biology psychology research topics

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of biological psychology research paper topics , curated to support students navigating the complex interplay between biology and psychology. Designed to fuel academic inquiry and innovation, these topics span the breadth of biological psychology, from neuroanatomy and brain structure to mental health and neurological disorders. Each theme is chosen for its relevance and potential to advance understanding within this fascinating field. Whether you’re exploring the basics of neurochemistry, the intricacies of genetic influences on behavior, or the cutting-edge developments in psychopharmacology, this list is a gateway to discovering the profound impact of biological factors on psychological processes.

100 Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

Biological psychology stands at the fascinating intersection where biology meets psychology, offering insights into how our biological processes influence our behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. The significance of research in this field cannot be overstated, as it provides the foundational understanding necessary for developing treatments for psychological disorders, enhancing educational strategies, and improving overall mental health. The diversity of research paper topics available within biological psychology reflects the vastness of the human mind and body, encompassing everything from the microscopic workings of neurotransmitters to the complex behaviors driven by our genetic makeup. This section aims to introduce students to a broad spectrum of topics, encouraging exploration into the many facets of biological psychology.

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• The Role of the Hippocampus in Memory Formation
• Neuroanatomical Differences in Individuals with ADHD
• The Impact of Aging on Brain Structures
• The Brain’s Reward System and Its Link to Addiction
• Comparative Neuroanatomy of Humans and Non-Human Primates
• Brain Structure Differences in Psychiatric Disorders
• The Function of the Amygdala in Fear and Emotion
• Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain
• The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Decision Making
• Mapping the Connectome: Understanding Brain Networks
• The Role of Serotonin in Mood Disorders
• Neurotransmitters and Their Impact on Behavior
• The Biochemistry of Love: Neurochemical Foundations
• Dopamine Pathways and Their Role in Motivation and Reward
• Glutamate and GABA: Balancing Excitation and Inhibition
• Neurochemical Basis of Learning and Memory
• The Effect of Psychoactive Substances on Neurotransmission
• Endocannabinoids and Their Psychological Effects
• Stress and Cortisol: Neurochemical Responses to Stress
• Neuroplasticity and Changes in Neurotransmitter Function
• The Heritability of Intelligence
• Genetic Influences on Personality Traits
• Epigenetics and Psychological Disorders
• The Role of Twin Studies in Understanding Behavior
• Genetic Predispositions to Anxiety and Depression
• Behavioral Genetics of Addiction
• The Impact of Prenatal Genetic Influences on Development
• Gene-Environment Interactions in Schizophrenia
• Genetics of Sleep Patterns and Disorders
• Molecular Genetics in Cognitive Functioning
• The Evolution of Altruism and Social Behavior
• Mate Selection and Attraction from an Evolutionary Perspective
• The Evolutionary Basis of Phobias and Fears
• Evolutionary Explanations for Group Dynamics
• Sexual Dimorphism and Gender Differences in Behavior
• The Evolutionary Role of Emotions
• Evolutionary Perspectives on Parental Investment
• The Adaptive Nature of Cognitive Biases
• Evolution and Human Aggression
• Survival Strategies: Evolutionary Approaches to Modern Behavior
• Antidepressants: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Use
• The Pharmacology of Hallucinogens and Their Therapeutic Potential
• Neuroleptics and the Treatment of Schizophrenia
• The Impact of Stimulants on Attention Disorders
• Benzodiazepines and Anxiety: A Double-Edged Sword
• The Role of Psychopharmacology in Treating PTSD
• Medications for Bipolar Disorder: An Overview
• Cognitive Enhancers and Nootropics: Ethical Considerations
• The Effects of Opioids on the Brain and Behavior
• Challenges in Developing Medications for Addiction Treatment
• The Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity
• Critical Periods in Brain Development and Learning
• The Role of Sleep in Memory Consolidation and Learning
• Neuroplasticity and Recovery from Brain Injury
• The Impact of Meditation on Brain Structure and Function
• Language Acquisition and Brain Plasticity
• Exercise and Its Effects on Brain Health and Neuroplasticity
• The Influence of Environmental Enrichment on Neural Development
• Neuroplasticity in Aging: Maintaining Cognitive Function
• Plasticity and the Treatment of Learning Disabilities
• Visual Perception and Its Neural Mechanisms
• The Neuroscience of Taste and Smell
• Auditory Processing and the Perception of Music
• The Somatosensory System: Touch and Pain Perception
• Multisensory Integration and Its Role in Perception
• Perception and the Brain: Top-Down Processes
• Neurobiology of the Vestibular System
• Synesthesia: Cross-Wiring in the Brain
• The Role of Attention in Sensory Processing
• Perception of Time and Its Neural Basis
• The Neural Correlates of Happiness and Well-Being
• Stress Response Mechanisms in the Brain
• The Physiology of Fear and the Fight or Flight Response
• Emotional Regulation and Its Neural Substrates
• The Impact of Chronic Stress on Health and Behavior
• Neural Pathways of Anger and Aggression
• The Role of Oxytocin in Social Bonding and Emotions
• Psychoneuroimmunology: The Link Between Emotion and Immune Function
• Emotional Expression and Recognition: A Neurological Perspective
• Stress and Memory: How Stress Affects Cognitive Processes
• The Neural Basis of Consciousness
• Sleep Disorders and Their Neurological Underpinnings
• Dreaming: Theories and Neurobiological Mechanisms
• The Role of the Thalamus in Sleep and Consciousness
• Neurological Studies on Meditation and Mindfulness
• The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Brain Function
• Circadian Rhythms and Their Regulation
• The Neurobiology of Hypnosis
• Consciousness-Altering Substances: A Biological Perspective
• The Intersection of Consciousness and Memory
• Biological Underpinnings of Major Depressive Disorder
• The Neurobiology of Anxiety Disorders
• Schizophrenia: Genetic and Neurochemical Aspects
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Neural Correlates and Interventions
• Neurological Basis of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Parkinson’s Disease: Neurodegeneration and Treatment Strategies
• Alzheimer’s Disease: Pathophysiology and Research Directions
• The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury on Mental Health
• Multiple Sclerosis: Immunological and Neurological Perspectives
• Neurobiological Aspects of Eating Disorders

The range and depth of biological psychology research paper topics underscore the field’s crucial role in advancing our understanding of the human mind and behavior. By exploring these diverse areas, students have the opportunity to contribute significantly to the growth of biological psychology, uncovering new insights and applications that can influence everything from healthcare to education. We encourage students to delve into these topics, harnessing their curiosity and analytical skills to drive forward the boundaries of what we know about the biological foundations of behavior.

What is Biological Psychology

Introduction to Biological Psychology

At its core, biological psychology seeks to unravel the complex web of neural activities, genetic factors, and biochemical processes that constitute the foundation of our psychological experiences. It operates on the premise that our cognitions, emotions, and behaviors are deeply rooted in our physical bodies, particularly our brains. This perspective is pivotal, as it guides researchers and practitioners toward understanding mental health issues, developmental processes, and the myriad ways in which individuals interact with their environments.

Overview and Significance of Studying Biological Psychology

The significance of studying biological psychology cannot be overstated. It provides critical insights into the physiological bases of behavior, offering explanations for how and why we act, learn, remember, and feel. This understanding is vital for the development of effective treatments for a variety of mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. Furthermore, biological psychology research contributes to our knowledge of how genetics and the environment interact to influence our behavior, leading to more nuanced approaches to education, therapy, and social policy.

