income inequality, behavioral factors in economic decision-making.

And the relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability, economists contribute to evidence-based policy-making, sustainable development, and the improvement of economic well-being for individuals and societies as a whole.

Research Methods in Social Science

Overview of common research methods used in social science.

• Social science research involves systematic investigation to gain knowledge and understanding of social phenomena.
• Common research methods in social science include surveys, experiments, interviews, observations, case studies, and content analysis.
• Researchers employ these methods to collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and contribute to the body of knowledge in their respective fields.

Exploring quantitative and qualitative approaches

Quantitative research.

• Involves the collection and analysis of numerical data using statistical methods.
• Focuses on measurable variables, statistical relationships, and generalizability.
• Often conducted through surveys, experiments, or analysis of existing datasets.

Qualitative research

• Involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as narratives, observations, and interviews.
• Focuses on understanding social phenomena in their natural context, meanings, and subjective experiences.
• Common qualitative methods include interviews, ethnography, content analysis, and grounded theory.

Mixed methods research

• Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding of social phenomena.
• Integrates data collection and analysis techniques from both paradigms to provide complementary insights.

Ethical considerations in social science research

Informed consent.

• Researchers must obtain voluntary and informed consent from participants, ensuring they understand the purpose, procedures, and potential risks of the study.
• Special considerations are required for vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, and individuals with diminished autonomy.

Privacy and confidentiality

• Researchers must protect the privacy and confidentiality of participants by anonymizing data, using secure storage, and reporting findings in a way that cannot identify individuals.
• Participants’ personal information should be handled with care and only used for research purposes.

Minimizing harm

• Researchers should minimize potential physical, psychological, or emotional harm to participants.
• They should take steps to ensure participant well-being, provide necessary support, and address any adverse effects that may arise during or after the study.

Research integrity

• Researchers must maintain honesty, objectivity, and transparency in their research practices.
• They should avoid plagiarism, ensure accurate reporting of findings, and adhere to ethical guidelines and institutional review processes.

By employing a range of research methods, understanding the distinctions between quantitative and qualitative approaches, and adhering to ethical considerations, social scientists can conduct rigorous and ethical research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and promotes the well-being of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, social science research topics encompass a broad range of subjects that delve into the complexities of human behavior, societies, and cultures. Through rigorous investigation and analysis, social science research aims to generate knowledge, deepen our understanding of social phenomena, and contribute to informed decision-making.

Throughout this article, we have explored various fields within social science, including sociology, psychology, anthropology, political science, and economics. Each field offers unique perspectives and research topics that shed light on different aspects of our social world.

By studying social inequality, gender roles, social media, cultural diversity, political ideologies, and economic systems, among many other areas, social science research provides valuable insights into the dynamics and challenges of our society. It addresses pressing issues, identifies patterns and trends, and offers evidence-based solutions that can inform policies, interventions, and societal advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is social science research.

Social science research refers to the systematic investigation of social phenomena, human behavior, and societal structures using various research methods and theoretical frameworks. It aims to understand and explain social processes, interactions, and dynamics.

Why is social science research important?

Social science research is important because it provides insights into human behavior, societal trends, and the complexities of the world. It helps us understand social issues, informs policy-making, contributes to evidence-based solutions, and promotes social progress and well-being.

What are some examples of social science research topics?

Social science research covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to social inequality, gender roles, political ideologies, cultural diversity, economic behavior, psychological processes, environmental sustainability, and technological impacts on society.

What are the different research methods used in social science?

Common research methods in social science include surveys, experiments, interviews, observations, case studies, content analysis, and statistical analysis. Researchers choose methods based on their research questions, the nature of the phenomenon being studied, and the type of data needed.

What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research in social science?

Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, statistical analysis, and measurable variables to establish patterns, correlations, and generalizability. Qualitative research, on the other hand, emphasizes non-numerical data, such as narratives and observations, to gain an in-depth understanding of social phenomena in their natural context.

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Social Studies Research Project Topics

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• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Social Studies is the study of human beings as they relate to each other and their environments. If you enjoy exploring people, their cultures, and behavior, you should enjoy social studies. There are many disciplines that fit under the umbrella of the social sciences, so you can narrow the field to one that most interests you as you select a research topic .

History Topics

You might think of history as a branch of study that falls outside the realm of social studies. Not so. In every era of human existence, people had to relate to each other. For example, after World War II , there was great pressure for women to leave the workforce—they had been the backbone of the defense industry, filling vital jobs while men were overseas fighting the Japanese and the Nazis—yet they have shunted aside when the men returned. This created a great shift in the social dynamic in the U.S.

Other historical themes offer rich areas for social studies research ranging from inventions that changed the nature of schoolwork to the impact U.S. presidents had when visiting a small town. Local architecture greatly influenced who people interacted with throughout history and even things as seemingly innocuous as the introduction of silverware impacted social norms and etiquette at the nightly dinner table.

• Diets of Civil War Soldiers and Nutrition
• WWII Women Who Worked and Returned to Homemaking
• Confederate Symbols and Race in My Town
• Inventions That Changed School Work
• Midwives and Birth Rates
• Local Architecture Patterns
• Vanity in the Nineteenth Century
• Vietnam War and Grandma
• Country Doctors' Records
• The Impact of a President's Visit
• When Silverware Came to Town
• Coal Camps in Local History
• The Household Impact of the Discovery of Germs

Economics Topics

Economics—"a social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services," as Merriam-Webster notes—is, by definition, a social science. Job growth and loss—both nationally and locally—affect not just how people vote but how they relate to each other. Globalization is a hot topic that often brings people of opposing views into heated arguments and even physical confrontations. International treaties—particularly those focusing on trade—can inflame passions in the electorate overall, in small communities and even among individuals.

• Do Attractive People Make More Money?
• What Political Party Creates Job Growth?
• Is Globalization  Good or Bad?
• International Treaties - Good or Bad
• How Does the IMF Work?

Political Science Topics

Race and politics are obvious areas for sociological study, but so is the fairness of the Electoral College. Many groups nationwide are firm believers in conspiracy theories, which have spawned entire groups devoted to the study and discussion of these topics.

• Is the Media Really Biased?
• How Do Polls Work?
• How Does Fact Checking Work?
• Race and Politics
• Is the Electoral College Fair?
• Political Systems Compared
• What Is the New World Order?
• Conspiracy Theories

Sociology Topics

The umbrella topic of sociology can cover everything from marriage customs—including same-sex marriage—to the ethics involved in adopting children from Third World countries. The debate over private-versus-public schools—and the funding that goes with it—is a topic that stirs strong passions and discussions among advocates on each side. And, the ever-present specter of racism is a vexing problem that continues to plague our society.

• Federal v. State Power
• Food Regulation
• What Opportunities Are Available to Specific Minority Groups?
• Good and Bad Role Models
• Religion and Politics
• Building in Flood Zones
• Marriage Customs Examined
• Same-Sex Marriage
• Is It Ethical to Adopt Children from Third World Countries?
• Population Control Around the World
• Education: Private or Government Systems
• Will Racism Ever Die?
• The Roots of Regional Customs in America
• How the Internet Affects Our Perception of Truth

Psychology Topics

Psychology—the study of the mind and behavior—goes to the very heart of what makes human beings tick as well as how they relate to each other, a prime topic for sociological study and research. Everything from local traffic patterns, politics emanating from the pulpit and the impact of Walmart on local communities influences how people think, congregate and form friendships and groups—all issues that make the following list perfect for sociology research paper ideas.

• The Impact of River Traffic (on your hometown)
• Where Do Our Apples Come From?
• Could We Survive on Garden Foods Today?
• Using a Local Currency
• How Clothing Prices Affect Teenager Image
• Does Walmart Help or Hurt Local Economy?
• Voting Habits: Grandmothers and Mothers
• Are We Born Liberal or Conservative?
• Political Messages from My Preacher
• Television and Test Scores
• Technology and Fitness Among Kids
• TV Commercials and Self Image
• Wii Games and Family Time
• Superstitions and Family Traditions
• Birth Order and Test Scores
• A Secret Poll: Who Do You Hate?
• Do Unusual Names Affect Grades?
• Does Home Punishment Policy Affect School Performance?
• Local Vocabulary Patterns
• Why Do We Make Friends?
• Are Girls' Teams as Competitive as Boys' Teams?
• Snow Days: Cold States, Warm States, and Family Bonding
• Anatomy of a Small Town Parade
• Patterns of Lunchroom Seating
• Bullying Yesterday and Today
• Does Movie Violence Impact Behavior?
• Facebook and Family Communication
• What Would You Change About Your Body?
• Procrastination and Technology
• Why Kids Tell Lies
• Clothing and Attitudes: Do Shopkeepers Treat Me Differently If I Dress Differently?
• Does Citizen Status Affect Students' Self-Esteem ?
• Are You Vulnerable to a Cult?
• How Do Cults Work?
• Social Studies Warmups: Exercises to Get Students Thinking
• The Sociology of the Internet and Digital Sociology
• Controversial Speech Topics
• Conducting Case Study Research in Sociology
• Introduction to Sociology
• Understanding Military Sociology
• The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
• Kinship: Definition in the Study of Sociology
• The Sociology of Consumption
• Anthony Giddens: Biography of British Sociologist
• Definition of Idiographic and Nomothetic
• Anthropology vs. Sociology: What's the Difference?
• The Challenges of Ethical Living in a Consumer Society
• What Is Civic Engagement? Definition and Examples
• Ecology Essay Ideas
• Defining Racism Beyond its Dictionary Meaning

• Blog Post Research Projects: Topic ideas for Science and Social Studies

Research Projects: Topic ideas for Science and Social Studies

Research projects in the elementary schools? Yes! Elementary-aged students are not only capable of writing and organizing research projects, but they are also capable of excelling at them. All it takes is a series of mini-lessons to stimulate students’ curiosity, breaking down each project component and a wide range of topic ideas along with the structure of the introduction, main body, and research paper conclusion . Providing students with various interesting topic ideas will increase student motivation and engagement.

Before the teacher can begin his series of writing mini-lessons, they must have an arsenal of topics. You will want to choose topics that can be easily researched, organized into multiple sub-topics, and simultaneously be of interest to your students. Two academic subjects that are rich in such research ideas are Science and Social Studies.

Science Topic Ideas

Science offers a world of topics and ideas that pique students’ interest. Most questions students pose are science-related, such as “Why is the sky blue?” and “Where do butterflies come from”? Finding inspiration from these types of student queries, teachers can compile a wide range of research questions from which to assign student writing:

• “What planets make up our solar system?”
• “What is a meteor?”
• “Who invented toothpaste?”
• “Why do we get hiccups?”
• “Where do birds go in the winter?”
• “What is the water cycle?”

These research project questions are also a great way to prepare students for springtime Science Fair Projects.

In addition to questions, research project ideas can be presented as topics, complete with suggested sub-topics:

• Endangered Animals: behavior, habitat, endangerment
• Environmental Pollution: sources, ecological damage, preventative measures
• Biome: location and climate, vegetation, animal population

Some science topic ideas across various disciplines:

• The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity
• Genetic Engineering and Its Ethical Implications
• The Role of Gut Microbiota in Human Health
• The Science Behind Vaccines and Immunity
• Evolutionary Biology: Natural Selection and Adaptation
• Quantum Physics: The Nature and Behavior of Matter and Energy at the Atomic Level
• Astrophysics: The Life Cycle of Stars
• The Theory of Relativity and Its Implications
• The Role of Physics in Renewable Energy Technologies
• The Mystery of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
• The Chemistry of Climate Change: Greenhouse Gases
• Nanotechnology in Medicine
• The Role of Chemistry in Sustainable Agriculture
• The Science of Polymers and Plastics
• Chemical Reactions in Everyday Life

Earth Science:

• The Causes and Effects of Earthquakes
• Climate Change and Its Impact on Glaciers
• The Role of the Ozone Layer in Protecting Life on Earth
• Volcanology: The Science of Volcanoes and Their Eruptions
• The Process of Weathering and Erosion

Environmental Science:

• The Impact of Deforestation on Local Ecosystems
• Renewable Energy Sources and Their Implementation
• The Effects of Pollution on Marine Life
• The Role of Wetlands in Carbon Sequestration
• The Impact of Urbanization on Wildlife Habitats

Social Studies Topic Ideas

Covering subjects from local communities to United States history to Ancient Civilizations, Social Studies has an endless array of topics to present to students. Here are just a few suggestions for Social Studies research topics:

• Greek Civilizations: customs and beliefs, citizenship, government, celebrations
• State Report: history, statistics, tourist attractions, economy
• Winter Olympics: history, sports, famed athletes
• The Renaissance: government, art, literature, philosophy
• Revolutionary War: causes, famous battles, key characters, outcome

Here are some ready-to-use topics:

• The Impact of Social Media on Society
• Women’s Rights Movement in Different Cultures
• The Role of Religion in Societal Development
• The Influence of Immigration on Modern Societies
• The Effects of Globalization on Economic Growth
• The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction
• The Historical Significance of Civil Rights Movements
• The Influence of Political Systems on Societies
• The Role of Education in Social Mobility
• Cultural Diversity and Its Impact on Societies
• The Effects of Poverty on Child Education
• The Role of Government Policies in Economic Development
• Social Implications of Climate Change
• The Impact of Colonialism on Modern Societies
• The Role of Art and Culture in Shaping Societies
• The Influence of Family Structure on Child Development
• The Effects of War on Societies
• The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion
• The Impact of Human Rights Laws on Societies
• The Influence of Social Class on Life Opportunities.

From ancient times to current events, teachers are sure to find topics in their Science or Social Studies curriculum that pique students’ interest while adding to their repertoire of knowledge. Student learning is maximized by bringing both of these together: student interest and grade-level information.

Using topic-rich subject matter, such as Science and Social Studies, ensures teachers are ready to move on to the next phase, breaking down research project components. Presenting students with various research project topics and ideas will ensure greater motivation, buy-in, and commitment from all students.

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Social Psychology Research Topics

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

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Choosing topics for social psychology research papers or projects for class can be challenging. It is a broad and fascinating field, which can make it challenging to figure out what you want to investigate in your research.

Social psychology explores how individual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are affected by social influences. It explores how each person's behavior is affected by their social environment.

This article explores a few different social psychology topics and research questions you might want to study in greater depth. It covers how to start your search for a topic as well as specific ideas you might choose to explore.

How to Find a Social Psychology Research Topic

As you begin your search, think about the questions that you have. What topics interest you? Following your own interests and curiosities can often inspire great research questions.

Choose a Sub-Topic

Social psychologists are interested in all aspects of social behavior. Some of the main areas of interest within the field include social cognition, social influence, and social relationships investigating subtopics such as conformity, groupthink, attitude formation, obedience, prejudice, and so on.

• Social cognition : How do we process and use information about social experiences? What kinds of biases influence how we engage with other people?
• Social influence: What are the key social factors that influence our attitudes and behavior? What are group dynamics and how do we understand patterns of behavior in groups?
• Social relationships : What are the different types of social relationships? How do they develop and change over time?

To help ensure that you select a topic that is specific enough, it can be helpful to start by confining your search to one of these main areas.

Browse Through Past Research

After narrowing down your choices, consider what questions you might have. Are there questions that haven't been fully answered by previous studies? At this point, it can be helpful to spend some time browsing through journal articles or books to see some examples of past findings and identify gaps in the literature.

You can also find inspiration and learn more about a topic by searching for keywords related to your topic in psychological databases such as PsycINFO or browsing through some professional psychology journals.

Narrow Down Your Specific Topic

Once you have a general topic, you'll need to narrow down your research. The goal is to choose a research question that is specific, measurable, and testable. Let's say you want to study conformity; An example of a good research question might be, “Are people more likely to conform when they are in a small group or a large group?” In this case, the specific topic of your paper would be how group size influences social conformity .

Review the Literature on Your Chosen Topic

After choosing a specific social psychology topic to research, the next step is to do a literature review. A literature review involves reading through the existing research findings related to a specific topic.

You are likely to encounter a great deal of information on your topic, which can seem overwhelming at times. You may find it helpful to start by reading review articles or meta-analysis studies. These are summaries of previous research on your topic or studies that incorporate a large pool of past research on the topic.

Talk to Your Instructor

Even if you are really excited to dive right in and start working on your project, there are some important preliminary steps you need to take.

Before you decide to tackle a project for your social psychology class, you should always clear your idea with your instructor. This initial step can save you a lot of time and hassle later on.

Your instructor can offer clear feedback on things you should and should not do while conducting your research and might be able to offer some helpful tips. Also, if you plan to implement your own social experiment, your school might require you to present to and gain permission from an institutional review board.

Thinking about the questions you have about social psychology can be a great way to discover topics for your own research. Once you have a general idea, explore the literature and refine your research question to make sure it is specific enough.

Examples of Social Psychology Research Topics

The following are some specific examples of different subjects you might want to investigate further as part of a social psychology research paper, experiment, or project:

Implicit Attitudes

How do implicit attitudes influence how people respond to others? This can involve exploring how people's attitudes towards different groups of people (e.g., men, women, ethnic minorities) influence their interactions with those groups. For example, one study found that 75% of people perceive men to be more intelligent than women .

In your own project, you might explore how implicit attitudes impact perceptions of qualities such as kindness, intelligence, leadership skills, or attractiveness.

Prosocial Behavior

You might also choose to focus on prosocial behavior in your research. This can involve investigating the reasons why people help others. Some questions you could explore further include:

• What motivates people to help others?
• When are people most likely to help others?
• How does helping others cause people to feel?
• What are the benefits of helping other people?

How do people change their attitudes in response to persuasion? What are the different techniques that can be used to persuade someone? What factors make some people more susceptible to persuasion than others?

One way to investigate this could be through collecting a wide variety of print advertisements and analyzing how​ persuasion is used. What types of cognitive and affective techniques are utilized? Do certain types of advertisements tend to use specific kinds of persuasive techniques ?

Another area of social psychology that you might research is aggression and violence. This can involve exploring the factors that lead to aggression and violence and the consequences of these behaviors. Some questions you might explore further include:

• When is violence most likely to occur?
• What factors influence violent behavior?
• Do traumatic experiences in childhood lead to more aggressive behavior in adulthood?
• Does viewing violent media content contribute to increased aggressive behavior in real life?

Prejudice and discrimination are areas that present a range of research opportunities. This can involve studying the different forms that prejudice takes (e.g., sexism, racism, ageism ), as well as the psychological effects of prejudice and discrimination. You might also want to investigate topics related to how prejudices form or strategies that can be used to reduce such discrimination.

Nonverbal Behavior

How do people respond when nonverbal communication does not match up to verbal behavior (for example, saying you feel great when your facial expressions and tone of voice indicate otherwise). Which signal do people respond to most strongly?

How good are people at detecting lies ? Have participants tell a group of people about themselves, but make sure some of the things are true while others are not. Ask members of the group which statements they thought were true and which they thought were false.

Social Norms

How do people react when social norms are violated? This might involve acting in a way that is outside the norm in a particular situation or enlisting friends to act out the behaviors while you observe.

Some examples that you might try include wearing unusual clothing, applauding inappropriately at the end of a class lecture, cutting in line in front of other people, or some other mildly inappropriate behavior. Keep track of your own thoughts as you perform the experiment and observe how people around you respond.

Online Social Behavior

Does online social networking make people more or less likely to interact with people in face-to-face or other offline settings? To investigate this further, you could create a questionnaire to assess how often people participate in social networking versus how much time they spend interacting with their friends in real-world settings.

Social Perception

How does our appearance impact how people respond to us? Ask some friends to help you by having two people dress up in dramatically different ways, one in a professional manner and one in a less conventional manner. Have each person engage in a particular action, then observe how they are treated and how other people's responses differ.

Social psychologists have found that attractiveness can produce what is known as a halo effect . Essentially, we tend to assume that people who are physically attractive are also friendly, intelligent, pleasant, and likable.

To investigate this topic, you could set up an experiment where you have participants look at photographs of people of varying degrees of physical attractiveness, and then ask them to rate each person based on a variety of traits, including social competence, kindness, intellect, and overall likability.

Think about how this might affect a variety of social situations, including how employees are selected or how jurors in a criminal case might respond.

Social psychology is a broad field, so there are many different subtopics you might choose to explore in your research. Implicit attitudes, prosocial behavior, aggression, prejudice, and social perception are just a few areas you might want to consider.

A Word From Verywell

Social psychology topics can provide a great deal of inspiration for further research, whether you are writing a research paper or conducting your own experiment. In addition to some of the social psychology topics above, you can also draw inspiration from your own curiosity about social behavior or examine social issues that you see taking place in the world around you. 

American Psychological Association.  Frequently asked questions about institutional review boards .

Storage D, Charlesworth TES, Banaji M, Cimpian A.  Adults and children implicitly associate brilliance with men more than women .  J Exp Soc Psychol . 2012;90:104020. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2020.104020

Talamas SN, Mavor KI, Perrett DI. Blinded by beauty: Attractiveness bias and accurate perceptions of academic performance . PLoS ONE . 2016;11(2):e0148284. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148284

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

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Collection  29 March 2022

2021 Top 25 Social Sciences and Human Behaviour Articles

We are pleased to share with you the 25 most downloaded  Nature Communications  articles* in social sciences and human behaviour published in 2021. Featuring authors from around the world, these papers highlight valuable research from an international community.

Browse all Top 25 subject area collections  here .

*Data obtained from SN Insights (based on Digital Science's Dimensions) and normalised to account for articles published later in the year.

Research highlights

Psychological characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and resistance in Ireland and the United Kingdom

Hesitancy and resistance towards vaccination is a challenge for public health. Here the authors determine psychological characteristics associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or resistance attitudes in the UK and Ireland.

• Jamie Murphy
• Frédérique Vallières
• Philip Hyland

Policy assessments for the carbon emission flows and sustainability of Bitcoin blockchain operation in China

The growing energy consumption and carbon emissions of Bitcoin mining could potentially undermine global sustainability efforts. Here, the authors show the annual energy consumption of the Bitcoin blockchain in China is expected to peak in 2024 at 296.59 Twh and generate 130.50 million metric tons of carbon emissions.

• Shangrong Jiang
• Shouyang Wang

Potentially long-lasting effects of the pandemic on scientists

The pandemic has caused disruption to many aspects of scientific research. In this Comment the authors describe the findings from surveys of scientists between April 2020 and January 2021, which suggests there was a decline in new projects started in that time.

• Dashun Wang

Unsupervised deep learning identifies semantic disentanglement in single inferotemporal face patch neurons

Little is known about the brain’s computations that enable the recognition of faces. Here, the authors use unsupervised deep learning to show that the brain disentangles faces into semantically meaningful factors, like age or the presence of a smile, at the single neuron level.

• Irina Higgins
• Matthew Botvinick

An actionable anti-racism plan for geoscience organizations

Racism thrives in geoscience. We present an antiracism plan to support the recruitment, retention and success of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in geoscience. Our action plan can be adapted by any organization to remove barriers to participation for all marginalized geoscientists.

• Hendratta N. Ali
• Sarah L. Sheffield
• Blair Schneider

Neutral bots probe political bias on social media

Social media platforms moderating misinformation have been accused of political bias. Here, the authors use neutral social bots to show that, while there is no strong evidence for such a bias, the content to which Twitter users are exposed depends strongly on the political leaning of early Twitter connections.

• Diogo Pacheco
• Filippo Menczer

Individual differences in information-seeking

Information-seeking is important for learning, social behaviour and decision making. Here the authors investigate factors that associate with individual differences in information-seeking behaviour.

• Christopher. A. Kelly
• Tali Sharot

Lack of consideration of sex and gender in COVID-19 clinical studies

Sex and gender have been associated with differences in SARS-CoV-2 incidence and clinical outcomes and therefore warrant consideration in study designs. Here, the authors assess registered and published clinical COVID-19 studies and find that sex-disaggregated analyses are infrequently presented or planned.

• Mathias Wullum Nielsen
• Sabine Oertelt-Prigione

Optimal COVID-19 quarantine and testing strategies

Safely reducing the necessary duration of quarantine for COVID-19 could lessen the economic impacts of the pandemic. Here, the authors demonstrate that testing on exit from quarantine is more effective than testing on entry, and can enable quarantine to be reduced from fourteen to seven days.

• Chad R. Wells
• Jeffrey P. Townsend
• Alison P. Galvani

Brain network coupling associated with cognitive performance varies as a function of a child’s environment in the ABCD study

Previous research suggests that, for children and adults, there is an association between better performance on cognitive tests and less functional connectivity between two brain networks. Here, the authors find that this association does not hold in a sample of children from households in poverty, highlighting the need for more diverse samples to incorporate a range of childhood environments in developmental cognitive neuroscience.

• Monica E. Ellwood-Lowe
• Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli
• Silvia A. Bunge

mTOR-related synaptic pathology causes autism spectrum disorder-associated functional hyperconnectivity

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by synaptic surplus and atypical functional connectivity. Here, the authors show that synaptic pathology in Tsc2 haploinsufficient mice is associated with autism-like behavior and cortico-striatal hyperconnectivity, and that analogous functional hyperconnectivity signatures can be linked to mTOR-pathway dysfunction in subgroups of children with idiopathic ASD.

• Marco Pagani
• Noemi Barsotti
• Alessandro Gozzi

Cognitive functions and underlying parameters of human brain physiology are associated with chronotype

How being a “morning person” or “evening person” affects human cognition and brain physiology is not well understood. Here the authors show evidence of an association of chronotype with cognitive functions and related physiological parameters.

• Mohammad Ali Salehinejad
• Miles Wischnewski
• Michael A. Nitsche

Deep neural network models reveal interplay of peripheral coding and stimulus statistics in pitch perception

The neural and computational mechanisms underpinning pitch perception remain unclear. Here, the authors trained deep neural networks to estimate the fundamental frequency of sounds and found that human pitch perception depends on precise spike timing in the auditory nerve, but is also adapted to the statistical tendencies of natural sounds.

• Mark R. Saddler
• Ray Gonzalez
• Josh H. McDermott

Sources of confidence in value-based choice

The authors show that metacognitive awareness of choice certainty is closely linked to endogenous attentional states that guide decision behaviour.

• Jeroen Brus
• Helena Aebersold
• Rafael Polania

CDH2 mutation affecting N-cadherin function causes attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in humans and mice

Molecular mechanisms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not fully understood. Here the authors demonstrate a mutation in CDH2, encoding N-cadherin, that is associated with ADHD, and in a mouse model, delineate molecular electrophysiological characteristics associated with this mutation.

