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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."

Psychology Unlocked

The free online psychology textbook, social psychology research topics.

January 24, 2017 Daniel Edward Blog , Social Psychology 0

Whether you’re looking for social psychology research topics for your A-Level or AP Psychology class, or considering a research question to explore for your Psychology PhD, the Psychology Unlocked list of social psychology research topics provides you with a strong list of possible avenues to explore.

Where possible we include links to university departments seeking PhD applications for certain projects. Even if you are not yet considering PhD options, these links may prove useful to you in developing your undergraduate or masters dissertation.

Lots of university psychology departments provide contact details on their websites.

If you read a psychologist’s paper and have questions that you would like to learn more about, drop them an email.

Lots of psychologists are very happy to receive emails from genuinely interested students and are often generous with their time and expertise… and those who aren’t will just overlook the email, so no harm done either way!

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What social factors are involved with the development of aggressive thoughts and behaviours? Is aggression socially-defined? Do different societies have differing definitions of aggression?

There has recently been a significant amount of research conducted on the influence of video games and television on aggression and violent behaviour.

Some research has been based on high-profile case studies, such as the aggressive murder of Jamie Bulger in 1993 by two children (Robert Thompson and Jon Venables). There is also a significant body  of experimental research.

Attachment and Relationships

This is a huge area of research with lots of crossover into developmental psychology. What draws people together? How do people connect emotionally? What is love? What is friendship? What happens if someone doesn’t form an attachment with a parental figure?

This area includes research on attachment styles (at various stages of life), theories of love, friendship and attraction.

Attitudes and Attitude Change

Attitudes are a relatively enduring and general evaluation of something. Individuals hold attitudes on everything in life, from other people to inanimate objects, groups to ideologies.

Attitudes are thought to involve three components: (1) affective (to do with emotions), (2) behavioural, and (3) cognitive (to do with thoughts).

Research on attitudes can be closely linked to Prejudice (see below).

Authority and Leadership

Perhaps the most famous study of authority is Milgram’s (1961) Obedience to Authority . This research area has grown into a far-reaching and influential topic.

Research considers both positive and negative elements of authority, and applied psychology studies consider the role of authority in a particular social setting, such as advertising, in the workplace, or in a classroom.

The Psychology of Crowds (Le Bon, 1895) paved a path for a fascinating area of social psychology that considers the social group as an active player.

Groups tend to act differently from individuals, and specific individuals will act differently depending on the group they are in.

Social psychology research topics about groups consider group dynamics, leadership (see above), group-think and decision-making, intra-group and inter-group conflict, identities (see below) and prejudices (see below).

Gordon Allport’s (1979) ‘The Nature of Prejudice’ is a seminal piece on group stereotyping and discrimination.

Social psychologists consider what leads to the formation of stereotypes and prejudices. How and why are prejudices used? Why do we maintain inaccurate stereotypes? What are the benefits and costs of prejudice?

This interesting blog post on the BPS Digest Blog may provide some inspiration for research into prejudice and political uncertainty.

Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour

Behaviours are only pro- or anti-social because of social norms that suggest so. Social Psychologists therefore investigate the roots of these behaviours as well as considering what happens when social norms are ignored.

Within this area of social psychology, researchers may consider why people help others (strangers as well as well as known others). Another interesting question regards the factors that might deter an individual from acting pro-socially, even if they are aware that a behaviour is ‘the right thing to do’.

The bystander effect is one such example of social inaction.

Self and Social Identity

Tajfel and Turner (1979) proposed Social Identity Theory and a large body of research has developed out of the concepts of self and social identity (or identities).

Questions in this area include: what is identity? What is the self? Does a social identity remain the same across time and space? What are the contributory factors to an individual’s social identity?

Zimbardo’s (1972)  Stanford Prison Experiment famously considered the role of social identities.

Research in this area also links with work on groups (see above), social cognition (see below), and prejudices (see above).

Social Cognition

Social cognition regards the way we think and use information. It is the cross-over point between the fields of social and cognitive psychology.

Perhaps the most famous concept in this area is that of schemas – general ideas about the world, which allow us to make sense of new (and old) information quickly.

Social cognition also includes those considering heuristics (mental shortcuts) and some cognitive biases.

Social Influence

This is one of the first areas of social psychology that most students learn. Remember the social conformity work by Asch (1951) on the length of lines?

Other social psychology research topics within this area include persuasion and peer-pressure.

Social Representations

Social Representations (Moscovici, 1961) ‘make something unfamiliar, or unfamiliarity itself, familiar’ (Moscovici, 1984). This is a theory with its academic roots in Durkheim’s theory of collective representations.

Researchers working within this framework consider the social role of knowledge. How does information translate from the scientific realm of expert knowledge to the socially accessible realm of the layperson? How do we make sense of new information? How do we organise separate and distinct facts in a way that make sense to our needs?

One of the most famous studies using Social Representations Theory is Jodelet’s (1991) study of madness.

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Social Psychology Topics

Social psychology is a dynamic and multidisciplinary field that delves into the intricate interplay between individuals and their social environments. It seeks to unravel the mysteries of human behavior by exploring how our thoughts, feelings, and actions are shaped by the presence and influence of others. In this introduction, we will define social psychology, emphasize its profound significance, and provide an overview of the diverse range of topics it encompasses. Furthermore, we will present a thesis statement that underscores the paramount importance of comprehending social psychology topics for fostering a deeper understanding of human nature and facilitating positive social change.

