literature review topics for social psychology

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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The 9 Major Research Areas in Social Psychology

Mitchell Funk / Getty Images

Social Cognition

Violence and aggression, prosocial behavior, prejudice and discrimination.

• Social Identity

Group Behavior

Social influence, interpersonal relationships.

Social psychology is a branch of psychology that studies a wide range of subjects related to social behavior. This includes studying how people interact, factors that affect social perceptions, the formation of attitudes, and how groups influence individuals.

Research in social psychology is often focused on subjects that fall within three broad areas:

• Social influence : Social influence refers to the ways in which our opinions and behavior are affected by the presence of others. This includes studies on topics such as conformity, obedience, and social pressure.
• Social perception : Social perception refers to the ways in which we form impressions of other people. This includes research on topics including first impressions, stereotyping, and prejudice.
• Social interaction : Social interaction refers to the ways in which we interact with other people. This includes research on topics such as communication, aggression, and altruism.

This article discusses some of the major areas of research in social psychology. It also explores some examples of the types of research that social psychologists might conduct within these subject areas.

Social cognition is concerned with the processing, storage, and application of social information. For example, research in this area of social psychology may focus on the development and use of social schemas. 

Schemas are our general ideas about the world, how things are, and how things work. In the case of social schemas, these ideas relate to how we expect people to behave in different situations.

These mental categories allow us to function without constantly stopping to interpret everything around us. We also develop associations between related schemas, which play an important role in the thought process and social behavior.

One area of social cognition research concerns person perception , which is how people form impressions of others. 

First impressions are the judgments we form about someone based on limited information. Studies have shown that first impressions happen within mere milliseconds and are based on several cues, such as facial expressions, body language, voice, and the beliefs held by the observer.  

Understanding how people acquire and process social information allows researchers to better explain how it can affect social interactions and individual behavior.

Attitudes and Attitude Change

Another major research area in social psychology involves the study of attitudes . Social psychologists are interested in the components of attitudes, how attitudes develop, and how attitudes change.

Attitudes are evaluations of people, objects, or issues. They can be positive (e.g., "I like chocolate") or negative (e.g., "I dislike taxes"). Various factors contribute to the development of attitudes, including upbringing and experiences, although genetics also appears to play a role in shaping them.

Researchers have identified three core components of attitude: an affective component, a behavioral component, and a cognitive component. Often referred to as the "ABCs of attitude," these elements describe how we feel, behave, and understand.

Some other characteristics of attitudes that researchers may be interested in include:

• How they are best measured : Some attitudes can be measured through self-report questionnaires, but others might be better measured using tools like facial expression or arousal levels.
• Factors that affect their strength : Attitudes can vary considerably in terms of their intensity. The strength of these attitudes directly impacts the degree to which they will guide their actions. Direct experiences and frequent exposure to the attitude can impact its strength.
• How attitudes affect behavior : Researchers are also interested in understanding how and when these attitudes influence people's actions. For example, social psychologists might explore how attitudes develop through exposure to social media sources and how those attitudes relate to real-world actions.

Attitudes are an important research topic in social psychology because they impact how people view and interact with others.

What causes violence and aggression ? While many different factors play a role, social psychologists are interested in understanding the social influences that shape violent behavior.

Research in this area looks at numerous social factors that may cause aggression, including:

• Situational variables that might contribute to aggression
• Non-physical types of aggression such as name-calling or gossiping
• How aggression is learned via modeling, such as witnessing adults or children engage in aggressive or violent behaviors
• How violence in the media affects behavior in the real world
• Strategies that can be effective in the reduction of aggression and violence
• The role social learning plays in producing aggressive behaviors and actions
• How public policy can be used to curb violent behavior

Research into the epidemic of gun violence is an example of how social psychologists are trying to understand the variables that contribute to a problem, and then utilize that knowledge to come up with actionable solutions.

Prosocial behavior is another major research area in social psychology. Prosocial behaviors are those that involve helping and cooperating.

Researchers often look at why people help others, as well as why they sometimes refuse to help or cooperate. The bystander effect is an example of a social phenomenon in the subject area of prosocial behavior.

Much of the research in the area of bystander effect was prompted by the murder of a young woman named Kitty Genovese. This case captured national attention when reports suggested that neighbors had witnessed her attack and murder but failed to call the police for help.

Later reviews of the case indicate that few (if any) of the neighbors had a clear view of the scene and were unaware of what was happening. Nevertheless, the case became mythologized in psychology textbooks and prompted a surge of interest in prosocial behaviors.

Research inspired by the Genovese case produced a great deal of information on prosocial behavior and how and why people choose—or sometimes refuse—to help others.

Prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes exist in any social group. Social psychologists are interested in the origins, causes, and effects of these attitudes and social categorizations.

Some questions that social psychologists explore include:

• How does prejudice develop?
• Why are stereotypes maintained in the face of contrary evidence?
• How can prejudice be measured?
• What factors contribute to the formation of prejudice and discrimination?
• Are there effective ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination?

For example, researchers have found that several factors contribute to the development of prejudice, including stereotypes, social categorization, and social influences. Another factor that plays a part is the outgroup homogeneity bias, or the tendency to view people outside of our social group as being more homogenous than members of our own group.

By learning more about the psychology of prejudice and discrimination, researchers can look for solutions to help help prevent it from happening.