• D. Halperin

The pupil responds spontaneously to perceived numerosity

Rapid and spontaneous estimation of number is observed in many animals. Here the authors show that perceived number of items modulates the pupillary light response in humans, confirming its spontaneous nature, and introducing pupillometry as a tool to study numerical cognition.

• Elisa Castaldi
• Antonella Pomè
• Paola Binda

Infant gut microbiome composition is associated with non-social fear behavior in a pilot study

Experimental manipulation of the gut microbiome in animal models impacts fear behaviours. Here, the authors show in a pilot study that features of the human infant gut microbiome are associated with non-social fear behaviours during a laboratory based assessment.

• Alexander L. Carlson
• Rebecca C. Knickmeyer

Linear reinforcement learning in planning, grid fields, and cognitive control

Models of decision making have so far been unable to account for how humans’ choices can be flexible yet efficient. Here the authors present a linear reinforcement learning model which explains both flexibility, and rare limitations such as habits, as arising from efficient approximate computation

• Payam Piray
• Nathaniel D. Daw

Predicting lapses of attention with sleep-like slow waves

Attentional lapses occur in many forms such as mind-wandering or mindblanking. Here the authors show different types of attentional lapse are accompanied by slow waves, neural activity that is characteristic of transitions into sleep.

• Thomas Andrillon
• Angus Burns
• Naotsugu Tsuchiya

Shifting parental beliefs about child development to foster parental investments and improve school readiness outcomes

Parents’ investments in their children are a critical input in the production of early skills, yet those investments differ across socioeconomic backgrounds. Here the authors show that variations in parental beliefs about the impact of such investments can be one of the sources of investment disparities, and report interventions that can potentially shift those beliefs.

• John A. List
• Julie Pernaudet
• Dana L. Suskind

Partially overlapping spatial environments trigger reinstatement in hippocampus and schema representations in prefrontal cortex

The authors examine how we differentiate highly similar places from each other. They provide evidence for complementary neural mechanisms in the human hippocampus and prefrontal cortex involved in processing interfering and common elements important to remembering places that we have visited.

• Arne D. Ekstrom

Neural and computational mechanisms of momentary fatigue and persistence in effort-based choice

The willingness to exert effort into demanding tasks often declines over time through fatigue. Here the authors provide a computational account of the moment-to-moment dynamics of fatigue and its impact on effort-based choices, and reveal the neural mechanisms that underlie such computations.

• Tanja Müller
• Miriam C. Klein-Flügge
• Matthew A. J. Apps

Inequality is rising where social network segregation interacts with urban topology

Not much is known about the joint relationships between social network structure, urban geography, and inequality. Here, the authors analyze an online social network and find that the fragmentation of social networks is significantly higher in towns in which residential neighborhoods are divided by physical barriers such as rivers and railroads.

• Johannes Wachs
• Balázs Lengyel

Finding positive meaning in memories of negative events adaptively updates memory

Finding positive meaning in past negative events is associated with enhanced mental health. Here the authors show this adaptively updates memory, leading to enhanced positive emotion and content at future retrieval, which remains two months later.

• Megan E. Speer
• Sandra Ibrahim
• Mauricio R. Delgado

How social relationships shape moral wrongness judgments

Moral judgments depend on relational context, with different normative cooperative expectations – relational norms – embedded in different social relationships, such as parent-child, romantic partners, siblings, or acquaintances. Here, the authors show how relational norms for care, hierarchy, reciprocity, and mating are embedded in a set of everyday social relationships in the United States, and use this information to predict out-of-sample moral judgments in relational context.

• Brian D. Earp
• Killian L. McLoughlin
• Molly J. Crockett

Quick links

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• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

99+ Social Science Research Topics for College Students

One of the primary character traits of being a college student is the tradition of having to write research papers or essays for assignments and projects. More often than not, the grades of students are involved when it comes to research works for college students. Hence, it becomes important to pick out the best sociology project ideas for college. However, it isn’t an unusual practice for students to delay their projects until it is almost due before they commence. This practice is often a result of indecisiveness on which social science topics they should work on.

There are many social science research topics for college students and they cannot possibly be exhausted. Students can take advantage of their environment to pick out the best sociology projects for college without having to go through so much trouble. Despite these benefits, many researchers still find trouble deciding what social research topics for college students to work on. This article covers a wide range of sociological research topics for college students from various fields.

Some Sociology Project Ideas for College Students

• The reading culture of students; preparing for examination and tests
• Dealing with difficult lecturers and how to get the most from their course subject
• Why grade inflation is gradually becoming a norm in colleges
• A study into different ways that students pay their tuition fees
• How students can help other students with learning disabilities survive college
• What are the strategies put in place by the government to implement the “no child left behind” ideology?
• Examination and tests; their effectiveness as the true tests of knowledge for students
• Is sex education getting the due attention in schools today?
• Homeschooling; different reasons why the practice still thrives
• The attitude of students towards learning and making researches
• Teacher-student classroom relationship; the benefits to students within and outside the school environment
• Should IQ tests be compulsorily carried out on students before admission into schools?
• Should extracurricular activities and sports be given equal importance as academics in schools?

Crimes, Law, and Law Enforcement

• What are the best ways to protect the lives and properties of students on campus without infringing on their rights?
• The importance of enacting stricter rules and extremely severe punishments for sexual harassment
• Should all college students be considered legal enough to participate in all activities?
• Secret societies; the dangers and benefits of being a member of a secret cult
• Cybercrime; the best way to curb the widespread practice
• Why do people fall victims to rape; sensitizing people on the ways to avoid falling victims
• The crime spree in college parties outside and inside college grounds; why these activities are given less importance
• Uncovering the rights of citizens that people are ignorant about
• How best can violence outbreaks on campuses be quelled?
• Should it be considered illegal for students to have guns and dangerous weapons on campus grounds?
• Crimes committed on school grounds; should students be trialed on campus or outside the campus
• Crimes committed on school grounds; should students be sentenced to prison over certain crimes?
• How bad is student-student bullying in college, and what are its effects on the victims?
• The rapidly growing culture of cybercrimes among students

Business and Work

• Different ways that students work and learn, and why the practice have survived the test of time
• Online business; its features, benefits, risks, and disadvantages
• What are the basic work etiquettes that every working person should know and practice?
• Do part-time students carry out as many jobs as full-time students?
• The implications of working a 9-5 job
• Why people would rather own their business than work under other people

Drug Usage and Abuse

• The immediate and after-effects of ingesting hard drugs; why people continue in the practice despite the side effects
• Drug abuse; a response to peer pressure
• Responsible drinking; should the legal age for alcohol consumption be given more consideration?
• The implications of taking drugs without the doctor’s prescription
• The use of hard drugs; the common practice of using hard drugs among students
• Should marijuana consumption be overlooked in colleges?
• The thrill of joyriding; the dangers and possible outcome of drunk driving
• Some popular drugs among college students; types, usage, and effects

Climate Change, Environment

• The role humans play in encouraging environmental pollution; educating people on its dangers to health
• The importance of applying sunscreen during summer
• Natural disasters; how the government responds to the aftereffect of earthquakes
• The right waste disposal culture
• The benefits of planting trees
• Volcano eruptions; why people endanger their lives by residing in areas that have volcanos
• The recycle culture of college students; how to encourage recycling of products to avoid wastage and pollution

Health, Lifestyle and the Society

• Legalizing abortions; did the legality of abortions increase the rate of unprotected sex?
• Gender inequality in school politics
• What are the benefits of relaxation and recreational activities?
• The health risks of obesity for people under 25 years old.
• Why gambling is one of the sports with higher participation rates.
• Why do people intentionally reduce food consumption
• The practice of female genital mutilation, and its consequences
• The misconceptions people have regarding those living with HIV and AIDS in the society
• Family; starting and building a family as a college student
• The leading reasons why people drop out of school; what influences these decisions
• Addressing some controversy about the gay community
• Many ways that the bullying attitude of high school intensifies in college
• Why high school girls would rather date guys in colleges
• Interracial marriages; a tool for bridging the gap between races.
• Analyzing the levels of poverty, and how people strive to make ends meet
• Roommates in college; finding the right roommates, and cohabiting peacefully with strangers.
• Ensuring the rights of sex workers are respected
• Debunking some misconceptions about menopause

Family and Relationship

• How abusive marriages affect the future adult life of children
• The responsibility of parenting; the differences between responsible and irresponsible parenting
• Coping mechanism for children whose parents have separated
• Why people would rather remain in a violent relationship
• The warning signs that your relationship is toxic
• Self-esteem; the role of self-esteem in human relationship
• Teen pregnancy; the increasing occurrence of teenage pregnancy and child marriage
• Child support culture
• Why distance relationships fail to thrive

Technology, Media and Internet

• The internet as a primary tool to help college students
• Is the internet soon to overtake classroom learning?
• How the internet facilitates the spread of rumors
• The rationale behind acquiring multiple cars
• The evolution and future of technology
• The environmental effect of technology; managing pollution
• The future of the internet
• Identifying some of the ways that the internet have been a unifying platform
• The most popular social media platforms among college students

International Relationship, Nationalism, and World Peace

• The future of world peace; mutual acquired arms
• Why illegal migration remains a curse, and how to manage the act
• The sizzling tension between the power bloc of the world
• Encouraging good international relationships between countries with a history of warfare
• Examining the rationale behind barring countries from access into certain territory
• The birth of modern terrorism
• The role of sports in promoting peaceful mutual international relationship
• Many times that the world peace order has been threatened
• The relationship between nationalism and terrorism
• How the COVID-19 has affected education
• A study of weight gain during the lockdown
• The economic benefits of the pandemic
• How the pandemic influenced improved internet activities
• The increase in childbirth during the lockdown
• Pandemic pets; the hike in pet adoption during the COVID-19 lockdown
• Examining the ways that people endangered their lives during the pandemic

The categories of sociology topics for college students are inexhaustible. If you’ve run out of ideas or simply do not know where to start from, pick out a topic or two from the different areas listed above and get started.

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Social Science Research: Principles, Methods and Practices - (Revised edition)

(43 reviews)

Anol Bhattacherjee, University of South Florida

Copyright Year: 2019

ISBN 13: 9781475146127

Publisher: University of Southern Queensland

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Kelle DeBoth Foust, Associate Professor, Cleveland State University on 6/22/23

The text really seems to do as it claims; provides the basic overview of the research material needed for graduate students without a lot of other “fluff.” It’s written very clearly, easy to understand and many figures and charts that enhance... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text really seems to do as it claims; provides the basic overview of the research material needed for graduate students without a lot of other “fluff.” It’s written very clearly, easy to understand and many figures and charts that enhance learning. It covers the majority of the topics that I need it to cover for OTH 740/Research I, at about the level of detail that the students should be able to digest. In particular, I like the sections on survey research, experimental research and that it covers quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

As far as I can tell reading through it, the content is accurate and unbiased (will be able to review further once actually implemented in the intended course).

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content is current at least regarding how we continue to teach and use it in our field. Some of the references are a little outdated, although not much has changed in this world in recent years. I also recognize I can pull more recent literature in order to make the examples up to date and relevant for my particular students.

Clarity rating: 5

This book is written very clearly. I feel that the diagrams really help to add and make sense of higher level concepts that students may struggle with. Concepts that are challenging are recognized as such within the text, with appropriate examples that enhance clarity (will be able to review further once actually implemented in the intended course)

Consistency rating: 5

Yes, the text appears to be internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is easily and readily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course (i.e., enormous blocks of text without subheadings should be avoided). The text should not be overly self-referential, and should be easily reorganized and realigned with various subunits of a course without presenting much disruption to the reader. – Yes. The division of the content makes sense, and how smaller modules are paired (e.g., qualitative and quantitative analysis paired back to back) is logical to facilitate learning.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The text and chapters are laid out in an order that makes sense and provides good flow and continuity between the concepts and analytical applications. In particular, I like how research is introduced, moving into research design and then analysis all within the same text. Will make this more manageable for students.

Interface rating: 5

The text is free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems, distortion of images/charts, and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader. – Very well put together, no issues with the interface. I would consider this to be very user/student friendly. In particular, the authors made a point to keep it “short and sweet” so students should not be intimidated by the length of the chapters (which is excellent for helping to convince the students to actually read them).

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text contains no grammatical errors. – None detected.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. It should make use of examples that are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. – No offensive content noted, the majority of the examples used do not have cultural significance and therefore the amount of diversity is sufficient.

This review was written based on a preliminary review of the text prior to use and implementation within the intended course. I will update the review if it significantly differs once students have used it for their course study.

Reviewed by Ingrid Carter, Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 4/14/23

The textbook includes many of the important elements of a foundational social science research course. A key element of the course I teach which is not included in the text is how to search for literature to inform the research, how to synthesize... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The textbook includes many of the important elements of a foundational social science research course. A key element of the course I teach which is not included in the text is how to search for literature to inform the research, how to synthesize this literature, and how to write a literature review.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

The content appears to be mostly accurate and unbiased. There is a large emphasis on positivist approaches, and more post-positivist and innovative research approaches should be added to the content.

The text is relevant to foundational/introductory social science research courses. As mentioned previously, broader and more diverse perspectives of research are missing.

Clarity rating: 4

The content is presented clearly.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is presented with a consistent framework and format. The variety of frameworks included could be greater, with at minimum a presentation of different research paradigms and ideally with discussion or questions to grapple with related to various research paradigms and approaches.

As the author indicates, the textbook consists of 16 chapters which can be used in a 16-week semester. These can be easily assigned for weekly readings.

The textbook is well-organized.

Interface rating: 4

The interface is relatively clear

No grammatical errors were found in my initial review. I have not yet used the textbook for the course I am teaching, and therefore have not reviewed the textbook page by page nor line by line.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

More diverse and culturally relevant example to a diverse audience could be embedded. I did not encounter offensive material.

Reviewed by Sanaa Riaz, Associate Professor, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 3/27/23

While not meant for advanced graduate and doctoral students, this text is an excellent introductory resource for learning about paradigms in research methods and data analysis and prepares the learner to begin writing a successful research project... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

While not meant for advanced graduate and doctoral students, this text is an excellent introductory resource for learning about paradigms in research methods and data analysis and prepares the learner to begin writing a successful research project proposal. The text largely privileges the scientific method and labels diverse social science research methods as such. However, the preparatory considerations in beginning social science research have been discussed. The book contains important terms in bold to guide a beginner reader as well as sample syllabi for incorporating it at the graduate level. However, the text could be made more comprehensive with the inclusion of an effective index and/or glossary.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text is a quick guide to considerations and terminologies used in social science research. The content is accurate, error-free and unbiased.

The text provides a basic introduction to research methods in the social sciences. Updates in social science inquiry with respect to social media and popular culture platforms and mixed methods research should be easy to incorporate.

The text has been written from the point of view of a non-expert. It is free of technical jargon and is meant to provide the essentials of social science inquiry and research considerations.

Consistency rating: 3

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology within a chapter section. However, it is strongly recommended that the framework is revisited for chapters discussing qualitative research methods and approaches. Qualitative data analysis has not been explored in depth and the basic framework for Chapter 13 will need to be substantially expanded to provide for a smoother transition from a discussion on grounded theory to content analysis and hermeneutic analysis and to incorporate information on other analyses undertaken in qualitative research.

Chapters and sections in the text can be easily reorganized and assigned as per needs of the instructor and the course without causing disruption to the reader.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

Chapter sections of the book covering qualitative research are not presented in a logical manner. It is highly recommended that the readers are told about the place of exploratory and other research in social science research inquiry, rather than labeling them as scientific research. Moreover, mixed methods and qualitative visual and social media platform research needs to be discussed. The book overall shies away from delving into approaches and methods in non-empirical research in the social sciences.

The text is easy to navigate. All words, sections and tables are easily searchable.

The book is free of grammatical errors.

The text does not contain any culturally insensitive information as there are hardly any research project examples incorporated.

Incorporating examples and case studies across social science disciplines (after introducing the disciplines in which social science research is employed in the first chapter) would allow readers to see the applicability of one social science research approach, method and data analysis over another based on the research project focus.

Reviewed by Cahit Kaya, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on 10/17/22

I LIKE THE FIGURE EXPLAINING RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY ON PAGE 55. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 2 see less

I LIKE THE FIGURE EXPLAINING RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY ON PAGE 55.

IT SEEMED ACCURATE

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

IT IS RELEVANT

IT IS CLEAR

IT IS CONSISTENT

Modularity rating: 3

IT NEEDS MORE MODULES

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 2

IT CAN BE OGRANIZED BETTER

YES BUT EVEN THOUGH IT CAN BE IMPROVED

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

I DID NOT SEE IT

MORE CULTURAL DIVERSE EXAMPLES CAN BE GIVEN

Reviewed by Dawn DeVries, Associate Professor, Grand Valley State University on 12/9/21

The text provides a complete summary of the research process. While discussions are brief and concise, the text addresses the main issues and processes providing an overview and general understanding of the research process for social science... read more

The text provides a complete summary of the research process. While discussions are brief and concise, the text addresses the main issues and processes providing an overview and general understanding of the research process for social science fields. Two areas could be more in-depth, specifically the IRB discussion and the chapter on surveys. Information provided is accurate and succinct as the author intended, providing a comprehensive overview of the research process.

The content is accurate and presented in an objective manner. There was no perception of bias or conflict that would impact accuracy. The chapters offer a variety of examples, inclusive of a variety of social science fields.

Written in 2012, the information remains relevant with few areas that would ever need to change. The research process and research methods stay fairly consistent with little variation; thus, the text would not need regular updating. Updates, if and when needed, would be easy to implement due to the concise and objective writing and the logical organization of the textbook. One area needing updating (or that instructors would need to supplement) is Chapter 9 on Survey Research. The chapter refers to mail surveys, which in 2021, are almost obsolete. Little is presented or discussed on electronic surveys, survey platforms, or the use of social media in recruitment, survey distribution or every survey completion. Furthermore, there is no mention of the ethical issues related to social media research.

Key terminology is bolded with the definition following, making it easy to identify. Definitions are clear and adequate to facilitate understanding of the concepts and terms. The text presents the research process in a logical and understandable way using scaffolding.

The chapter structure, framework, and style are consistent.

Modularity rating: 4

The chapters provide easily divisible readings of 8-10 pages. The chapters are ordered in a logical fashion and flow easily, yet they could be rearranged to fit instructor preferences for order. Chapters are concise, allowing the combination of multiple chapters for a week’s reading if needed. The text is designed for a 16-week semester, but again, because the chapters are not long, several chapters could be read as one assignment. It would be difficult to reduce chapter readings (say, using only 5 pages of the chapter) because of the conciseness of the information and the shortness of the chapters.

The text is logical and has flow. It starts general (with How to Think Like a Researcher) and builds to specific, more detailed content (Inferential Statistics).

There are no observed problems with the interface of the text. Images used are clear and display without difficulty. No hyperlinks are used.

No observed issues or concerns related to grammar or mechanics.

No concerns about inclusivity or offensiveness. The text is clear and concise, offering a variety of short examples specific to various social science professions.

The text reminds me of my Research Methods textbook from my doctoral program. It addresses the differences between scientific research and social science methods in a clear and concise manner. While it is an overview of the information, it is specific and concise enough for students who need to understand the research process but won’t be engaging in research as their full-time profession. Content is brief in a few areas as mentioned, which will allow the instructor to provide supplemental reading or lecture content specific to the university (i.e., IRB) or to the profession. As the author suggests, certain chapters could be skipped depending on the program. For example, chapters 13 – 15 on statistics could easily be omitted if the program has a research statistics course. A nice add is the sample syllabus for a doctoral program.

Reviewed by David Denton, Associate Professor, Seattle Pacific University on 5/3/21

I use this book with graduate students in education taking an initial course in education research. Dr. Bhattacherjee notes the book is organized for semesters with supplemental readings, as shown by the sample syllabus in the appendix.... read more

I use this book with graduate students in education taking an initial course in education research. Dr. Bhattacherjee notes the book is organized for semesters with supplemental readings, as shown by the sample syllabus in the appendix. Nevertheless, I have found the book is excellent in meeting objectives for an introductory course in education research, though it is necessary to add education context and examples. Some of the course objectives I have developed from the textbook include i) distinguishing between questionnaire survey method and interview survey method and ii) summarizing criteria for developing effective questionnaire items, among many others. There are some sections that exceed student knowledge without some background in statistics (e.g. description of factor analysis) but omitting these sections as required reading is easy since there are many subheadings used to segment chapters.

Dr. Bhattacherjee has done an excellent job of clearly communicating the content with accuracy. For example, the textbook distinguishes between qualitative and quantitative analysis (rather than qualitative and quantitative research, an appropriate distinction). The textbook makes other distinctions in a way that helps students comprehend concepts (e.g. survey interview and survey questionnaire). At the same time, the textbook does not over-emphasize research methods or design, which might mislead students to think inflexibly about the topic.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

One of the advantages of the book, in my view, is that it will not become obsolete anytime soon. It addresses all major topics of interest for instructors needing to develop student background knowledge in social science research methodology. For example, some topics for which the book provides helpful structure include i) Thinking Like a Researcher, ii) The Research Process, iii) Research Design, iv) and Sampling. In addition, an instructor can easily supplement or provide subject-specific examples where needed since the book is thoroughly segmented by chapter and chapter subheadings.

Dr. Bhattacherjee does a fine job of defining terms concisely. I do not recall use of jargon, or if there are complicated terms, the text provides enough elaboration so that students can at least attain a conceptual understanding. In some instances, definitions are so concise that I find it necessary to elaborate with examples. This, however, is a part of instruction and would be done in any case.

The textbook is highly coherent, in my view. Similar to modularity, consistency is a strength. For example, chapters are grouped into four sections: Introduction to Research, Basics of Empirical Research, Data Collection, and Data Analysis. Further, chapters within major sections are sequential, such as chapters on Science and Scientific Research, followed by Thinking Like a Researchers, followed by The Research Process. In addition, content within chapters is consistent, such as Dr. Bhattacherjee’s logical progression of concepts: empiricism, to positivism, to forms of analysis (qualitative and quantitative), etc

Modularity is one of the clear strengths, again in my view. From a structural perspective, neither the chapters nor subsections are very long because Dr. Bhattacherjee writes concisely. Both chapters and subordinate subsections lend themselves to various kinds of divisions. For example, students in need of supplemental instruction on descriptive statistics, such as content about the normal distribution, can be assigned the subsection on Statistics of Sampling in chapter 8, followed by the subsection on Central tendency in chapter 14. Some non-sequential reading is required if students do not have any background in statistics, but this is not difficult to manage using page numbers or subheadings as reference.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The textbook is well organized. Nevertheless, there are some sections that I found helpful to have students read out of sequence. For example, there is a short section at the end of chapter 5, Scale Reliability and Validity, which is perhaps best read after students cover correlation and normal distribution, dealt with in chapter 14. Again, I did not find it difficult to assign sections out of sequence using either page numbers or chapter subheadings as reference.

The textbook does not have interface issues. Chapter titles are hyperlinked within PDF copies to simplify navigation. Some may judge a few of the images as low resolution, but if this is a defect it is not one that interferes with communicating concepts, which is the purpose of the images.

There are a few minor grammatical errors in the 2nd edition, 2012. For example, on p. 126, Dr. Bhattacherjee notes “five female students” when the Chi-square table appears to show four. This is minor, but if students are new to reading Chi-square tables they may not detect the error and believe interpreting a Chi-square table is different than interpreting a typical data table.

The textbook presents appropriate information without prejudice or unfairness. As mentioned, instructors will likely need to include examples that are specific to their course objectives and student populations. For example, chapter 11. Case Research provides exemplars that focus on business and marketing domains. This seems entirely appropriate given Dr. Bhattacherjee’s research area. Instructors using the text for other domains, such as education research, will be interested in elaborating on concepts using examples specific to the needs of their students.

I greatly appreciate that Dr. Bhattacherjee has shared his book as an Open Textbook.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Moore, Associate Professor, University of Indianapolis on 4/24/21

In Chapter 5 on Research Design there isn't any discussion on how to improve content and statistical conclusion validity. There isn't a discussion of threats associated with the four types of validity. The chapter also does not present how the... read more

In Chapter 5 on Research Design there isn't any discussion on how to improve content and statistical conclusion validity. There isn't a discussion of threats associated with the four types of validity. The chapter also does not present how the research design and threats to validity are interconnected. There is a lack of comprehensiveness in the presentation of qualitative research as qualitative research rigor is not addressed.

The content is accurate, error-free, and unbiased. I would like more examples focused on social sciences. Some of the examples are related to business/industry. There are many social science examples that could be used.

Many of the examples should be updated. With everything that is (has been) happening in the U.S. and world, there are many examples that can come from the social sciences. For example, there are several examples that could represent the concept of technostress, especially with many professionals having to move into online environments. Students would be more likely to read assigned chapters and understand the material presented if the examples were relevant to their profession.

The book is clear and has high readability. There are several accessibility issues in the document. This should be checked and fixed. There are 5 issues in the document, 4 in tables, 5 in alternative text, etc. Accessibility is a big issue right now. All documents have to be accessible to all students.

While there is consistency within the textbook, in some topics there is a lock of consistency in how some of the terms and material relate to what is actually used in social science disciplines. For example, in basic social science textbooks in chapters presenting an introduction to measurement of constructs, descriptive statistics that are unfamiliar and rarely used, such as geometric mean and harmonic mean, should not be introduced. This information is usually difficult for novice researchers to understand without adding more advanced descriptive statistics.

It is confusing as to why research validity is in Chapter 5 - Research Design. There is not a discussion of how different research types are affected by different types and threats of research validity. The title of Chapter 7 is misleading. The word "scale" is associated with scale of measurement. It would be better to use designing measurement tools/instruments in the chapter name since the types of validity and reliability discussed are related to creating and developing measurement tools/instruments. I also think Chapter 6 - Measurement of Construction should not come before Chapter 7 - Scale Reliability and Validity since measurement of constructs and scale reliability and validity are related to qualitative research.

I like the organization. It follows the current syllabus I use so it will require very little modifications.