Definition of Social Psychology and Its Significance

Social psychology can be defined as the scientific study of how people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. It scrutinizes the intricate web of social interactions, exploring how individuals perceive themselves and others, form attitudes, make decisions, and navigate the complexities of human relationships. At its core, social psychology seeks to unravel the underlying mechanisms that govern our social world, shedding light on the often subtle and nuanced factors that drive human behavior.

The significance of social psychology lies in its ability to provide profound insights into the fundamental aspects of human existence. By examining the ways in which individuals are influenced by their social surroundings, it offers a lens through which we can comprehend societal phenomena, from prejudice and discrimination to cooperation and altruism. Social psychology equips us with the tools to decipher the mysteries of interpersonal dynamics, group behavior, and the intricacies of communication. As we explore the diverse topics within this field, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the profound impact of social influences on our lives.

Overview of the Diversity of Topics within Social Psychology

Social psychology is a vast and multifaceted discipline, encompassing an array of topics that illuminate the complexities of human behavior. These topics span the breadth of human interactions, attitudes, and group dynamics, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of our social world. Some of the key areas of focus within social psychology include:

• Attitudes and Attitude Change: Exploring the formation, modification, and influence of attitudes on behavior.
• Social Influence and Conformity: Investigating how individuals are shaped by the pressures of conformity and obedience to authority figures.
• Prejudice and Discrimination: Analyzing the origins and consequences of prejudice, stereotyping, and discriminatory behavior.
• Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Examining the dynamics of group behavior, cohesion, leadership, and decision-making processes.
• Social Cognition and Perception: Uncovering the cognitive processes that underlie social judgments, biases, and heuristics.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Delving into the complexities of attraction, love, relationship maintenance, and dissolution.
• Aggression and Prosocial Behavior: Studying the roots of aggressive behavior, as well as factors promoting empathy, cooperation, and altruism.
• Social Psychology in the Digital Age: Exploring the impact of technology and social media on social behavior, identity, and communication.

As we navigate the rich tapestry of social psychology topics, we gain valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms that govern our social interactions. These insights not only enhance our comprehension of human behavior but also empower us to address pressing societal challenges, foster positive relationships, and promote greater social harmony.

In an increasingly interconnected world, a comprehensive understanding of social psychology topics is indispensable for unraveling the mysteries of human behavior, promoting empathy and tolerance, and fostering positive social change. By delving into the depths of social psychology, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of our social world, challenge ingrained prejudices, and build more compassionate and inclusive societies. As we embark on this exploration of social psychology topics, we will uncover the profound ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and actions are intertwined with the social tapestry that surrounds us, ultimately enhancing our capacity for empathy and transforming the world we inhabit.

Social Psychology Research Topics List

This list of social psychology topics performs two functions. One, the headings alone describe, at a broad level, the kinds of topics covered in the field of social psychology. Looking at the overarching categories, one can see that social psychology studies cognition (thought) and action, helpful and hurtful behaviors, emotions and decisions, culture and evolution, the self and social relationships, as well as health and problematic behaviors. That’s quite a range of topics! The second purpose of the list of social psychology research topics is related to the first in that it helps readers who are already interested in a topic find new topics that may be of interest. In this way, the list provides links among topics.

• Antisocial Behavior Topics
• Attitudes Topics
• Control Topics
• Decision Making Topics
• Emotions Topics
• Groups Topics
• Interpersonal Relationships Topics
• Personality Topics
• Prejudice Topics
• Prosocial Behavior Topics
• Self Topics
• Social Cognition Topics
• Social Influence Topics

Social psychology, as a scientific discipline, is dedicated to the exploration of how individuals think about, influence, and interact with one another. In this pursuit, social psychologists delve into various dimensions of human behavior and cognition. They scrutinize the intricacies of social thinking to unravel how we perceive ourselves and those around us. Their examination of social influence delves into the subtle forces at play in conformity, persuasion, and group dynamics. Additionally, social psychologists investigate the complex realm of social relations, seeking to understand the origins of both animosity and empathy among individuals.

Positioned at the intersection of personality psychology and sociology, social psychology occupies a unique niche. To draw a metaphor, while personality psychologists focus on the attributes of individual “boats,” and sociologists navigate the broader “ocean,” social psychologists are primarily concerned with comprehending how these “boats” maneuver within their environment. They investigate the impact of situational factors and social forces on individual behavior and cognition. When an individual, symbolized as a “boat,” encounters a particular environment, analogous to an “ocean,” social psychologists endeavor to discern how external factors, akin to winds and currents, shape their actions and decisions.

While social psychology shares some common inquiries with sociology, it leans toward answers that illuminate the roles of individual actors and their perceptions within social contexts. Rather than concentrating solely on group-level phenomena like poverty or family cohesion, social psychology hones in on the intricacies of individual responses to social situations. Although distinct from personality psychology, which primarily concerns itself with individual differences, social psychology does consider how such differences interact with situational factors. For instance, it might explore how a person with high self-esteem reacts to a threat in their relationship by developing a stronger affinity for their partner.