Self and Social Identity

Our perceptions of social identities and ourselves are another important research area in social psychology. Some of the questions that researchers explore include:

• How do people come to know and understand themselves?
• How do these self-perceptions affect our social interactions?
• How does belonging to different social groups shape individual identity?
• How do intersecting group members influence self-perception and self-identity?

Social psychologists are interested in learning more about how this inner life influences our outer lives and social world. Self-awareness, self-esteem, self-concept , and self-expression are only a few factors that influence our social experience.

For example, social comparison is a process that can impact how people view themselves. Upward social comparison involves comparing the self to others who are perceived as higher in status and ability, while downward social comparison focuses on making comparisons to those who are lower in status or ability.

Upward comparisons can leave people feeling like they don't measure up, damaging self-esteem. Downward comparisons, on the other hand, can help enhance self-esteem.

By learning more about how social identities and self-perceptions interact, social psychologists are better able to understand how social factors can influence how individuals feel about themselves and their identities.

Group behavior is defined as the actions, feelings, or thoughts of a collective of people. Such groups involve two or more people who share something in common such as identity, purpose, and belief.

The behavior of groups is one of the largest research areas in social psychology. Most people realize that groups tend to behave differently than individuals. These group behaviors are sometimes beneficial but can also be detrimental.

Social psychologists often look at topics such as:

• Group dynamics
• Group decision making
• Cooperation
• Group influence

Norms are an example of an aspect of group behavior that can guide how group members think, behave, or act. Norms are standards that emerge and guide how another member judge one another.

Social psychologists are also interested in the role of social influence on behavior and decision-making. Topics such as the psychology of persuasion , peer pressure, conformity , and obedience are only a few of those studied in this area of social psychology.

One example of research in this area of social psychology was Milgram's obedience studies conducted during the 1960s. The experiments found that when ordered by an authority figure, participants were willing to deliver what they believed were dangerous and painful electrical shocks to another person. While the shocks were staged, the research suggested that many people were willing to go to great lengths to obey authority.

Research has helped reveal the power of social influence and has uncovered ways to help people resist influence.

Social relationships play a major role in shaping behavior, attitudes, feelings, and thoughts. Social psychologists study how these interpersonal relationships affect people by looking at attachment , liking , love , and attraction.

Some research questions that social psychologists might explore include:

• How important are interpersonal relationships to individual well-being?
• What factors play a role in attraction?
• How do interpersonal relationships influence helping behaviors in groups?
• How do close relationships affect individuals?

Close relationships are relationships in which we feel a strong sense of connection and intimacy with another person. Studies on close relationships have shown that they are associated with many benefits, such as increased happiness and satisfaction with life.

A Word From Verywell

Social psychology is a rich subject that explores how social perception, social interaction, and social influence affect both groups and individuals. Researchers in this field are interested in various topics, including attitudes, attraction, close relationships, and helping behavior. By learning more about these subjects, social psychologists can add to our understanding of social behavior and its effect on individual well-being.

Venta A, Hatkevich C, Mellick W, Vanwoerden S, Sharp C. Social cognition mediates the relation between attachment schemas and posttraumatic stress disorder . Psychol Trauma. 2017;9(1):88-95. doi:10.1037/tra0000165

Stolier RM, Hehman E, Keller MD, Walker M, Freeman JB. The conceptual structure of face impressions . Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A . 2018;115(37):9210-9215. doi:10.1073/pnas.1807222115

Markovitch N, Netzer L, Tamir M. Will you touch a dirty diaper? Attitudes towards disgust and behaviour [published correction appears in Cogn Emot . 2016;30(3):i].  Cogn Emot . 2016;30(3):592–602. doi:10.1080/02699931.2015.1020049

Olson JM, Vernon PA, Harris JA, Jang KL. The heritability of attitudes: A study of twins . J Pers Soc Psychol . 2001;80(6):845-60. PMID: 11414369.

Van Ryzin MJ, Dishion TJ. From antisocial behavior to violence: a model for the amplifying role of coercive joining in adolescent friendships .  J Child Psychol Psychiatry . 2013;54(6):661–669. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12017

Kassin SM. The killing of Kitty Genovese: What else does this case tell us?   Perspect Psychol Sci . 2017;12(3):374–381. doi:10.1177/1745691616679465

Rhodes M, Mandalaywala TM. The development and developmental consequences of social essentialism .  Wiley Interdiscip Rev Cogn Sci . 2017;8(4):10.1002/wcs.1437. doi:10.1002/wcs.1437

Hjerm M, Eger M, Danell R.  Peer attitudes and the development of prejudice in adolescence .  Socius Sociolog Res Dynamic World . 2018;4:1-11. doi:10.1177/2378023118763187

American Psychological Association.  Outgroup homogeneity bias .

Drury J, Carter H, Cocking C, Ntontis E, Tekin Guven S, Amlôt R. Facilitating collective psychosocial resilience in the public in emergencies: Twelve recommendations based on the social identity approach [published correction appears in Front Public Health . 2019 Jun 27;7:181].  Front Public Health . 2019;7:141. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2019.00141

Rahman T. Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: How Violent Extremist Beliefs Become "Normalized" .  Behav Sci (Basel) . 2018;8(1):10. doi:10.3390/bs8010010

Russell NJC.  Milgram's obedience to authority experiments: Origins and early evolution .  Br J Soc Psychol . 2011;50:140-162. doi:10.1348/014466610X492205

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

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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• Next: Citing Sources--APA Style >>
• Last Updated: Aug 26, 2024 1:17 PM
• URL: https://libguides.stthomas.edu/psyc321

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IResearchNet

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.