As mentioned below, bookmarks would improve navigation of the pdf file. Also, having links from the table of contents to chapters would be helpful. Including some of the important subsections of the chapters would also improve navigation of the pdf version of the book. Tables and charts are helpful and supplement the text. Use of images would break-up the text.

None were noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

See comments above about the relevancy of the material. While it is important to make sure a book is culturally sensitive and not offensive, it is also important to not ignore what is known about social injustices which are well-documented. Look at the lack of diversity in many professions and organizations, this is important to address.

It would be helpful if bookmarks were placed in the pdf version. While this is a social science textbook, it would be helpful to have subsection in Chapter 4 that introduces at least a couple of the main health behavior theories. These are commonly used by many researchers in social sciences.

Reviewed by Barbara Molargik-Fitch, Adjunct Professor, Trine University on 3/6/21

This textbook provides a nice overview of several topics related to social science specific research. read more

This textbook provides a nice overview of several topics related to social science specific research.

The textbook seems to be accurate and error free.

The text seems to be accurate, relevant, and useful.

The text is organized well and had a professional and academic tone while also understandable.

Text seemed to be internally consistent.

Text is easily divisible to be assigned as different points within the course.

Text is well organized.

The text is free of significant interface issues that would distract or confuse the reader.

I did not see grammatical errors.

I did not see any cultural issues.

I will be using this textbook for one of my classes. I am looking forward to using it. I think it has a lot to offer students looking to develop their research skills.

Reviewed by Kenneth Gentry, Assistant Professor, Radford University on 6/2/20

This text provides a great overview of core concepts relevant to health-science research. An overview of theory, designs, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and ethics are provided. It may be helpful in future editions to add additional... read more

This text provides a great overview of core concepts relevant to health-science research. An overview of theory, designs, sampling, data collection, data analysis, and ethics are provided. It may be helpful in future editions to add additional content relating to qualitative research (i.e. additional types of designs, as well as how trustworthiness and rigor are addressed [for example, what specific steps can be taken by researchers to address dependability, credibility, confirmability and transferability]).

Information presented appears accurate and unbiased.

While much of the content is 'durable' (not likely to soon become obsolete), the relevance is dependent upon the focus of the instructor/course. For example, if the emphasis of the course will be on quantitative research, then this text is highly relevant, however, if the emphasis is on an equal balance between the traditions of qualitative and quantitative, then this text is slightly less relevant due to the more limited nature of its content in qualitative (in comparison to content on quantitative). That is not to say that this text does not address content relevant to qualitative research, however, it does so with decidedly less depth and breadth than quantitative.

While a subjective interpretation of clarity is highly dependent upon the reader, I found this text to strike a good balance between a scholarly, academic tone, and commonly-understood, easily-relatable descriptions of key concepts. There were times where I wish that the latter had been more so, however, considering the target audience of this text, I feel that the author struck a good balance. Occasionally, there were concepts that I anticipated would require additional clarification (beyond the reading) for my graduate students.

Overall, I found the text to be generally consistent in its approach to the content. Occasionally, there were instances when the flow made sense at the chapter level, however, content might have been spread between chapters (i.e. theory is discussed in Chapters 1, 2 and 4).

This ties in with my comments on consistency. Since some concepts are discussed in more than one place, it might be difficult to identify a single reading for a specific topic ... one might need to assign several readings from more than one chapter. However, having said that, I anticipate that those instances would be infrequent. On the whole, the text demonstrates a fairly good degree of modularity.

At the chapter level (i.e. main topics), and within each chapter, information appears well organized. It is the appearance of content in multiple places that was occasionally problematic for me as I read (i.e. when reading about reliability and validity, I questioned why the author did not discuss the types of reliability and validity ... I later found that content in a subsequent chapter).

Interface rating: 3

While images were viewable, many appeared 'pixelated'/'grainy' (low resolution). This was more of a cosmetic issue, and did not affect the overall interpretation of the image.

Overall, the content was grammatically strong.

Content was not culturally insensitive or offensive.

My sincere thanks to this author, and to the Open Textbook Library and Scholar Commons for this text. I truly appreciate the investment of resources that were invested. I just completed instructing 2 semester courses on research in a graduate health science degree program ... I plan to adopt this text the next time I am rotated into those courses again!

Reviewed by Wendy Bolyard, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado Denver on 4/30/20

This text presents all the topics, and more, that I cover in my master's-level research and analytic methods course. A glossary would be helpful as students often need to reference basic definitions as they learn these new concepts. I would have... read more

This text presents all the topics, and more, that I cover in my master's-level research and analytic methods course. A glossary would be helpful as students often need to reference basic definitions as they learn these new concepts. I would have liked to see more practical examples. For instance, what type of problem is unresearchable? (p. 24)

The concepts were presented accurately and often with citations.

The great thing about research methods is that the content ages well (does not change over time). The examples were relevant and should not make the text obsolete. Any instructor should be able to provide current, real-world examples to compare and contrast to those in the text. Although the sample syllabus if for a business class, I did not find the text to be relevant only to business students. The authors uses broad social science illustrations that cross disciplines. This text is definitely relevant to public affairs/public administration.

The text is well-written and provides clear yet concise context.

When students are learning a new language - research methods - they may be confused when definitions vary. Causality is explained with slightly different language which may be misunderstood by students.

One chapter includes a summary section. It would have been helpful to include a summary of key takeaways for each chapter, and perhaps include a list of key terms and definitions (since the text does not include a glossary).

The text follows the linear, systematic research process very well.

The font, size, and spacing varied in some sections. The images were a bit blurred.

A few typos, but otherwise well-written and very clear.

Culturally sensitive with relevant and inclusive cases provided.

I will be adopting this text to supplement other readings assigned in my master's-level research and analytic methods course. I appreciate the clear and helpful context it provides on key concepts that students must understand to become effective researchers. The text is comprehensive yet concise and would not overwhelm students.

Reviewed by Valerie Young, Associate Professor, Hanover College on 12/19/19

I really appreciate the broad focus and examples from social science fields. As a fellow social scientist from a high growth area (communication studies), I would appreciate even more breadth! I supplement with many field-specific resources, so... read more

I really appreciate the broad focus and examples from social science fields. As a fellow social scientist from a high growth area (communication studies), I would appreciate even more breadth! I supplement with many field-specific resources, so this critique is very minor. An appropriate place and reference might be within the first chapter, under the heading Types of Scientific Research, to give a nod to some of the social science fields and the importance of interdisciplinary questions across disciplinary lines.

I did not find any errors in the content of the book. One critique is that the author rarely cites any sources for assertions or materials. I get the impression that the author is relying on "commonly known" ideas regarding research methods and processes, but I have to consistently remind my students to cite all non-original information, and that example is lacking in this text. As an example, regarding evaluating measurement scales for internal consistency, the author references commonly-accepted factor loadings (>.60) but does not reference or provide linked resources for readers to corroborate this or seek additional readings.

The text content is relevant and the author has taken care to provide relatively timeless sample research examples throughout. Some examples include areas of social and political interest (conflict, crime), business and marketing, and social psychology. The contents of the text are not dated and the author does a fantastic job of offering a variety of relevant examples so that readers of all backgrounds can relate to the content.

Incredibly clear and concise. Main ideas are clearly articulated in headings. Bullet point lists are used infrequently, but appropriately. The writing style is professional, academic in tone, yet relate-able. There is little, if any, discipline-specific references that a graduate student from any area of social sciences could not comprehend; however, this book is empirically-grounded and quantitatively focused. For our readers in fields with lower quantitative literacy, some of the terminology in chapters is better suited for students with basic statistical experience, some research methods or theory coursework completed.

This text is consistent and detailed in the use of interdisciplinary, social scientific terminology.

The layout of materials and the concise writing style contribute to an easy-to-visualize text. The page layout and brief chapters make it appropriate to assign supplemental readings along with the chapter topics. Some areas for improvement: use hyperlinks to reference forward and backward within the text so that readers can pop back and forth to related concepts. Include links in the text to reputable online materials or publications. See my comment below in Organization feedback concerning chapter ordering.

One thing that strikes me as amazing and also challenging about this text is the concision and simplicity for which Bhattacherjee integrates complex information. The chapters are very brief- about half of what would be a typical, field-specific textbook, but the content is simultaneously dense and clear. For example, Chapter 7 addresses scale reliability and validity. In just a few short pages, we get an incredible density of information and terminology, from a formula and brief explanation of Chronbach's alpha to exploratory factor analysis as a method to demonstrate convergent and discriminant validity. There is an appropriate number of tables to visually demonstrate complex topics in-text. Overall, the chapters are well-organized and easy to follow with a working knowledge of basic stats. The introductory chapters have been intentionally placed to introduce readers to basic principles. The following chapters could be assigned as readings in any order that fit with the student's needs (but I find the order of these chapters appropriate, as-is): Chapter 9 Survey Research, Chapter 10 Experimental Research, Chapter 11 Case Research, Chapter 12 Interpretive Research, Chapter 13 Qualitative Analysis, Chapter 14 Quantitative Descriptive Statistics, Chapter 15 Quantitative Inferential Statistics. The final chapter, 16, covers Research Ethics, which seems to have been lopped on at the end of the text. It would be a better fit in the first third; perhaps integrated into one of the first several chapters with a nod toward the evolution of social research.

Regarding navigation, the pdf online version does not allow for creative navigation through the document. Graphics and charts are clear and easy to see in the online pdf version. They are a little smaller than I would like on the page, but the text is clear and the tables and graphs are visually appealing. It looks like most of the graphics were created using PowerPoint. One odd thing I noticed is that the paragraph spacing is inconsistent. In one section, the spacing between paragraph lines seems to be set at 1.25, and then, for no apparent reason, the line spacing moves back to single space. This is not visually distracting, just peculiar. Overall, the graphics in the online version are much clearer than in the softcover print version, which prints only in greyscale, with quite a bit of granulated distortion in the figures.

I did not notice any writing errors.

The research topic examples represented a diverse array of research topics, methods, fields, etc. The overview of science, scientific research, and social science was welcomed and unique to this text. Some areas for improvement would be to include historical scientific figures who are not all male, and link critical methodology in a clearer manner with specific critical and cultural examples of this form of research.

Reviewed by Lee Bidgood, Associate Professor, East Tennessee State University on 10/29/19

The text seems comprehensive, covers a wide range of research approaches, and parts of the research process. I will have to supplement with more of the area-specific writing that my students need, but this is easily added in the adapted version... read more

The text seems comprehensive, covers a wide range of research approaches, and parts of the research process. I will have to supplement with more of the area-specific writing that my students need, but this is easily added in the adapted version of this text that I plan to produce.

This text seems to follow the path of other texts that outline research design and methods, such as the Creswell book that I have used for several semesters. I do not detect bias in the text, or any significant errors.

I will discuss disciplinary relevance rather than chronological applicability (which other reviewers have already addressed thoroughly). The course for which I seek a textbook is meant to prepare students in a non-discipline-specific regional studies context, and for a range of methodologies and research design possibilities, mostly in the social sciences and humanities. This text is most relevant to the potential research programs of our students in discussions of the precursors to research design in Chapter 2 (“Thinking like a researcher”) and of the using and creating of theory in Chapter 4 (“Theories in Scientific Research”).

The authors’ prose is clear and easily comprehensible. Definitions are clear, and sufficient (jargon is explained). There could be more examples to clarify and assure comprehension of concepts, I plan to add these in my adaptation.

There is not an overt intra-chapter organization scheme that is consistent from chapter to chapter--each chapter differs in the sorts of content, that some sort of generic outline would feel forced, I think. The “feel” of the text, though, is consistent, and effectively conveys the content.

Because it uses footnote citations instead of endnotes / parenthetical citations, each page contains all of the references contained on it, which helps with modularity. The portions of the text that are less relevant to the course I teach (i.e. the more technical and statistical chapters, such as Chapters 6, 7, 8, 14, and 15 are easily omitted; I will be able to adapt portions of this text (i.e. the discussion of sampling in Chapter 8) without needing to provide all of the chapters. Some of the more technical vocabulary will require editing and explanation, but this seems manageable for me as an adapter.

The book is logically organized and the topics make sense in the order presented. I agree with another reviewer that the ethics portion seems like an appendix, rather than an essential and structural part of the book. As I adapt this text, I would address ethics at the beginning (as I do in my current teaching of research methods) and infuse the topic through other sections to address ethics-related concerns at all stages of research design and implementation. The author’s choice to use footnotes for references is not the one that seemed logical to me at first - it seems “elegant” to put all the references in a list at the rear of a book; now, reading through the whole text, however, I see some value to having the entirety of a citation at hand when reading through the main body of the text. Still, I miss the comprehensive list of works cited at the end of the book, which I would add to a text that I create, since an e-text is not limited by the economics of physically-printed books.

The text is workable as presented in the PDF document that I downloaded. Charts and other imagery are usable. There are no extra navigation features (a link to take a reader to the table of contents in a header or footer, etc.). I am left wondering if, in a PDF form, an OER textbook would be more useful with more navigation features, or if they might make the document buggy, cluttered, or otherwise affect use.

I did not detect any issues with grammar, usage, etc. in the text.

There is a lack of specific examples that might lend a sense of wide scope / global appeal to the textbook, and create an inclusive atmosphere for a reader/student. The author has stated that they hope to translate and widely distribute the text - perhaps, as is the case in the syllabus that the author provides, the hope is that in use for a course, additional readings will provide local knowledge and place-, culture-, and discipline-specific details and context.

This is a solid text that will provide a framework for adaptation in another disciplinary / area context.

Reviewed by Kevin Deitle, Adjunct Associate Professor, TRAILS on 10/6/19

I am pleased with the coverage in the text; it includes the history and foundations of research, as well as chapters on ethics and a sample syllabus. The structure and arrangement of the book differs from my own understandings of research and how... read more

I am pleased with the coverage in the text; it includes the history and foundations of research, as well as chapters on ethics and a sample syllabus. The structure and arrangement of the book differs from my own understandings of research and how I present it in class, but all the material covered in my class appears in the text, and it can be ordered to fit my syllabus. This text spends more time with statistics than I include in a research course, but again, that can be omitted or just used for reference. The book does not include either an index or a glossary, which is unfortunate for anyone who wants a paper version. Of course, most students seem to prefer an electronic text, so I assume they use a search function rather than an index.

I have not spotted any glaring errors, other than an occasional grammatical slip or a cumbersome edit. The author includes a few citations, usually following APA style, but employs footnotes instead of a reference section. The content mostly aligns with my own conceptions of research, although it does have a different arrangement from my presentation in class. This does not suggest that the content is wrong, only that I would likely rearrange it to suit my instructional sequence. I sense no bias in the presentation, including the historical or ethical portions, or sections that mention religion. I’m comfortable that I could rely on this book in class without worrying over slanted content or editorialization.

Research is something of a traditional topic, in the sense that changes or evolutions move at a comfortably slow pace. I expect there is very little of this text that is likely to become obsolete any time soon. The flip side is there is little in this book that is necessarily cutting-edge, but that is not the fault of the author at all. And in the unforeseeable situation where a new protocol or a new advance in either statistics or research warrants an update, I think the organization and the modular design will allow that to happen without major upheavals in the structure or arrangement of the text.

As mentioned elsewhere, the writing is comfortably academic without becoming dense or burdensome. I have seen introductions to research that were more casual and probably fit a beginner audience better than this would, but I daresay this is intended as a core text for a graduate-level class, and for that reason, can be expected to sound less approachable and more authoritative. The text employs features for fast visual reference, to include breaks in the text to allow for visual elements, and bolded text where key terms are introduced or defined. While this would probably not be a particularly exciting text for a self-study course, it will sit well with classes that need a reference text that takes the time to explain concepts with some authority.

Structurally the author has a style and sticks to it throughout the text. Visually this book is sparse, and it will require some effort on the part of the professor to make the content digestible in a classroom environment. However, that also suggests that the arrangement and format remain predictable from the first page to the last, without any surprises in presentation or discourse. Research has a tendency to step on its own toes when it comes to terminology, but this text follows those conventions for the most part, making it mostly congruent with other research texts I have seen. I think this book would complement other research texts without causing too many difficulties in terminology or arrangement.

The author suggests in the preface that the work was intended to be rearranged by sections, and I can appreciate how the chapters and structure support that statement. I do see this more as a foundational reference for a graduate-level course than a self-study text though, and it has the feel of a reference work to it. Text appears in large blocks, is illustrated sparsely, and has no callout texts or pull quotes. Key words are bolded but get no more embellishment, which again suggests a reference rather than an instructional work. I’m sure this material could be the groundwork for a more reader-friendly presentation, if someone wanted less of a reference and more of a textbook.

This might be the most appealing point of the text for me. As I mentioned earlier, I like the overall sequence that the author follows, but at the same time I can appreciate how the sections can be detached and still stand alone. The logic follows principles and theory through to fundamentals, then diverges to cover the details that fit more complex or esoteric versions of research. There is enough statistical explanation to avoid vague generalizations, but at points I expect it would overwhelm a beginner. I would prefer ethics was near the start of the text, rather than an epilogue; our course is arranged to require students to complete ethics training before they may pursue later assignments. But this is easily solved.

On the whole the text is satisfactory, the layout from page to page is acceptable, but there’s a minimum of graphic elements or visual components. Some of the statistical formulas or graphs are low-quality, or have suffered compression artifacts. Their appearance in the text is logical though, and the few tables or diagrams that do appear are in color, with arrows or labels to ease interpretation. The table of contents is primitive, and there is no way to navigate specific tables or diagrams except moving page by page in sequence. External sites are hyperlinked, and the table of contents has been designed for electronic use, but there are no cross-reference features. This gives the text the feel of a word processed document converted to a PDF format, intended to be printed. Overall, the core content is strong, as a printed book it is probably acceptable, but as an electronic textbook it lacks some contemporary features.

I have found very few grammatical errors or incomplete sentences, and none of those were so flagrant as to make the text unusable. If this had been submitted as an academic work it would likely earn some criticism for style or grammar (the author seems to follow APA style, but tends to footnote references simultaneously), but this never impedes the delivery. The text is readable at a collegiate level without becoming over-academic, or for that matter, casual.

The text manages to broach sensitive issues in a level and balanced format; in particular the ethics section manages to discuss some well-known failings in past research without becoming overly critical of the researcher or the participants. Arguably, research and its underlying processes are mostly mechanical (or at least standardized), meaning it is possible for individual researchers to violate cultural, ethnic, racial, or other boundaries, but the underlying science is generally unconcerned with those issues. In that sense, the book has very few opportunities to broach hot-button topics except when dealing with historical or ethical examples.

I appreciate this text as a starting point for a more accessible design, or as a background reference for a full course introducing social science research. I see it as a foundation text or an external source for students who seek a concise fallback for lessons, and with content that is compatible with other textbooks. In many ways it needs much more to compete with established textbooks or dedicated electronic learning tools, and in some places I would like more references for the material that is included. On the whole though, I would consider this as the core text for my next introductory research course.

Reviewed by Krystin Krause, Assistant Professor, Emory and Henry College on 4/10/19

This text covers the core elements of a social science research methods course at the undergraduate level. While the notes state it is intended for graduate coursework, I would have no problem teaching in my undergraduate courses. The concise... read more

This text covers the core elements of a social science research methods course at the undergraduate level. While the notes state it is intended for graduate coursework, I would have no problem teaching in my undergraduate courses. The concise chapters are undergraduate-friendly and will make a solid foundation with the addition of supplemental reading assignments that show examples of the concepts discussed in the textbook. There is no glossary or index, but keyword searching in the pdf copy is simple and effective.

The text seems to be an accurate reflection of social science research methods, particularly when considering causal inference and hypothesis testing. If your course is also covering descriptive inference, you would want to supplement the text with additional material.

Research methods is not a subject that changes quickly, and thus this text will not become obsolete quickly. The only things that may need updating over time are any links that lead to pages that no longer exist. Any other updates will be relatively easy and straightforward to implement.

The text is written in a style that is accessible for undergraduates. It follows the conventions of including relevant key words and phrases in bold and includes easy to follow definitions of terms. I anticipate that undergraduates will also appreciate how concise the text is.

The chapters are consistent in both terminology and framework. It offers a unified organization that also allows for mixing and matching chapters if an instructor wishes to teach the chapters out of order.

The organization of the text lends itself to be adapted to any introductory social science research methods course, regardless of what order the instructor wants to place the topics being discussed. Chapters could be taught out of order and can be subdivided accordingly.

While it is certainly possible to break apart to teach the text in a different order than how the chapters are originally offered, the progression of the text from the introduction to the chapters on qualitative data analysis is both logical and clear.

The text is free of interface issues, and charts and images appear to be clear and correct. The only exception to this are the links found in the sample syllabus at the end of the book. I was only able to get one of the links to work.

No grammatical errors jumped out at me. There are a few here and there, but they are not distracting for the reader.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive.

Because the book is concise, I would recommend its use in addition to other supplementary resources such as class lectures, academic articles that demonstrate the methods discussed in the textbook, and projects that allow students to experience the methods first-hand. It would make a good alternative to more elaborate basic research methods textbooks when the instructor wishes to keep costs for the students low.

Reviewed by Mari Sakiyama, Assistant Professor, Western Oregon University on 4/5/19

The textbook covers the major key elements that are essential in research methods for social science. However, both the breadth and depth of information might be too elementary for Ph.D. and graduate students. With the use of additional reading... read more

The textbook covers the major key elements that are essential in research methods for social science. However, both the breadth and depth of information might be too elementary for Ph.D. and graduate students. With the use of additional reading assignments (as he provides in his sample syllabus), this book could be a great base for further usage.

I did not notice any errors or unbiased content. The author had provided accurate information with simple/straightforward examples that can be understood by students with various discipline in social science.

Given the nature of the subject, the content is considered to be up-to-date. However, although there will not be too many changed expected in the research strategies and designs, it is important to note that some of the sampling procedure have been facing some changes in recent years (e.g., telephone survey, online sampling frame).

The textbook provided the content in a clear and concise manner. The author, instead of providing a complex list of academic jargon/technical terminologies, but rather clarified and explained these terms in a simple and straightforward fashion.

Overall, the content was consistent throughout the textbook. Starting with a broad/general statement of each chapter topic, the author narrowed it down to smaller element which is easy for the reader to follow and understand. As he provided in CH.6, it might be even more helpful to have summaries for each chapter.

This textbook is certainly divided into smaller segments, but maybe too small (short). However, as mentioned above, this problem can be solved by adapting additional readings.

The textbook is significantly reader-friendly and well-structured. Although some instructors prefer to cover some chapters earlier (or later) in their semester/term than others, this is just a personal preference. There are no issues with the author’s organization of the textbook.

Overall, the use of indentations, bolding, italicization, and bullet points, was consistent. However, many of the images were blurry (e.g., Figure 8.2, Table 14.1) and some fonts were smaller than others (i.e., pg. 34).

I did not notice any grammatical errors. Even I had missed some, they would not be destructions for the reader. (Note: The scale is confusing. What I mean by '5' is the least amount of grammatical errors were found)

The author did not use any concept that was insensitive or offended people and/or subjects from various backgrounds. (Note: The scale is confusing. What I mean by '5' is the least amount of cultural insensitivity or offensiveness were found)

See my comments above.

Reviewed by Candace Bright, Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University on 11/7/18

There are some key elements that I would expect to be in a social science research methods book that are missing in this book. I think this comprehensiveness may be appropriate for an undergraduate course (with some supplementation), but the text... read more

There are some key elements that I would expect to be in a social science research methods book that are missing in this book. I think this comprehensiveness may be appropriate for an undergraduate course (with some supplementation), but the text says it is written for a doctoral and graduate students.

The information in the book seems accurate. When necessary, it is cited appropriately.

The content is very relevant. Because the book focuses on methods, it does not need too much change over time. It was published in 2012. The main area that might need to be updated in the discussion regarding the Internet and how it impacts our research options. Perhaps more could be added on machine learning, AI, web-scraping, and social media in general. I increasingly see studies conducted either using social media content or recruiting through social media; neither of these are addressed in this book.

I really like the way the book is laid out. In particular, the qualitative and quantitative analysis sections are well organized. They succinctly cover a lot of information is a way that is very consumable. There were some instances, however, where I thought wording lacked clarity or definitions needed further explanation.

I do not see any issues with consistency.

I like the organization of this book and each chapter does a good job of standing alone on important topics within research methods. The sections within the chapters are clearly marked and logically organized.

The organization is clear and logical. It covers important concepts in research methods in the same order in which they are typically taught, with the exception of ethics. In this book, ethics comes last, whereas I would have taught it earlier.

This might be minor, but I noticed some places where the spacing was different and it was a little distracting. Overall, it is well formatted.

I didn't notice any grammatical errors.

Overall, the text book could use more examples and applied examples, but when present, I find them culturally appropriate.

I have mixed feeling on the image on the cover and the limited visuals within the book. I also don't feel like this textbook has enough visuals or figures that could be used to support comprehension of the materials. More examples would also be helpful. Overall, however, the author has presented a lot of information succinctly and I look forward to using this text (in parts) in future methods courses.

Reviewed by Alysia Roehrig, Associate Professor , Florida State University on 11/5/18

This text provides an overview of many important issues for my graduate research methods course in education. There are a few important topics missing, however. In particular, types of correlational designs and mixed-methods designs would be... read more

This text provides an overview of many important issues for my graduate research methods course in education. There are a few important topics missing, however. In particular, types of correlational designs and mixed-methods designs would be important to include. Likewise, single-subject designs are not mentioned at all. I will have to supplement these areas with other readings. I also think more about specific threats to internal and external validity should be provided, along with information about when and how certain threats are avoided. There is no glossary but being an online text, it is simple enough to search for certain terms.

Content seems to be error-free and unbiased for the most part. However, I have an issues with the language in chapter 2 about about strong and weak hypotheses because it seems to treat the experimental/causal hypotheses preferentially. The author also states that hypotheses should have IVs and DVs...but what about non-experimental hypotheses?? I think students could be misled by this and I think this requires a lot of unpacking. Thus, I do sense somewhat of a prejudicial treatment of quantitative and experimental research methods. I plan to add information to pages 13 and 15 about how qualitative methods do not involve testing hypotheses though the results might be an inductively derived hypothesis or nascent theory.

The content covered is pretty standard and basic and so not likely to be out-dated soon.

The writing is straightforward and easy to follow.

The use of terms and framework seems to be consistent throughout the book.

The chapter and subject headers all seem to be clear. They will make it easy to select sections for assignment or reordering if revising for use.