The practical applications of social psychological research are wide-ranging and have found utility in numerous real-world domains. Researchers have harnessed social psychology to gain insights into health behaviors, such as smoking and condom use, resulting in valuable advancements. For instance, they have played a pivotal role in implementing graphic warnings, like decayed teeth and lungs, on cigarette packaging in Canada to dissuade smoking. In the realm of political psychology, scholars have examined models of persuasion and attitude formation, contributing to our understanding of political behavior. Furthermore, organizational psychologists have applied social psychological theories concerning group dynamics, job satisfaction, and workplace engagement to enhance the functioning of work environments.

The legal arena has also seen the extensive application of social psychological research. In the domain of law, social psychology has exposed the fallibility of eyewitness identification, a crucial element of legal evidence. This research has unveiled the challenges individuals face in accurately identifying those they have witnessed, even after a prolonged observation. Consequently, efforts have been made to refine identification lineup procedures to minimize false positives. For instance, witnesses are now informed that the suspect may or may not be present in the lineup, reducing the likelihood of misidentifications.

Moreover, social psychologists have actively participated in contentious debates surrounding the accuracy of “recovered memories”—recollections of past trauma that individuals believe they have rediscovered later in life. While some of these cases may indeed be genuine, research has demonstrated that false memories can be implanted in individuals. This underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny when evaluating the validity of such memories and highlights the pivotal role of social psychology in shaping the discourse on this topic.

Social Psychology in the Digital Age

The advent of the digital age has ushered in a transformative era in which technology and social media have become integral aspects of our daily lives. This paradigm shift has not only redefined how we communicate and connect but has also had a profound impact on the field of social psychology. In this discussion, we will explore the multifaceted implications of the digital age on social psychology, encompassing online behavior, identity, self-presentation, the role of social media in information dissemination and social movements, and the ethical considerations that underpin research and interventions in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Online Behavior, Identity, and Self-Presentation

The digital age has given rise to new platforms and mediums through which individuals engage in online behavior. Social networking sites, virtual communities, and online forums have become virtual arenas for social interaction, where individuals communicate, form relationships, and express themselves. Within this context, social psychology examines how online behavior mirrors or deviates from offline behavior, exploring concepts such as online disinhibition, digital self-presentation, and the influence of anonymity.

The creation of online identities, often distinct from one’s offline persona, poses intriguing questions about the construction of self in the digital realm. Social psychologists investigate the factors that influence the portrayal of self online, from the selection of profile pictures to the crafting of digital narratives. Additionally, the digital age has given rise to novel aspects of self-presentation, including the cultivation of curated online personas that may not align with an individual’s authentic self.

The Role of Social Media in Information Dissemination and Social Movements

Social media platforms have revolutionized the way information is disseminated, shared, and consumed. These platforms serve as powerful amplifiers of information, enabling the rapid spread of news, opinions, and ideas. Social psychology explores the dynamics of information flow on social media, examining how content goes viral, the role of algorithms in shaping content exposure, and the formation of online echo chambers where individuals are exposed to information congruent with their existing beliefs.

Furthermore, the digital age has witnessed the emergence of social media as a catalyst for social movements and activism. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have harnessed the power of social media to mobilize support, raise awareness, and effect social change. Social psychologists investigate the psychological processes underlying online activism, including the role of moral outrage, collective identity, and social support in shaping participation in digital social movements.

Ethical Considerations in Online Research and Interventions

The digital landscape presents unique ethical challenges for researchers and practitioners in social psychology. Online research methodologies, such as studying online communities or analyzing social media data, raise questions about informed consent, privacy, and data security. Researchers must grapple with issues related to the use of publicly available online information versus intrusive data collection.

Moreover, ethical considerations extend to the realm of online interventions and behavior change efforts. The use of persuasive techniques, such as nudges and digital interventions, raises questions about the manipulation of online behavior and the potential for unintended consequences. Social psychologists are tasked with navigating the ethical boundaries of online research and interventions, ensuring that their work respects the autonomy and well-being of individuals in the digital space.

In conclusion, the digital age has ushered in a new frontier for social psychology, one in which the study of online behavior, identity, and social media dynamics is of paramount importance. As technology continues to evolve, social psychologists must grapple with the ethical complexities of this digital landscape while unraveling the intricate ways in which technology and social media shape our perceptions, interactions, and understanding of the social world.

In the realm of social psychology, we have embarked on a captivating journey through the intricate landscape of human behavior and social interactions. Our exploration has unveiled a diverse array of topics, each offering valuable insights into the complex web of influences that shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. As we conclude our discussion, let us recap the key social psychology topics we have encountered and emphasize the profound significance of this interdisciplinary field. Furthermore, we issue a resounding call to action for the ongoing pursuit of research and understanding of social behavior.

Recap of Key Social Psychology Topics and Their Significance

Throughout our exploration, we have encountered a rich tapestry of social psychology topics, each shedding light on a different facet of human nature and social dynamics. We have delved into the formation and change of attitudes, grappled with the complexities of social influence and conformity, confronted the challenges of prejudice and discrimination, and examined the intricate dynamics of groups and teams. Our journey has taken us through the realms of social cognition and perception, interpersonal relationships, aggression, prosocial behavior, and the transformative impact of technology on social behavior.