Psychology Research Guide

• Literature Review
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• Library Services

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 Research Papers

• Writing a Literature Review

When writing a research paper on a specific topic, you will often need to include an overview of any prior research that has been conducted on that topic.  For example, if your research paper is describing an experiment on fear conditioning, then you will probably need to provide an overview of prior research on fear conditioning.  That overview is typically known as a literature review.  

Please note that a full-length literature review article may be suitable for fulfilling the requirements for the Psychology B.S. Degree Research Paper .  For further details, please check with your faculty advisor.

Different Types of Literature Reviews

Literature reviews come in many forms.  They can be part of a research paper, for example as part of the Introduction section.  They can be one chapter of a doctoral dissertation.  Literature reviews can also “stand alone” as separate articles by themselves.  For instance, some journals such as Annual Review of Psychology , Psychological Bulletin , and others typically publish full-length review articles.  Similarly, in courses at UCSD, you may be asked to write a research paper that is itself a literature review (such as, with an instructor’s permission, in fulfillment of the B.S. Degree Research Paper requirement). Alternatively, you may be expected to include a literature review as part of a larger research paper (such as part of an Honors Thesis). 

Literature reviews can be written using a variety of different styles.  These may differ in the way prior research is reviewed as well as the way in which the literature review is organized.  Examples of stylistic variations in literature reviews include: 

• Summarization of prior work vs. critical evaluation. In some cases, prior research is simply described and summarized; in other cases, the writer compares, contrasts, and may even critique prior research (for example, discusses their strengths and weaknesses).
• Chronological vs. categorical and other types of organization. In some cases, the literature review begins with the oldest research and advances until it concludes with the latest research.  In other cases, research is discussed by category (such as in groupings of closely related studies) without regard for chronological order.  In yet other cases, research is discussed in terms of opposing views (such as when different research studies or researchers disagree with one another).

Overall, all literature reviews, whether they are written as a part of a larger work or as separate articles unto themselves, have a common feature: they do not present new research; rather, they provide an overview of prior research on a specific topic . 

How to Write a Literature Review

When writing a literature review, it can be helpful to rely on the following steps.  Please note that these procedures are not necessarily only for writing a literature review that becomes part of a larger article; they can also be used for writing a full-length article that is itself a literature review (although such reviews are typically more detailed and exhaustive; for more information please refer to the Further Resources section of this page).

Steps for Writing a Literature Review

1. Identify and define the topic that you will be reviewing.

The topic, which is commonly a research question (or problem) of some kind, needs to be identified and defined as clearly as possible.  You need to have an idea of what you will be reviewing in order to effectively search for references and to write a coherent summary of the research on it.  At this stage it can be helpful to write down a description of the research question, area, or topic that you will be reviewing, as well as to identify any keywords that you will be using to search for relevant research.

2. Conduct a literature search.

Use a range of keywords to search databases such as PsycINFO and any others that may contain relevant articles.  You should focus on peer-reviewed, scholarly articles.  Published books may also be helpful, but keep in mind that peer-reviewed articles are widely considered to be the “gold standard” of scientific research.  Read through titles and abstracts, select and obtain articles (that is, download, copy, or print them out), and save your searches as needed.  For more information about this step, please see the Using Databases and Finding Scholarly References section of this website.

3. Read through the research that you have found and take notes.

Absorb as much information as you can.  Read through the articles and books that you have found, and as you do, take notes.  The notes should include anything that will be helpful in advancing your own thinking about the topic and in helping you write the literature review (such as key points, ideas, or even page numbers that index key information).  Some references may turn out to be more helpful than others; you may notice patterns or striking contrasts between different sources ; and some sources may refer to yet other sources of potential interest.  This is often the most time-consuming part of the review process.  However, it is also where you get to learn about the topic in great detail.  For more details about taking notes, please see the “Reading Sources and Taking Notes” section of the Finding Scholarly References page of this website.

4. Organize your notes and thoughts; create an outline.

At this stage, you are close to writing the review itself.  However, it is often helpful to first reflect on all the reading that you have done.  What patterns stand out?  Do the different sources converge on a consensus?  Or not?  What unresolved questions still remain?  You should look over your notes (it may also be helpful to reorganize them), and as you do, to think about how you will present this research in your literature review.  Are you going to summarize or critically evaluate?  Are you going to use a chronological or other type of organizational structure?  It can also be helpful to create an outline of how your literature review will be structured.

5. Write the literature review itself and edit and revise as needed.

The final stage involves writing.  When writing, keep in mind that literature reviews are generally characterized by a summary style in which prior research is described sufficiently to explain critical findings but does not include a high level of detail (if readers want to learn about all the specific details of a study, then they can look up the references that you cite and read the original articles themselves).  However, the degree of emphasis that is given to individual studies may vary (more or less detail may be warranted depending on how critical or unique a given study was).   After you have written a first draft, you should read it carefully and then edit and revise as needed.  You may need to repeat this process more than once.  It may be helpful to have another person read through your draft(s) and provide feedback.