The order of topics makes sense and is aligned with the process of conducting research.

The hotlinks in the table of content are nice, but additional navigational aids would be helpful. For example, a back to the Table of Contents (TOC) button would be nice, as well we a list of all subsections (hotlinked) added to a long version of the TOC.

I have not noticed any egregious problems.

There are not many examples, which means there is little opportunity to offend.

Reviewed by Eddie T. C. Lam, Associate Professor/Editor-in-Chief, Cleveland State University on 9/12/18

The book provides ample information for a research course, but it may not meet the needs of every instructor. For this reason, the book should include a few more chapters so that course instructors can have more options for a semester-long... read more

The book provides ample information for a research course, but it may not meet the needs of every instructor. For this reason, the book should include a few more chapters so that course instructors can have more options for a semester-long research course. For instance, at least one chapter should be on nonparametric statistics and their applications on research studies, while another chapter should be on research paper writing (e.g., what should be included in the Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and so on). For the Appendix, it is nice to provide a sample syllabus for the instructors, but the students may want a sample research paper in proper journal or thesis/dissertation format.

Most of the information presented in this book is accurate. The author has mentioned in Chapter 5 (p. 37) that “construct validity” will be described in the next chapter, but I don’t see any construct validity in Chapter 6 or Chapter 7. In addition, the author may want to emphasize what “alpha is set to 0.05” means. Does it mean the p-value has to be less than 0.05 (p. 125) or p ≤ 0.05 (p. 130) to reject the null hypothesis?

In terms of content, the book has fairly good amount of information. However, it is also obvious that many terms appeared in the last few decades are missing from the book. For example, Survey Monkey and social media can be included in Chapter 9 (Survey Research) and structure equation modeling can be introduced in Chapter 15.

The information is presented in layman’s terms without any jargon. New terms are bolded with clear definition, and sometimes they are illustrated with examples.

The terminology and framework are consistent throughout the text.

The chapters are logically presented and they are grouped under different sections. As mentioned before, the text should add a few more chapters for the course instructors to select from.

In my opinion, “Chapter 16 Research Ethics” should not be standalone (under the “Epilogue”) and it could be part of the “Introduction to Research” (i.e., the first few chapters).

The text does not have any significant interface issues, though the font size of the figures can be larger (e.g., they should not smaller than the font size of the text).

Overall, the text contains very few grammatical errors. However, in a number of occasions, a comma is added for no reason, such as “. . . we must understand that sometimes, these constructs are not real . . .” (p. 44). It is also unnecessary to always add a comma before the word “because.”

The content of the text is not culturally insensitive, and the author does not present any offensive statements or comments anywhere in the text.

It’s time to have a second edition.

Reviewed by Amy Thompson, Associate Professor, University of South Florida on 6/19/18

This text is a nice overview of some of the key points in social science research. There are useful definitions of key terms throughout the book, although none of the chapters go into much depth. It should be noted that there is more of a focus on... read more

This text is a nice overview of some of the key points in social science research. There are useful definitions of key terms throughout the book, although none of the chapters go into much depth. It should be noted that there is more of a focus on quantitative research. Towards the end, there are three chapters with a qualitative focus, but they are brief.

Overall, the text seems accurate. There are some cases when the author gives advice that I don't agree with (i.e. advises against even-numbered Likert scale items, p. 48; encourages people not to do "trendy" research, such as that on new technology, p. 24). Even so, most of the information seems to be accurate.

The book is relevant. It gives a good overview of the theories and methods, which change little over time. I would suggest a few updates, however. Currently, there is controversy on the over-reliance of the p-value, and it would be useful to include some of this discussion on p. 125. Also, on p. 73, the author talks about "mail-in" and "telephone" surveys as a research method, and even goes on to say on p. 74 that most survey research is done by self-administered mail-in surveys with a pre-paid return envelop. This information needs to be updated, as currently, much of the survey research is done via online platforms.

The book is quite clear and provides succinct definitions.

The book seems consistent throughout.

The chapters are short and very readable. There would be no problem dividing the chapters up for a class, or using a portion of the book.

The topics are presented in a logical manner.

The text in some of the tables is blurry, especially when enlarging the PDF. Perhaps the print copy is clearer. The text outside of the tables is clear.

I didn't have any trouble reading or understanding the text.

This book is not offensive.

Overall, this is a good book to have as a reference or an additional text for a class. For my field, it wouldn't be sufficient to use as a stand-alone text. Although its intended audience is graduate students, it's a bit too basic for Ph.D. students, in my opinion. It would be a good text for an intro to research class at the UG or MA level, as a supplemental text. I would recommend it to Ph.D. students to use as a reference because of the key terms included. It's great that a resource like this is available for free to students and faculty in a wide variety of disciplines.

Reviewed by Huili Hao, Assistant Professor, University of North Carolina Wilmington on 5/21/18

This book provides an introductory and broad review of some of the key topics in social science research including research theories, research design, data collection, data analysis and research ethics Students from different disciplines in... read more

This book provides an introductory and broad review of some of the key topics in social science research including research theories, research design, data collection, data analysis and research ethics Students from different disciplines in social science will find these topics useful in developing their research method skills. However, the book falls short on the depth of the essential concepts. It would also benefit from offering more practical examples for some of the theories or terminology. A glossary is not found within the text, although the table of content lists the topics covered in each of the modules.

Overall, this textbooks seems to be accurate.

The relevancy and longevity of this book are great. It focuses on fundamental research methods as well as incorporates current research approaches. Given the nature of research method that does not change drastically, content is up-to-date and won’t make the text obsolete within a short period of time. The topics are written in the way that necessary updates will be relatively easy and straightforward to implement.

The text is written in a logical and concise fashion. The text is easy to follow. I did not find any jargon or technical terminology used without explanation.

The text consistently matches the topics outlined in the table of content.

The text is clearly organized into five modules: introduction to research, basics of empirical research, data collection, data analysis, and research ethics. It also includes a course syllabus, which is nice and useful. Each of the modules / chapters can also be used as subunits of a research method course without putting the reader at a disadvantage.

The table of content is clear and the chapters are organized in a logic order.

I downloaded the PDF version of the textbook and find it easy to read offline. The formatting, navigation and images/charts seems clear and appropriate.

I had no trouble reading or understanding the textbook.

Overall, this is a good textbook that covers a broad range of topics important in research method. As this textbook is designed as a succinct overview of research design and process, more practical topics are not included in much detail such as how to conduct different statistical analyses using SPSS or SAS, or how to interpret statistical analysis results. It would require additional materials / textbooks for graduate level research method courses.

Reviewed by Jenna Wintemberg, Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Missouri on 5/21/18

I use almost the entire text in an undergraduate Health Science research methods course. I do supplement the text with additional readings on: -selecting a research topic -developing a research question -how to read scholarly articles -how to... read more

I use almost the entire text in an undergraduate Health Science research methods course. I do supplement the text with additional readings on: -selecting a research topic -developing a research question -how to read scholarly articles -how to search the literature -mixed methods research -community-based participatory research -disseminating research findings -evidence-based practice

I have found this text to be accurate, error-free and unbiased.

The content is written in a way that will allow for longevity of use. I compliment this text with current peer-reviewed journal articles which are relevant to my students' career paths and can be updated more regularly.

I have found the book to be clearly written and appropriate for upper-level Health Science undergraduate students. Technical terminology is sufficiently defined.

The text uses a consistent framework throughout.

The text is easily divisible into smaller reading sections. I assign the chapters in an alternative order and students have not had problems with this.

I assign the chapters in an alternative order for my undergraduate students. For example, I have students read chapter 1 following by chapter 16 (research ethics).

There are no interface issues.

The text is free of grammatical errors

The text is not culturally offensive.

Because of the basic nature of the materials presented and clear writing, my upper level undergraduate students have done well with this text. The brevity of the chapters and bolded key terms particularly appeal to the students. I do have to supplement the text with journal articles and other materials. However, I am pleased with this straight-forward text and will continue to use it as the main text in my course moving forward.

Reviewed by Amy Thompson , Associate Professor, University of South Florida on 3/27/18

Reviewed by Debra Mowery, Assistant Professor, University of South Florida on 3/27/18

The text covers all of the areas of basic research information that I cover when I teach research and research methods in the social sciences. The table of contents is straight forward, and the chapters are arranged in a fluid, logical order. The... read more

The text covers all of the areas of basic research information that I cover when I teach research and research methods in the social sciences. The table of contents is straight forward, and the chapters are arranged in a fluid, logical order. The nice thing with this text is that you could rearrange as you see fit for your course without an issue. There is also a sample syllabus in the appendix which could be useful when setting up a course. I feel this text is great for students who may not necessarily be interested in research as a job prospect (their interests may be more clinical in nature) but need the basics of research in a clear, easy to understand, and straight forward format.

I felt the content of this text is accurate, unbiased, and free of any glaring errors..

This text appears to be up-to-date including issues such as web-based or internet surveys and questionnaires. I did see that the copyright for this text was 2012 so not sure if revisions or updates to the original have happened or not. It seems that there should be a way to document if this is the latest version of the text. This may be useful information for users of this text.

This textbook is written in a concise and easy to read and understand manner - it is very user-friendly. This is a plus for students - it means they may actually read the text! Jargon and acronyms were appropriately defined with an explanation of how the terms originated and came to be utilized in research. This is appealing to me as an instructor so there is background information for the students.

The consistency of this text is uniform throughout. One appealing issue I liked was the use of social science examples when explaining topics like theories or paradigms. In some research texts examples are utilized but they may not necessarily be in the discipline that you are teaching.

I do like that this text is divided into 16 chapters which is perfect for a 15/16 week semester. The chapters are not so overwhelming that other supporting readings cannot be assigned to students as well to assist with explanation of the weekly topic. The text serves as a great base for building weekly assignments/readings for students.

The majority of the text is presented in a logical format. One issue I had with the order of the chapters in the text was including Ethics at the end in the Epilogue as if it was an after thought. Ethics, ethical behavior, and rigor are a must in research and should be addressed early on in the research process. Having said this, I feel the chapter on Ethics should be moved up further in the chapter line-up (possibly to chapter 2 or 3).

I did not experience any navigation problems. There was however, distortion with many of the images especially the graphics that were utilized throughout the text. A review of the images/graphics and an update to them would be useful. If this e-text has not been updated since 2012 this may be the issue for the distorted figures.

There are a few grammar/spelling/word choice errors. The errors do not effect the content of the text but when reading it makes you pause and think - what is trying to be said here? It might be useful to the author to have the text proofread or copy edited to resolve these issues.

In reviewing this text I did not see any examples that might be deemed offensive or insensitive to other cultures, orientations, ethnicities, etc,

Reviewed by Kendall Bustad, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park on 2/1/18

This book covers all the important topics in social science research and is approachable regardless of discipline and course level (high school, undergraduate, graduate, and even post-graduate). It provides an introduction to philosophy as well as... read more

This book covers all the important topics in social science research and is approachable regardless of discipline and course level (high school, undergraduate, graduate, and even post-graduate). It provides an introduction to philosophy as well as components of research. You'll find yourself returning to the basics, and it gives strong foundations. Specifically, I find that the book provides a very comprehensive introduction to research philosophy and research designs, particularly in addressing how to come up with research questions, which is often a challenge for new doctoral students. However, due to the succinct nature of the book, some sections seemed lacking. Particularly, in the more practical steps of the research process (the data collection and data analysis sections)

The text does not seem to be biased in any way.

The content of the book is up-to-date. The text included relevant descriptions of current software commonly used in research.

If you want to have a compressed body of knowledge of social science research, you may read this one. Beneficial.

The text consistently matches the book outline. Terms were used consistently throughout the text.

Each chapter can stand along as a separate lecture. The headings, subheadings, an bold items are great additions that highlight important topics or definitions.

Most of the text flows in a logical, clear fashion. However, it may be clearer to have quantitative data analysis methods immediately follow quantitative data collection methods, and similarly for the qualitative data collection and analysis.

No issues noted.

There are a few grammatical errors.

There does not seem to be any culturally insensitive or offensive text.

Reviewed by Jason Giersch, Assistant Professor, UNC Charlotte on 2/1/18

The biggest challenge faced when writing a book about research methods is the decision about what NOT to include. Instructors and disciplines within the social sciences vary widely in terms of their expectations of students in an introductory... read more

The biggest challenge faced when writing a book about research methods is the decision about what NOT to include. Instructors and disciplines within the social sciences vary widely in terms of their expectations of students in an introductory methods course, and thus their needs from a textbook also vary. This textbook does an excellent job setting the stage for what we mean by "research" in the social sciences. Students will develop a solid foundation in the goals and rationales behind the methods social scientists employ. Students will also develop a comprehensive vocabulary in social science research methods. However, the book falls short in the development of students' research skills. Learning about methods is important, but not much is gained from that knowledge unless the student also learns how to execute at least some techniques. Furthermore, there is little guidance for the student regarding how to properly write a research paper, something that many instructors will find disappointing. This book is probably comprehensive enough for a 3-credit methods course with test-based assessments in a program where few students pursue graduate work. But if teaching students to actually conduct and write up research is important to the course, there are much better books out there (although at significant cost).

Content is accurate and unbiased.

The relevance and longevity are strong. This book describes some of the most current methods but still focuses on the foundations of research that will be appropriate for the foreseeable future. Updates could be easily made every five years or so to keep up with methodology.

The writing is very easy to follow with helpful examples. Prose is direct and to the point, giving only the essential information so as to allow the learner to develop a grasp of fundamentals. The section on theory, for example, is refreshingly clear for learners. Graphics aid in understanding the material in many parts.

This textbook uses consistent terminology and framework.

The textbook is appropriately structured for a standard 15 week course and even recommends a syllabus. Adapting it to other formats, like a 5 or 10 week summer course, might be tricky. There are ample headings and sub-headings, however, that allow the text to be divided into smaller chunks, which is nice to see given how many students feel overwhelmed by this topic.

Organization and flow is excellent. From an education and instructional standpoint, I wouldn't change the organization.

The simplicity of design is a strength -- students should have no difficulty opening and viewing the text on a wide variety of devices. On the downside, there are no bells and whistles that many some students have come to expect from online textbooks.

The casual writing style makes it very accessible, but one consequence is the very occasional grammar problem. It's a trade-off, I think, that is worth making.

Research methods are pretty "culturally-neutral", so there's nothing in it I would see as insensitive or offensive. That being said, the text recommends SPSS and SAS as software to use while neglecting free options (like R) or more ubiquitous programs (like Excel). For a textbook intended to keep costs at zero, these are glaring omissions.

I could certainly see this book being used as an accessible and low-stress introduction to the world of research methods in the social sciences. The main improvements I would like to see would be (1) sidebars throughout that guide students through the paper-writing process and (2) activities using datasets for students to actually perform some of their own quantitative analyses. Perhaps a companion volume could address these needs.

Reviewed by Nathan Favero, Assistant Professor, American University on 2/1/18

This text provides a fairly comprehensive coverage of topics. It is broad, hitting most of the major topics I need to cover in an intro PhD seminar for social science research methods (I'm teaching public administration/policy, political science,... read more

This text provides a fairly comprehensive coverage of topics. It is broad, hitting most of the major topics I need to cover in an intro PhD seminar for social science research methods (I'm teaching public administration/policy, political science, and criminology students). That said, there is not a ton of depth in this textbook. I don't view that as a negative; I prefer having a textbook that gives a basic outline of essential concepts and then fleshing this out with supplemental readings, but some might prefer a textbook that goes into more depth.

Overall, this textbook is accurate but not perfect. Sometimes I wish it was a bit more precise, particularly in coverage of quantitative topics. But I use another textbook to more fully cover quantitative topics anyway for my course.

I would say this textbook reads as modern and relevant, although perhaps it could do more to address emerging methodological concerns in social science disciplines (p-hacking, replication, pre-registration of research designs, etc.).

The textbooks is very accessible and easy to read for someone new to the disciplines of social science.

The book appears to be consistent.

I've assigned students to read the chapters in a different order than they are presented in the text had have not encountered any problems. Chapters are coherently organized into distinct topics.

The organization of the book is logical.

Overall, this book is easy to read and use. Graphs are not always high-resolution, but they are readable.

I have not noticed many grammatical errors.

I have not noticed any clear biases or insensitive handling of material in the book.

I'm delighted to have found this book. It's a great starting point for teaching my students to think about the basics of social science research and provides a nice skeleton on which I can layer more in-depth material for my course.

Reviewed by Holly Gould, Associate Professor, Lynchburg College on 8/15/17

The author states that the text is not designed to go in-depth into the subject matter but rather give a basic understanding of the material. I believe the author covers the necessary topics with enough depth to give the reader a basic... read more

The author states that the text is not designed to go in-depth into the subject matter but rather give a basic understanding of the material. I believe the author covers the necessary topics with enough depth to give the reader a basic understanding of social science research.

I found no errors in content and no observable bias in any of the chapters.

This text will continue to be relevant because of the nature of the subject matter. Updates may be needed to reflect more current research or trends, but no major changes should be necessary.

The text is written clearly and succinctly. The text is understandable for those who are new to the subject matter.

I found no inconsistencies in the text.

The text is divided into logical chapters, and subheadings seem to be appropriate. Chapters can be read fairly easily in isolation without putting the reader at a disadvantage.

The topics are presented in a logical fashion. Some of the chapters have summaries or conclusions, while other chapters seem to end abruptly. It would be helpful to the reader to have a summary statement at the end of each chapter.

I downloaded and read the text in a PDF reader and had no trouble with formatting, navigation, or images/charts.

The text contains some grammatical errors but the errors are minor and do not distract the reader.

This text is well written and I would recommend it to an individual looking for a bare bones book on basic research methods. It contains information essential to understanding quantitative and qualitative research. The charts and images provided enhance the understanding of the text. At times, the author digs a little deeper into background and formulas for certain statistical ideas, which may be unnecessary to someone looking to understand the basics (e.g. the formula for Cronbach's alpha). Some chapters seem to end abruptly while other chapters have excellent summaries or conclusions. There is one recommendation that goes against the prevailing wisdom on survey design. On page 77, the author indicates that a survey should begin with non-threatening questions such as demographic information. Many experts have written that these types of questions, when asked at the beginning of a questionnaire or survey, can affect the respondents' answers to subsequent questions and should be saved for the end. Aside from these minor issues, this text is a great resource and I recommend it.

Reviewed by Virginia Chu, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University on 4/11/17

The text offers an introductory overview to scientific research for PhD and graduate students in social sciences. It covers a broad range of topics, research theories, research process, research design, data collection methods, qualitative and... read more

The text offers an introductory overview to scientific research for PhD and graduate students in social sciences. It covers a broad range of topics, research theories, research process, research design, data collection methods, qualitative and quantitative research, statistical analysis, and research ethics. This book touches on many important topics related to the scientific research process that is typically found in several different text. As the author stated in the preface, this is an introductory book that is minimalist by design, it does not contain in-depth discussions or many examples. This is both a plus and a minus, as it makes the book more compact and allow it to be used by many different disciplines, but may be harder for students to relate. The comprehensive nature of the book allows the reader to be exposed to all the necessary topics, or provides a structure for a course instructor, who then supplements with additional materials to create the depth that is specifically tailored for their discipline. Specifically, I find that the book provides a very comprehensive introduction to research philosophy and research designs, particularly in addressing how to come up with research questions, which is often a challenge for new doctoral students. However, due to the succinct nature of the book, some sections seemed lacking. Particularly, in the more practical steps of the research process (the data collection and data analysis sections), as a new doctoral student will certainly need more details than what is provided in the text to begin their first research endeavor. For example, in the quantitative analysis section, only a handful of basic analysis were discussed in detail (univariate analysis, hypothesis testing, t-test, regression). I would like to see a more practical discussion of ANOVA, as it is a very commonly used statistical analysis tool. These topics may also be more discipline specific, where instructors of research classes can supplement with additional materials. The discussion on research ethics is certainly a nice addition to the book where many other research methods texts lack. An index/glossary is not included with the text, but the table of content clearly outlines the topics discussed for each module.

The book is overall accurate and unbiased. The book covered different social science research methods fairly. I did notice a discrepancy in Figure 5.1, where “single case study” is plotted on the graph as high in external validity, but the rest of the text frequently brought up case studies (especially single case studies) having the difficulty with generalizability which should have low external validity.

The content of the book is up-to-date. The text included relevant descriptions of current softwares commonly used in research. It will also stand against the test of time as research methods do not change drastically. The content can also be updated to reflect new technological updates. One needed update noticed is on page 120, where the authors cautioned that only smaller datasets can be stored in Excel and larger datasets needs a more elaborate database system. While the statement is still relevant, the numbers the author cited appear to be old and Excel has since been updated to handle larger datasets (1,000,000 observations and 16,000 items) than what the author had listed.

The content is written in a very clear and concise manner. It is easy to read and to follow the author’s arguments. I did not notice any jargon or technical term that was used without explanation.

The book has a modular organization, with each chapter designed to be used for a different lecture. Each chapter is a self contained unit that can be used as its own reading. Each chapter also has subsections that are clearly marked with subheadings. Important terms are also highlighted by bolding, making it easy for the reader to identify the important concepts.

The chapters of the book flows logically from one to the next. The current layout of the text groups all the data collection methods together and all the data analysis methods together. It may be clearer to have quantitative data analysis methods immediately follow quantitative data collection methods, and similarly for the qualitative data collection and analysis. This could be easily done based on the course instructor preference.

No interface issues noted.

The text is generally free of grammatical and spelling errors, with the exception of 2 minor typos noticed on page 139 (“Rik”, “riska”).

The text and examples provided are not culturally insensitive or offensive.

The text is easy to read and covers a broad and comprehensive range of topics important for research. I particularly enjoyed the discussion on research ethics which is often missing in many research methods texts. I would recommend discussing that topic earlier, together with research design, as many of these ethical issues and IRB requirements come up during research design phase. As the text is a meant to be a concise overview of the research process, the more practical topics are not covered in as much detail and would require supplementary material.

Reviewed by Brock Rozich, Instructor, University of Texas at Arlington on 4/11/17

The textbook covers the majority of what would be expected for a research methods course. It builds upon basic topics to more advanced concepts, so students from various backgrounds of research experience should still find the text useful. The... read more

The textbook covers the majority of what would be expected for a research methods course. It builds upon basic topics to more advanced concepts, so students from various backgrounds of research experience should still find the text useful. The glossary for the text is clear and a sample syllabus is provided by the author for individuals wishing to use this text for their course. The text was lacking an index, which would prove helpful for students.

The text is accurate and up-to-date with research methods in the social sciences. A variety of data collection methods and concepts are discussed in an easy to understand manor.

The content is up-to-date with research methods in the social sciences. The text should be able to prove useful for a research methods or as supplementary material for a statistics course for the foreseeable future. While I looked through this text with a focus on using it for a psychology course, I feel that this text would be useful across other fields as well.

The book was clear and built upon concepts in a thorough manner. Technical terms were well defined, though as mentioned previously, an index would be helpful for this text for students to look up key terms if they became lost. The text would be useful for an upper-level undergraduate or introductory graduate level course.

The text is consistent throughout. There were no notable deficiencies in any of the content provided in each chapter.

The course is broken down into logical subsections and chapters. Introductory topics relating to research methods are provided early and are built upon in subsequent chapters. A sample syllabus and course outline are provided for instructors who wish to utilize the text for their class.

The book is constructed in a well-organized fashion, without any issues of chapter structure.

The PDF version of the text worked wonderfully on a laptop, with no issues of navigation or distortion of images. This text was not, however, viewed on a tablet or e-reader, which many students use for classes. Based solely on use of a PDF file on a laptop, the interface was flawless, however, if you are considering using this for a class, I would test it out on an e-reader/tablet first to make sure there are no issues with format/text size, etc.

The book did not appear to have any noticeable grammar or syntactical errors.

There were no notable instances of cultural insensitivity throughout the text. Examples were broad and not specific to an individual race or culture.

This is a wonderful open source option for a main text for a research methods course or as a supplementary option for a statistics course that also focuses on data collection.

Reviewed by Divya Varier, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University on 2/8/17

The textbook adequately covers most fundamental concepts related to research methods in the social sciences. Areas that would need attention: a chapter introducing mixed methods research, and a deeper discussion on Research Ethics. More social... read more

The textbook adequately covers most fundamental concepts related to research methods in the social sciences. Areas that would need attention: a chapter introducing mixed methods research, and a deeper discussion on Research Ethics. More social science based examples on specific research designs, experimental research would be great. The research process could include steps involved in academic research with information on the publishing and peer review process.

Content is accurate for the most part. I would have liked a more nuanced discussion of reliability and validity concepts- introducing the concept of validity as conceptualized by Messick/Kane is needed. In social science, especially education (the field I work in), masters/ doctoral students need to be introduced to the complex nature of establishing reliability and validity. While the content covered is detailed, a more critical introduction of the concepts as being situated in the obtained scores as opposed to the instrument itself would have made the chapter stronger.

Content is for the most part up to date (see above comments for specific areas: reliability, validity, mixed methods); some examples may become outdated very soon (example of political movements in middle eastern countries for example).

The writing is excellent in terms of clarity. I appreciate the use of straight forward language to explain the multitude of concepts!

The text is consistent in its overall approach to research methods as well as consistent in its use of terminology.

Bold font for key terms is appreciated. More insets/boxes within chapters would be a great addition visually. Addition of research studies and discussion questions would be great.

The chapters are well-organized. Only suggestion would be to introduce research ethics early on in the book.

No issues whatsoever in this regard.

No issues with grammar

The text is best suited for universities in western countries although I did not identify any insensitivity that would hinder teaching and learning of research methods using this textbook elsewhere.

Specific chapters in this book will be useful for me, from an instructor's perspective. For example, Chapter 2 - 'thinking like a researcher' is wonderfully written. The chapter on Interpretive Research and Qual. Data Analysis are thorough and clear in presentation of concepts- I definitely would use these chapters in my Research Methods class.