Discussion on How Biological Factors Influence Behavior and Mental Processes

Biological factors influence behavior and mental processes in myriad ways. From the genetic codes that predispose individuals to certain traits and behaviors, to the neurotransmitters that facilitate communication within the brain, every thought, memory, emotion, and action can be traced back to biological origins. Hormonal changes, for example, can significantly affect mood and behavior, while structural differences in brain areas can lead to varied cognitive abilities and emotional experiences. Understanding these biological underpinnings allows psychologists to better comprehend the full spectrum of human behavior and mental health.

Exploration of the Wide Range of Research Topics Within Biological Psychology

Biological psychology encompasses a wide array of research topics, reflecting the diversity of the human experience itself. These topics include neuroanatomy, which studies the structure of the nervous system; neurochemistry, focusing on the chemical bases of neural activity; and psychopharmacology, the study of how drugs affect the mind and behavior. Other areas of interest include the investigation of the biological bases of mental disorders, the neural mechanisms of learning and memory, and the impact of stress on physical and mental health. This diversity not only highlights the complexity of the field but also its potential to contribute to various aspects of society and health care.

Examination of the Latest Advancements and Research Findings

The field of biological psychology has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, thanks in part to technological innovations such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These advancements have allowed researchers to explore the brain’s structure and function with unprecedented detail, leading to new understandings of neural plasticity, the genetics of psychological disorders, and the neural bases of complex behaviors like empathy and decision-making. These findings are continuously reshaping our understanding of the brain-behavior relationship, offering new avenues for treatment and intervention.

Ethical Considerations in Biological Psychology Research

As with all scientific research, biological psychology faces its own set of ethical considerations. Issues such as the use of animals in research, the potential for genetic discrimination, and the privacy concerns surrounding genetic information are at the forefront of ethical debates. Ensuring that research is conducted responsibly, with due consideration for the welfare of participants (both human and non-human), is paramount. Moreover, the implications of biological psychology research often extend into broader societal and moral realms, necessitating ongoing dialogue among scientists, ethicists, and the public.

Future Directions and Potential Areas of Study

The future of biological psychology is bright, with numerous potential areas of study poised to further illuminate the complexities of the human mind and behavior. One promising area is the exploration of the microbiome’s impact on psychological well-being, an emerging field known as psychobiotics. Additionally, the advent of personalized medicine, including tailored psychopharmacological treatments based on individual genetic profiles, holds great promise for the treatment of mental disorders. As our understanding of the biological underpinnings of behavior continues to grow, so too will our capacity to enhance human health and productivity.

Conclusion on the Importance of Research in Biological Psychology

Research in biological psychology is essential for advancing our understanding of the intricate relationships between the brain, the body, and behavior. By uncovering the biological bases of mental processes and disorders, this field contributes invaluable knowledge that informs the development of more effective treatments, interventions, and policies. The importance of biological psychology research extends beyond academia, impacting mental health care, education, and society at large. As we continue to explore the biological foundations of behavior, we move closer to unlocking the full potential of human health and well-being, underscoring the vital role that biological psychology plays in our quest to understand the human condition.

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61 intriguing psychology research topics to explore

Last updated

11 January 2024

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

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

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

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

• How to choose a psychology research topic

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

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

Focus on a particular area of psychology

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

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

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

Read the latest clinical studies

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

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

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

Find a topic you enjoy and ask questions

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

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

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

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

• 61 psychology topics to research in 2024

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

• Psychology research topics for university students

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

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

Mental health in post-secondary students

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

Examples of post-secondary mental health research topics include:

Student mental health status during exam season

Mental health disorder prevalence based on study major

The impact of chronic school stress on overall quality of life

The impacts of cyberbullying

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

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

The impact of cyberbullying on self-esteem

Common reasons people engage in cyberbullying 

Cyberbullying themes and commonly used terms

Cyberbullying habits in children vs. adults

The long-term effects of cyberbullying

• Clinical psychology research topics

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

Chronic pain and mental health

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

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

The connection between diabetic neuropathy and depression

Neurological pain and its connection to mental health disorders

Efficacy of meditation and mindfulness for pain management

The long-term effects of insomnia

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

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

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

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

Insomnia and its impact on workplace productivity

The connection between insomnia and mental health disorders

Efficacy and use of melatonin supplements for insomnia

The risks and benefits of prescription insomnia medications

Lifestyle options for managing insomnia symptoms

The efficacy of mental health treatment options

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

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

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

The benefits and drawbacks of group vs. individual therapy sessions

Music therapy for mental health disorders

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for patients with depression 

• Controversial psychology research paper topics

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

The impact of social media and digital platforms

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

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

The effect of edited images on self-confidence

How social media platforms impact social behavior

Video games and their impact on teenage anger and violence

Digital communication and the rapid spread of misinformation

The development of digital friendships

Psychotropic medications for mental health

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

Examples of psychotropic medication-related research topics include:

The risks and benefits of using psilocybin mushrooms for managing anxiety

The impact of marijuana on early-onset psychosis

Childhood marijuana use and related prevalence of mental health conditions

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

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

• Mental health disorder research topics

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

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

Anxiety and depression disorders

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

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

Social anxiety and its connection to chronic loneliness

C-PTSD symptoms and causes

The development of phobias

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors and symptoms

Depression triggers and causes

Self-care tools and resources for depression

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

Bipolar disorder

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

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

Early signs of bipolar disorder

The incidence of bipolar disorder in young adults

The efficacy of existing bipolar treatment options

Bipolar medication side effects

Cognitive behavioral therapy for people with bipolar 

Schizoaffective disorder

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

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

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

Risk factors for developing schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence and content of auditory and visual hallucinations

Alternative therapies for schizoaffective disorder

• Societal and systematic psychology research topics

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

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

Access to mental health services

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

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

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

Rural vs. urban access to mental health resources

Access to crisis lines by location

Wait times for emergency mental health services

Inequities in mental health access based on income and location

Insurance coverage for mental health services

Systemic racism and mental health

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

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

Examples of systemic racism-related psychology research topics include: 

Access to mental health resources based on race

The prevalence of BIPOC mental health therapists in a chosen area

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

Racism training for mental health workers

The prevalence of mental health disorders in discriminated groups

LGBTQIA+ mental health concerns

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

Examples of LGBTQIA+ psychology research topics to consider include:

Mental health supports for queer teens and children

The impact of queer safe spaces on mental health

The prevalence of mental health disorders in the LGBTQIA+ community

The benefits of queer mentorship and found family

Substance misuse in LQBTQIA+ youth and adults

• Collect data and identify trends with Dovetail

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

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

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Biology Research Topics

Are you in need of captivating and achievable research topics within the field of biology? Your quest for the best biology topics ends right here as this article furnishes you with 100 distinctive and original concepts for biology research, laying the groundwork for your research endeavor.

Table of Contents

Our proficient researchers have thoughtfully curated these biology research themes, considering the substantial body of literature accessible and the prevailing gaps in research.

Should none of these topics elicit enthusiasm, our specialists are equally capable of proposing tailor-made research ideas in biology, finely tuned to cater to your requirements. 

Thus, without further delay, we present our compilation of biology research topics crafted to accommodate students and researchers.

Research Topics in Marine Biology

• Impact of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.
• Biodiversity and adaptation of deep-sea organisms.
• Effects of pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
• Role of marine protected areas in conserving biodiversity.
• Microplastics in marine environments: sources, impacts, and mitigation.