6. Incorporate the literature review into your research paper draft.

After the literature review is complete, you should incorporate it into your research paper (if you are writing the review as one component of a larger paper).  Depending on the stage at which your paper is at, this may involve merging your literature review into a partially complete Introduction section, writing the rest of the paper around the literature review, or other processes.

Further Tips for Writing a Literature Review

Full-length literature reviews

• Many full-length literature review articles use a three-part structure: Introduction (where the topic is identified and any trends or major problems in the literature are introduced), Body (where the studies that comprise the literature on that topic are discussed), and Discussion or Conclusion (where major patterns and points are discussed and the general state of what is known about the topic is summarized)

Literature reviews as part of a larger paper

• An “express method” of writing a literature review for a research paper is as follows: first, write a one paragraph description of each article that you read. Second, choose how you will order all the paragraphs and combine them in one document.  Third, add transitions between the paragraphs, as well as an introductory and concluding paragraph. 1
• A literature review that is part of a larger research paper typically does not have to be exhaustive. Rather, it should contain most or all of the significant studies about a research topic but not tangential or loosely related ones. 2   Generally, literature reviews should be sufficient for the reader to understand the major issues and key findings about a research topic.  You may however need to confer with your instructor or editor to determine how comprehensive you need to be.

Benefits of Literature Reviews

By summarizing prior research on a topic, literature reviews have multiple benefits.  These include:

• Literature reviews help readers understand what is known about a topic without having to find and read through multiple sources.
• Literature reviews help “set the stage” for later reading about new research on a given topic (such as if they are placed in the Introduction of a larger research paper). In other words, they provide helpful background and context.
• Literature reviews can also help the writer learn about a given topic while in the process of preparing the review itself. In the act of research and writing the literature review, the writer gains expertise on the topic .

Downloadable Resources

• How to Write APA Style Research Papers (a comprehensive guide) [ PDF ]
• Tips for Writing APA Style Research Papers (a brief summary) [ PDF ]
• Example APA Style Research Paper (for B.S. Degree – literature review) [ PDF ]

Further Resources

How-To Videos     

• Writing Research Paper Videos
• UCSD Library Psychology Research Guide: Literature Reviews

External Resources

• Developing and Writing a Literature Review from N Carolina A&T State University
• Example of a Short Literature Review from York College CUNY
• How to Write a Review of Literature from UW-Madison
• Writing a Literature Review from UC Santa Cruz  
• Pautasso, M. (2013). Ten Simple Rules for Writing a Literature Review. PLoS Computational Biology, 9 (7), e1003149. doi : 1371/journal.pcbi.1003149

1 Ashton, W. Writing a short literature review . [PDF]     

2 carver, l. (2014).  writing the research paper [workshop]. , prepared by s. c. pan for ucsd psychology.

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• Research Paper Structure
• Formatting Research Papers
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• What Types of References Are Appropriate?
• Evaluating References and Taking Notes
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35 Best Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 2nd, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

A dissertation or a thesis paper is the fundamental prerequisite to the degree programme, irrespective of your academic discipline. The field of social psychology is not different.

When working on the dissertation, the students must demonstrate what they wish to accomplish with their study. They must be authentic with their ideas and solutions to achieve the highest possible academic grade.

A dissertation in social psychology should examine the influence others have on people’s behaviour. This is because the interaction of people in different groups is the main focus of the discipline. Social connections in person are the main focus of social psychology and therefore your chosen social psychology topic should be based on a real-life social experience or phenomenon.

Also read: Sociology dissertation topics

We have compiled a list of the top social psychology dissertation topics to help you get started.

List of Social Psychology Dissertation Topics

• What impact do priming’s automatic effects have on complex behaviour in everyday life?
• The social intuitionist model examines the role that emotion and reason play in moral decision-making.
• Examine the lasting effects of cognitive dissonance.
• What psychological consequences does spanking have on kids?
• Describe the consequences and root causes of childhood attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Explain the causes of antisocial behaviour in young people.
• Discuss infants’ early warning symptoms of mental disease.
• List the main factors that young adults most commonly experience; increased stress and depression.
• Describe several forms of torture in detail, emphasising how they affect children’s minds and adult lives.
• Describe the impact of violent video games and music on a child’s development.
• Talk about how the family influences early non-verbal communication in infants.
• Examine the scope and persistence of the variables influencing the impact of automatic priming on social behaviour.
• What does this mean for upholding one’s integrity and comprehending interpersonal relationships?
• Examine the connection between loneliness and enduring health issues.
• Identify several approaches to measuring older people’s social networks.
• Compare and contrast the types of social networks, housing, and elderly people’s health across time.
• The primary causes of young people’s moral decline are social influences. Discuss.
• Discuss what has improved our understanding of social psychology using examples from social psychology theories.
• What are the socio-psychological reasons and consequences of drinking alcohol?
• What makes some persons more attractive in social situations?
• Discuss how culture affects a society’s ability to be cohesive and united.
• Discuss how a person’s career affects their social standing in society.
• What psychological effects might long-term caregiving have?
• How ddoesa leader’s relationship and followers change under charismatic leadership?
• Discuss the tactics that support and thwart interpersonal harmony using the group identity theory as your foundation.
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of intimate cross-cultural relationships.
• Examine and clarify the socio-psychological components of cults using examples.
• Discuss how sociocultural perceptions have an impact on socio-psychology.
• How has technology affected communication and interpersonal relationships?
• What part does religion play in bringing people together?
• Describe the socio-psychological impacts of dense population and crowded living.
• What are the effects of a child’s introverted personality on others?
• Explain how carelessness on the part of parents and childhood obesity are related.
• Study the psychological, moral, and legal ramifications of adoption.
• What are the corrective and preventative steps that can stop child abuse?