Reviewed by Rachel Lucas-Thompson, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University on 12/5/16

As acknowledged by the author in the preface, this is intended as a survey book that doesn't cover all topics in great detail. The upside is that this is a flexible text that can be used in many disciplines; the down side is that the text is short... read more

As acknowledged by the author in the preface, this is intended as a survey book that doesn't cover all topics in great detail. The upside is that this is a flexible text that can be used in many disciplines; the down side is that the text is short on examples, which reduces readability. I also prefer a textbook that provides a more detailed discussion of the following issues, but could supplement the textbook with these discussion in class: a) confounding variables, b) writing a research report, and the parts of a research report, c) evaluating the internal and external validity of a study, d) how we handle Likert and Likert-type scales (with better reflection of the rich controversy about this issue), e) historical background that has informed our current ethical guidelines, and f) more detail about manipulated vs. observed independent variables. Also, the 'research process' section doesn't include a step for going through IRB review and approval, so overlooks an important step in social science research. I think more detail is provided about paradigms and theories than is necessary, but those chapters and sections could be left out of course reading assignments quite easily.

In general, I think this textbook would be best suited to a course where the textbook is seen as an overview to supplement course discussions rather than a detailed coverage of research methods principles.

As far as I can tell, the book is accurate. There are some terms that the author uses that are not widely used in my field (developmental psychology, human development & family studies) but the descriptions are clear enough that I think students will be able to understand what is meant (however, it would be great to acknowledge and discuss some of these variations in terminology so the burden isn't entirely on the students who are still learning these concepts).

Research methods and statistics content are unlikely to change rapidly, although with the increasing use of ecological momentary assessments, daily diaries, and internet sampling techniques, it might be useful down the road to include more detail about those techniques.

The book is easy to read and follow, although the lack of examples to clarify concepts sometimes reduces the clarity of ideas (but is in keeping with the philosophy of the book).

I haven't spotted any problems with internal consistency.

It would be very easy to divide this into smaller reading sections and assign at different time points.

In general the organization makes sense; the only exception is having research ethics as an epilogue, when ethical issues need to be considered before a study is completed.

My two suggestions for increasing are a) hyperlinking the table of contents so that it was easier to find exactly what you want in the textbook, and b) providing a more detailed table of contents (with subheadings) so it's easier to determine where in chapters you should reference.

I haven't found any grammatical errors.

The text is neither culturally insensitive nor offensive.

I think this book is very well-suited for intro graduate level courses in research methods, as long as instructors are comfortable with this as an overview supplement rather than a detailed stand alone resource for students.

Reviewed by Robin Bartlett, Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro on 12/5/16

Generally the major topics are covered. The table of contents (chapter listing) makes it easy to find content. Occasionally I found what I thought was a topic covered only minimally in a chapter - but then found additional information in a later... read more

Generally the major topics are covered. The table of contents (chapter listing) makes it easy to find content. Occasionally I found what I thought was a topic covered only minimally in a chapter - but then found additional information in a later chapter (e.g., treats to internal validity). Overall I'd say in comparison to most other texts with which I am familiar that most all topics are covered, to some degree, but some topics are covered less than I would expect in a doctoral level textbook.

I found no errors in fact in the textbook. I found it to be written in an accurate and unbiased manner.

Primarily due to the topic covered (research methods), I do not believe the text will become obsolete in a short period of time. I think updates could be easily added, and if the author decided to cover some topics more thoroughly, that could be accomplished relatively easily, too.

The book is written in an easy to read style. It is easy to understand. Technical terminology is explained appropriately. The author puts many words in bold type and then defines or describes the word. Students will like this approach.

I had no issues as I reviewed the book in terms of consistency of terms used. The text is internally consistent.

The chapters of the book are separated by natural divisions. It would be easy to use this book in a course on research methods, in fact, there is a syllabus included at the end of the book that could be used by a faculty member when course creating.

The textbook topics are presented in a logical fashion. The ordering isn't necessarily the same order I have seen in other texts, but the order is reasonable.

I had no major interface problems as I reviewed the book. Some of the diagrams in the book are a little out of focus, but, they are still readable.

I found no grammatical errors in the sections of the book that I read.

I found no cultural insensitivity in the text. I noticed the examples cited were from articles written by authors from different countries.

The book is easy to read and fairly comprehensive in terms of topics covered. Some topics are covered in less detail than in some other books I've had the chance to read / review. I am most accustomed to finding discussion of theories in separate texts and presentation of statistics that might be used to analyze quantitative data in separate texts. There are even a couple of chapters on qualitative methods in this book. So, the book covers a wide variety of topics and introduces them in a clear way. Topics are not covered in as comprehensive way as in many texts.

Reviewed by Kelly Pereira, Assistant Professor, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro on 12/5/16

This text offers a comprehensive overview of social science research methods appropriate for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. The text covers the basic concepts in theory, research design and analysis that one would expect of a text... read more

This text offers a comprehensive overview of social science research methods appropriate for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. The text covers the basic concepts in theory, research design and analysis that one would expect of a text geared toward the social sciences in general. The text could be easily adapted and/or supplemented to fit any discipline-specific needs. While the text covers a broad array of topics, it is a bit superficial and lacks depth in some areas. More examples and case studies, for example, could improve the text's thoroughness. The text also lacks an index, glossary and discussion questions, all of which would have been quite useful for a text of this nature. I do like that it includes a chapter on research ethics and an appendix with a sample syllabus, however.

Based on my review, the text's content is accurate, error-free and unbiased. I liked that it presented both qualitative and quantitative research methods fairly, as this divide is often a source of bias.

The text contains up-to-date approaches to research methods and presents classic theoretical debates. The methods presented should not become obsolete in the near future. Any new trends in research methodology could be easily updated in future versions of this text. I feel the text will be relevant and useful for multiple years.

The text is generally well written. It presents the information in a clear and concise way. I find it provides sufficient contextualization and examples for graduate students with some background already in research methods. Undergraduates will likely require supplemental materials and additional case studies to grasp some of the concepts covered. The illustrations do help guide understanding of concepts presented.

The terminology and research methods frameworks presented in the text are consistent. The use of bolded terms and illustrations throughout the text provide additional consistency.

The division of the text into the following sections: theoretical foundations, concepts in research design, data collection and data analysis, make it easy for instructors to structure a course and assign readings based on these main foundational areas. This format also enables instructors to easily supplement with other materials.

Overall, this is a well-organized text. Bolded words/phrases throughout the text provide some structure to guide reading. The text is divided into 16 chapters, which corresponds seamlessly with a 16-week semester. This enables instructors to cover one chapter per week, if they so desire, or optionally spend more time on chapters relevant to their course and exclude others. As mentioned earlier, the logical division of the text chapters into the areas of theory, research design, data collection and data analysis, lends to a soundly-structured course and facilitates the assignment of readings and other coursework.

I did not experience any issues with the text's interface, navigation or displays of images/illustrations. The text is in PDF format.

I did not notice any grammatical errors that impeded reading of the text.

I did not come across any culturally-insensitive or offensive passages in the text.

Reviewed by Peter Harris, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University on 12/5/16

This is a comprehensive overview of research design and research methods in the social sciences. The book's introductory sections offer a discussion of the philosophy of science, the history of science, and definitions of some key terms and... read more

This is a comprehensive overview of research design and research methods in the social sciences. The book's introductory sections offer a discussion of the philosophy of science, the history of science, and definitions of some key terms and concepts, which will help students to contextualize their own endeavors - and their own discipline(s) - inside a larger framework. It also tackles the more familiar topics of research design - conceptualization, measurement, sampling, and so forth - and several specific approaches to data-collection. Overall, then, the book is to be commended for tackling both the philosophical issues at stake in research design as well as the 'nuts and bolts' (or 'brass tacks') of actually doing research.

One of the book's touted selling-points is its focus on phases of research that precede data collection. That is, the book aims to train students not only in research methods, but also in the critical tasks of theorizing problems, generating research questions, and designing scientific inquiries - what the author refers to as 'thinking like a researcher.' This is certainly a welcome addition to a textbook on research design, and ought to help students to overcome some familiar stumbling blocks that seem to present themselves during graduate programs.

Because of its breadth, however, parts of the book can sometimes seem thin and underdeveloped. In particular, the chapters on data collection (specific research methods) are less detailed and comprehensive than other books manage to provide. It is hard to give a detailed 'how to' guide to either survey research, experiments, case studies, or interpretive methods in just 10 pages. As a result, instructors will almost certainly want to supplement this book with more detailed material, perhaps tailored to their specific discipline.

Even so, this book is an excellent backbone for an undergraduate or graduate class on research methods. It will have to be read in conjunction with discipline-specific guides to conducting research (and, most likely, alongside examples of good and bad research), but this does nothing to detract from the book's own value: it will certainly offer a valuable overview of key concepts, ideas, and problems in research design and data-collection, and will serve students throughout the duration of their studies and not just for one class.

This book is accurate, error-free, and as unbiased as it is possible to be in the social sciences. Of course, it is possible to imagine those who simply hold different views about what social science "is" or should be; some scholars might bristle at the notion that only knowledge produced according to the narrow strictures of the scientific method can be considered "scientific knowledge," for example, while others might balk at interpretivism being given parity of esteem with what they see as more rigorous methodological practices. But for the broad mainstream of the social sciences, there will be little in this book that stands out as unusual, controversial, or one-sided.

On the whole, the content of this book will remain relevant for a long time. After all, the basics of the scientific method and the fundamentals of research design seem unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. New and cutting-edge strategies of data collection and theory-testing do emerge, of course, but these are probably best delivered to students in the form of discipline-specific books or articles that could be assigned to complement this textbook, which deals more with foundations than it does with current debates.

The book is organized well and information is presented in a clear way. The prose is accessible and each chapter proceeds methodically.

This text is certainly consistent, and proceeds according to a methodical and logical structure. Key terms and concepts are introduced early on, and there are no 'surprises' in later chapters.

This book is organized into chapters, each of which could be used as the keystone reading for a given class session, and each chapter is broken down in easy-to-digest sections, making the book as accessible as possible. The fact that there are 16 chapters mean that the book could support 16 separate class sessions - that is, just enough to orient classroom discussion for an entire semester. That said, each module does not comprise sufficient material for a whole week; the chapters will need to be supplemented with extra reading material, especially in graduate seminars. It is unlikely that instructors will want to assign only part of a given chapter. Overall, the text reads well as a whole and in terms of its individual chapters.

The chapters for this book are organized into five sections: the introductory section, a section dealing with the basics of empirical research, sections on data collection and data analysis, and a final section that deals with ethics in research. This is a sensible and logical structure for the book, and nothing seems out of place. Again, the book is an accessible and smooth read; it will pose no challenges to an informed reader, and there will be nothing in the organization of the book that will be distracting or irritating.

As a single PDF, this book is easy to navigate.

I noticed no spelling or grammatical errors in this well-written book.

I can detect no culturally insensitive or offensive remarks in this book.

It is worth mentioning that this text ought to serve students well throughout their undergraduate studies, graduate careers, and beyond. It is a timeless - if necessarily limited - resource, and be returned to again and again.

Reviewed by Tamara Falicov, Associate Professor, University of Kansas on 8/21/16

The book is divided into sixteen chapters, which seemed a bit intimidating at first. I later realized that they are not necessarily very long chapters; it varies in terms of the topic. This makes the book quite comprehensive in that the book could... read more

The book is divided into sixteen chapters, which seemed a bit intimidating at first. I later realized that they are not necessarily very long chapters; it varies in terms of the topic. This makes the book quite comprehensive in that the book could be used for the length of the semester, one chapter per week. This is a useful model and one can add or subtract if needed. For example, the beginning chapter which discusses what science is and uses vocabulary from the hard or natural sciences may not necessarily be relevant in a social science course, but the author is being comprehensive by explaining the origins of science and the creation of the scientific method.The vocabulary in bold is extremely effective throughout the book.

The book is meticulously researched and I did not note any egregious statements or inaccuracies. There was one strange sentence when the author was trying to contrast a liberal to a conservative’s viewpoint on page 18 that made this reader feel a bit uncomfortable in how one ideological viewpoint was portrayed, but I’m not sure it was necessarily bias; perhaps just the writing was a bit heavy handed

The book makes sure of updated case examples, discusses how students utilize the internet for research, etc. The theories outlined here are the classic important debates, and the breadth of knowledge the author imparts is extremely comprehensive and up to date. this book could definitely stand on its own for many years before changes in the field might necessitate updating.

I found the textbook to be a refreshing read. The writing is very accessible and clear, but can be dense at times (though not in a problematic way—it means that with some of the more challenging material, the students will have to dig a little deeper to glean the information. The writing was very crisp, and to the point.

The book is written in a careful, consistent manner. As mentioned earlier, the vocabulary words in bold are consistent signposts, and there are citations (not too many, not too few) that help structure the book and provide a cogent framework. Sometimes there are summaries and bullet points, and other times there aren’t, so this is not exactly consistent, but it doesn’t detract from the overall work.

The chapters are excellent stand alone essays that could be used interchangeably. Some of them, such as the first chapter, is historical and philosophical, but not essential to understanding social science research methods. The second and third chapters are excellent for the researcher who is just starting out to formulate a research question. It helps them to think about the various theories and approaches available to them in terms of the angle, focus and methodology selected. The later chapters explain in greater detail various kinds of methods such as how to measure constructs, and scale reliability. These are higher order concepts which would be useful to graduate students—chapters 1-3 could not only work for graduate students, but also for upper division undergraduates.

The book was structured in a logical progression. There were no problems there. There was some repetition with various terms such as Occum’s razor, but this is because there is some overlap with concepts which I think is fine, given that some chapters may not be used in the course of a semester.

No problems with typeface, the diagrams and graphs are incredibly useful in breaking down more complex research methods.

There were no problems with syntax, grammar, spelling that I came across, except for a minor typo in chapter 9 in the table of contents.

I felt that the author was careful in his selection of case students to try to be inclusive and culturally sensitive. There was that one sentence that raised eyebrows about liberals versus democrats that I mentioned previously, but it wasn’t a major deal.

I found this book to be extremely useful and of high quality. I will to recommend it to a colleague who is teaching research methods next semester in a different department.

Reviewed by Yen-Chu Weng, Lecturer, University of Washington on 8/21/16

Dr. Bhattacherjee’s book, Social Science Research, is a good introductory textbook for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students to learn about the research process. Whereas most research methods textbooks either focus on “research... read more

Dr. Bhattacherjee’s book, Social Science Research, is a good introductory textbook for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students to learn about the research process. Whereas most research methods textbooks either focus on “research design” or on “data analysis”, this book covers the whole research process – from theories and conceptual frameworks to research design, data collection, and analysis. This book is structured as four modules and is very adaptable to instructors who want to teach any portions of the book.

Social science is a quite diverse field, including studies of socio-economic data, human behaviors, values, perceptions, and many others. Not only are the topics wide-ranging, but the research methods and the underlying philosophy of science also vary. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to write a textbook that includes everything. Dr. Bhattacherjee’s book is a nice overview of all these different methods commonly used in the social sciences. It aims for breadth, but not depth. Once could use this book as an entry to the field, but would need to seek additional resources for specific methods or analytical skills.

Based on my review of the book, the content is accurate, error-free and unbiased. However, better consistency with terminology often used in other related fields (such as statistics) would lessen students’ confusion with concepts.

Research methods are not time-sensitive topics and are not expected to change much in the near future. The inclusion of some cases or examples showcasing how social science research methods can be applied to current events or topics would help illustrate the relevance of this book (and social science research).

The book is very clear and accessible. It’s written in a way that is easy to understand. Important terminologies are bolded and these are good signposts for key concepts. A glossary summarizing definitions for the key terminologies would help students understand these key concepts. The book includes some helpful figures illustrating concepts in research design and statistics.

Overall, the book is very consistent.

The author, Dr. Bhattacherjee, structured the book following the research process – from theories, to research design, data collection, and analysis. Each module can be a standalone unit and is very adaptable to instructors who want to teach with either the whole book or individual modules. Although each module is mostly self-contained, it is impossible not to refer to other chapters since research is an iterative process. However, I do not expect this to be a huge problem for someone who wants to teach only a section of the book.

The fact that this book is structured as modules also makes it expandable. For those who want to teach only the philosophy of science or only the research design portion, they can add more details and in-depth discussion to these topics.

The book is well-organized and flows well with the research process. The chapters are clearly titled as well as the subheadings. Some numbering with the subheadings would help with navigation. In addition, a chapter summary/conclusion would also help with summarizing the main concepts of a chapter (some chapters do have a summary, but not all chapters).

The flow of the first module (Introduction to Research) is sometimes confusing – the book jumps between big ideas (scientific reasoning, conceptual framework) and specific details (variables, units of analysis) several times in the first four chapters. I thought that reorganizing the chapters as Ch1, Ch4, Ch3, Ch2 would flow better (from big ideas to specific details).

Since the book is organized by the research process, not by the type of research (qualitative vs. quantitative), Module 3 (Data Collection) and Module 4 (Data Analysis) cover both types of research. As a result, the flow/connection between each chapter are less clear. By reorganizing these two modules into “qualitative research methods and data analysis” and “quantitative research methods and data analysis”, not only would improve the flow of the book, but also better serve researchers who are interested in a particular type of research.

There are no major problems with the book’s interface. Each chapter is clearly titled. I would like to see the subheadings being numbered as well. If the PDF could have the Table of Contents on the sidebar, it would improve the navigation even more.

There are no grammatical errors noticed.

There are no culturally insensitive or offensive materials noticed. The few examples used in the book are very general and not controversial.

This book is a nice walk-through guide for researchers new to the field of social science research. One thing I would recommend adding is examples and cases. With more examples and cases, students would be able to put research methods into context and practice how they can apply the methods to their own research projects.

Reviewed by Dana Whippo, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Economics, Dickinson State University on 1/7/16

For its purpose, as introduced by the author, this is appropriately comprehensive. However, it is much more brief, more concise, than traditional research methods texts for undergraduates – which the text does not claim to be. It lays a sufficient... read more

For its purpose, as introduced by the author, this is appropriately comprehensive. However, it is much more brief, more concise, than traditional research methods texts for undergraduates – which the text does not claim to be. It lays a sufficient foundation, with room and expectation for the professor to supplement with additional materials. Supplementing would be important if using this in an undergraduate classroom. I appreciate that the author emphasizes the process of research, and takes the time to address, in the first four chapters, the logic and process of research in a way that allows the text to be used in multiple disciplines. Indeed, this is one of the strengths of the book: that it can be used broadly within the social sciences. The text does not provide either an index or a glossary. This is more challenging when planning for its use in an undergraduate research methods class; however, I think that the strengths of this book outweigh the weaknesses.

I have not noticed any errors or bias. The only issue I’ve noticed, as indicated in other parts of the review, is depth. Doctoral students would bring in a sufficient foundation for reading this on their own; undergraduates will need scaffolding and additional resources to competently understand the complexity inherent in research.

The content does not read in a way that seems (either now or in the future) likely to read as dated or obsolete. The discussion of survey methodology and analysis programs will change with technology, but that should be easy to update. One of the book’s strengths is its focus on the foundation of research methods: the relationship between theory and observation, the understanding of science, and the logic that underlies the process of research.

The book is well-written and concise. Bearing in mind the author’s stated target audience of graduate and doctoral students, it is entirely reasonable that this would require additional work and instructor support (extra time and explanations for definitions and examples, for instance) when used in an undergraduate classroom.

The terminology is consistent throughout.

Faculty would be able to easily divide the text into smaller sections, which would be useful as those smaller reading sections could be combined with targeted supplementary materials.

The topics generally flow well as presented; the only exception is having the section on research ethics at the end. However, this chapter would be easy to assign earlier in the semester.

I did not have any problems with respect to interface issues.

I did not notice any grammatical errors that interfered with the reading process.

I did not notice any offensive comments or examples. The book is brief by design; it does not include the numerous examples that populate the traditional undergraduate research methods text. I did not find it offensive or insensitive.

Reviewed by Andrew Knight, Assistant Professor of Music Therapy, Colorado State University on 1/7/16

I have not seen a more comprehensive text for this topic area, and yet it retains a concision that I would have appreciated as a PhD student when I took courses in research methods. I think that the text may lend itself to several different types... read more

I have not seen a more comprehensive text for this topic area, and yet it retains a concision that I would have appreciated as a PhD student when I took courses in research methods. I think that the text may lend itself to several different types of courses. The early chapters can by used for more theoretical research courses, especially for new researchers and fundamentals of research courses. The later chapters can be used for "nuts and bolts" courses for addressing specific methodological issues. The appendices are an especially nice touch and added value for faculty to understand how the author uses this text and creates a syllabus to complement it.

There are very few typographical errors, and overall, the text is rigorously unbiased in its scientific method claims and explanations.

The overwhelming majority of the content in this text is classical understandings of research and methodologies that are essential to all graduate students, particularly in business and the social sciences. There is no indication that any of the content will suffer from claims that it is obsolete or irrelevant.

The clarity of the text is sound partly due to the concision of the book. Shorter chapters, easily navigable paragraphs, and other compositional devices make the text accessible to most levels of graduate students. The bolded words invite the reader to create a self-guided glossary, not any different than a textbook in an 8th grade student collection, which is helpful to counter the sometimes sophisticated nature of research theory.

No consistency issues noted.

The chapters have a nice flow to them, and can be "chunked" out for use in more beginner or more advanced courses. One preference of this reviewer would be to assign the ethics in research chapter earlier in the course calendar, and thus earlier in the textbook, so it is part of the foundational aspects of understanding social science inquiry. Meanwhile, the qualitative and two separate quantitative chapters play well together for students who will want to review them before exams or after the course is finished while they pursue a thesis/dissertation.

Again, I think the ethics chapter should be earlier, but that is simply a personal choice and can be altered by my syllabus. One issue that I wonder if graduate students might prefer is if they are not already 13 chapters into a text/course and only then are they getting to a basic concept such as measures of central tendency. Offering some of the nuts and bolts of research methods earlier in the text and tying them into the more theoretical concepts might help with clarity of flow for the typical graduate student.

No issues, nice charts and graphics throughout.

Very few noted.

This text is not insensitive in any way. As a matter of fact, pointing out historical issues in research ethics using some sensitive vignettes actually heightens the importance of research in everyday life.

I'm looking forward to adopting it for courses and using it for my own reflections on research!

Reviewed by Allison White, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University on 1/7/16

This text covers a wide array of topics relevant to social science research, including some that are not traditionally included but are welcome additions, such as a chapter dedicated to research ethics. A sample syllabus for a graduate course on... read more

This text covers a wide array of topics relevant to social science research, including some that are not traditionally included but are welcome additions, such as a chapter dedicated to research ethics. A sample syllabus for a graduate course on research design is also offered at the end of the book, facilitating course development. The book is comprehensive in its treatment of the central components of research design and the different methodological strategies that researchers can leverage to investigate various research questions. Notably absent, however, is an index, glossary of terms, or questions for discussion, which are frequently included in textbooks devoted to research design.

The content is accurate and unbiased, which may be particularly important for texts on research design, as many fields within social science are intractably polarized between quantitative and qualitative approaches. The book goes a long way toward bridging that gap by treating the multitude of methodological orientations fairly and without obvious preference for one or another.

This book will stand the test of time due to its comprehensiveness and fair and balanced approach to research design. Both cutting-edge and classic approaches to research are discussed and the book may be easily updated as warranted by important developments in the social sciences.

The text is written clearly and accessibly, providing adequate context for most of the jargon and technical terminology that is covered. For this reason, it seems suitable for a variety of graduate-level courses, including research design survey courses and more advanced courses focusing on specific approaches.

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

The book neatly compartmentalizes the topics, making it easily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course. The individual chapters stand on their own and do not require contextualization. Numerous sub-headings throughout each chapter flag the central themes.

The topics in the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion. The topics build productively throughout the textbook, beginning with the basic concepts of research design and culminating with different strategies to approach research.

The book's interface is seamless. Charts and images appear appropriately sized and undistorted and the text is free from navigation problems.

The text does not contain conspicuous grammatical errors.

The text and examples provided in it are not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way. Examples are drawn from universal theories rather than research that is culturally-specific.

Reviewed by Jim Hutchinson, Lecturer, University of Minnesota on 6/10/15

This text covers all the basic concepts expected in a book on social science research. However, it does so at a fairly superficial level. The author says this was intentional in order to provide coverage of essential topics and not distract... read more

This text covers all the basic concepts expected in a book on social science research. However, it does so at a fairly superficial level. The author says this was intentional in order to provide coverage of essential topics and not distract students. As such, the book seems to do a good job introducing all the essential concepts for graduate research, but supplemental materials are likely needed depending on instructor or student needs.

The book seems to free of errors and bias.

Social science research isn't likely to change greatly so this text should remain relevant for some time and can easily be updated to accommodate new techniques as they arise.

The book is generally well-written and accessible. The writing is clear and there are sufficient examples to help students grasp concepts.

The text appears consistent with others in the field.

The text may be best used as an overview of the research process in social sciences rather than a reference. However, various chapters could also be used alone or as supplement to other materials and excluding chapters not relevant to a particular course should not cause any issues. The author even mentions excluding certain chapters that are actually full courses where he teaches.

The organization and sequence seems very logical.

I accessed the PDF version and did not experience any issues with text or graphics.

I think a good proofread would help. There are a number of places where extraneous words were left in (perhaps when rewriting and changing the structure of a sentence) or where words are not quite right. For example:

"...a researcher looking at the world through a “rational lens” will look for rational explanations of the problem such as inadequate technology or poor fit between technology and the task context where it is being utilized, while another research[er] looking at the same problem through a “social lens” may seek out social deficiencies..."

Such errors are not really problematic but they are a bit distracting at times.

I did not find the book to be insensitive or offensive. Examples used are fairly benign. For example, when discussing the tendency of lay people to view a scientific theory as mere speculation the author uses an example of teacher practice instead of a more charged example such as evolution.

Overall, this is a good book to introduce graduate (and even undergraduate) students to social science research. It is not comprehensive enough to be the only text students encounter, but it would be sufficient for say master's level programs that focus more on capstone or practical "informed by research" projects. Students planning to conduct original research, analyze data and interpret results will likely find this insufficient.