These topics are not merely academic pursuits but hold profound significance in our lives and societies. They offer us the tools to comprehend the mechanisms behind our behaviors, beliefs, and interactions with others. They equip us with the knowledge to challenge stereotypes, biases, and discriminatory practices, fostering greater empathy, tolerance, and inclusivity. Moreover, they empower us to navigate the complexities of group dynamics, relationships, and digital interactions in an ever-evolving world.

Emphasis on the Interdisciplinary Nature of Social Psychology

Social psychology is a field that bridges disciplines, drawing insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and neuroscience, among others. It underscores the interconnectedness of these disciplines and highlights the fundamental role of social factors in shaping individual and collective behavior. As we have seen, social psychology thrives on collaboration and the integration of diverse perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of human behavior in its social context.

Call to Action for Continued Research and Understanding of Social Behavior

Our exploration of social psychology has only scratched the surface of this vast and ever-evolving field. It is imperative that we recognize the ongoing relevance and necessity of research in this domain. The challenges and opportunities presented by our interconnected world demand a deeper understanding of social behavior, both online and offline. We must continue to explore the intricacies of attitudes, influence, prejudice, relationships, and the impact of technology with unwavering curiosity and dedication.

As individuals, scholars, and global citizens, we are called to action. We must engage in ongoing research that deepens our understanding of the human experience and promotes positive social change. We must challenge stereotypes and biases, foster empathy, and build inclusive communities. In an era of rapid technological advancement and global interconnectedness, the lessons of social psychology are more relevant than ever.

In conclusion, social psychology is not merely an academic pursuit but a lens through which we can better comprehend ourselves and the world around us. It offers the potential for transformative change, a bridge between disciplines, and a roadmap to a more compassionate and harmonious society. Let us heed this call to action, embrace the interdisciplinary nature of social psychology, and continue our quest for a deeper understanding of social behavior—one that brings us closer to a more inclusive, empathetic, and interconnected world.

PSYC 321--Social Psychology: Literature Review

• Getting Started
• Tests and Measurements
• Literature Review
• Citing Sources--APA Style

Methods for Synthesizing Qualitative Reviews

Ruth Garside, PhD, Senior Lecturer in Evidence Synthesis at the Medical School, University of Exeter

Check out PRISMA to guide your review: especially the checklist for your review and the flow diagram to develop your protocol.

The PRISMA Statement:

Anybody writing a systematic literature review should be familiar with the  PRISMA statement . The PRISMA Statement is a document that consists of a 27-item  checklist  and a  flow diagram  and aims to guide authors on how to develop a systematic review protocol and what to include when writing the review.

A protocol ideally includes the following:

Databases to be searched and additional sources (particularly for grey literature)

Keywords to be used in the search strategy

Limits applied to the search.

Screening process

Data to be extracted

Summary of data to be reported

From Majumbder, K. (2015). A young researcher's guide to a systematic review. Editage Insights. Retrieved from   https://www.editage.com/insights/a-young-researchers-guide-to-a-systematic-review#

Systematic Literature Review

Here are a couple of articles found in Sage Research Methods Online which give good definitions of what a Systematic Literature Review is and how to do one:

Dempster, M. (2003). Systematic review . In Robert L. Miller, & John D. Brewer

      (Eds.), The A-Z of Social Research. (pp. 312-317). London, England: SAGE

      Publications, Ltd. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9780857020024.n110

​Crisp, B.R. (2015). Systematic reviews: a social work perspective . Australian

      Social Work, 68 (3): 284-295. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2015.102426

Schick-Makaroff, K., MacDonald, M. Plummer, M., Burgess, J., & Neander, W. (2016).

      What Synthesis Methodology Should I Use? A Review and Analysis of Approaches to

       Research Synthesis .  AIMS Public Health, 3 (1). 172-215.

      doi: 10.3934/publichealth.2016.1.172

       http://dspace.library.uvic.ca:8080/handle/1828/7464

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

• Veale, T.Search concept tools. Retrieved from //medhealth.leeds.ac.uk/info/639/information_specialists/1500/search_concept_tools Describes various structures for developing criteria: PICO, PICOS, SPIDER, SPICE, etc.

Support for Systematic Reviews

• Systematic Review Search Strategies Worksheet Organize your review by topic, database, search string, and criteria
• Evaluation of Sources Questions to ask of primary source articles (both qualitative and quantitative) when evaluating their quality
• Software for Organizing Systematic Reviews From Columbia University Medical Center's Library
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Meta-Ethnography
• Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Examples of Systematic Reviews

Prospero: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews

This web site collects systematic reviews in process.  By reviewing them, you can see what is included in a systematic review.

Campbell Systematic Reviews

This Monograph series is an open access collection of peer-reviewed systematic reviews.  "Campbell systematic reviews follow structured guidelines and standards for summarizing the international research evidence on the effects of interventions in crime and justice, education, international development, and social welfare." Registration and protocols are available from the Campbell Collaboration Library of Systematic Reviews .

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• Introduction
• Research Process
• Types of Research Methodology
• Data Collection Methods
• Anatomy of a Scholarly Article
• Finding a topic
• Identifying a Research Problem
• Problem Statement
• Research Question
• Research Design
• Search Strategies
• Psychology Database Limiters
• Annotated Bibliography
• Writing a Literature Review
• Writing a Research Proposal

Literature Review

What is a literature review?  A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research that you can later apply to your paper, topic. You may want to try Research Rabbit , a literature review tool. Then you can look up our journals and find the article. 