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How to find social psychology dissertation topics.

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• How It Works

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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• Last Updated: Oct 18, 2023 11:21 AM
• URL: https://bergen.libguides.com/litreview

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PSY 306: Cognitive Psychology

• Literature Reviews
• Find Articles
• What is a Literature Review?
• Literature Review Resources
• Literature Review Books
• The 5 Steps to Writing a Literature Review
• APA Citations
• Organize Citations
• 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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Social Work Literature Review Guidelines

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Literature reviews are designed to do two things: 1) give your readers an overview of sources you have explored while researching a particular topic or idea and 2) demonstrate how your research fits into the larger field of study, in this case, social work.

Unlike annotated bibliographies which are lists of references arranged alphabetically that include the bibliographic citation and a paragraph summary and critique for each source, literature reviews can be incorporated into a research paper or manuscript. You may quote or paraphrase from the sources, and all references to sources should include in-text parenthetical citations with a reference list at the end of the document. Sometimes, however, an instructor may require a separate literature review document and will have specific instructions for completing the assignment.

Below you will find general guidelines to consider when developing a literature review in the field of social work. Because social work is a social science field, you will most likely be required to use APA style. Please see our APA materials for information on creating parenthetical citations and reference lists.

1. Choose a variety of articles that relate to your subject, even if they do not directly answer your research question. You may find articles that loosely relate to the topic, rather than articles that you find using an exact keyword search. At first, you may need to cast a wide net when searching for sources.

For example: If your research question focuses on how people with chronic illnesses are treated in the workplace, you may be able to find some articles that address this specific question. You may also find literature regarding public perception of people with chronic illnesses or analyses of current laws affecting workplace discrimination.

2. Select the most relevant information from the articles as it pertains to your subject and your purpose. Remember, the purpose of the literature review is to demonstrate how your research question fits into a larger field of study.

3. Critically examine the articles. Look at methodology, statistics, results, theoretical framework, the author's purpose, etc. Include controversies when they appear in the articles.

For example: You should look for the strengths and weaknesses of how the author conducted the study. You can also decide whether or not the study is generalizable to other settings or whether the findings relate only to the specific setting of the study. Ask yourself why the author conducted the study and what he/she hoped to gain from the study. Look for inconsistencies in the results, as well.

4. Organize your information in the way that makes most sense. Some literature reviews may begin with a definition or general overview of the topic. Others may focus on another aspect of your topic. Look for themes in the literature or organize by types of study.

For example: Group case studies together, especially if all the case studies have related findings, research questions, or other similarities.

5. Make sure the information relates to your research question/thesis. You may need to explicitly show how the literature relates to the research question; don't assume that the connection is obvious.

6. Check to see that you have done more than simply summarize your sources. Your literature review should include a critical assessment of those sources. For more information, read the Experimental Psychology - Writing a Literature Review handout for questions to think about when reading sources.

7. Be sure to develop questions for further research. Again, you are not simply regurgitating information, but you are assessing and leading your reader to questions of your own, questions and ideas that haven't been explored yet or haven't been addressed in detail by the literature in the field.

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150 Social Psychology Topics for 2023

Choosing a good research paper topic is one of the more important phases of writing a great academic assignment. As the first step, it will determine the rest of the phases of the researching and writing process. This list of 150 topics for social psychology research paper may inspire you or give you ideas of your own.

Social Psychology Project Topics for Middle School

Many young students find this area of study interesting. So, we have gathered several topics on social psychology that will inspire them to explore the field further without being too overwhelming:

• How do attitudes develop in children?
• What causes racism in young people?
• How do prejudices against specific groups develop?
• How do children develop nonverbal communication skills?
• How does prosocial behavior affect development?
• Can young people feel love?
• How do young people react to their parents’ acts of affection?
• In what ways does television advertisement affect consumers?
• Are young people prone to eating disorders?
• What are the early signs of schizophrenia?
• What impact does seasonal affective disorder have on children?
• How do children develop phobias?
• What are the symptoms of borderline personality disorder?
• How can parents prevent their kids from bullying others?
• What impact does bullying have on children?

The social psychology topics can be easily researched using online and print resources. But any student that chooses any of these topics must be sure to do the work and search for sources that are reliable and trustworthy.

Good Social Psychology Research Topics for High School

These social psychology issues topics are tougher and are designed for students that have learned the fundamentals of conducting good background research using both online and print resources. They are great for students at a high school level because they are challenging but not overwhelming:

• What impact does depression have on social behavior?
• How are eating disorders formed in young adults?
• How does social pressure lead to eating disorders in teenagers?
• Why do young adults develop personality disorders?
• Why do teenagers become antisocial?
• How do dreams influence daily behavior?
• How does social behavior affect a student’s academic performance?
• Do sports help students with anti-social behaviors?
• What are the most effective ways of dealing with social depression?
• Are modern counselors trained to deal with current depressive disorders?
• What causes homophobia in young adults?
• What effects does racism have on high school students?
• How do young people react to homophobia?
• What are the best ways to deal with social anxiety?
• What impact do marital fights have on young people?