Reviewed by Paul Goren, Professor, University of Minnesota on 7/15/14

This text introduces social science doctoral students to the research process. It can be used in sociology, political science, education public health, and related disciplines. The book does an excellent job covering topics that are too often... read more

This text introduces social science doctoral students to the research process. It can be used in sociology, political science, education public health, and related disciplines. The book does an excellent job covering topics that are too often neglected in research methods classes. Standard texts devote most of their attention to different modes of data collection (e.g, lab experiments, field experiments, quasi-experiments, survey research, aggregate data collection, interpretive and case study methods, etc.). This book covers these materials but also devotes a lot of time to steps in the research process that precede data collection. These steps include formulating a research question, concept definition, theory elaboration, measurement (including reliability and validity) and sampling. There is also cursory coverage of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (a chapter on each) as well as chapter on research ethics. In terms of coverage, then, the text can be described as comprehensive in terms of topics. In terms of depth of coverage of the topics, the text takes a minimalist approach. That is, the fundamentals of each topic are covered, but there is little discussion beyond the basics. Teachers looking for the perfect text that nails all the key points should look elsewhere or make heavy use of supplements. For instance, in the discussion on concepts, constructs, and variables, the text does not distinguish between latent variables, which are unobservable, and manifest variables, which are observable, as is common in the structural equation modeling tradition used in sociology and psychology. This is a minor omission and there are others one might quibble with. The bottom line is that most key topics in the research process are covered, but the coverage is not terribly deep.

From what I can tell, the book is accurate in terms of what it covers. There are some things that should probably be included in subsequent revisions.

The social science research process is unlikely to change in any signfiicant way for some time; therefore, I suspect the book will be relevant for years to come. The key will be ensuring that the latest research trends/improvements/refinements are added to the book. For instance, internet sampling techniques have come a long way over the past decade and there are now pollng firms that can admister online surveys to representative samples of the broader U.S. population. So long as the author keeps on these develops, this will serve as a useful introductory text for the foreseable future.

This text is extremely and unusually well-written and clear. This is one of the text's greatest selling points. No complaints on this score.

The book is very consistent from what I can see.

This book can work in a number of ways. A teacher can sample the germane chapters and incorporate them without difficulty in any research methods class.

The organization is fine. The book presents all the topics in an appropriate sequence.

The interface is fine. I didn't experience any problems.

I didn't see any errors, it looks fine.

The book is not culturally offensive.

Teachers looking for a text that they can use to introduce students to the research process and cover the foundational components of the research process should find this manuscript sufficient for their needs. Simple additions on slides or class room commentary can easily take care of the various omissions that pepper the text. Indeed, one could use this text in conjunction with discipline specific supplements quite effectively. For instance, in chapter 3 on the research process, the author devotes 5 paragraphs to common mistakes in the research process, such as pursuing trivial research questions or blind data mining. I can see how psychologists, sociologists and political scientists could provide discipline-specific examples to tailor this to their students particular needs. More generally, I suspect that the text could be used in conjunction with germane discipline specific materials quite effectively in research methodology classes. The book is not perfect. I wish there was more discussion on field experiments in the experiment chapter. Other than a brief mention that these are relatively rare, there was nothing. These are indeed relatively rare but that seems to be changing in some fields (e.g. economic, political science), and I think more discussion of this technique is warranted. The chapter on case study methods would benefit from discussion on the historical and comparative methods that are used in various social science disciplines, as well as some discussion on case selection methods. The statistical coverage is very thin and should not serve as the primary source material in any class that covers statistics. For instance, the discussion on the empirical assessment of reliability (for items or scales) does not discuss in depth the assumptions that underlie the various methods nor the modifications that need to be made across different levels of measurement. To take another example, the author presents the formulae for the variance and standard deviation on p. 122 with the customary n-1 in the denominator. Students often ask me why we divide the mean squared deviation by n-1 instead of n, which is what we do for the mean. Professors will need to make sure that their slides include discussion of the degrees of freedom idea and perhaps some discussion on unbiasedness as well. In the inferential statistics chapter there's no discussion on desirable properties of estimators (unbiasedness and efficiency). This is an unfortunate oversight. These could be added very easily using simple graphs. One thing that's lacking is a chapter on statistical graphics. The book makes great use of graphics and other visual aids throughout the chapters, but I wish there as a standalone chapter that introduces simple plots for univariate and bivariate data. This can be supplemented easily enough, but the omission seems odd. Again, this book can serve as an compact introduction in a graduate research methodology class for students across the social sciences, but it would work best in conjunction with deeper and more discipline specific materials prepared by the professor.

Reviewed by Anika Leithner, Associate Professor, California Polytechnic State University on 7/15/14

This text certainly covers all the basic concepts and processes I would expect to find in an introduction to social sciences research. What I liked in particular is that the author includes information on the ENTIRE research process, including... read more

This text certainly covers all the basic concepts and processes I would expect to find in an introduction to social sciences research. What I liked in particular is that the author includes information on the ENTIRE research process, including critical thinking and research ethics, in addition to the "nuts and bolts" of research such as operationalization, data collection, and data analysis. I also find it useful that the author includes sections on both qualitative and quantitative research, which is great for an introductory level course. In general, readers can expect to find information on theory- and hypothesis building, operationalization/measurements, sampling, research design, various data collection strategies (e.g. surveys, experiments, etc.), as well as data analysis. The primary reason I did not give this text 5 stars is that the author does not provide a great amount of detail for a lot of the book's sections. He explains in the preface that he purposefully chose to reduce the text to the basics in order to keep the text compact and clutter-free. In general, I tend to agree with this approach, as so many methodology textbooks seem to get lost in examples and case studies without clearly illustrating the research process as a whole. However, as I was reading through this book, I kept thinking that I would need to supplement multiple areas of this book with more information in order to make it truly accessible to my students. To be fair, I think that A) anyone who has taught methods before would be able to use the "bones" of this book to prepare students sufficiently well for class and then easily fill in the blanks, and B) it appears that this text was written primarily with graduate students in mind, whereas I most teach undergraduates. In all, I still think that this is a great free alternative to many textbooks out there, but if your teaching style depends on your text including a lot of explanation and examples (or even applications), then this is likely not the text for you. Finally, this book does NOT include an index or a glossary. Personally, I did not find this to be a problem, as the outline/table of contents is very useful, but perhaps students using the text could benefit from an index that would allow them to quickly look up what they need to know.

I did not detect any errors or any purposeful bias in this textbook! Some readers might find that the author's choice of terminology does not necessarily match what I would consider standard practices in the broader social sciences (e.g. the use of the term "mediating variables" instead of "intervening variables"), but it is always clear what the book is referring to and it shouldn't be too difficult to bridge this "terminology gap." Occasionally, I was a bit puzzled by a definition or an explanation. For instance, the author states that "control variables" are not pertinent to explaining the dependent variable, but need to be taken into consideration because they may have "some impact" on it. I'm assuming the author means that they are not pertinent to the hypothesis being tested (as opposed to them not being pertinent to the explanation of the dependent variable). This type of ambiguity does not occur very often in the textbook and it does not necessarily represent an error. It merely seems to be an issue of miscommunication. Overall, I very much liked this text for its accuracy.

Luckily, research methods do not change drastically in a short period of time, so I expect the longevity of this book to be very high. In my experience, the biggest factor that can make a research text outdated is the use of up-to-date examples and case studies. This text includes very few of either, so I think this text could be used for many years to come.

The book is very clear and accessible, probably largely due to its minimalist approach. Aside from the above-mentioned deviations from broader social sciences terminology on a few occasions, I did not encounter any problems with the jargon/technical terminology used. The only minor problem I noted (which made me I've a ranking of 4 as opposed to 5) was a certain amount of repetitiveness in the earlier chapters, specifically with regard to positivism/post-positivism and the discussion of theory/hypothesis creation and testing.

The book is very consistent. It has a clear outline that matches the natural research process and the author very consistently adhere to this outline. Chapters naturally flow from one another and are logical.

This book is very well organized and easily accessible due to its division into logical chapters and sub-sections. In addition, the author highlights important concepts in bold, making it even easier to follow along. I would have no problem assigning smaller reading sections throughout the quarter/semester.

As mentioned above, the text is very well organized and flows naturally/logically. It follows the research process from critical thinking, conceptualization, to operationalization/measurements, research design, data collection, and data analysis. Research ethics are discussed in an appendix/addendum.

There are no major problems with the book's interface. Occasionally, graphs and tables are not as crisp and visually appealing as they might be in an expensive textbook, but personally, the ability to assign an open source text to my students far outweighs any concerns I might have about the visual attractiveness of a book. This text is easy to read and quite user-friendly.

I detected no grammatical errors.

The text includes very few examples and it is hard to imagine how research methods in general could be offensive to anyone (unless it is the practice of science itself that offends them), but for completeness' sake, allow me to state that I found no instances of insensitivity or offense in this textbook.

This text covers all the basics of the research process. It does not contain a lot of the "bells and whistles" that the expensive traditional textbooks have (e.g. lots of examples, fancy graphs, text boxes with case studies and applications, etc.), but it certainly gets the job done. Personally, I appreciate the compact nature of this text and I would much rather fill in a few gaps on my end, if it means that I can assign my students an open textbook.

Reviewed by Brendan Watson, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota on 7/15/14

See overall comments. read more

See overall comments.

Dr. Bhattacherjee's "Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices," is a comprehensive, but a bare-boned (and generic) introduction to social science research. In this case "generic" is actually a positive attribute: because the text covers social science research broadly, rather than sociology, psychology, etc. specifically, this text can easily be adapted to the needs of basic research methods courses in allied disciplines. (I teach an introductory quantitative research course for master's and Ph.D. students in a School of Journalism & Mass Communication). I describe the text as comprehensive, because if my students got a basic grasp of all of the concepts in the book, they'd be well positioned to continue on to more advanced research courses (though the text is less valuable as a reference than more comprehensive introductory texts). But while Dr. Bhattacherjee's introduction says that the book is bare-boned by design -- "I decided to focus only on essential concepts, and not fill pages with clutter that can divert the students' attention to less relevant or tangential issues" -- some topics deserve more attention. For example, Institutional Review Boards (IRB) receive only two short paragraphs, and there is no mention of the history of why such boards were deemed necessary and play an important role in the research process. I'd consider such knowledge essential for students, and this is the type of information I would like a text to focus on so that I can spend class time reviewing more complicated concepts students might have trouble grasping on their own. (Generally I found the writing to be approachable, and concepts to be well explained, though extensive examples are also part of the "clutter" omitted from this book). Another topic I would have liked to see developed further - and perhaps is especially important to the more digitally-savvy crowd interested in the open textbook movement - is the expanding role of the Internet and digital technologies in the research process itself, particularly in the era of "big data." The text, for example, mentions Internet surveys, but there is no conversation about tools one can use to build an Internet survey; how Internet surveys differ from traditional modes of surveying; or the practice of weighting Internet survey results to make them "representative" of the larger population. That said, I am balancing using this text versus a more comprehensive, but much more expensive, commercially produced text. Another thing that this book is missing are instructional resources that commercial publishers provide, but ultimately by using this text I can contribute to creating greater value for my students. However, it would have to be supplemented heavily with other materials, as well as lectures, which is not without a trade-off cost. It's certainly doable, but ultimately means a greater investment of my time, and I have to weigh investing my time in creating hands-on learning opportunities and providing students with thorough feedback on their work with the time I'd have to invest in using a text that is complete, but needs to be much more heavily supplemented with additional materials. Ideally, several faculty with similar teaching needs would team up to combine and adapt several open texts to their courses' needs. Adapting and supplementing this text for my purposes by myself, however, remains a steep, if not insurmountable task for a tenure-track professor. This text, however, is thorough enough to maintain my interested in trying to find a way to make it work.

Table of Contents

About the book.

Part I. Main Body

• Science and scientific research
• Thinking like a researcher
• The research process
• Theories in scientific research
• Research design
• Measurement of constructs
• Scale reliability and validity
• Survey research
• Experimental research
• Case research
• Interpretive research
• Qualitative analysis
• Quantitative analysis: Descriptive statistics
• Quantitative analysis: Inferential statistics
• Research ethics

Ancillary Material

This book is designed to introduce doctoral and postgraduate students to the process of conducting scientific research in the social sciences, business, education, public health, and related disciplines. It is a one-stop, comprehensive, and compact source for foundational concepts in behavioural research, and can serve as a standalone text or as a supplement to research readings in any doctoral seminar or research methods class. This book is currently being used as a research text at universities in 216 countries, across six continents and has been translated into seven different languages. To receive updates on this book, including the translated versions, please follow the author on Facebook or Twitter @Anol_B.

About the Contributors

Anol Bhattacherjee is a professor of information systems and Citigroup/Hidden River Fellow at the University of South Florida, USA. He is one of the top ten information systems researchers in the world, ranked eighth based on research published in the top two journals in the discipline,  MIS Quarterly  and  Information Systems Research , over the last decade (2001-2010). In a research career spanning 15 years, Dr. Bhattacherjee has published over 50 refereed journal papers and two books that have received over 4,000 citations on Google Scholar. He also served on the editorial board of  MIS Quarterly  for four years and is frequently invited to present his research or build new research programs at universities all over the world. More information about Dr. Bhattacherjee can be obtained from his webpage at  http://ab2020.weebly.com .

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Social Science Research for High School Students

Social science aims to understand human interactions, institutions, and cultures through empirical research and analysis. Most commonly known as sociology, you can also find elements of social science in psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, design and user experience, criminal justice, data science, and public health. By studying patterns and trends, social scientists seek to improve our daily lives in all sorts of ways: policy development, public health strategies, and economic planning.

Social Science Research Guide

Social Science Articles

Social Science Projects

Social Science Mentors

Social Science Scholars

Types of Social Science Research and Careers

Social science research takes various forms, including quantitative surveys, experiments, qualitative interviews, case studies, and observational studies to address different social challenges. Here are some examples:

Community psychologists may use surveys and interviews to explore how online interactions influence well-being, contributing valuable insights for mental health interventions. They would then collaborate with local communities to address mental health disparities. 

Sociologists might analyze data on community involvement and crime statistics to inform policies that enhance public safety. 

Political scientists might complete a comparative analysis of different voting mechanisms to provide recommendations for improving democratic processes. Governmental agencies also hire political scientists to inform public policies. 

Social workers , often equipped with backgrounds in sociology or psychology, provide essential support to individuals and communities facing challenges. 

Human rights advocates , informed by political science and international relations, work to address social injustices globally. 

Environmental sociologists contribute to more sustainable practices by studying human-environment interactions. 

Anthropologists work to preserve cultural heritage and understand human evolution. 

Market researchers , drawing on social science methodologies, help businesses understand consumer behavior, fostering economic growth. Market researchers may be employed by private companies to enhance product development. 

All of these examples underscore the breadth of social science impact, influencing policies, shaping societal perceptions, and contributing to positive change at local and global levels.

It’s worth mentioning that while sociology and psychology have different focuses, they do overlap in certain areas, particularly in social psychology. Social psychology is a subfield that bridges the gap between sociology and psychology, examining how individual behavior is influenced by social factors and the impact of individuals on society. It explores topics like conformity, group dynamics, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships, merging insights from both disciplines. Social psychology is a growing field. Advances in technology and neuroscience allow for more nuanced research into topics such as social cognition, group dynamics, prejudice, and interpersonal relationships.

How to Get into Social Science

To kickstart your journey, consider chatting with your school guidance counselor or a teacher who's into social sciences—they're like built-in advisors. You can even reach out to local sociologists, social workers, urban planners, anthropologists, or market analysts. Consider job shadowing or interviewing one of them for your school paper; it's a low-key way to learn more about different careers in the field. Participate in classes or extracurricular clubs like debate, sociology, or psychology to explore your passions and meet like-minded friends. Start reading! Books, articles, and documentaries can give you a deeper understanding of social science topics. If your school offers research projects or science fairs, dive into a social science-related topic. It helps you apply what you're learning, plus it looks great on college applications.

Finally, stay curious and open-minded. Keep a journal. Travel as much as you can and observe cultures different from your own. Social science is all about understanding people and societies, so keep exploring different perspectives. Attend lectures, watch TED Talks, and follow current events to stay informed. Here are some more detailed ideas to get you going. 

1. Take a Class in High School

Most high schools offer at least a few of the courses listed below. You can also look for courses at your local community college or seek out online versions. Consider taking a mix of foundational and diverse courses.

Sociology (if available) -This one is a no-brainer. It will introduce you to the basic concepts and methods used in sociological research, giving you a solid foundation.

Psychology - Understanding human behavior is a key aspect of sociology. Psychology provides insights into individual and group behavior, helping you grasp the psychological underpinnings of social phenomena.

Statistics or Data Analysis - Sociologists often use statistical methods to analyze data. Taking a course in statistics or data analysis will equip you with the quantitative skills needed for sociological research.

Cultural Studies or Anthropology - These courses explore the diversity of cultures and societies. Understanding cultural dynamics is essential for sociologists who study how societies function and evolve.

History - Sociologists often examine social phenomena in a historical context. Studying history will provide you with a broader understanding of how societies have developed over time.

Literature or Creative Writing - Sociologists need strong communication skills. Literature or creative writing courses can enhance your ability to express complex sociological concepts clearly and persuasively.

Philosophy - Philosophy courses help develop critical thinking skills and encourage a deeper understanding of societal structures, norms, and values.

Ethics - Sociologists often grapple with ethical considerations in their research. This class will help you navigate the ethical challenges of studying human behavior.

In today's digital age, having a foundational understanding of computer science can significantly enhance your skills and versatility in the social sciences. Although it might be hard to come by these in high school, you may be able to find online versions or take one at a local community college

Machine Learning - While more advanced, a basic understanding of machine learning can be valuable. Machine learning techniques can be applied to social science data for predictive modeling or identifying patterns in complex datasets.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - GIS is used to analyze spatial data, making it useful for sociologists studying the geographic aspects of social phenomena, such as urbanization or migration patterns.

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) - HCI courses explore how people interact with technology. For sociologists interested in the impact of technology on society, HCI provides insights into user behavior and the societal implications of digital interfaces.

2. Read a Book

Here’s a list of foundational works and contemporary perspectives, providing a well-rounded intro to the social sciences and their evolving landscape.

Foundational Classics:

The Sociological Imagination by C. Wright Mills (1959) - Mills introduces the concept of the sociological imagination, encouraging individuals to connect personal experiences with larger societal structures. It's a cornerstone text in sociology, urging readers to think critically about the interplay of biography and history.

The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud (1899) - Although primarily a psychology classic, Freud's exploration of dream analysis has influenced social scientists by highlighting the significance of the unconscious mind and its impact on human behavior.

The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (1848) - A seminal work in political science and sociology, it lays out the basic tenets of Marxism, addressing class struggle and societal transformation. Understanding Marxist theory is fundamental for social science students.

The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir (1949) - A foundational feminist text, de Beauvoir's exploration of women's oppression and the concept of "the other" has been influential in gender studies and sociology.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber (1905) - Weber's examination of the relationship between religious beliefs and economic systems is a key work in sociology. It introduced the concept of the Protestant work ethic and its impact on capitalism.

Recent and Game-Changing Works:

Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (2011) - Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in economics, explores the two systems of thinking that influence decision-making. This book is crucial for understanding behavioral economics and how cognitive biases shape human choices, impacting fields like psychology, sociology, and economics.

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond (2016): This Pulitzer Prize-winning book delves into the housing crisis in America, offering a poignant exploration of poverty, inequality, and the impact of eviction on individuals and communities.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander (2010) - Alexander examines the racial dimensions of mass incarceration in the United States, highlighting how the criminal justice system perpetuates racial inequality.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (2014) - Though not purely a social science text, Harari's exploration of human history provides valuable insights into the development of societies and cultures, making it relevant for social science enthusiasts.

Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil (2016) - O'Neil critically examines the societal impact of algorithms and big data, emphasizing how these tools can reinforce inequality and bias.

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert (2014) - A compelling exploration of the impact of human activities on biodiversity and the environment, addressing pressing issues in anthropology, sociology, and environmental studies.

Books are a great start, but as in all sciences, sociology is constantly evolving. To stay current in the social sciences, check out reputable academic journals such as the "American Sociological Review," "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology," and "Political Science Quarterly" publish cutting-edge research and studies. Podcasts like "The Social Breakdown," "The Hidden Brain," and "Freakonomics Radio" feature accessible and fascinating discussions on various social science topics. In social media, you can check out @zeynep (Zeynep Tufekci is a sociologist and contributing writer for The Atlantic who provides insightful commentary on technology and society) @Soc_Imagination (The Sociological Imagination shares sociological perspectives on contemporary issues), @SocSocMed (Social Science & Medicine offers updates on health-related social science research) and @danariely (Dan Ariely, a behavioral economist, who shares perspectives on (sometimes humorous) human behavior, decision-making, and societal issues).

3. Extracurricular Study

Remember that quality is often more important than quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities. Choose activities that genuinely interest you.

Model United Nations (MUN) - Participating in MUN builds strong research, public speaking, and negotiation skills. It exposes you to international relations, political science, and global issues, fostering a deeper understanding of diplomacy and societal challenges.

Community Service Projects - Engaging in community service allows you to interact with diverse populations directly. This hands-on experience provides insights into societal issues, develops empathy, and enhances your understanding of community dynamics—an essential aspect of social sciences.

Youth Advocacy Groups - Joining or starting a youth advocacy group provides a platform to address social issues relevant to your community. It develops leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills while allowing you to actively contribute to positive social change.

Debate Club - Debate sharpens critical thinking and argumentation skills, crucial for social sciences. Exploring and defending various perspectives fosters an open-minded approach, and engaging in debates on social issues hones your ability to articulate and defend your opinions.

Toastmasters - Developing strong public speaking skills is invaluable for presenting research findings, defending arguments, and engaging in discussions—a crucial aspect of social science careers. Joining a public speaking or Toastmasters club provides a supportive environment for honing these skills.

Documentary Filmmaking Club or Project - Creating documentaries on social issues allows you to combine storytelling with research and visual communication. It enhances your ability to convey complex social concepts to a broader audience, a valuable skill in the social sciences. For some inspiration, you could check out "The Corporation" (2003), "The Social Dilemma" (2020) and "Super Size Me" (2004).

Philosophy Club - Joining a philosophy club exposes you to critical philosophical thinking, enhancing your ability to analyze and evaluate ideas. It provides a theoretical foundation that complements social science studies and encourages deep reflection on societal values and norms.

Writing Workshops - Participating in creative writing workshops allows you to explore storytelling as a means of expressing societal narratives. It nurtures your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and fosters creativity, both valuable in social science research and analysis.

If you could use some help developing your own independent sociology research project, our Pathfinders program gives you access to psychology mentors who can listen to your ideas and provide valuable feedback.

Social Science Research Opportunities 

Finding good social science research opportunities as a high school student can be tough but not impossible. Reach out to professors, local researchers, or community organizations that align with your interests. Here are some ways to find or create research opportunities.

Find research programs close to home

We’ll go into summer social science programs in more depth in the next section, but if you want to find all types of established social science research opportunities close to home, our High School Student Research Opportunities Database is an excellent resource. Click on your state, then search based on your location, institution, event type (in-person or virtual), and tuition (paid or free). 

Work with a professor

If you have a clear idea of your passions, you can reach out to professors in your field to see if they are open to collaborating with you. Refer to our Guide to Cold-Emailing Professors (written by Polygence literature research mentor Daniel Hazard , a Ph.D. candidate at Princeton University).

Engage in your own research project

Students with initiative and focus can opt to tackle research independently. Carly Taylor , a Stanford University senior who has completed several research projects this way, outlined a guide about how to write a self-guided research paper . 

Enter a competition

Competition deadlines provide a very helpful structure to keep your social science research moving forward. For some ideas, check out these competition options . Some of them include social sciences as a category. Another benefit to attending a competition is meeting other students, teachers, and even experts in the field you love most. 

Summer Programs in Social Science

Here are some top picks for summer social science research programs. We chose them based on their affordability, name recognition, social opportunities, and academic rigor.

1. EXPLO Psychology + Neuroscience

Hosting institution: Wellesley College

Cost: Residential: $7,895; Commuter: $3,995

Format: In-person (Norwood, MA)

Application deadline: Rolling admissions

Even though it is billed as a psychology and neuroscience program, this EXPLO Pre-College Career Concentrations program gives high school students interested in the social sciences the chance to deep dive into highly specific topics. Key benefits for participants include the chances to learn from industry experts, such as Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett – one of the most-cited scientists in the world for her psychology and neuroscience research – who was a guest instructor in 2023; and earn credits at Sarah Lawrence College, Hampshire College, or Wheaton College . Check the site for the most current application information.

2. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (TASS)     

Hosting institution: Telluride Association

Format: In-person (Cornell University, University of Maryland, and University of Michigan)

Application deadline: Early January 

Here is a great option for those interested in history, politics, literature, and art. This 6-week program features seminars about how power and privilege affect social structures, community activities, outings, and service projects. Tuition, books, room and board, and field trips are free. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Pomona Academy for Youth Success (PAYS)

Hosting institution: Pomona College  

Cost: Free       

Format: In-person

Application deadline: Late February

Calling students in Los Angeles, CA, and neighboring areas: This is an unusual program in that it lasts for three years, you must apply in 9th grade, and it incorporates both a residential summer program as well as year-round academic enrichment. In addition to taking classes and participating in organized social activities, you are matched with a faculty member who will mentor you in a research project. This wonderful program is primarily geared toward populations traditionally underrepresented in college. It’s an amazing opportunity… if you can get in. Check the site for the most current application information.

Check our High School Student Research Opportunities Database for more ideas. 

Social Sciences Internships for High School Students 

1. dsi summer lab.

Hosting institution: The University of Chicago

Cost: Free + paid internship

Format: In-person (Chicago, IL)

Application deadline: Mid-February

DSI Summer Lab is an immersive 10-week paid internship program at the University of Chicago for high schoolers (and undergrads). You’ll be paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. Your mentor will help you hone your skills in research methodologies, practices, and teamwork. You may also be eligible for projects in their Social Impact Track. No prior research experience is needed to apply. Check the site for the most current application information.  

2. SHTEM: Summer Internships for High Schoolers

Hosting institution: Stanford

Cost: Unpaid internship

Format: Online or in-person (Stanford, CA) 

Application deadline: Mid-March

In this 8-week internship, you work on interdisciplinary projects directly with Stanford faculty and graduate students. Past multifaceted projects have incorporated themes from psychology, neuroscience, design, linguistics, technology, and more. This is an unpaid internship; you will be expected to work anywhere from 30 to 40 hours per week. You will work directly with a mentor once assigned a project. Check the site for the most current application information.