Biological Anthropology Research Topics

• Evolutionary implications of early human migration patterns.
• Genetic and environmental factors influencing human height variation.
• Cultural evolution and its impact on human societies.
• Paleoanthropological insights into human dietary adaptations.
• Genetic diversity and population history of indigenous communities.

Biological Psychology Research Topics 

• Neurobiological basis of addiction and its treatment.
• Impact of stress on brain structure and function.
• Genetic and environmental influences on mental health disorders.
• Neural mechanisms underlying emotions and emotional regulation.
• Role of the gut-brain axis in psychological well-being.

Cancer Biology Research Topics 

• Targeted therapies in precision cancer medicine.
• Tumor microenvironment and its influence on cancer progression.
• Epigenetic modifications in cancer development and therapy.
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors and their role in cancer immunotherapy.
• Early detection and diagnosis strategies for various types of cancer.

Also read: Cancer research topics

Cell Biology Research Topics

• Mechanisms of autophagy and its implications in health and disease.
• Intracellular transport and organelle dynamics in cell function.
• Role of cell signaling pathways in cellular response to external stimuli.
• Cell cycle regulation and its relevance to cancer development.
• Cellular mechanisms of apoptosis and programmed cell death.

Developmental Biology Research Topics 

• Genetic and molecular basis of limb development in vertebrates.
• Evolution of embryonic development and its impact on morphological diversity.
• Stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine approaches.
• Mechanisms of organogenesis and tissue regeneration in animals.
• Role of non-coding RNAs in developmental processes.

Also read: Education research topics

Human Biology Research Topics

• Genetic factors influencing susceptibility to infectious diseases.
• Human microbiome and its impact on health and disease.
• Genetic basis of rare and common human diseases.
• Genetic and environmental factors contributing to aging.
• Impact of lifestyle and diet on human health and longevity.

Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• CRISPR-Cas gene editing technology and its applications.
• Non-coding RNAs as regulators of gene expression.
• Role of epigenetics in gene regulation and disease.
• Mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability.
• Molecular basis of cellular metabolism and energy production.

Research Topics in Biology for Undergraduates

• 41. Investigating the effects of pollutants on local plant species.
• Microbial diversity and ecosystem functioning in a specific habitat.
• Understanding the genetics of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
• Impact of urbanization on bird populations and biodiversity.
• Investigating the role of pheromones in insect communication.

Also read: Psychology Research Topics

Synthetic Biology Research Topics 

• Design and construction of synthetic biological circuits.
• Synthetic biology applications in biofuel production.
• Ethical considerations in synthetic biology research and applications.
• Synthetic biology approaches to engineering novel enzymes.
• Creating synthetic organisms with modified functions and capabilities.

Animal Biology Research Topics 

• Evolution of mating behaviors in animal species.
• Genetic basis of color variation in butterfly wings.
• Impact of habitat fragmentation on amphibian populations.
• Behavior and communication in social insect colonies.
• Adaptations of marine mammals to aquatic environments.

Also read: Nursing research topics

Best Biology Research Topics 

• Unraveling the mysteries of circadian rhythms in organisms.
• Investigating the ecological significance of cryptic coloration.
• Evolution of venomous animals and their prey.
• The role of endosymbiosis in the evolution of eukaryotic cells.
• Exploring the potential of extremophiles in biotechnology.

Biological Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory formation.
• Impact of sleep disorders on cognitive function and mental health.
• Biological basis of personality traits and behavior.
• Neural correlates of emotions and emotional disorders.
• Role of neuroplasticity in brain recovery after injury.

Biological Science Research Topics: 

• Role of gut microbiota in immune system development.
• Molecular mechanisms of gene regulation during development.
• Impact of climate change on insect population dynamics.
• Genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
• Evolutionary relationships among vertebrate species based on DNA analysis.

Biology Education Research Topics 

• Effectiveness of inquiry-based learning in biology classrooms.
• Assessing the impact of virtual labs on student understanding of biology concepts.
• Gender disparities in science education and strategies for closing the gap.
• Role of outdoor education in enhancing students’ ecological awareness.
• Integrating technology in biology education: challenges and opportunities.

Biology-Related Research Topics

• The intersection of ecology and economics in conservation planning.
• Molecular basis of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.
• Implications of genetic modification of crops for food security.
• Evolutionary perspectives on cooperation and altruism in animal behavior.
• Environmental impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biology Research Proposal Topics

• Investigating the role of microRNAs in cancer progression.
• Exploring the effects of pollution on aquatic biodiversity.
• Developing a gene therapy approach for a genetic disorder.
• Assessing the potential of natural compounds as anti-inflammatory agents.
• Studying the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Biology Research Topic Ideas

• Role of pheromones in insect mate selection and behavior.
• Investigating the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Impact of climate change on plant-pollinator interactions.
• Genetic diversity and conservation of endangered species.
• Evolutionary patterns in mimicry and camouflage in organisms.

Biology Research Topics for Undergraduates 

• Effects of different fertilizers on plant growth and soil health.
• Investigating the biodiversity of a local freshwater ecosystem.
• Evolutionary origins of a specific animal adaptation.
• Genetic diversity and disease susceptibility in human populations.
• Role of specific genes in regulating the immune response.

Cell and Molecular Biology Research Topics 

• Molecular mechanisms of DNA replication and repair.
• Role of microRNAs in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
• Investigating the cell cycle and its control mechanisms.
• Molecular basis of mitochondrial diseases and therapies.
• Cellular responses to oxidative stress and their implications in ageing.

These topics cover a broad range of subjects within biology, offering plenty of options for research projects. Remember that you can further refine these topics based on your specific interests and research goals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are some good research topics in biology?

A good research topic in biology will address a specific problem in any of the several areas of biology, such as marine biology, molecular biology, cellular biology, animal biology, or cancer biology.

A topic that enables you to investigate a problem in any area of biology will help you make a meaningful contribution. 

How to choose a research topic in biology?

Choosing a research topic in biology is simple. 

Follow the steps:

• Generate potential topics. 
• Consider your areas of knowledge and personal passions. 
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature.
•  Evaluate the practicality and viability. 
• Narrow down and refine your research query. 
• Remain receptive to new ideas and suggestions.

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For several years, Research Prospect has been offering students around the globe complimentary research topic suggestions. We aim to assist students in choosing a research topic that is both suitable and feasible for their project, leading to the attainment of their desired grades. Explore how our services, including research proposal writing , dissertation outline creation, and comprehensive thesis writing , can contribute to your college’s success.

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Biological Psychology: An Introduction to Behavioral, Cognitive, and Clinical Neuroscience, Third Edition

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Biopsychology

Biopsychology is a branch of psychology that analyzes how the brain, neurotransmitters, and other aspects of our biology influence our behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

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Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development suggests that children move through four different stages of intellectual development which reflect the increasing sophistication of children's thoughts. Child development is determined by biological maturation and interaction with the environment.

Learn More: Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development

Behaviorism is a theory of learning that states all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment through a process called conditioning. Thus, behavior is simply a response to environmental stimuli.

Learn More: Behaviorist Approach in Psychology

Sigmund Freud (1856 to 1939) was the founding father of psychoanalysis, a method for treating mental illness and a theory that explains human behavior. His theories are clinically derived, based on what his patients told him during therapy.