There are five key steps to writing a literature review:

• Search  for relevant literature
• Evaluate  sources
• Identify  themes, debates, and gaps
• Outline  the structure
• Write  your literature review

A good literature review doesn’t just summarize sources—it analyzes, synthesizes, and critically evaluates to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.

When you write a research paper, you will likely have to conduct a literature review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review gives you a chance to:

• Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and its scholarly context
• Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
• Position your work in relation to other researchers and theorists
• Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate
• Evaluate the current state of research and demonstrate your knowledge of the scholarly debates around your topic.

• Research Rabbit Presentation

Literature Review Steps

Before searching for literature, you need a clearly defined topic.

If you are writing the literature review section of a research paper, you will search for literature related to your research problem and questions.

Start by creating a list of keywords related to your research question. Include each of the key concepts or variables you’re interested in, and list any synonyms and related terms. You can add to this list as you discover new keywords in your literature search.

• Social media, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, TikTok
• Body image, self-perception, self-esteem, mental health
• Generation Z, teenagers, adolescents, youth

Search for relevant sources

Use your keywords to begin searching for sources. See the database list under the Topic tab.

You can also use boolean operators to help narrow down your search.

Read the abstract to determine whether an article is relevant to your question. When you find a useful book or article, you can check the bibliography to find other relevant sources.

Evaluate and select sources

You likely won’t be able to read absolutely everything written on your topic, so it will be necessary to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your research question.

For each publication, ask yourself:

• What question or problem is the author addressing?
• What are the key concepts, and how are they defined?
• What are the key theories, models, and methods?
• Does the research use established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
• What are the results and conclusions of the study?
• How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible, and read any landmark studies and major theories in your research. .

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Psychology - How to Write a Literature Review

Subject guide.

What is a literature review? 

A literature review discusses published research studies on a specific topic or subject area.  

What is the purpose of writing it?

The goal of the lit review is to describe, summarize, and evaluate previous research in a given area.  It should explain important conclusions about your topic as well as identify any gaps in the research or areas for future study.

Choose a Topic and Find Articles

Choose a topic that interests you and remember to keep an open mind.  Depending on how much research there is, you may need to narrow or broaden your topic.  

• PsycArticles This link opens in a new window Scholarly journal articles on psychology topics.
• ProQuest Central This link opens in a new window The largest single periodical resource available, bringing together complete databases across all major subject areas, including Business, Health and Medical, Social Sciences, Education, Science and Technology, and Humanities.
• Google Scholar Search for scholarly articles and books. Be aware that the full text may not always be available.

Read the Articles

You want to read and understand each of your articles.  A good starting point is to answer these 3 questions about each article:

1. What was the study's research question?  In other words, what were they trying to find out?

2. What was the study's method?  Briefly describe HOW they collected data and WHO their participant group was.

3. What do the results mean?  Or what conclusions can we draw from the results?

Write the Lit Review

Connect:   Think about what YOUR research question is for your lit review.  Each article you found should connect to your topic/theme in some way and you should be able to describe your topic as a research question and your articles as answers to that question.  Your summary for each article should show how they further our knowledge in relation to your topic.

Organize:   Can you organize your articles into a few distinct groups?  It could be by treatment method or age/ethnic group or other factor.  The way you organize will depend on your topic and the research, but it will help you if you can group articles in some way.  

Analyze:  Think beyond just summary and about what we still don't know about this topic.  Are there gaps in the research?  Do too many studies use just one method of gathering data?  What else is important to know?  The "Discussion" section of your articles may help guide you in your analysis.

Additional Sources

• College Drinking Games Literature Review Lit Review published in a scholarly journal. Good example of how lit reviews work in the field.
• How to Write a Literature Review from Psychology in Action Good advice on choosing a topic and searching for articles.
• Writing a Literature Review in Psychology from University of Washington Helpful info on all aspects of writing a lit review. Great resource.
• Literature Reviews from UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center This is not specific to Psychology, but has good tips on organizing your paper.
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Psychology Research Guide

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Literature Review Overview

A literature review involves both the literature searching and the writing. The purpose of the literature search is to:

• reveal existing knowledge
• identify areas of consensus and debate
• identify gaps in knowledge
• identify approaches to research design and methodology
• identify other researchers with similar interests
• clarify your future directions for research

List above from Conducting A Literature Search , Information Research Methods and Systems, Penn State University Libraries

A literature review provides an evaluative review and documentation of what has been published by scholars and researchers on a given topic. In reviewing the published literature, the aim is to explain what ideas and knowledge have been gained and shared to date (i.e., hypotheses tested, scientific methods used, results and conclusions), the weakness and strengths of these previous works, and to identify remaining research questions: A literature review provides the context for your research, making clear why your topic deserves further investigation.

Before You Search

• Select and understand your research topic and question.
• Identify the major concepts in your topic and question.
• Brainstorm potential keywords/terms that correspond to those concepts.
• Identify alternative keywords/terms (narrower, broader, or related) to use if your first set of keywords do not work.
• Determine (Boolean*) relationships between terms.
• Begin your search.
• Review your search results.
• Revise & refine your search based on the initial findings.