3. Student Volunteer Program

Hosting institution: United States Secret Service (USSS)

Format: In-person (various)

Application deadline: Various

If you’re interested in sociology, criminal justice, history, government, homeland security, and other related fields, the Secret Service Student Volunteer Program is a unique, hands-on, and fast-paced opportunity. It gives high school students insight into the nature and structure of the USSS while teaching important “soft skills”, such as excellent communication, analytical observation, and problem solving. Student volunteers must be at least 16 years old and devote at least 12 hours per week. While the positions are unpaid, you may receive academic credit for your time. Check the site for the most current application information.

Be sure to check our High School Student Research Opportunities Database for more ideas. 

Social Science Project Ideas and How to Brainstorm Your Own

Finding a compelling focus for your social science research paper starts with what genuinely interests you. Reflect on social issues, personal experiences, or current events that ignite your curiosity. Ask questions, read diverse perspectives, and explore topics aligning with your passion. Engage in discussions with teachers, peers, or family members to gather insights. Consider real-world problems or social issues that really confuse you. This process allows you to find a subject that not only captivates you but also contributes meaningfully to the broader conversation. Trust your instincts, and let your enthusiasm guide you toward a research topic that truly resonates.

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

Here are some ideas from some of our Polygence mentors to get you inspired:

The fear of missing out (FOMO), or anxiety that others may be having rewarding experiences that you aren't taking part in, is likely something most of us can relate to. Higher levels of FOMO have been found to be associated with increased social media use , texting while driving, and decreased life satisfaction. This suggests there may be an effect of FOMO on moral cognition - doing things that we know are wrong but we choose to do them anyway. There is little to no current research done in this area, so a paper discussing how FOMO may influence our moral cognition and resulting behaviors would be an incredibly interesting and meaningful contribution to the field!

Idea by sociology research mentor Paul

Disability in other cultures

Disability has many definitions, thus leading to its lack of clarity. What's more unknown, however, is how disability is defined in other cultures. In this project, investigate the literature on how disability is defined, and second, identify how these varied definitions of disability are defined in different cultural contexts.

Idea by sociology research mentor Victoria

Cancel culture

We hear in the news that a beloved celebrity cheated on their spouse, a famous YouTuber gives a half-hearted apology, or a politician is involved in a money-laundering scandal. Just one immoral action can lead to public "cancellation". A few different research questions can emerge from this topic: What is the function of publicly signaling moral praise or blame of individuals? Can immoral or "canceled" individuals be redeemed in the public eye or forgiven? What would it take to do so? You could first start by looking at examples in pop culture - what seems the same or different between those who are "loved" vs those who are "hated" in the public eye? Next, turn to the academic literature to see what research exists on this topic. Then, you could develop a research question and think of ways to test it. Idea by sociology research mentor Alexa

Check out even more project ideas on the 12 Sociology Passion Project Ideas For High School Students post. 

Brainstorm your own project ideas based on what social science trends interest you. If you want support, the Pathfinders program gives you the chance to meet with three different mentors who specialize in your field of interest. You can discuss your project ideas with them, and they can help you grow your idea, discover new research techniques, and point the way to great resources and alternative options. 

Social Science Projects from Polygence Scholars

For a sense of how varied the subjects and methods for social science projects can be, take a look at topics covered by some of our Polygence Scholars.

Sanaya looked at why Serbian radios in Croatia led to a rise in nationalism , exploring what occurs when two different groups of people disagree on politics and historical events. Sanaya wrote a research paper to discuss her findings and also presented it at the Polygence Symposium of Rising Scholars .

Joanne addressed the unique educational challenges faced by Somali refugee children in American classrooms. Drawing from firsthand tutoring experiences and a comprehensive literature review, Joanne identified issues such as difficulty focusing (potentially stemming from past traumas) and discussed best practices for teachers to support these students, emphasizing cultural sensitivity and understanding family values. You can watch her Symposium of Rising Scholars presentation here .

Check out more social science projects done by Polygence Scholars . 

Writing a Social Science Research Paper: 

Select a social science topic that genuinely interests you—something you're curious to explore. Once you have your subject, conduct thorough research using reputable sources, such as academic journals, books, and online databases. Take detailed notes, citing your sources carefully. As you read articles or books to support your thesis, you should skim their introduction and conclusion first to make sure they’re worth reading all the way through. 

As you do this research, you may also want to start forming an outline of your research paper to give your research more direction. Also, create a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the central argument or question your paper will address. You can always come up with a preliminary or working thesis and then refine it or completely revise it as you learn more.

Structure your paper logically, including an introduction, a body presenting your research and analysis, and a conclusion summarizing your findings. Ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs, with each one contributing to the overall narrative of your paper. Don't just present facts; discuss and interpret them in the context of your thesis. Address counterarguments to showcase a nuanced understanding of your topic. Finally, be sure to use proper citations for all sources, following a citation style (such as APA or MLA) specified by your instructor.

If you need more general guidance overall, here’s a great article on how to write a good research paper . 

Finally, pay attention to the details. Proofread your paper for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting consistency. A well-edited and polished paper reflects your commitment to producing high-quality work. Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or mentors to refine your work. 

If you have some ideas and want to conduct social science research with the guidance of an experienced mentor, apply to be a part of our flagship mentorship program . 

Journals in Social Science

Once you’ve researched, written, and perfected your research paper, it’s time to introduce it to the world. You could enter it into a competition , as mentioned earlier in this post, create a podcast, do a YouTube video about it, or publish it in a journal. Publishing your research in a peer-reviewed journal can take the great work you’ve already done and add credibility to it. It also makes a stronger impression than unpublished research. The process of having your work peer-reviewed by advanced degree researchers can be a valuable experience in itself. You can receive feedback from experts and learn how to improve upon the work you’ve already done. 

Here are some publications you could look into. 

1. Concord Review

The Concord Review is a quarterly journal that publishes exceptional essays written by high school students. The journal has been around since 1987 and has a great reputation, with many student winners going to great universities. Further, if your paper is published, your essays will be sent to subscribers and teachers all around the world, which is an incredible achievement.

Papers submitted tend to be around 8,000 words, so there is definitely a lot of writing involved, and the Concord Review themselves say that they are very selective, publishing only about 5% of the essays they receive.

We’ve posted our complete guide on publishing in the Concord Review here.

Cost: $70 to Submit and $200 Publication Cost (if accepted)

Deadline: Fixed Deadlines in Feb 1 (Summer Issue), May 1 (Fall), August 1 (Winter), and November 1 (Spring)

Subject area: History / Social Sciences

Type of research: All types of academic articles

2. Whitman Journal of Psychology

This journal dedicated to psychology does also include social psychology as one of its categories. The WWJOP is a publication run entirely by students, where research and literature reviews in the field of psychology are recognized. The journal is run out of a high school with a teacher supervisor and student staff. The WWJOP uniquely also accepts podcast submissions, so if that’s your preferred format for showcasing your work, then this could be the journal for you!

Deadline: Rolling

Type of research: Original research, podcasts

3. The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

JEI is an online, peer-reviewed journal that publishes research by middle and high school students in various scientific disciplines, including sociology. Please note that JEI requires that a teacher, mentor, or Principal Investigator of a lab submit your research on your behalf. 

Type of research: Original research that is written by middle and high school students. 

4. Journal of High School Science

The Journal of High School Science is a peer-reviewed quarterly publication showcasing high school student research in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Type of research:   STEAM-based research or innovations by high school students.

Regarding getting your project accepted and published at these or any other peer-reviewed journal: “Be prepared for the possibility of rejection or revisions. Scientific publishing is a competitive process, so maintain a positive attitude and be persistent in your efforts to improve and disseminate your research.” (Quote from The Journal of High School Science website)

11 social psychology research topics to explore in 2024

Last updated

6 March 2024

Reviewed by

Miroslav Damyanov

Social psychology is a constantly evolving field of study. It explores how our environment and other people influence our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and goals. Social psychology uncovers how social interaction, perception, and influence impact individuals and groups. 

Taking a specific path to follow your interests and learn more about available areas can narrow your focus to find the ideal research project. 

Let’s take a look at current topics in social psychology to inspire your research. 

• Understanding social psychology research

Psychologists conduct experiments to better understand how different environmental factors and the influence of other people shape feelings and behaviors. 

Research projects explore various topics, from how a position of power can change behavior to the impact of positive social interactions. 

Various research designs allow researchers to develop projects that range from observational to experimental. 

What is an example of social psychology research?

Zimbardo randomly assigned college students the roles of prison guards or prisoners in a simulated prison environment. Despite knowing their roles were random, the guards exhibited increasing cruelty towards the prisoners. 

Researchers halted the study after six days due to extreme psychological distress. It revealed the profound impact of social roles and situations on human behavior, highlighting how people can adopt negative behaviors when given authority, even in a controlled setting.

• How to choose social psychology research topics

Social psychology is a diverse, highly studied area of science, so developing a unique project on a relevant topic can be challenging. 

When choosing a subject, begin by exploring your interests. After considering questions you'd like answers to and topics that intrigue you, narrow your scope. Explore specific areas of research, research designs, and subtopics. 

Once you've narrowed down your choices, seek literature and past studies on the subject. Consider how past research can raise additional questions about the topic. 

Develop your ideas by determining how to measure and test your research questions. 

Once you have a firm plan for your project, talk to your instructor for advice and approval before launching your studies. 

• Social psychology research topics

Social psychology has many nuances that influence human beliefs and behavior. Various elements of situations and relationships affect short- and long-term emotions and actions. 

The major research areas in social psychology are an ideal starting point to investigate as part of a psychology research project. 

These key focus areas within social psychology can be compelling psychology research topics:

1. Attitudes and attitude change

Research projects surrounding attitudes generally examine the components of attitudes and how they develop and can be changed. 

The three components of attitude are affective, behavioral, and cognitive. They’re also known as the ABCs. 

We form attitudes through a combination of upbringing, experience, and genetics. People can self-measure them in surveys or through researchers’ observations. 

Attitudes can change due to influence and environmental factors. They hugely affect human behavior, making them an important research topic in social psychology.

2. Attachment and relationships

Social connections shape our lives from the earliest moments, taking various forms that significantly impact our well-being. These connections have numerous advantages, such as heightened happiness and satisfaction. 

Social psychology explores these connections, examining diverse attachment styles to explain love, friendship, and attraction. 

Research in this domain investigates the repercussions of poorly formed social bonds and seeks to answer questions about how relationships influence group behavior. 

Additionally, studies in social psychology dissect the elements contributing to attraction, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shape our social bonds and interactions. 

3. Authority and leadership

As revealed in the Stanford Experiment, authority can directly affect behavior. 

However, social psychology can further delve into the dynamics of people interacting with those in leadership roles. 

Milgram's Obedience to Authority study exemplifies this exploration. Stanley Milgram wanted to investigate how easily authority figures could influence people to commit atrocities.

In this study, participants assumed the role of teachers administering electric shocks to learners for incorrect answers. 65% delivered 450 volts of electricity under the directive of an authority figure. 

Research can consider the positive or negative elements of authority based on specific applications, settings, and environments. 

For example, we might consider obedience to authority positive in the workplace or classroom.

Social psychology research about groups delves into how behavior changes in group settings. 

Groups form for various reasons, and everything from leadership to group dynamics can impact how people behave. These behavioral changes can be beneficial or harmful. 

Research into group behavior can focus on decision-making, internal conflicts, conflicts with other groups, how groups affect individual identities, and much more. 

Studies can also investigate how positive group behaviors can influence someone. 

5. Prejudice

Prejudice and discrimination take different forms, which people may not be aware of. The origin and consequences of prejudice present many topics of study for researchers. 

Topics related to how prejudices form and why people maintain inaccurate stereotypes can uncover why people depend on stereotypes to make decisions. 

Many studies focus on the effects of discrimination and how to reduce prejudice. 

Research in this category can overlap with many other categories. For instance, group behavior and social influences can contribute to the formation of stereotypes and social categorization. 

6. Self and social identity

Many elements form the human perception of self. How we perceive ourselves may be substantially different from the viewpoint of others. 

Social psychologists are interested in learning how a person’s self-perception can influence factors like behavior and internal feelings like confidence. 

Our concept of self derives from various sources, such as abilities, social comparisons, interactions with others, and status. 

Researching how the perception of the inner self impacts social behaviors can unveil how social factors influence critical feelings like self-esteem. 

7. Pro- and anti-social behavior

How people’s social surroundings impact the way they respond to certain situations is defined as pro- or anti-social behavior. 

Positive and negative behaviors are based on accepted social norms. How someone responds during a specific event can reinforce or undermine those norms. 

For example, helping a stranger is prosocial, while vandalism is antisocial behavior. 

Studies have shown that prosocial behavior is contagious: Those who experience or observe it are more likely to help others. 

Antisocial behavior can have a similar effect but in a negative direction. Observing seemingly harmless acts, like littering and graffiti, can weaken social norms. This potentially invites more dangerous antisocial behavior.

Researchers can elaborate on this knowledge to consider why people help others without considering personal costs. They can also dig into what deters someone from taking an action they know is "the right thing to do." 

Exploring how society impacts positive and negative behaviors can shed light on ways to reduce negative behavior.

8. Social influence

Persuasion, peer pressure, obedience, and conformity are all forms of social influence. Like other areas of social psychology, these influences can be positive or negative. 

One of the earliest studies on social influence was Soloman Asch’s Conformity Line Experiment . 

Researchers put a participant in a test with seven conformists without knowing the conformists weren't true participants. Researchers asked them to compare the image of a target line with lines A, B, and C on another image. 

Early in the experiment, all conformists answered correctly, followed by the participant, who was always last. 

After a few rounds, the conformists began to provide wrong answers unanimously. On average, about a third of participants followed along with conformists to confirm clearly incorrect answers. 75% of participants confirmed at least one wrong answer. 

The control group had no conformists. Less than 1% of participants gave the wrong answer. 

Doctor and author Robert Cialdini takes the concept of influence further. He identified six universal principles of influence and persuasion to help people defend against dishonest influences. 

His studies conclude that these influences can sway people:

Reciprocation: The feeling we should repay what someone has provided

Social proof: When unsure about a decision, we follow the actions of others 

Liking: We generally agree with people we like and want them to agree with us

Authority: We are more likely to say yes to authority figures

Scarcity: We want more of what is less available

Commitment and consistency: Once we make a choice, we follow it with corresponding actions to justify the decision (even if we no longer believe in the choice)

Researchers can study how social influence guides the decision-making process and explore the positive and negative effects of conformity. Other experiments can explore the consequences of peer pressure and whether it can be beneficial. 

9. Social cognition

In the most basic sense, cognition is the brain gathering and understanding knowledge through sensations, thoughts, and experiences. It allows us to make sense of new information. 

Social cognition is how the brain processes information about individuals and groups of people. It includes the role of heuristics . These mental shortcuts enable us to function without constantly stopping to interpret everything in the environment. 

Research under the umbrella of social cognition can explore first impressions, how appearance affects our judgment, and how social interactions affect behavior. 

These studies can help psychologists understand how someone’s perception of social norms affects their self-image and behavior.

10. Violence and aggression

Exploration into violence and aggression attempts to better understand the factors and situations that cause aggression and how it impacts behaviors. 

Several types of aggressive behavior exist, ranging from gossiping to physical violence. Studies in this area examine the different types of aggression and the variables contributing to aggressive behavior. 

For instance, a pattern of aggression may relate to witnessing the behavior of a family member or traumatic experiences. Conversely, situational variables may trigger a single incidence of aggression.

A greater understanding of the role of social learning in aggressive behavior can lead to research about how social norms and public policy can decrease violent behavior. 

Learning more about the variables contributing to aggression and violence means researchers can use new knowledge to work toward solutions. 

11. Social representations

Social representations are a form of heuristics: a set of beliefs that make something unfamiliar easily understood. They allow people to apply specific bits of evidence-based data to individuals’ or groups’ actions to make ideas more familiar. 

Researchers may study the role of social representations in making new psychological or scientific information accessible to the average person. Studies may explore how we make sense of new information and how people organize and separate facts for rapid learning.

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45+ Interesting Social Studies Fair Project Ideas [2023]

In today’s fast-paced world, it can sometimes be a bit tough to get students all excited about social studies. But you know what’s really cool? Social studies fair projects! These projects aren’t just your regular school assignments; they’re like super fun adventures into the world of social studies. And guess what? We’ve got a treasure trove of good project ideas for the year 2023. These ideas are not just about learning; they’re about having a blast while you’re at it.

Imagine learning about society, culture, and history in a way that’s so much fun you won’t even realize you’re studying. That’s what these projects are all about. So, if you’re on the lookout for exciting social studies fair project ideas, you’ve landed in just the right spot. We’re here to make learning an absolute joy, and we’ve got the ideas to prove it! Let’s dive into the world of social studies and uncover these fantastic project ideas together!

What is a Good Social Studies Fair Project?

Table of Contents

Before we dive into project ideas, let’s first understand what makes a social studies fair project “good.” A good social studies fair project should:

• Be Relevant: Choose a topic that relates to the field of social studies. It could be historical, geographical, cultural, or related to current events.
• Have a Clear Focus: Your project should have a specific research question or problem statement. It should be clear what you are investigating or exploring.
• Involve Research: Gather information from credible sources to support your project. This may include books, articles, interviews, surveys, and more.
• Be Creative: Use your creativity to present your findings in an engaging and visually appealing way. This could involve creating maps, charts, posters, or even multimedia presentations.
• Demonstrate Learning: Your project should demonstrate your understanding of the topic. It’s not just about presenting facts but showing your ability to analyze and interpret them.
• Address a Societal Issue: Consider how your project relates to real-world issues or challenges. How does it contribute to our understanding of society or help address a problem?

Purpose of Social Studies Fair Project Ideas

Social studies fair projects serve several essential purposes:

1. Promote Learning

They encourage students to learn about the world around them, fostering a deeper understanding of history, geography, culture, and society.

2. Develop Research Skills

Students learn how to conduct research, gather information, and evaluate sources—a valuable skill for academic and real-world situations.

3. Enhance Critical Thinking

Projects require students to analyze information, draw conclusions, and think critically about complex social issues.

4. Encourage Creativity

Projects allow students to express their creativity through visual aids, presentations, and innovative solutions to social problems.

5. Boost Presentation Skills

Presenting a project in front of an audience or judges helps improve communication and presentation skills.

6. Promote Civic Engagement

Some projects may focus on social or community issues, encouraging students to be active and engaged citizens.

Social Studies Fair Project Ideas For School Students

Here are some social studies fair project ideas for elementary, middle and high school students:

Social Studies Fair Project Ideas For Elementary School

Discover some social studies fair project ideas suitable for elementary school students

1. Famous Landmarks Around the World: Create a poster showcasing famous landmarks from different countries and provide interesting facts about them.

2. Cultural Diversity in My Community: Explore the various cultures represented in your community through interviews, photos, and artifacts.

3. Time Traveler’s Journal: Pretend to be a time traveler and write a journal about your visit to a historical event or era.

4. State Symbols and Facts: Choose a U.S. state and create a display featuring its flag, bird, flower, and other symbols, along with key facts.

5. Mapping My Family’s Heritage: Create a family tree and map the countries or regions where your ancestors came from.

6. Exploring a Native American Tribe: Pick a Native American tribe and research its history, culture, and contributions.

7. Famous American Biography: Choose a famous American and create a presentation about their life and achievements.

8. Our Solar System: Explore the planets in our solar system, their characteristics, and their place in the universe.

9. Holidays Around the World: Investigate how different countries celebrate holidays and create a visual comparison.

10. Understanding My Community’s History: Research the history of your town or city, focusing on important events or landmarks.

11. Inventors and Their Inventions: Learn about famous inventors and their contributions to society.

12. My Dream Vacation: Plan a dream vacation to a foreign country, including details about the culture, food, and landmarks.

13. Flags of the World: Create a display showcasing flags from various countries and explain their symbolism.

14. Exploring Different Climates: Study different climates around the world and their impact on daily life.

15. Environmental Conservation: Investigate local environmental issues and propose solutions to address them.

16. Global Food and Cuisine: Explore the foods and cuisines of different countries, including traditional recipes.

These elementary school social studies fair project ideas are designed to be engaging and educational, suitable for young learners. 

Social Studies Fair Project Ideas For Middle School

Now, let’s explore social studies fair project ideas suitable for high school students:

1. The Impact of Immigration: Research the history of immigration in your country and its effects on society.

2. Civil Rights Movement: Explore the Civil Rights Movement and its key figures, events, and achievements.

3. World Religions Comparison: Compare and contrast the beliefs and practices of major world religions.

4. Environmental Sustainability: Investigate the environmental challenges facing our planet and propose sustainable solutions.

5. Historical Figures Debate: Organize a debate or presentation on the contributions and controversies of a historical figure.

6. Globalization and Its Effects: Analyze the impact of globalization on economies, cultures, and societies.

7. Colonization and Its Legacy: Examine the effects of colonization on indigenous cultures and societies.

8. The Great Depression: Research the causes and consequences of the Great Depression in your country.

9. Presidential Elections: Study a past presidential election, analyzing campaign strategies and outcomes.

10. World War II: A Global Perspective: Explore the global impact of World War II on different countries and regions.

11. Human Rights Issues: Investigate a current human rights issue and propose actions to address it.

12 Economic Systems Comparison: Compare different economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed economies.

13. Climate Change and Its Consequences: Research the science of climate change and its societal impacts.

14. Urbanization and City Planning: Analyze the growth of cities and the challenges of urban planning.

15. The Silk Road: Explore the historical significance of the Silk Road in connecting cultures and trade.

16. Modern Immigration Policies: Research current immigration policies and their impact on communities.

These middle school social studies fair project ideas are more in-depth and encourage students to explore complex social issues.

Good Social Studies Fair Project Ideas For High School

Let’s dive into the social studies fair project ideas suitable for high school students:

1. Global Health Crisis Analysis: Investigate a recent global health crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on society and healthcare systems.

2. Racial and Social Justice Movements: Research contemporary racial and social justice movements and their impact on policy and society.

3. International Diplomacy: Analyze a recent international diplomatic issue or negotiation, such as peace treaties or trade agreements.

4. Genocide and Human RightsViolations: Study a specific genocide in history and its implications for human rights and international law.

5. Political Ideologies and Parties: Analyze the ideologies and platforms of different political parties in your country.

6. Economic Inequality: Investigate the causes and consequences of economic inequality within your country or globally.

7. Environmental Policy and Sustainability: Examine current environmental policies and their effectiveness in addressing environmental challenges.

8. Media Influence on Society: Explore the role of media in shaping public opinion and its impact on social and political issues.

9. Cybersecurity and Privacy: Investigate cybersecurity threats and privacy concerns in the digital age.

10. Immigration and Refugee Crisis: Analyze the causes and consequences of immigration and refugee crises in different parts of the world.

11. Global Trade and Supply Chains: Study the complexities of global trade and supply chains, including their social and economic implications.

12. Historical Revisionism: Examine instances of historical revisionism and its impact on public perceptions of historical events.

13. Cultural Appropriation: Explore the concept of cultural appropriation and its implications for cultural understanding and respect.

14. The Role of NGOs: Research the roles and impact of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in addressing global issues.

15. Social Media and Activism: Analyze the role of social media in promoting activism and social change.

16. Education Disparities: Investigate disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes, both locally and globally.

These high school social studies fair project ideas are designed to challenge students to engage with complex social and global issues, encouraging critical thinking and research skills.

How Do I Choose a Project Idea in Social Studies Fair?

Choosing the right project idea is a crucial step in the social studies fair process. Here are some steps to help you select a project idea that suits your interests and goals:

1. Identify Your Interests

Start by considering what topics within social studies genuinely interest you. Do you have a passion for history, geography, politics, or a specific cultural aspect?

2. Research

Conduct preliminary research to get a better understanding of potential project ideas. Look for sources of information and explore different angles.

3. Narrow Your Focus

Once you have a general idea, narrow it down to a specific research question or topic. A well-defined focus is essential for a successful project.

4. Consider Your Audience

Think about who your audience will be. Are you presenting to classmates, teachers, or judges? Tailor your project to your audience’s level of knowledge and interest.

5. Resources

Assess the availability of resources for your chosen topic. Can you access books, articles, interviews, or data related to your project?

6. Practicality

Consider the practical aspects of your project. Do you have the time and resources to complete it within the given timeframe?

7. Impact and Significance

Think about the significance of your project. Does it address a relevant social issue or provide valuable insights into a particular area of social studies?

8. Creativity

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Creative and innovative projects can stand out and make a lasting impression.

9. Consult with Teachers

Seek guidance from your teachers or mentors. They can provide valuable feedback and help you refine your project idea.

10. Passion and Commitment

Finally, choose a project that you are passionate about and committed to. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your presentation.

Remember that a good social studies fair project is not just about winning awards but also about the process of learning and discovery. Embrace the opportunity to explore, research, and present your findings with enthusiasm.

Social studies fair project ideas offer students a chance to delve into the fascinating world of social studies, exploring historical events, cultural diversity , contemporary issues, and more. These projects serve as valuable learning experiences, enhancing research, critical thinking, and presentation skills.

In this blog, we’ve provided a diverse range of project ideas suitable for elementary, middle, and high school students. Whether you’re interested in historical events, current social issues, cultural studies, or global affairs, there’s a project idea that can spark your curiosity and creativity.

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College and University Fund for the Social Sciences New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences

New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences

An Invitation to College and University Fund for the Social Sciences

The spaces between fields—or the “borderlands” between disciplines—represent unique opportunities for social inquiry.  Scholarly Borderlands,  an initiative of the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), invites proposals for interdisciplinary working groups that ask novel questions, develop new frameworks, rethink methodological approaches, and find innovative answers. Scholarly Borderlands incubates high-risk, high-rewards research efforts.  Recent projects include  Pandemics and Migrant Precarity and the Dreaming Indigenous Futures Working Group.

Convening researchers of different backgrounds, disciplines, and institutions, the  New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences  initiative acts as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration that produces creative scholarship and builds fresh ties within the social sciences, while connecting them more robustly to work in the natural sciences and humanities.  New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences  working groups may be composed of any cross-disciplinary arrangement of social scientists and other researchers. Projects may address any new or enduring scholarly question, debate, or issue.