Learn More: Sigmund Freud's Influence on Psychology

An approach is a perspective that involves certain assumptions about human behavior: the way people function, which aspects of them are worthy of study, and what research methods are appropriate for undertaking this study. The five major psychological perspectives are biological, psychodynamic, behaviorist, cognitive, and humanistic.

Learn More: Major Perspectives in Modern Psychology

Neuroscience is the branch of science concerned with studying the nervous system. It is a multidisciplinary field integrating numerous perspectives from biology, psychology, and medicine. It consists of several sub-fields ranging from the study of neurochemicals to the study of behavior and thought.

Learn More: What is Neuroscience?

Frequent Asked Questions

Is psychodynamic same as psychoanalytic?

The words psychodynamic and psychoanalytic are often confused. Remember that Freud’s theories were psychoanalytic, whereas the term ‘psychodynamic’ refers to both his theories and those of his followers, such as Carl Jung, Anna Freud, and Erik Erikson.

Learn More: Psychodynamic Approach

What is developmental psychology?

Developmental psychology is a scientific approach which aims to explain how thinking, feeling, and behavior change throughout a person’s life. A significant proportion of theories within this discipline focus upon development during childhood, as this is the period during an individual’s lifespan when the most change occurs.

Learn More: Developmental Psychology

What is Freud’s psychosexual theory?

Sigmund Freud proposed that personality development in childhood takes place during five psychosexual stages, which are the oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital stages.

During each stage, sexual energy (libido) is expressed in different ways and through different body parts.

Learn More: Freud’s Psychosexual Stages of Development

What Is object permanence in Piaget’s theory?

Object permanence means knowing that an object still exists, even if it is hidden. It requires the ability to form a mental representation (i.e. a schema) of the object.

The attainment of object permanence generally signals the transition from the sensorimotor stage to the  preoperational stage of development .

Learn More: What Is Object Permanence According To Piaget?

What is the difference between a psychology and sociology?

Psychology studies the mind of an individual to understand human behavior and social and emotional reactions, whereas sociology looks beyond individuals and examines societal institutions and groups of people.

Learn More: Similarities and Differences Between Sociology and Psychology

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Biological psychology involves studying biological influences on behavior, thoughts, and emotions (Kalat, 2015).

Biological psychology primarily focuses on the nervous system, hormones, and genetics. These biological influences are intertwined with each other and environmental influences, making the path from biology to behavior highly complex.

This specialty within psychology may use both human and animal-model research methods . 

This is a rapidly growing and changing field. As scientific techniques advance and become cheaper, more researchers can use innovative methods to understand biological processes involved in various behavioral outcomes, including mental health, cognition and learning, and much more (Lyons et al., 2014).

Note: Biological psychology is sometimes called biopsychology, physiological psychology, and psychobiology (APA, 2024) .

Definition of Biological Psychology

Biological psychology is a broad field that seeks to identify biological explanations of behavior (Kalat, 2015).

Biological psychology suggests that humans think and act the way we do because of brain mechanisms and activity.

A critical concept in biological psychology is that perception occurs in your brain (Kalat, 2015).

For example, if you accidentally touch a hot stove, the nerves in your hand send a signal to your brain. So, you feel that burn in your brain, not your hand. This applies to more than just pain but also other modes of perception, like vision.

Biological psychology is concerned with both proximate and ultimate questions:

• Proximate questions concern immediate and mechanistic influences on behavior,
• Ultimate questions concern larger historical and evolutionary influences (Lyons et al., 2014).

Biological psychology encompasses research methods, including studying behavior concerning brain activity, hormones, and genetics.

• The study of brain activity . A scientist is interested in understanding how the brain operates while someone is reading. This scientist may design an fMRI study and have people complete a specific reading task while in the scanner. Then the scientist can see what regions of the brain activate while someone is reading.
• Lesion studies . Lesion studies were prevalent in early biological psychology and neuroscience. These studies looked for associations between damage or abnormalities in brain tissue and behavior. A classic example is Phineas Gage. Gage experienced major damage to his frontal lobe in a construction accident. He survived, but his personality changed, and he lost his ability to self-regulate and inhibit his impulses . Scientists studied Gage and began understanding that the frontal lobe was important to personality and self-regulation.
• The study of hormones . Biological psychology can concern with how hormones influence behavior. Hormones are chemical messengers that are released by specific glands and travel in the bloodstream. Hormone levels can be increased or decreased by specific situations. For example, cortisol, a stress hormone, may increase in a frightening situation and influence behavior by impacting your attention.   
• Twin Studies . Twin and family studies provide an aggregate estimate of genetic influences on variability in behavioral or psychological outcomes by examining differences between people who share different amounts of DNA. For example, early twin and family research was important to understanding that a significant genetic component played a role in why some people develop schizophrenia (Knopik et al., 2016). In addition, twin studies consistently found that genetic and environmental influences are important to almost all human behavior.    
• GWAS . GWAS are a recent and popular development in biological psychology. GWAS findings have backed up much of the twin and family literature. GWAS have also made large advances in our understanding of genetics and behavior. For example, GWAS have demonstrated that many (sometimes thousands) genes have tiny effects, on behavior, rather than a few genes having large effects.    
• Epigenetics . Epigenetics is another method used in biological psychology. Epigenetics is concerned with gene regulation and expression, specifically methylation. Environmental factors , like poverty, can impact methylation and gene expression. For example, researchers have found that people who have experienced poverty have faster biological aging, indicated by DNA methylation (Raffington & Belsky, 2022).    
• Asking Proximate Questions . Proximate questions deal with immediate and mechanistic influences on behavior. For example, a hormone researcher may be interested in the link between puberty and mental health. They think specific hormones that increase in puberty, like testosterone in males, may partially explain the increase in mental health issues or risk-taking behavior observed in teenage boys. If the researcher found a connection between testosterone and aggression, that would be a proximate explanation. 
• Animal-models . Researchers can use animal-models, like rat or mouse models, to examine questions related to biology and behavior. For example, researchers can alter the genetic makeup of a model-animal, expose the animals to specific environmental influences and examine DNA methylation, or perform lesion studies. 
• Studying candidate genes and false positives . Not all research methods in biological psychology have stood the test of time. Candidate gene studies were popular when psychologists first started using measured genetics in their research. Unlike the GWAS, candidate gene studies would typically look at if one specific gene related to behavior. We now know that single genes have very tiny effects on behavior. Candidate gene studies were particularly popular in gene by environment studies (GxE), where researchers examine if the effect of a gene or genetic influences depends on environmental contexts. Though twin studies have demonstrated GxE, researchers have shown that many candidate GxE findings were likely false positives (Duncan & Keller, 2011).   
• Working in correlation studies . Biological psychology requires careful interpretation because a great deal of the studies explore correlations (not causations). For example, a researcher may find that specific brain structure differences are related to differences in depression symptoms. However, this doesn’t tell us that that brain region causes depression.

Common Biological Psychology Research Methods & Tools

1. brain imaging.

There are several brain imaging techniques used in biological psychology. These techniques can provide information about the brain’s structure or function (activity) (Lyons et al., 2014).

Techniques that provide information about the brain’s structure include CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Functional techniques that infer brain activity include PET scans and functional MRI (fMRI).

2. Electrophysiological Tools

Biological psychology also relies on electrophysiological tools to directly measure the activity of either single nerve cells or large groups of nerve cells. One of the most popular electrophysiological techniques is electroencephalography (EEG).  