Social Psychology Research Topics for College Students

As soon as students have developed a firm grasp of researching and writing methods, they will be required to take on bigger academic challenges. These social psychology term paper topics fit the bill perfectly. There are a lot of sources available online and in libraries:

• In what ways does the loss of a family pet affect children?
• How does the loss of a relative impact children?
• What cultural influences affect how families deal with death?
• How does divorce impact a child’s social relationships?
• Should teachers get to know their students more closely?
• How does placement in a special education class affect a child’s confidence?
• How do team sports help with a child’s social behavior?
• How is social cognition affected by depression?
• What impact does media violence have on a child’s development?
• How do gender roles on television affect young person’s relationships with others?
• How does child abuse lead to further violence in adults?
• How do compliments and appraisals affect a child’s development?
• What effect does parental affection have on a child’s confidence?
• How do different parenting styles affect children?
• How do children learn to respect the advice of their elders?

All of these social psychology research topics can be revised to fit a specific assignment. Be sure you organize your notes and choose the best arguments to structure and support your main point.

Thesis Topics in Social Psychology for Grad Students

Many issues have been debated since the start of this field of science. This is a list of major topics in social psychology perfect for graduate students seeking a degree in psychology:

• How do group sports help with depression?
• Does running or jogging with others help with weight loss?
• Are people more likely to stick with a healthy lifestyle if they join a gym?
• What effect does alcohol have on dating?
• How has the internet changed the way people interact?
• How do people come to know and understand themselves?
• How does divorce impact a child’s development?
• In what ways does self-esteem affect the way people behave in public?
• Does fashion sense elevate a person’s sense of worth?
• How does wealth affect the ways people interact with one another?
• How does professional therapy help keep couples together?
• Does dealing with reconciliation issues help couples after separation?
• How do genetics affect the way people form relationships?
• How do families deal with alcohol abuse by a member of that family?
• Can therapy help families that have experienced the death of a child?

The above research topic in social psychology ideas covers a wide range of areas that can pique the interest of diverse audiences. Choose something that explores a new field of study or challenges an existing theory. Our media dissertation topics may come in handy here.

Social Psychology Literature Review Topics

When it comes to social psychology essay topics, you should always turn to those that you are genuinely interested in. Just be sure you conduct ample research to ensure you present the most current information:

• How is social cognition with a family affected by outside factors?
• What roles do aggressive behaviors play in social psychology?
• What social influences can affect the way a person sees religion?
• Do city nightlights affect the way people interact in public?
• What effect has the Covid-19 pandemic had on people’s mental health?
• What is the bystander effect and what influence does it have in psychology?
• What are the biggest influences on child development?
• What impact do holiday gatherings have on family relationships?
• What effect does distancing oneself from the public have on his or her well-being?
• How does leadership impact the way employees work?
• What effect do company retreats have on work productivity?
• What is the most effective way to deal with physical illnesses?
• What are the social pressures that most affect adolescence?
• Is sex education bringing unwanted stress upon teenagers?
• How does one deal with affluenza?

Interesting Social Psychology Topics

Social psychology topics for research can be difficult to brainstorm. Students could struggle to find interesting ideas that meet the requirements of an assignment. You may find the following list helpful and inspiring:

• What impact did Albert Bandura have on social learning?
• What are the short-term effects alcohol has on human interaction?
• How does the kind of music one listens to affect his/her relationships with others?
• What is the difference bet altruism and prosocial behavior?
• How does climate emergency affect the way people behave?
• What impact does the change of terms from “climate change” to “climate emergency” have?
• How does war impact civilian behavior?
• What kind of social-psychological factors contribute to youth delinquency?
• How does cultural adaptation impact a person’s psychology?
• How has the culture of fear impacted how people interact?
• Why do people feel safe joining religious cults?
• What is the easiest way of adapting to a foreign culture?
• How does teamwork affect employee productivity?
• Should employees become friends outside of the workplace?
• How does weather affect the way people interact?

Applied Social Psychology Topics

You may not have known but there are social psychology topics for research paper in the field of applied practices. If you are interested in this field you should be prepared to conduct a lot of research before delving into any of the topics listed above:

• How do peace and conflict affect the human psyche?
• What social forces affect the way students perform academically?
• How does diversity in the workplace improve morale?
• What impact do school clubs have on a teenager’s mental health?
• How does crowding impact task performance?
• What happens to a person’s emotional state when criticized?
• What are the benefits of asking for help in the workplace?
• How does job satisfaction affect life satisfaction?
• Does the promise of financial compensation motivate workers?
• How do romantic relationships at work affect productivity?
• Does recognition affect the way a student performs academically?
• What happens to employee productivity after a promotion?
• What do SES indexes measure in people?
• What makes some people more attractive than others?
• Why are people attracted to celebrities?