This call will provide two years of funding for one to two working groups between 2021 and 2023. A maximum award of $50,000 will be provided to each working group toward direct costs associated with project-related meetings and similar activities, such as travel, accommodations, meals, or research assistance. Funds may not be used for release time for participants. Matching funds provided by the sponsoring colleges or universities are not required, but applications including a commitment to match resources in some manner will be viewed favorably. SSRC staff will be available for consultations regarding project implementation.

Eligibility

This  New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences  RFP is open exclusively to faculty of the  College and University Fund for the Social Sciences (CUF) member institutions . Proposed projects must be led by a principal investigator (PI) from a CUF institution in collaboration with one or two additional co-PIs. Working group leadership should represent at least two different disciplines, and preference will be given to teams with leadership from different institutions. Participants in the project (apart from the PI) may be from any institution, and the SSRC strongly encourages collaborations that include faculty from minority-serving institutions. A proposed project may be housed within any appropriate institutional entity of the sponsoring college or university (e.g., graduate school, research center).

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is Monday, September 13, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. eastern time.  Please visit  apply.ssrc.org  to access the application portal. 

Applicants should prepare a PDF document formatted as follows, single-spaced with a font between 10 and 12 points:

• Project Description (two pages): Please address the significance of the project and general goals for the grant period, making clear the transformative potential of the funding for the long-term impact of the project as well as the rationale behind the proposed group of participants
• Works Cited (one page)
• Budget (one page): A budget outline of proposed expenses for the two-year period, noting any matching funds or resources provided by the host or partnering institutions
• Timeframe (one page): Please outline a timeline for activities no more than 24 months from when funds become available

Participants will also be asked to provide the following within the application portal:

• 250-word bio-sketches of the PI and co-PIs
• A list of likely participants, noting disciplinary or other relevant expertise

Additional Information

Selection Criteria

Criteria for selection, apart from the usual standards of rigorous academic inquiry, will emphasize the innovative groupings of scholars and approaches proposed, including demonstration projects that pursue the application of new methodologies or analytical frameworks or that combine existing approaches in novel ways. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of the field(s) and the project’s potential to meet specific needs or attain goals within that/those field(s). If similar projects have been conducted in the past or are currently underway, applicants should discuss how the proposed project differs from them, and possibilities for engaging these other researchers.

Each project will be evaluated based on its strength in four key areas: contribution to the social sciences, networks and participants, project design, and potential contribution to social science in the public interest.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary committee of scholars convened by the SSRC whose work represents the type of border-crossing approaches we are supporting through this program. 

Graduate Student Participation

We welcome graduate student and postdoc involvement in the proposed activities, and modest budget allocations for research assistance are permitted. Funds are not intended to cover salary expenses for any project participants.

Expected Outputs

While we anticipate that all sponsored projects will produce scholarly journal articles and other publications, these need not be the sole projected products of these collaborations. We are especially interested in projects that broaden reach or impact, such as (but not limited to) the establishment of new pedagogical resources, methodological toolkits for approaching complex research questions, or more public-facing publications and reports. Working group members may also be invited to contribute to the SSRC blog  Items .

Funds will be available for a two-year period for grant activities beginning on or after January 2022. Payment will be made in two installments, with the second installment paid following the receipt of an interim report after one year. A final report will be due two months following the conclusion of the grant period.

Please contact Scholarly Borderlands program staff at  [email protected]  for further guidance in preparing your application.

The New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences initiative is made possible through funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, the SAGE Fund for Research Methods, and the College & University Fund for the Social Sciences.

News & Events

Announcing the 2020 Grantees: New Interdisciplinary Projects in the Social Sciences

Privacy overview.

2024–25 Faculty Research Projects

Projects are grouped below by discipline. Click on a particular discipline of interest to jump to the relevant project(s):

Communication

Political science, project a: ai-mediated communication.

Jeff Hancock (Communication)

This position has been filled.

The Stanford Social Media Lab works on understanding psychological and interpersonal processes in  AI-mediated communication . The predoctoral research fellow will work with Professor Jeff Hancock, researchers, and graduate students in the lab to conduct experiments and computational field experiments to understand the dynamics of AI-mediated communication. The position is ideal for individuals with an interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology or communication seeking to gain greater familiarity and experience with research before applying to graduate schools. Please contact Sunny Liu at  sunnyxliu [at] stanford.edu (sunnyxliu[at]stanford[dot]edu)  if you have questions. Job responsibilities will include:

• conducting data collection;
• performing statistical analyses; and
• designing and running experiments.

Eligibility Requirements

Familiarity with R and computational skills are highly desired. 

Project B: House Rules and Polarization

Brandice Canes-Wrone (Political Science)

The US House of Representatives has shifted its internal rules over the past decades to give more control to the parties over the lawmaking process. This project will document the House and party rules over time in order to assess how they are associated with polarization of the parties, legislative productivity, and public trust in Congress. Additionally, the project will consider developments in congressional campaign finance practices and how they relate to legislative behavior.

The predoc will contribute to the development of databases, conduct literature reviews, and contribute to the data analysis. Conditional on sufficient contribution to the project, there is the possibility of co-authorship.

Some statistical/data analysis coursework or training; experience with STATA or R preferred, and a willingness to learn these statistical packages is expected; facility with Excel for database management; comfort summarizing academic articles in political science.

What you will learn

The position will enable growth in data analysis, experience with putting together scholarly articles, and a capacity to evaluate social science research.

Project C: Long-run Dynamics of Change in Ideas and Identities

Vicky Fouka (Political Science)

How do ideologies, group identities, and societal values and beliefs change during periods of economic and political transformations? This research agenda studies these changes in Europe and the US from early modernity to the 20th century, taking advantage of new data and techniques to quantify social change. The predoctoral fellow will work on two distinct, but interrelated projects. The first one relies on large text corpora (newspapers, legal, and religious texts) for tracing changes in identity and ideology that followed the Industrial Revolution in Europe, but also changes that preceded and enabled industrialization and modernization. The second project uses data from census and birth registries in Europe and the US to track identity changes of immigrant communities in their new environments, or of religious minority communities in response to economic and political change. The predoc will help with cleaning, merging, and visualizing data from different sources, and analyzing data using NLP and applied statistics methods. Some background work, such as conducting literature reviews or collecting data from historical sources, may also be required.

The ideal candidate will be proficient in STATA and/or R, have a background in applied statistics/econometrics and causal inference and be familiar with Python and text-as-data methods. The most important requirement is willingness to learn more about these methods and the substantive questions they are used to answer.

• Experience in handling and analyzing large historical datasets
• Familiarity with methods used to conduct empirical research at the intersection of history and social science
• Exposure to scholarship on political economy, group identity and social dynamics
• Exposure to the growing field of historical political economy (HPE)
• Active involvement in all the steps of the research process

Project D: GeoMatch

Jens Hainmueller (Political Science)

The Immigration Policy Lab (IPL) is seeking a predoctoral fellow to assist with research associated with its GeoMatch tool, a matching algorithm that helps refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants find the locations where they are most likely to thrive. Within the GeoMatch portfolio, specific areas of research include testing the tool's effectiveness through randomized control trials, measuring how users interact with the tool, and exploring ways to improve the tool’s effectiveness through algorithmic and methodological innovations.The predoctoral fellow would work with IPL Faculty Directors Jens Hainmueller, David Laitin, and Jeremy Weinstein, and an active product team at IPL focused on deploying the GeoMatch tool and supporting its associated research. They would attend team meetings with the staff at IPL and the faculty team that directs the project. Example projects that the predoctoral fellow would assist with include improving the machine learning models used by GeoMatch by finding and integrating new data sources, creating usability and explainability documentation for the tool, designing and analyzing surveys on immigration location preferences, and analyzing refugee out-migration patterns within administrative datasets.

Candidates should have strong coding proficiency in R. Additional proficiency in Python would be preferred but not required. Candidates should have experience with machine learning and statistics. No specific degree is required, but candidates should have a strong technical background commonly found in economics, statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or related fields.

Project E: Causal Inference with Panel Data

Yiqing Xu (Political Science)

This project aims to develop a causal inference toolkit for panel data, specifically designed for social science applications. Relevant examples are available on Professor Xu's website . The predoc will contribute to software development, support methodological advancements in causal inference, and assist in producing tutorials and a textbook on the subject. Additionally, the predoc will have opportunities to engage in applied research on the political economy of China. Regular weekly updates to the supervising professor are mandatory.

• Solid foundation in mathematics, including linear algebra and probability theory
• Completion of intermediate-level courses in econometrics or statistics
• Ability to comprehend original research in applied statistics or econometrics
• Proficiency in programming (e.g., R, Python, or C)
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written

Desirable (but not required)

• Experience in IMO or IPhO
• Familiarity with Github repository management
• Fluency in Chinese, both spoken and written
• Enhanced understanding of causal inference
• Development of Stata, R, & Python packages
• Advanced data analysis and simulation techniques
• Engagement in political economy research on China

Project F: Motivations for Intergenerational Contact

Laura Carstensen (Psychology)

There has been a sudden and dramatic shift in age distribution in the global population. Whereas a century ago, only 5 % of the population in the United States was over 65, today, there are roughly the same number of five-year-olds and 65-year-olds. Age diversity is a novel resource, yet age segregation limits potentially productive exchanges and relationships. Several projects in my laboratory explore intergenerational relationships within families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. A full-time predoc can be integrated into all of these projects.

The Life-span Development Lab within the Department of Psychology at Stanford University is seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to join our team as a full-time Lab Manager. As the Lab Manager, you will play a crucial role in supporting ongoing research projects and ensuring the smooth operation of the lab. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day activities, overseeing participant recruitment, coordinating research protocols, and maintaining a well-organized and efficient work environment. 

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in psychology, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of researchers. Previous experience in a research setting, familiarity with psychology, and proficiency in basic statistics and relevant software are highly desirable.

Basic familiarity with statistics, data entry, and data analysis

Project G: How the Infant Brain Processes Food Rewards

Cameron Ellis (Psychology)

Predocs are invited to apply for a new project in the Scaffolding of Cognition team focused on how the infant brain supports reinforcement learning and cognitive control. Reinforcement learning is a type of learning that orients behavior towards maximizing reward (e.g., physical comfort, food). Cognitive control is the exertion of mental effort to facilitate goal-directed behavior and inhibit undesirable behavior. Infants are capable of both reinforcement learning and cognitive control, yet how their brains support these capacities remains unknown. In this project, we wish to study how the infant brain responds to the most potent reward they regularly experience: food. Additionally, we will ask how infants can inhibit a response when there is no reward. We will conduct functional magnetic resonance imaging while infants are awake and watching a video screen. They will be given a pacifier that can supply milk. We will then time the delivery of milk to events on the screen they are watching so that they can learn to associate the delivery of milk with the stimuli. This will allow us to measure how the brain processes rewards and whether it predicts upcoming rewards. In other conditions, sucking will not lead to reward, and thus, they are expected to learn to withhold sucking in these contexts.

The position is ideal for individuals who wish to gain experience that will prepare them for a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience. Candidates with undergraduate degrees outside of Psychology and Neuroscience who nonetheless have the appropriate skills will be considered closely.

The predoc's responsibilities will be to construct the food delivery pump, pilot its use, and conduct experiments testing the neural response to food rewards. Developing the pump will require substantial technical and practical skill; however, I will closely guide them throughout this process.

As part of the technical skills, the candidate is expected to be familiar with programming (e.g., MATLAB, Python, high-performance computing), as evidenced by class work or independent research. Additional desirable qualities include statistical rigor, neuroimaging experience, and familiarity with office tools (e.g., MS Office, Slack). Finally, candidates must show initiative, problem-solving skills, and excellent communication.

The successful candidate is unlikely to have all of the skills listed above; however, it is expected that by the end of their time, they will have advanced skills in each of these domains.

Project H: Measuring, Modeling, and Improving Data Visualization Literacy

Judith Fan (Psychology)

Scientists use data visualizations to make new discoveries and communicate their findings to the public. So it is important for everyone to be able to understand data visualizations (and not just professional scientists!). The catch is that researchers are still figuring out how a person’s brain changes as they learn these skills and how to measure these changes reliably. Our project will contribute to this effort by developing improved measures to test different theories of data visualization literacy, with the longer-term goal of improving how core data literacy skills are taught. If you join us, you can expect to be closely involved in designing & conducting the behavioral studies to test existing & new measures of data visualization literacy, as well as coordinate with our partner organizations.

The Cognitive Tools Lab generally looks for prospective lab members who have a positive attitude, strong motivation, scientific curiosity, and willingness to quickly/independently learn new things. For more information, please visit our lab website .

• Data analysis and statistical reasoning
• Web programming for developing behavioral experiments
• Maintaining reproducible research workflows
• Professional communication and organizational skills

Project I: Causality in Cognition

Tobias Gerstenberg (Psychology)

The Causality in Cognition Lab (CiCL) studies how the mind learns to represent the causal structure of the world, and how we use this knowledge to predict what will happen, explain what happened, and hold others responsible for the consequences of their actions. In our research, we formalize people’s mental models as computational models that yield quantitative predictions about a wide range of situations. To test these predictions, we use a combination of large-scale online experiments, interactive experiments in the lab, and eye-tracking experiments. The predoc will help with developing computational models, designing and running online and eye-tracking experiments, analyzing and visualizing data, and preparing conference presentations and manuscripts. Find out more about what we do, what we value, and how to join us .

Project J: Investigating Cognitive Development during Early Childhood Using an Online, Scalable, Meta-Science Platform

Hyowon Gweon (Psychology)

The Social Learning Lab in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University is accepting applications for the IRiSS Predoctoral Research Fellowship. The selected predoc will assist with empirical research investigating the cognitive underpinnings of social cognition and communication. Research in the Social Learning Lab asks: How do humans communicate with others by reasoning about their own and others’ mental states, and how does this ability develop in early childhood? To answer these questions we conduct in-person research with adults and children, both in-person (in lab, at partner museums, and at local nursery schools) and online (e.g., Prolific, Zoom, Lookit). This position will offer a great opportunity for prospective PhD students in Cognitive Science and Cognitive Development (Psychology) to gain the expertise and experience critical for a successful application, and sharpen their research interests.

In the Social Learning Lab, the predoc will have the following responsibilities:

• supporting data collection for developmental experiments on online platforms (eg., Lookit) and analyzing the data using automated gaze-coding software, both of which require fluency with JavaScript and Python;
• assisting with data-collection for in-person or live-on-Zoom developmental experiments, which requires being comfortable interacting with families and conducting developmental studies with preschool-aged children;
• aiding in stimuli design, qualitative data coding, quantitative data analysis as well as other aspects of the empirical research process;
• depending on the fellow’s expertise and interest, there may be opportunities to engage in developing experiments for adults in VR environments.

A BA or BS degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or a related field is required. Programming experience (e.g., R, Python, Javascript) is preferred. In the selection process, we will consider all aspects of the applicant’s qualifications, including (but not limited to):

• general quantitative skills for data analysis (e.g., multilevel linear regression);
• technical skills necessary for the main tasks (e.g., fluency in Python, JavaScript, R);
• experience interacting with children and families;
• prior research experience in cognitive science & cognitive development;
• organizational and communicative skills;
• the ability to work independently and in teams.

We also expect the successful candidate to show initiative to learn (both from others and by self-teaching) and demonstrate a clear motivation for engaging in cognitive development research.

The predoctoral fellow will work closely with a postdoc / PhD student and the PI. Through working on research projects, the fellow will gain experience in all aspects of the research process, including but not limited to: designing and programming studies, participant recruitment, data collection, qualitative behavioral coding from video recordings, and quantitative data analysis; these experiences will offer opportunities to acquire and strengthen various technical skills such as R, Matlab, Python, HTML, JavaScript, and video editing software. As one of the core members of the lab, the fellow will benefit from departmental seminars and lab meetings as well as other informal learning opportunities such as regular meetings with the PI and other lab members. The fellow may be able to audit or take courses that are relevant to the research projects and their interests. These opportunities as well as other social events will provide a supportive environment for the fellow’s intellectual and professional development.

Project K: Psychology, Race, and the Real World

Jordan Starck (Psychology)

This predoctoral position will have the opportunity to work on two research programs. The primary program seeks to evaluate how the representations and motivations of one of our partner organizations, Black Girls Code, are perceived by different key constituents, including current and prospective clients from their target client demographic and potential funders. We plan to accomplish this in at least two ways. First, we will build on Dr. Ellen Markman's findings that the linguistic formulations often used to indicate equivalence between two groups can actually backfire. Specifically, subject-complement statements such as "girls are as good at math as boys," lead people to believe that boys are actually naturally more skilled in math than are girls. For Black Girls Code, this raises the possibility that hearing the name of the organization may tacitly prompt them to believe that White boys are the standard when it comes to coding. We will assess whether this perception occurs, the impact of this possible perception, and strategies to address it among client and partner populations. Second, we will build on Dr. Jordan Starck's findings that the reasons organizations provide for why they commit to issues regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, can have diverging impacts on Black and White Americans' perceptions of the organization. While instrumental reasons based on the benefits embracing diversity can provide (e.g., maximizing human capital, boosting employee retention, developing creative team outputs) are particularly appealing among White Americans and make them feel like they will gain greater value, feel greater belonging, and experience greater identity safety there, the opposite tends to be true among Black Americans. For Black Americans, moral reasons focused on the values and principles undergirding diversity commitments are associated with these better outcomes. As such, organizations striving to appeal to diverse stakeholders are in a conundrum in determining how to effectively communicate about the motivations driving their commitments. We will explore the implications of, and possible strategies to address, this conundrum in the case of Black Girls Code.

Depending on the predoctoral scholar's interests and skillset, they may have the opportunity to pursue an additional line of work related to racial inequality in media, education, or the law.

Strong applicants will have had some prior experience conducting social science research, including designing and implementing experiments and observational studies. They will also have some experience with quantitative and qualitative analyses. Familiarity with psychological research regarding race, prejudice, intergroup relations, and inequality is required. They will also have some proficiency in SPSS or R for statistical analyses.

Predoctoral scholars can expect to gain substantial experience in designing and conducting experiments and observational studies, quantitative and qualitative analyses, literature reviews, and managing research partnerships with professional organizations. They may also gain experience with scientific writing.

Project L: Gentrification and Residential Instability in Oakland, CA

Jackelyn Hwang (Sociology)

This project will examine how gentrification and declining housing affordability affect residential instability in the city of Oakland, CA. The project is in partnership with the City of Oakland's Department of Housing and Community Development. The project involves analyzing patterns of residential displacement, financial instability, and housing conditions and assessing a homelessness prevention pilot program through large-scale consumer data, program applications, surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The predoc’s primary responsibilities will be managing and analyzing datasets, producing deliverables for policymakers and broader public audiences, and coordinating data collection. Additionally, the predoc will work closely with project partners to help apply the findings of the research towards the evaluation and improvement of housing policy interventions. Tasks related to data management include documentation, data merges, measures, coding, and analysis, and the predoc will direct undergraduate and graduate students working with these data. The predoc will also prepare data visualizations for academic and non-academic deliverables and write reports and other translation pieces to communicate results to partners, practitioners, and broader public audiences. The predoc will also have opportunities to contribute to academic deliverables stemming from this project. Prof. Hwang will work closely with and mentor the predoc through weekly individual meetings, weekly team meetings with all undergraduate and graduate students working on the project, partner meetings, and frequent communication via slack/email.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication and organizational skills, prior background on social science research design, and experience with qualitative coding (e.g., NVivo) and statistical software (e.g., R). 

Using research to solve societal problems starts with building connections and making space for young people

Chief of Staff, Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Connecticut

Professor of Biological Sciences, Boise State University

Associate Professor in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawaii

Disclosure statement

Zoey England is currently completing a Use-Inspired Research Science Communications fellowship, funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation. She has also received funding from CTNext.

Jennifer Forbey receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

Michael Muszynski receives funding from the National Science Foundation. He is affiliated with the Maize Genetics Cooperation.

University of Connecticut and Boise State University provide funding as members of The Conversation US.

View all partners

Often, when scientists do research around a specific societal challenge, they hope their work will help solve that larger problem. Yet translating findings into long-lasting, community-driven solutions is much harder than most expect.

It seems intuitive that scientists studying living organisms, microbes and ecosystems could apply their findings to tackle food shortages, help keep environments healthy and improve human and animal health. But it’s not always that easy. Issues like climate change, renewable energy, public health and migration are complex , making direct solutions challenging to develop and implement.

As a group of researchers invested in helping scientists create meaningful impact with their work, we understand problems like these will need experts from different fields and industries to work together.

This means we might need to reevaluate certain aspects of the inquiry process and embrace fresh perspectives if we, as members of the scientific community, want to improve our capacity for producing solutions-oriented research.

Defining use-inspired research

Science does not occur in a vacuum. Factors including funding availability, access to advanced technologies and political or social contexts can influence the kinds of studies that get done. A framework called use-inspired research and engagement, or UIRE, acknowledges this fact.

In use-inspired research , the potential applications of findings for society shape the directions of exploration.

In UIRE, researchers work with members of a community to figure out what questions they should look into. They form partnerships with other stakeholders, including governments, businesses of all scales and nonprofits, to form a collaborative foundation. This way, researchers can tailor investigations from the outset to be useful to and usable by decision-makers.

Translational research , or intentionally grounding scientific exploration in practical applications, isn’t new . Use-inspired research expands on translational research, prioritizing building connections between practitioners and communities.

In the U.S., the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 further codified use-inspired research. The act directed US$280 billion over the next 10 years toward funding scientific inquiry to boost domestic competitiveness, innovation and national security.

This legislation also authorized the establishment of the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, called NSF TIP . TIP marks the agency’s first new directorate in over three decades, created with the aim of sparking the growth of diverse innovation and technology landscapes.

Producing science in partnership

In use-inspired research and engagement, collaboration is a big part of each project from the start, when the researchers are first deciding what to study. These cooperative partnerships continue throughout data collection and analysis. Together, these teams apply the results and develop products, implement behavior changes, or further inform community decision-making.

For example, a large hospital, an academic organization and several nonprofits may partner together to explore issues affecting health care accessibility in the region. Researchers collect data through surveys and interviews, and interpret the findings within the community’s specific circumstances. They can then coordinate data evaluation with the health care and nonprofit partners, which helps take socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs and built infrastructure like grocery stores and public transportation into account.

This approach brings together the broad perspectives of a large hospital network, academic expertise around survey creation and data analysis, and specialized knowledge held by nonprofits. These groups can then collaborate further to develop specific programs, such as educational initiatives and enhanced health care services. They can tailor these to the needs of the community they serve.

Use-inspired research matters because it looks at all the different issues facing a community holistically and keeps them in mind when investigating potential solutions. UIRE is not a substitute for basic, foundational research , which explores new questions to fundamentally understand a topic. Rather, it’s an approach centered around selecting questions and developing methods based on real-world importance.

UIRE creates a foundation for long-term, inclusive partnerships – and not just within academia. Government, community organizations, large companies and startups can all use the same principles of UIRE to share ideas and craft solutions to issues facing their communities. Individuals from all sorts of backgrounds are equally integral to the entire process, further amplifying the viewpoints present.

Use-inspired methods are not only relevant to improving research outcomes. A use-inspired approach drives innovation and technological advancements across sectors . When used in K-12 classrooms , UIRE leads to well-rounded students .

This approach can also improve learning in workforce development spaces, creating employees trained to build connections.

UIRE provides platforms for the general public to participate in conversations about issues impacting their lives that they may not have otherwise been a part of.

Harnessing early-career engagement

Use-inspired methods challenge not only how, but who contributes to and benefits from scientific inquiry. They also focus on making the findings accessible to those outside academia.

To craft necessary solutions for complex societal problems, institutions will need to continue backing traditional scholars who excel at pure basic research. At the same time, they can support training in use-inspired domains.

Early-career professionals across sectors will continue to play an important role in spreading and sustaining the cultural shifts necessary to embrace use-inspired research at a wider scale. These early-career professionals can bring fresh ideas to the table and craft innovative approaches to problems.

To support translational research long term, institutions and supervisors can support students in hands-on learning opportunities from the first year of undergraduate coursework to postgraduate fellowships. These opportunities can help students learn about UIRE and equip them with the skills needed to build cross-sector partnerships before entering the workforce.

By receiving mentorship from individuals outside academia, students and trainees can gain exposure to different career paths and find motivation to pursue opportunities outside traditional academic roles. This mentorship fosters creative problem-solving and adaptability.

UIRE provides a potential framework to addressing complex societal challenges. Creating opportunities for the ongoing involvement of young people will seed a vibrant future for use-inspired research and engagement.

• Climate change
• Science communication
• National Science Foundation
• Partnerships
• Science and society
• Societal impacts

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Impact of public health guidance is focus of new NSF partnership with Social Science Research Council

The U.S. National Science Foundation is partnering with the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) to support research that advances scientific knowledge about public health guidance and its impact on the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

SSRC will donate up to $7.5 million to NSF over the next two years to support fundamental research exploring the effects of public health guidance on society. NSF will invest an additional $12.5 million for a combined total of up to $20 million in research funding.

SSRC is an independent nonprofit organization that has supported social science research since 1923. The partnership will leverage the unique capabilities of NSF and SSRC through their diverse connections to the research community and public health organizations.

"Fundamental social and behavioral science has the power to help every American live a healthier and more prosperous life," says NSF Social and Economic Sciences Division Director Rayvon Fouché. "The societal benefits from robust exploratory research are amplified by dynamic partnerships like this one. We are grateful to SSRC for partnering with NSF in our shared mission to enhance the resilience and strength of communities across the entire country."

"Information networks are a critical component of our public health infrastructure. However, in today's complex information ecosystem, accurate information is not equally accessible for everyone," says SSRC President Anna Harvey. "This partnership will fund social and behavioral scientists to understand the causal impacts of methods that increase the sharing and uptake of critical health-related information, contributing to an information environment that benefits everyone."

The challenge of understanding the diverse effects that public health guidance can have on U.S. society and the economy has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and well-being of individuals, communities and entire regions of the U.S. can be fortified through fundamental scientific insights into how public health guidance is created and distributed and how people perceive it.

NSF and SSRC invite research proposals that can reveal the complex factors that contribute to effective public health guidance and provide rigorous evidence that will be useful for decision-makers seeking to improve and protect the health of their communities.

For details on how to prepare and submit a research proposal, see  Dear Colleague Letter: NSF and SSRC Partnership to Advance Scientific Knowledge About the Impact of Public Health Guidance .

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