3. Behavioral Genetics

Biological psychology also relies on measuring genetic makeup or hormone levels and seeing if those influences correlate with specific behavioral and psychological outcomes. The study of genetic and environmental influences on behavior is known as behavioral genetics and is also sometimes called sociogenomics (Harden, 2021).

Behavioral genetics typically uses either twin/family studies or genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to understand how genetic and environmental influences contribute to variability in human behavior and psychological outcomes (Harden, 2021).

Twin studies compare how similar identical and fraternal twins are on a specific outcome and then use specific statistical models to estimate genetic and environmental influences on that outcome. GWAS involves testing correlations between an outcome and many measured genetic differences across the genome.

Other Types of Psychology

• Evolutionary Psychology – Evolutionary psychology aims to understand how thoughts, actions, and behavior are shaped by evolutionary forces (Mealey, 2023; Workman, 2004).
• Clinical Psychology – Clinical Psychology is a specialty in psychology that involves the practical application of psychological theories for treating psychological problems and disorders (Pomerantz, 2016).

Biological psychology is concerned with biological explanations and influences of human behavior. Though biological psychology uses impressive and advanced tools, it is important to remember that most of the work is still correlational, and it is very hard to identify true causation.

APA Dictionary of Psychology . (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2023, from https://dictionary.apa.org/

Duncan, L. E., & Keller, M. C. (2011). A Critical Review of the First 10 Years of Candidate Gene-by-Environment Interaction Research in Psychiatry. American Journal of Psychiatry , 168 (10), 1041–1049. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2011.11020191

Harden, K. P. (2021). “Reports of My Death Were Greatly Exaggerated”: Behavior genetics in the postgenomic era. Annual Review of Psychology , 72 (1), null. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-052220-103822

Kalat, J. W. (2015). Biological Psychology . Cengage Learning.

Knopik, V. S., Neiderhiser, J. M., DeFries, J. C., & Plomin, R. (2016). Behavioral Genetics (Seventh edition). Worth Publishers.

Lyons, M., Harrison, N., Brewer, G., Robinson, S., & Sanders, R. (2014). Biological Psychology . Learning Matters.

Raffington, L., & Belsky, D. W. (2022). Integrating DNA Methylation Measures of Biological Aging into Social Determinants of Health Research. Current Environmental Health Reports , 9 (2), 196–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-022-00338-8

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IResearchNet

Biological Psychology

History of biologi­cal psychology.

The current scope of biological psychology is broad including the following topics:

• Evolution of brain and behavior;
• Development of the nervous system and be­havior over the life span;
• Psychopharmacology;
• Sensory and perceptual processes;
• Control and coordination of movements and actions;
• Control of behavioral states (motivation), including sex and reproductive behavior, and regulation of internal states;
• Biological rhythms and sleep;
• Emotions and mental disorders;
• Neural mechanisms of learning and memory, language and cognition;
• Recovery of function after damage to the nervous system.

Developing from biological psychology and overlapping with parts of it are such fields as be­havior genetics and hormones and behavior.

Origins of Biological Psychology

During much of its history. biological psychology was known as “physiological psychology.” but we should note two meanings of this term. First. physiological psy­chology was the name Wilhelm Wundt and his contem­poraries used for the new. scientific psychology. The preface to Wundt’s most important book. Grundzüge der physiologischen Psychologie (Principles of Physiological Psychology. 1873-1874). stated his purpose:

The work which I here present to the public is an attempt to mark out a new domain of science…. The question may be raised. whether the time is yet ripe for such an undertaking. The new discipline rests upon an­atomical and physiological foundations which. in cer­tain respects, are themselves very far from solid; while the experimental treatment of psychological problems … [is] still at its first beginnings. (1948. p. 248)

Wundt’s book treated general experimental psychol­ogy. which he hoped to demonstrate could be as scientific as physiology. Physiology itself was one of the streams of investigation and theory that joined to form the new psychology. Other lines that led to psychology included human and comparative neuroanatomy, study of sensation, and sociomedical studies.

By the 1920s, physiological psychology was acquiring its second, more restricted meaning: the study of be­havior in terms of its biological mechanisms. Textbooks on physiological psychology in this sense began to ap­pear in the 1930s. The discipline of physiology also be­came more restricted during the twentieth century as new sciences split from it—sciences such as endocri­nology, genetics, and biochemistry. Thus the term bio­logical psychology arose as being more appropriate to designate the relations of psychology to the life sci­ences. Textbooks entitled Biological Psychology began to appear in the 1980s. Other terms sometimes used as alternatives to biological psychology or “biopsychology” include physiology of behavior and behavioral neuroscience. Currently. biological psychology encompasses four main aspects: biological mechanisms of behavior; the development of behavior and its biological mechanisms over the life span; the evolution of behavior and its biological mechanisms; and applications. which entail both tests of the adequacy of formulations and use of findings to benefit health and quality of life (Rosenzweig. Leiman. & Breedlove, 1999).

Persistent Themes in Biological Psychology

Physiological Explanations of Behavior

Rene Descartes (1596-1650) was an important forerunner of modern psychology who sought to locate mental func­tions in the nervous system and to explain aspects of behavior in terms of physiological mechanisms. An­other pioneer was the physician David Hartley (1705­1757). a philosopher by avocation. In his Observations on Man (1749), Hartley attempted to integrate the cur­rent facts and theories of anatomy and physiology with concepts of associationistic philosophy. Apparently the irst to use the term physiological psychology in a book title was English physician Robert Dunn (1858). The philosopher and psychologist Alexander Bain (1818­1903) sought to establish solid connections between psychology and physiological knowledge in his text­books of the 1850s, The Senses and the Intellect and The Emotions and the Will. Combined and abridged as Mental and Moral Science (1868), this was the major textbook of psychology in Great Britain for almost 50 years. Among other anticipations of later work. Bain sug­gested that memory formation involves growth of what we now call synaptic junctions:

for every act of memory. every exercise of bodily apti­tude, every habit, recollection. train of ideas. there is a specific grouping or coordination of sensations and movements, by virtue of specific growths in the cell junctions. (1872, p. 91)

Herbert Spencer espoused the concept that evolution of mind is central to psychology in his influential book. Principles of Psychology (1855). This was shortly before Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace formally proposed the theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin also envisaged the impor­tance of evolution for psychology. In On the Origin of Species, Darwin. who had not yet read Spencer’s Prin­ciples of Psychology, looked forward to the time when “Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation” (1859, p. 113). Darwin con­tributed directly to psychology in later writings: The De­scent of Man (1871), The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), and the first detailed case study of child development, ‘A Biographical Sketch of an Infant” (1877). He has been credited with “overwhelming im­portance in the development of psychology as a branch of evolutionary biology in the three separable areas of comparative psychology, functional psychology, and the study of the nervous system” (Young, 1970, p. 191). Once the laws of heredity were recognized at the be­ginning of the twentieth century and the mechanisms of heredity were worked out later in the century, evo­lution of aspects of behavior became a fruitful subject of investigation, and behavior genetics became a pro­ductive field.

Some vestiges of older thinking persisted into the twentieth century, however, such as the Aristotelian concept that animals can be arranged in a scala naturae, a single ladder-like progression from the simplest to the most complex and perfected, with humans at the pin­nacle. Thinkers in the nineteenth century referred to this as the phylogenetic scale, and this concept was still reflected in Clifford Morgan’s influential textbook, Physiological Psychology (1943). In the twentieth cen­tury, evolutionary biologists developed the concept of a widely branching phylogenetic tree that replaced the phylogenetic scale. Current textbooks in biological psy­chology and related ields refrain from suggesting that evolution necessarily means an increase in complexity and avoid such terms as primitive species or advanced species (Butler & Hodos, 1996; Rosenzweig et al., 1999).