*Boolean logic provides three ways search terms/phrases can be combined, using the following three operators: AND, OR, and NOT.

Search Process

The type of information you want to find and the practices of your discipline(s) drive the types of sources you seek and where you search.

For most research you will use multiple source types such as: annotated bibliographies; articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers; books; blogs; conference papers; data sets; dissertations; organization, company, or government reports; reference materials; systematic reviews; archival materials; curriculum materials; and more. It can be helpful to develop a comprehensive approach to review different sources and where you will search for each. Below is an example approach.

Utilize Current Awareness Services  Identify and browse current issues of the most relevant journals for your topic; Setup email or RSS Alerts, e.g., Journal Table of Contents, Saved Searches

Consult Experts   Identify and search for the publications of or contact educators, scholars, librarians, employees etc. at schools, organizations, and agencies

• Annual Reviews and Bibliographies   e.g., Annual Review of Psychology
• Internet   e.g., Discussion Groups, Listservs, Blogs, social networking sites
• Grant Databases   e.g., Foundation Directory Online, Grants.gov
• Conference Proceedings   e.g., International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT), The European Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences via IAFOR Research Archive
• Newspaper Indexes   e.g., Access World News, Ethnic NewsWatch, New York Times Historical
• Journal Indexes/Databases and EJournal Packages   e.g., PsycArticles, ScienceDirect
• Citation Indexes   e.g., PsycINFO, Psychiatry Online
• Specialized Data   e.g., American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment survey data, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive
• Book Catalogs – e.g., local library catalog or discovery search, WorldCat
• Library Web Scale Discovery Service  e.g., OneSearch
• Web Search Engines   e.g., Google, Yahoo
• Digital Collections   e.g., Archives & Special Collections Digital Collections, Archives of the History of American Psychology
• Associations/Community groups/Institutions/Organizations   e.g., American Psychological Association

Remember there is no one portal for all information!

Database Searching Videos, Guides, and Examples

• Comprehensive guide to the database
• Sample Searches
• Searchable Fields
• Education topic guide
• Child Development topic guide

ProQuest (platform for ERIC, PsycINFO, and Dissertations & Theses Global databases, among other databases) search videos:

• Basic Search
• Advanced Search
• Search Results
• Performing Basic Searches
• Performing Advanced Searches
• Search Tips

If you are new to research , check out the Searching for Information tutorials and videos for foundational information.

Finding Empirical Studies

In ERIC : Check the box next to “143: Reports - Research” under "Document type" from the Advanced Search page

In PsycINFO : Check the box next to “Empirical Study” under "Methodology" from the Advanced Search page

In OneSearch : There is not a specific way to limit to empirical studies in OneSearch, you can limit your search results to peer-reviewed journals and or dissertations, and then identify studies by reading the source abstract to determine if you’ve found an empirical study or not.

Summarize Studies in a Meaningful Way

The Writing and Public Speaking Center at UM provides not only tutoring but many other resources for writers and presenters. Three with key tips for writing a literature review are:

• Literature Reviews Defined
• Tracking, Organizing, and Using Sources
• Organizing and Integrating Sources

If you are new to research , check out the Presenting Research and Data tutorials and videos for foundational information. You may also want to consult the Purdue OWL Academic Writing resources or APA Style Workshop content.

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Writing a Literature Review (University Library, UC Santa Cruz)

"the literature" and "the review" (virginia commonwealth university).

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1. Introduction

Not to be confused with a book review, a  literature review  surveys scholarly articles, books and other sources (e.g. dissertations, conference proceedings) relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, providing a description, summary, and critical evaluation of each work. The purpose is to offer an overview of significant literature published on a topic.

2. Components

Similar to primary research, development of the literature review requires four stages:

• Problem formulation—which topic or field is being examined and what are its component issues?
• Literature search—finding materials relevant to the subject being explored
• Data evaluation—determining which literature makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the topic
• Analysis and interpretation—discussing the findings and conclusions of pertinent literature

Literature reviews should comprise the following elements:

• An overview of the subject, issue or theory under consideration, along with the objectives of the literature review
• Division of works under review into categories (e.g. those in support of a particular position, those against, and those offering alternative theses entirely)
• Explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from the others
• Conclusions as to which pieces are best considered in their argument, are most convincing of their opinions, and make the greatest contribution to the understanding and development of their area of research

In assessing each piece, consideration should be given to:

• Provenance—What are the author's credentials? Are the author's arguments supported by evidence (e.g. primary historical material, case studies, narratives, statistics, recent scientific findings)?
• Objectivity—Is the author's perspective even-handed or prejudicial? Is contrary data considered or is certain pertinent information ignored to prove the author's point?
• Persuasiveness—Which of the author's theses are most/least convincing?
• Value—Are the author's arguments and conclusions convincing? Does the work ultimately contribute in any significant way to an understanding of the subject?

  3. Definition and Use/Purpose

A literature review may constitute an essential chapter of a thesis or dissertation, or may be a self-contained review of writings on a subject. In either case, its purpose is to:

• Place each work in the context of its contribution to the understanding of the subject under review
• Describe the relationship of each work to the others under consideration
• Identify new ways to interpret, and shed light on any gaps in, previous research
• Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies
• Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort
• Point the way forward for further research
• Place one's original work (in the case of theses or dissertations) in the context of existing literature

The literature review itself, however, does not present new  primary  scholarship.