Social Psychology Experiment Topics

If you want to push the boundaries of experimentation in this area of study, this list of social psychology research topics should inspire academic research that is original and interesting:

• How does sleep impact the way people behave in public?
• Does public transportation improve trust in people?
• How do political demonstrations divide people?
• Do public protests unify or divide our societies?
• How do people respond to pornography on the screen?
• What impact do racially-based crimes have on societies?
• How are people responding to police killings in the U.S.?
• What are the major approaches to social problems?
• How does metaphor in politics affect opinions?
• How does marital satisfaction impact validation approach?
• How do teacher-student relationships impact academic growth?
• Does inclusion help students succeed academically?
• How does parental inclusion help a student’s grades?
• How do juvenile correction institutions affect youth?
• How is social-emotional behavior impact sex differences?

More Social Psychology Paper Topics

One of the easiest ways of earning a good grade on a writing assignment is to choose a unique social psychology research topic to write about. The following topics in social psychology provide you with numerous ideas that span a wide area of subjects that fit your interests:

• How does police violence impact our trust in the legal system?
• How has the growing number of mass shootings affected society?
• How does attractiveness help people make friends?
• Do people who are defined as attractive have more professional success?
• What are the reasons behind the halo effect?
• What impact does educational level have on relationships?
• How does the use of foul language impact the way we view others?
• Are people who have positive personalities more likely to make friends?
• What does it mean to have a close circle of friends?
• Is attractiveness linked to friendliness?
• How do television advertisements affect consumerism?
• What causes sleep paralysis in adults?
• Does the use of foul language make someone seem more aggressive?
• How do people respond when social norms are violated?
• What impact do professional sports have on a city?

Social Psychology Topics to Write About

This last set of social psychology research paper topics can be used across numerous disciplines and academic levels. Modify them to suit your specific needs and don’t forget to conduct ample research before you start writing:

• What are the implications of discrimination against specific races?
• What occurs to people that have been discriminated against?
• How does community interaction establish trust?
• Do violent films make teenagers more likely to commit crimes?
• Is homophobia a type of religious prejudice?
• What does psychological bullying do to teenagers?
• What role does bullying play in violent adults?
• Does being the victim of bullying make a person prone to violence?
• Why do so many people avoid taking action when they see violent behavior?
• How do our social actions affect the way others see us?
• What impact do violent video games have on teenagers?
• How does leadership affect the way people work?
• What does prosocial behavior do the way people respond to politicians?
• What does it mean to be a good neighbor?
• How do humans process and store information they gather from their surroundings?

The above topics in social psychology research can be revised to fit numerous academic projects. Still, if you require more social psychology topics for research papers, UK Assignment Help has a team of academic experts that could create custom lists to suit your specific needs. Our customer support team is available 24/7 and can connect you with an expert that specializes in this discipline. And if you need topics in other areas, we can help with that too. We look forward to hearing from you.

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200 Social Psychology Topics (Updated for 2023)

Table of Contents

Choose our social psychology research topics, social psychology project topics, topics in social psychology research, easy topics on social psychology, psychology topic ideas about dreams, child psychology ideas, social psychology issues topics, good social psychology research topics, interesting social psychology topics, forensic psychology research topics, most popular ideas for psychology papers, applied social psychology topics, social psychology essay topics for high school, social psychology literature review topics, health psychology ideas, sports psychology topics, ib psychology extended topics, social psychology experiment topics, social psychology research topics for college students, social psychology term paper topics, abnormal psychology ideas, thesis topics in social psychology, major topics in social psychology, mental illness topics, social media psychology topics, cognitive psychology research topics, great social psychology topics to write about, developmental psychology ideas, excellent research topics in social psychology, controversial topics for social psychology research paper, difficult social psychology topics for research.

If you are reading our blog post, it means you are looking for social psychology topics. We can bet you want to get the best topics possible. The longer the list of ideas, the better. Today, you are in luck. We have 200 social psychology topics for you and each and every one of them is free to use. You can use our social psychology research topics as they are or reword them as you see fit. To help as many students as possible, our ENL writers and editors are constantly updating the list. Most of these social psychology topics for research papers are already updated for 2023.

Why use our social psychology paper topics? First, because it saves you a lot of time. Why spend hours or even days looking for the perfect social psychology research topic when you can just select one of ours? And second, our topics are original (unique). The list of social psychology research topics is updated frequently, so there is a good chance you can find an interesting idea that will impress your professor and earn you some bonus points. Without further ado, here’s the list of social psychology research paper topics from My Homework Done .

If you are looking for some awesome social psychology project topics, we’ve got a few that will surely thrill you. Take a look:

• Come up with a project related to culture and psychology
• Reproduce a case of social anxiety
• Analyze a marital dispute
• Research an introvert child
• Children and violent movies: a case study
• Ageing as a social psychology project

In case you are looking for some topics in social psychology research that you can use today, we have a list ready for you. Pick any of these and start writing:

• Medication and its effects on mental health
• Depression and its effects on social interactions
• What causes a panic attack?
• Research Autism and its social psychology implications
• Research a speech disorder
• Research Homophobia
• Discuss gender roles in the US
• Research the effect of violent cartoons on preschool children

But what if you don’t want to spend hours or even days writing the essay? No problem, we have a list of easy topics on social psychology for you right here:

• Discuss eating disorders
• Analyze the seasonal affective disorder
• What is Schizophrenia?
• Talk about the Antisocial Personality disorder
• What are dreams?
• Discuss various parenting styles
• What is the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
• What causes social anxiety?