Localization of Function

A critical advance was the discovery of the difference between sensory and motor nerves, made independently by Charles Bell in 1811 and Francois Magendie in 1822. Bell and Magendie showed that cutting dorsal spinal roots made a limb insensitive but did not prevent motion, whereas cutting the ventral roots made the limb immobile. Previously, many physiologists had believed that spinal nerves car­ried sensory and motor messages in both directions at once. Bell also argued for further subdivision among the nerves, claiming that the five senses are mediated by different nerves, thus anticipating Johannes Müller ‘s 1826 doctrine of “specific energies of nerves” of the different senses. This doctrine was later extended by Müller ‘s student Hermann Helmholtz and others to ac­count for differences within a sensory modality (e.g., hues, tones, and different skin sensations such as touch, warmth, and cold).

The “law of spinal roots” can be considered a special case of the more general idea of localization of function in the nervous system that gained much attention in scientific circles early in the nineteenth century. The first formal proponent of the concept of localization was the physician and anatomist Franz Joseph Gall, who called his system “organology” because he believed the brain to be composed of a number of different or­gans with different functions (1810-1819). Johann Spurzheim, who was associated for several years with Gall, popularized the term “phrenology,” which Gall re­fused to use. Gall believed he could identify and localize 27 faculties or abilities in different parts of the human cerebral cortex. On the basis of comparative studies of other mammals, he believed he could demonstrate and localize nineteen of these faculties in animals. Both Gall and Spurzheim attempted to locate the organs of the brain by studying the protuberances in the skulls of people who had particular talents or striking charac­teristics or by assessing individuals with unusually shaped skulls.

A prominent anatomist-physiologist, Marie Jean Pierre Flourens, attacked the claims of Gall and Spurzheim. Making experimental lesions in the brains of a variety of species, especially birds, and stimulating parts of the brain, he found only limited evidence for localization of function (Flourens, 1824). Flourens found that each sense organ has its own representation in the cerebrum, and he also noted that, following lo­calized brain lesions, animals would lose certain func­tions but could recover them completely. He therefore concluded that the cerebral cortex functions as a whole and that all of its parts are responsible for intelligence, the will, and perception. As one neurohistorian notes: “it is possible to think of Gall as the visionary who had the right idea but the wrong method, and of Flourens as the laboratory scientist with the better method but the wrong theory” (Finger, 1994, p. 36).

Paul Broca’s evidence for localization of speech function in the left frontal cortex (1865) gained wide acceptance for the concept of localization of function in the cortex and initiated a long period of fruitful stud­ies. Further developments, associated with names such as Eduard Hitzig and David Ferrier, led to a concept of the brain as being composed of fixed compartments. Thus anatomist Korbidian Brodmann (1909) divided the human cerebral cortex into 52 regions based on cytoarchitectonic criteria and suggested that each re­gion has a special function. Further anatomical re­search indicated even finer subdivisions, with some in­vestigators claiming as many as 200 separate cortical fields. Among the skeptics about functional mapping and diagramming was Karl Lashley, who showed that considerable variation existed among the primary vi­sual cortices of monkeys (Lashley & Clark, 1946).

Research by Roger Sperry, a student of Lashley’s. on development of brain connections in amphibians was understood by many neurobiologists to mean that con­nections in the brain are formed independently of ac­tivity or experience and are programmed by a set of recognition molecules on each neuron (Sperry. 1963). Sperry. however. limited inflexibility to the basic neural projection systems and believed that learning could al­ter connections in higher brain regions (Sperry. 1951).

Much current research on localzation of function in the human brain utilizes methods of noninvasive brain imaging. Brain imaging. done either when a per­son is at rest or performing a mental task, shows activ­ity over much of the brain. It is only when brain activ­ity recorded under a “baseline” condition is subtracted from activity during the task that certain brain regions are seen to have heightened or depressed levels of ac­tivity. Psychologists contribute to this research in part by designing specific tasks to study particular functions.

Plasticity of the Nervous System

Early in the nineteenth century theorists differed about whether plasticity was a property of the nervous system. Thus Gall emphasized the innate development of the different “organs” of the cortex, each of which he hypothesized to correspond to a different mental faculty. Gall rejected Spurzheim’s idea that humankind is almost indeinitely perfectible and that exercise or education could influ­ence the development of the faculties or the organs of the brain (Gall, vol. 4, 1819, pp. 252-256). Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. the originator of the ill-fated doctrine of evolution through inheritance of acquired charac­teristics, held that the brain and each of its special regions develops through appropriate use of the related faculties. and he criticized Gall’s belief that brain de­velopment is determined innately (1809/1914).

Hermann Ebbinghaus’s (1885) demonstration that learning and memory can be measured encouraged psychologists and neurobiologists to speculate further about neural mechanisms of learning and memory. Thus William James (1890) speculated that learning is related to anatomical changes at neural junctions, as did neurobiologists Eugenio Tanzi (1893), Santiago Ra­mon y Cajal (Cajal, 1894), and Charles Sherrington (Foster & Sherrington. 1897). In the same publication, Sherrington proposed the term “synapses” for these junctions (Foster & Sherrington, 1897, p. 929).

Initial publications about learning in animals by Ed­ward Thorndike (1898) and Ivan P. Pavlov (1906) en­couraged research on neural mechanisms of learning. Psychologist Shepard I. Franz was the first to seek to determine the site of learning in the brain by combin­ing Thorndike’s methods of training and testing ani­mals with the technique of inducing localized brain le­sions. Franz later inducted Karl Lashley, and through Lashley many others, into research on this topic. Franz also worked on rehabilitation of brain-injured soldiers, claiming success in obtaining functional recovery even in cases of long-standing paralysis: “we should proba­bly not speak of permanent paralysis, or of residual paralysis, but of uncared for paralysis” (Franz, Sheetz, & Wilson. 1915).

By the mid-twentieth century, the study of brain plasticity and neural mechanisms of learning and memory seemed to have stalled. Lashley published a pessimistic review in 1950. Hans-Lukas Teuber stated that

…the absence of any convincing physiological correlate of learning is the greatest gap in physiological psy­chology. Apparently, the best we can do with learning is to prevent it from occurring, by intercurrent stimu­lation through implanted electrodes … , by cerebral ablation … , or by depriving otherwise intact organ­isms, early in life, of normal sensory influx. (1955, p. 267)

In fact, around the middle of the twentieth century, major advances were beginning to occur in research on the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. Some of these resulted from recently developed techniques, such as single-cell electrophysiological recording, electron microscopy, and use of new neurochemical methods. Another major influence encour­aging research on neural mechanisms of learning and memory was Donald O. Hebb’s 1949 monograph, The Organization of Behavior. Hebb was more optimistic about possible synaptic changes in learning than Lashley was. Hebb noted some indirect evidence for neural changes and did not let the absence of conclusive evi­dence deter him from reviving hypotheses about the conditions that could lead to formation of new synaptic junctions and underlie memory. In essence, Hebb’s hy­pothesis of synaptic change underlying learning resem­bled James’s formulation: “When two elementary brain-processes have been active together or in immediate succession, one of them, on recurring, tends to prop­agate its excitement into the other” (James, 1890, p. 566). Hebb’s “dual trace hypothesis” also resembles the “consolidation-perseveration” hypothesis formu­lated in 1900 by Georg Muller and Alois Pilzecker. Much current neuroscience research concerns proper­ties of what are now known as Hebbian synapses.