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Psychology Research Paper Topics: 50+ Great Ideas

by  Antony W

November 26, 2023

Your professor will ask you to write a research paper in Psychology to test your understanding on human behavior and mind. As they read the final version of your work, the professor should see your deeper engagement to the subject and a construction of logical arguments that show you’re a critical thinker.

The professor may give you a topic to cover or they may leave it up to you to figure it out. In the case where it’s up to you to decide what to write, consider a Psychology theme that you find interesting enough to explore.

Don’t worry if you have no idea where to start. Below are 20+ interesting Psychology topics from which you can choose an idea to explore.

Key Takeaways

• Finding a topic doesn’t have to be challenging. Just read the assignment brief to understand your professor’s expectation and choose your title accordingly.
• You can only choose one topic. So pick a topic that interest you, develop a research question ,  and ensure your writing focuses on developing the question.

Get Research Writing Help 

Don’t wait until it’s too late to start working on your psychology research paper. Take advantage of our research writing service   and get the professional you need to complete the work faster. Our team focuses on three key values: in-depth research, custom writing, and timely delivery. 

50+ Psychology Research Paper Topics

At the end of the day, your goal should be to choose a topic that you find interesting enough to research and write within the scope of the project.

Here are some ideas:

Social Psychology Research Paper Topics

Social psychology research examines how the presence of other people or an environment can affect your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. More often than not, the decisions you make and how you behave will depend on who is around you and on how many people are present.

Social psychology is a wide subject and therefore has many potential topic that you can investigate in your research papers.

Here are some examples:

• The importance of the strange environment and Milgram's shock experiment
• How a person's conduct may be affected by their involvement in a group
• Milgram's shock experiment shows how obedience to an authoritative figure may result in violence.
• How is society modeling our behavior in light of Bandura's social learning theory?

Physiological Psychology Topic Ideas

Physiological psychology is an area that examines the manipulation of the brain in controlled experiments. Your research has to take an empirical and critical approach to learn more about the mechanism of the nervous system.

Keep in mind that physiological psychology focuses entirely on nonhuman animal subjects, with the focus being to develop theories that explain the relationship between the brain and human behavior.

Here are some interesting research topics for this: 

• The roles of serotonin and dopamine in feelings of pleasure and satisfaction
• Individual variations in perception and feeling
• The "layers" of neurons involved in visual perception arranged hierarchically.
• Consequences of persistently interrupting REM sleep
• Differences in the physiology of the brain due to gender

Related: Research Paper Topics on Environment

Neuropsychology Research Topics

A research paper in neuropsychology should focus on the relationship between human brain and behavior. Some of the topics that you can cover under this category are as follows: 

• What flavor does the color red have? Synesthesia explained from a neurological perspective
• Gene expression changes brought on by meditation and their possible impact on brain function
• An investigation into the patient's memory and mental abilities when they are experiencing retrograde amnesia
• What Primary Progressive Aphasia (progressive loss of language capacity) tells us about the parts of the brain responsible for processing language

Mental Health Research Topics

Mental health research focuses on thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Because mental health is a broad subject, there is no limit to what you can research and write. You can write about any condition that affect how human beings think, feel and behave, including depression, addiction, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. 

Here are some interesting research topics on mental health: 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder risk linked to a variety of personality traits.
• The main societal conditions and personal circumstances that affect Americans' mental health
• What does Sensory Deficit Disorder (SDD) actually entail and how are you supposed to tell if someone has it?
• Do young children fare better or worse than older kids do when their parents split?
• Do people grow more mentally healthy and let out pent-up emotion because of video games, movies, and music?
• How does the mental health of Americans compare to that of other nations?

Also Read: The True Cost of Writing a Research Paper

Developmental Psychology Research Topics

If you like, you can focus your research on examining how human beings grow and change throughout the course of their existence. You can focus on changes on social life, emotional wellness, and even cognitive development.

Some of the topics your research can cover are as follows:  

• Risk factors for a number of psychiatric illnesses later in life, including child abuse
• Adult repercussions of ignoring a child's emotional needs
• How much training is necessary for a child's personality to develop in harmony?

Health Psychology Research Topics  

• The significance of psychological help in the treatment of eating disorders
• Most effective therapy for drug users to enforce abstinence
• Physical activity as a beneficial tool for mood and stress management
• Methods for dealing with stress and sadness in cancer patients
• Strategies for communicating with patients in order to urge regular screenings
• A psychological analysis of the important importance of belief in Alcoholics Anonymous Rehabilitation programs.
• The impact of social contact and physical activity on cognitive capacities

Also Read: Should I Use Personal Pronouns In Research Paper? 