In the early 1960s two experimental programs an­nounced findings demonstrating that the brain can be altered measurably by training or differential experi­ence. First was the demonstration by an interdiscipli­nary group at Berkeley that both formal training and informal experience in varied environments led to measurable changes in neurochemistry and neuroanatomy of the rodent brain (Krech, Rosenzweig, & Bennett, 1960; Rosenzweig, Krech, & Bennett, 1961; Rosenzweig, Krech, Bennett, & Diamond, 1962). Soon after came the report of David Hubel and Torsten Wie­sel that occluding one eye of a kitten led to reduction in the number of cortical cells responding to that eye (Hubel & Wiesel, 1965; Wiesel & Hubel, 1963, 1965). Later reports of the Berkeley group and others dem­onstrated specific changes in anatomy of neurons and synapses as a result of training or enriched experience. and such changes were induced in adults as well as in young animals.

In spite of initial skepticism. by the early 1970s some neurobiologists began to accept the reports that signif­icant changes in the brain can be caused by training or exposure of animals to differential experience. Other neurobiologists continued into the 1980s to believe that neural connections in the adult brain remained fixed. The report of Wiesel and Hubel (1965) that changes can be induced in the visual system only during a crit­ical period early in life served to solidify the belief of many neurobiologists that neural connections in the adult brain are fixed and do not vary as a result of training. Later. however. investigators found that mod­ifying sensory experience in adult animals could alter both receptive fields of cells and cortical maps (see re­views by Kaas. 1991; Weinberger. 1995).

In the current synthesis. localization of function and brain plasticity are not incompatible. For example. knowing the modal location of somatosensory repre­sentation in the cortex helps investigators to study in detail how the “cortical map” in that region changes as a result of specific training of the fingers.

Training, Professional Organizations, and Journals

Among the scholarly and professional organizations and journals related to biological psychology are the following: Division 6 of the American Psychological As­sociation (APA). founded in 1945. when the APA re­organized. as the Division of Physiological and Comparative Psychology and renamed the Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology in 1995. The APA publishes the journal Behavioral Neuroscience, known from 1921-1982 as the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology. Other organi­zations and publications in which biological psycholo­gists participate include the Society for Neuroscience and its Journal of Neuroscience. the European Brain and Behaviour Society and its journal Behavioural Brain Re­search. the Forum of European Neuroscience Societies and its European Journal of Neuroscience. and the Inter­national Brain Research Organization (IBRO).

There are several current textbooks in the field. Re­views of research in biological psychology appear reg­ularly in Annual Review of Neuroscience. Annual Review of Psychology, and Trends in Neurosciences.

Bibliography:

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• A. B.. & Hodos. W. (1996). Comparative vertebrate neuroanatomy: Evolution and adaptation. New York: Wiley-Wiss.
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• Ebbinghaus, H, (1885). Ueber das Gedachtnis [On memory]. Leipzig, Germany: Dunker & Humbolt.
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• Flourens, P. (1824).Recherches experimentales sur les pro-prietes et les fonctions du systeme nerveux dans les animaux vertebras [Experimental research on the properties and the functions of the nervous system in vertebrate animals]. Paris: Balliere.
• Foster, M .. & Sherrington, C. S. (1897). Part III. The central nervous system: A text-book of physiology (pp. 915-1252). London: Macmillan.
• Franz, S. I.. Sheetz, M. E., & Wilson, A. A. (1915). The pos­sibility of recovery of motor functions in long-standing hemiplegia. Journal of the American Medical Association, 65, 2150-2154.
• Gall, J. F. (1810-1819). Anatomie et physiologie du systeme nerveux en general. et du cerveau en particulier. avec des observations sur la possibilite de reconnoitre plusieurs dis­positions intellectuelles et morales de l’homme et des animaux par la configuration de leurs tetes [The anatomy and physiology of the nervous system in general. and of the brain in particular. with some observations on the pos­sibility of recognizing several intellectual and moral dis­positions of man and animals by the configuration of their heads]. (Vols. 1-4). Paris: Maze.
• Hartley, D. (1749). Observations on man. his frame. his duty. and his expectations. London: Leake & Frederick.
• Hebb, D. O. (1949). The organization of behavior: A neuropsychological theory. New York: Wiley.
• HubeL D. H.. & Wiesel. T. N. (1965). Binocular interaction in striate cortex of kittens reared with artificial squint. Journal of Neurophysiology. 28, 1041-1059
• James, W. (1890). Principles of psychology. New York: Holt.
• J. H. (1991). Plasticity of sensory and motor maps in adult animals. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 14, 137-167.
• Krech, D., Rosenzweig, M. R., & Bennett. E. L. (1960). Ef­fects of environmental complexity and training on brain chemistry. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 53, 509-519.
• Lamarck, J. B. (1914). Zoological philosophy. (H. Elliott, Trans.). London: Macmillan. (Original work published 1809)
• K. S. (1950). In search of the engram. Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology, 4, 454-482.
• Lashley, K. S. & Clark, (1946). The cytoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex of Ateles: A critical examination of architectonic studies. Journal of comparative neurology, 85, 223-305.
• Morgan, C. T. (1943). Physiological psychology. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Pavlov, I. P. (1906). The scientific investigation of the psy­chical faculties or processes in the higher animals. 24, 613-619. The same article also appeared in Lancet, 2. 911-915.
• M. R. (1998). Reciprocal relations between psychology and neuroscience. In M. Sabourin, F. Craik, & M. Robert (Eds.), Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth In­ternational Congress of Psychology: Vol. 2. Advances in psychological science: Biological and cognitive aspects (pp. 215-236). Hove, England: Psychology Press.
• M. R., Krech. D. . & Bennett, E. L. (1961). Heredity, environment, brain biochemistry, and learn­ing. In Current trends in psychological theory (pp. 87-no). Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Rosenzweig, M. R., Krech, D., Bennett, E. L., & Diamond, M. C. (1962). Effects of environmental complexity and training on brain chemistry and anatomy: A replication and extension. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 55, 429-437.
• Rosenzweig, M. R.. Leiman, A. L., & Breedlove, S. M. (1999). Biological psychology: An introduction to behavioral, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience (2nd ed.). Sunderland. MA: Sinauer.
• Spencer, H. (1855). The principles of psychology. London: Longmans.
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• Sperry, R. W. (1963). Chemoaffinity in the orderly growth of nerve fiber patterns and connections. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA. 50, 703-710.
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• Young, R. M. (1970). Mind, brain. and adaptation in the nine­teenth century. New York: Oxford University Press.

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50+ Research Topics for Psychology Papers

How to Find Psychology Research Topics for Your Student Paper

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research Topics Within Specific Branches of Psychology

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

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

Other social psychology topics you might consider include:

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving a Disorder or Type of Therapy

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Cognition

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

• False memories
• Speech disorders
• Problem-solving

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Human Development

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

Some other topics you might consider include:

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

Do a Critique of Publications Involving Psychology Research Topics

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Related to Famous Experiments

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research About Historical Figures

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

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

Psychology Research Topics About a Specific Career

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Involving Case Studies

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

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

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

Psychology Research Topics Involving Literature Reviews

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

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

Topics of Psychology Research Based on Your Own Study or Experiment

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

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

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

What This Means For You

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

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

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

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

Introduction to Biological Psychology

Catherine N. Hall

Copyright Year: 2023

ISBN 13: 9781739214807

Publisher: University of Sussex Library

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Jay Brown, Professor of Psychology, Texas Wesleyan University on 7/21/23

This text has 20 chapters, it can easily be used in a broad range of courses. Though some of the chapters are specific in a way that would make them useful for anything I teach, many of the other chapters would work great in several courses. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This text has 20 chapters, it can easily be used in a broad range of courses. Though some of the chapters are specific in a way that would make them useful for anything I teach, many of the other chapters would work great in several courses.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

I found no errors.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The fundamental basics of Biological Psychology have been relatively stable for a lot of years. This text goes beyond the fundamental basics to include newer research in specialized areas.

Clarity rating: 5

As long as you can ignore the British English, the text is very readable;). All jests aside, the writing seems to be digestible for students at all levels.

Consistency rating: 4

Despite have numerous authors, the text is consistent in presentation.

Modularity rating: 5

I can imagine adopting this text for a Behavioral Neuroscience course and using about 12 of the chapters, then supplementing a few other topics. But I can see also myself using individual chapters in other courses such as Cognitive Psychology.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The chapters are organized around a larger thematic approach so that the individual chapters work together to tell a larger story.

Interface rating: 5

The text was easy to navigate. I appreciated the PDF option.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

British English, LOL

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

No cultural insensitivities were noted.

I made a commitment a few years ago to eliminate all textbooks that have to be purchased, my students can not afford them. For some courses it was relatively easy as there is a wealth of available materials in the creative commons. But, when teaching Behavioral Neuroscience, materials in the creative commons are scarce. The hardest thing is to find figures that have creative commons licenses. I was thinking of preparing my neuroscience as an online course, but it would not be possible without those figures. This text has that covered. This is my go to text the next time I teach neuroscience.

Table of Contents

• Background to Biological Psychology
• Organisation of the nervous system
• Neuronal communication
• Sensing the environment and perceiving the world
• Interacting with the world
• Dysfunction of the nervous system

Ancillary Material

About the book.

An open access textbook designed primarily for use by first and second year undergraduate students of British Psychological Society accredited Psychology degree courses in the UK.

About the Contributors

Dr. Catherine N. Hall

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biological psychology

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Verywell Mind - Studying the Brain and Behavior in Biopsychology

biological psychology , the study of the physiological bases of behaviour. Biological psychology is concerned primarily with the relationship between psychological processes and the underlying physiological events—or, in other words, the mind-body phenomenon. Its focus is the function of the brain and the rest of the nervous system in activities (e.g., thinking , learning, feeling, sensing, and perceiving) recognized as characteristic of humans and other animals. Biological psychology has continually been involved in studying the physical basis for the reception of internal and external stimuli by the nervous system, particularly the visual and auditory systems. Other areas of study have included the physiological bases for motivated behaviour, emotion , learning , memory , cognition , and mental disorders . Also considered are physical factors that directly affect the nervous system , including heredity , metabolism , hormones , disease , drug ingestion, and diet.

Theories of the relationship between body and mind date back at least to Aristotle , who conjectured that the two exist as aspects of the same entity, the mind being merely one of the body’s functions. In the dualism of French philosopher René Descartes , both the mind and the soul are spiritual entities existing separately from the mechanical operations of the human body . Related to this is the psychological parallelism theory of German philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz . Leibniz believed that mind and body are separate but that their activities directly parallel each other. In recent times behaviourists such as American psychologist John B. Watson moved away from consideration of the spiritual or mental and focused on observable human and animal behaviours and their relationship to the nervous system. See behavioral science .

Biological Psychology

The UC Davis Department of Psychology contains five major "areas": Developmental, Perception-Cognition, Biological Psychology, Quantitative and Social-Personality. Biological psychology covers a broad spectrum of topics including evolutionary, neurobiological and molecular mechanisms of behavior. Boundaries between the areas are fluid, and students are encouraged to take seminars in all five.

• Research Orientation
• UC Davis has a growing community of researchers examining the biological bases of behavior. Our faculty is diverse and active, with expertise in a wide range of approaches from molecular to evolutionary perspectives. UC Davis is known for its collaborative research environment where graduate students can pursue truly interdisciplinary research using a wide variety of methods and theoretical approaches.
• Research Topics
• Research topics include neurobiology of monogamy, psychoneuroimmunology, evolutionary neurobiology, mathematical modeling of social behavior, environmental psychology, mate choice and reproductive relationships, effects of stress on social behavior, epigenetics and social behavior, and neurobiology of learning and memory. Research programs are interdisciplinary and interact with programs across the biological sciences community at UC Davis. Advanced techniques in behavioral neuroscience are available including electrophysiology, imaging and molecular techniques.
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• Student training is enhanced by our faculty's affiliations with several internationally known, interdisciplinary units including the Animal Behavior Graduate Group, the California National Primate Research Center, the Center for Neuroscience, UC Davis Cancer Center and Mouse Biology Program.
• Why UC Davis
• The city of Davis and the surrounding areas offer rich intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. UC Davis sponsors a number of cultural events, including world-class performances, distinguished speakers, free summer concerts, and innovative exhibits at galleries and museums. The campus is located about 15 miles from Sacramento (the state capital), roughly 50 miles from the beautiful Napa and Sonoma valleys (wine country), 72 miles from the cosmopolitan Bay Area (Berkeley and San Francisco), and about 150 miles from such spectacular resort and wilderness areas as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. Northern California, including Davis, is known for its outstanding quality of life.

Registration now open for 2024 Psychology Research Day

The seventh annual Psychology Research Day will take place on Thursday 7 November 2024 as part of the week-long BPS Psychology Careers Festival.

03 September 2024

The Psychology Research Day, delivered in collaboration with Senate House Library, is primarily aimed at psychology students and early career researchers.

The day will feature talks about research skills and careers in psychology research.  

Planned talks for the day include sessions about political psychology, artificial intelligence, psychometric testing, and diverse career paths in psychological research.  

Like the other days of the Careers Festival, the Psychology Research Day will run virtually over the Zoom platform.  

The Psychology Research Day is a free event to attend, however you can upgrade your ticket to attend the full event and get access to all stages and speakers.    

We surveyed attendees of the Psychology Careers Festival after the event last year*, and received positive feedback about the Psychology Research Day and the Careers Festival overall:  

Feedback from last year's attendees was hugely positive, with:  

• 86 per cent  of Careers Festival attendees surveyed agreed/strongly agreed that attending the Careers Festival was a valuable use of their time  
• 89 per cent  agreed/strongly agreed that they gained new knowledge as a result of attending  
• Most (84 per cent ) agreed/strongly agreed that they plan to attend another BPS Psychology Careers Festival in the future  

"The full day all about research careers was amazingly useful and very motivational."   Psychology Careers Festival 2023 attendee  

"For me personally it [the best aspect of the Psychology Careers Festival] was the inspiring psychologists working in research as this is where I want my career to head."   Psychology Careers Festival 2023 attendee  

* The BPS surveyed online 134 attendees to the Psychology Careers Festival 2023, after the Festival (between 15 November and 04 December 2024).

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