Forensic Psychology Research Topics 

• In court, forensic psychologists must follow certain rules of behavior.
• When serving as expert witnesses in court, psychologists should have the following knowledge.
• Justification for legislative requirements governing the minimum witness age
• Famous examples in American law involve fraudulent memory implantation in those who are very suggestible
• To encourage collaboration, rules of linguistic engagement with criminals/witnesses in court must be followed.
• evaluating the dependability of evidence gathered under various types of coercion other than those recognized in US constitutional law
• Variations in the concept of insanity amongst states in the United States

Educational Psychology Research Topics 

• Changing the way we teach dyslexic students
• What effect does self-worth have on academic achievement?
• Bullying in school and its effects on self-perception
• Is a no-homework policy (as in Finland) beneficial to student performance? Is such a paradigm relevant in the United States?
• How much study time is appropriate for various ages?
• The significance of attachment in educating young children
• Does playing difficult instruments improve kids' cognitive performance?
• Social reinforcement vs. monetary rewards for fostering student learning
• Strategies for increasing pupils' motivation to learn
• A person's professional speciality is influenced by their parenting style later in life.

Emotional Health Research Paper Topics 

• How do you know when you're ready to quit using antidepressants or anxiety medications?
• Who is Sigmund Freud? What did he think? How significant is Sigmund Freud to modern psychiatry?
• What are the phases of brain development in newborns between the ages of one and two?
• Is a particular quantity required? How should dreams be interpreted? Are certain visuals symbolic of anything else?
• What is the most effective strategy to maintain your brain healthy as you get older?
• Are there any viable natural alternatives to medications used to treat mental illness?
• What are the adverse effects of using Prozac or other antidepressant medications?

Women’s Mental Health Research Paper Topics 

• How do women's shifting hormone levels influence their mental health?
• Why do women attempt suicide at a higher rate than men?
• How do women's friendships influence their mental health?
• What differences exist between men and women when it comes to mental illnesses?
• According to Dr. Wanda K. Jones, "women's mental health is vital to their overall health and the health of our nation." Whether you agree or disagree with this statement.
• What causes some moms to become so mentally ill that they endanger their children?
• What are the long-term effects of antidepressant usage on women?
• What is the most effective method of preventing postpartum depression?
• How do women's stress symptoms differ from men's symptoms?
• What exactly is postpartum depression, sometimes known as the "Baby Blues?" Is it a mental disorder?

Clinical Psychology Research Paper Topics 

• Cognitive behavioral treatment for autistic individuals
• The Importance of Emotional Support in Addiction Treatment
• Cognitive behavioral therapy vs. depression treatment
• The clinical significance of lucid dreaming research (for psychosis, nightmares, PTSD)
• Clinical neuromodulator manipulation advances and limits for depression therapy
• Methods for ensuring regimen adherence in people with eating disorders
• The use of virtual reality in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder
• Approaches to addressing phobias that are novel
• Neuro feedback and sensory integration/occupational treatment for Asperger's syndrome children
• Electroconvulsive therapy should only be used as a last option in the treatment of severe depression and bipolar disorder.

Criminal Psychology Topics for Research Paper 

• Psychological distinctions between juvenile and adult criminals
• Achieving a balance between criminal intent and restraining factors
• Is it harmful to jail adult and adolescent criminals together (in terms of reeducation)?
• Key personality qualities (neuroticism) that can be used to predict criminal conduct
• What the amount of thought involved in conducting a crime reveals about criminals
• An examination of imprisoned offenders' worldviews (What prevails, guilt, wrath, disillusionment, self-pity, emotions of unfairness, fatalism?)
• Psychological disorders that frequently lead to criminal conduct
• Criminals' emotional and social demands for effective societal inclusion/integration following release
• Controllability when committing a crime and its application in criminal profiling
• The perspective of a serial murderer – Are there any recurring themes in the cases?

Research Paper Topics on Education Psychology 

• A person's professional specialty is influenced by their parenting style later in life.

With our list of psychology research topics, it shouldn’t be difficult at all to find a subject (or title) that you can start to explore in the field of psychology.

Really all you have to do is go through the ideas we’ve shared, pick a topic that seems interesting to explore, and start your research writing process.

It’s also important to check the guidelines put in place by your instructor, as writing your research paper based on their instructions will earn you the highest scores possible.

About the author 

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

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• A literature review is a critical, analytical summary and synthesis of the current knowledge of a topic. As a researcher, you collect the available literature on a topic, and then select the literature that is most relevant for your purpose. Your written literature review summarizes and analyses the themes, topics, methods, and results of that literature in order to inform the reader about the history and current status of research on that topic.

What purpose does a literature review serve?

• The literature review informs the reader of the researcher's knowledge of the relevant research already conducted on the topic under discussion, and places the author's current study in context of previous studies.
• As part of a senior project, the literature review points out the current issues and questions concerning a topic. By relating the your research to a knowledge gap in the existing literature, you should demonstrate how his or her proposed research will contribute to expanding knowledge in that field.
• Short Literature Review Sample This literature review sample guides students from the thought process to a finished review.
• Literature Review Matrix (Excel Doc) Excel file that can be edited to suit your needs.
• Literature Review Matrix (PDF) Source: McLean, Lindsey. "Literature Review." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2015. https://www.projectcora.org/assignment/literature-review.
• Academic Writer (formerly APA Style Central) This link opens in a new window Academic Writer (formerly APA Style Central) features three independent but integrated centers that provide expert resources necessary for teaching, learning, and applying the rules of APA Style.
• Sample Literature Reviews: Univ. of West Florida Literature review guide from the University of West Florida library guides.
• Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) Sample literature review in APA from Purdue University's Online Writing Lab (OWL)

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