Let’s face it: dreams can be very fascinating to talk about. Why don’t you talk about the psychology behind dreams? Just pick one of these psychology topic ideas about dreams:

• What do dreams tell about you?
• Do we need to dream?
• Dreams and their psychological effects.
• The symbolism of specific dreams
• Men’s vs. women’s dreams
• Translating dreams to reality

Child psychology is a very complex subject, but we managed to think of some child psychology ideas that won’t take you days to write about:

• Parental neglect and child depression
• Growing up in a single parent family
• Psychological effects of death on children
• Research children’s psychological development
• Childhood trauma and its long term effects
• Effects of violent music on a child’s social integration

Social psychology is not without its problems, of course. If you would like to talk about these problems, pick one of our social psychology issues topics:

• Controlling mental health issues effectively
• Autistic children can’t fit in our society
• The psychology of dreams
• Diagnosing depression early on
• Parental neglect in the United States
• Social problems faced by people suffering from AIDS

We’ve gone through dozens of topic ideas over the past few weeks, and we compiled the ones that we thing are the best. Good social psychology research topics include:

• Describe the introvert personality
• Behavioral therapy treatment for convicts
• The stalker personality disorder
• Controlling anxiety in public
• The role of an abusive parent on child development
• Discuss the psychological effects of discrimination

To impress your professor, we suggest you find something interesting to talk about. Take a look at these interesting social psychology topics and pick one:

• Child obesity and parental negligence
• Link between obesity and TV
• The psychological reasons of depression
• The causes of stress
• Gender effects on memory
• The stages of human development
• Link between physical illness and stress levels

Are you interested in writing about forensic psychology? We have some forensic psychology research topics we are certain you’ll love:

• Are serial killers mentally impaired?
• Terrorists and their social psychology.
• Policing the Internet better nowadays.
• Family effect on serial killers.
• Teenagers and the effect of mass suicide.
• Differences between clinical and forensic psychology.
• Social psychology explains the rise in murders.

We’ve read feedback from hundreds of students and carefully analyzed the topics they chose. Here are the most popular ideas for psychology papers:

• The role of the environment on personality development
• Short term vs. long term memory
• Define social interaction
• Can morality be forced by law?
• Mental health effects of abortion
• The mental development of children with special needs
• Aging effects on mental health
• Counseling effects on divorce
• Birth order and its effects on personality

Are you looking for the best applied social psychology topics on the Internet? Check out these ideas and pick one today:

• Using hypnosis in a real life scenario
• Medication effects on mental health
• The real life effects of depression
• Define social depression
• Is asexuality a mental condition?
• The causes of multiple personality disorder

High school students are having a difficult time finding great topics, we know. Here are some social psychology essay topics for high school for free:

• Define schizophrenia
• Antisocial behaviors explained
• Drugs’ effects on the emotional development of teens
• Bullying effects on your mental health
• Describe gender roles in the UK
• What causes anorexia?
• PTSD at the workplace

We have some of the best original social psychology literature review topics on the Internet, all updated for 2023:

• News and violence literature review
• Child abuse in developing countries
• Violence in pre-school children
• Discuss the inability to fix in a society
• Prison rehabilitation literature review
• Mass killing in the U.S.
• The link between memories and social success

Interested in writing about health topics? We have some very interesting health psychology ideas that you can use right now, free of charge:

• Effects of drugs on children’s mental health
• Mental health problems affecting physical health
• What causes panic attacks?
• Define social anxiety
• What are phobias?
• How does paranoia develop?

Sports psychology topics are not easy to come by, especially in 2023. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of unique sports psychology topics:

• Psychological tests for violence
• Psychological tests for steroid use
• What is team chemistry?
• Advances in sports psychology
• Interesting sports psychology trends in 2023
• Methods an athlete can use to control emotion

The extended essay is not easy to write. Not even finding a topic is easy. Pick one of these IB psychology extended topics and give it a try:

• Discuss the seasonal affective disorder
• Analyze the Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Teenage children’s apathy towards food
• What causes depression?
• Describe false memories
• Analyze and discuss language acquisition
• Violence in video games and its effects on children

If you want to conduct an experiment or write about an experiment, we have just the ideas you need. Here are some great social psychology experiment topics:

• Children with learning disabilities in public schools.
• Effects of relocation of children’s mental health.
• Immigration effects on families.
• Grief and its effects on families.
• Analyze the illusion of self.
• Eating disorders and their psychological effects.

Writing a research paper is already difficult, so you really don’t have time to search for the best topics. Pick one of our social psychology research topics for college students for free:

• Link between depression on social cognition
• Research social influences on youth
• Research the effects of violence from a social perspective
• Effects of the death of a child.
• Research the bystander effect.
• How are our behaviors shaped?
• Miscarriage and social psychology

If you need to write a term paper and don’t know what to write about, we have some excellent social psychology term paper topics for students of all ages:

• The psychological effects of torture
• Genetics and the level of human intelligence
• The theories behind motivation
• Why does teenager suicide happen?
• Discuss the effects of work environment on worker motivation
• Attractive people receiving special treatment
• How is hypnosis used and why?

You probably want to write about something out of the ordinary. It’s a sure way to impress your professor, obviously. Pick any of these awesome abnormal psychology ideas:

• How to study Anomie
• Anorexia in the United Kingdom
• Preventing death-related anxiety
• Analyze borderline personality disorders
• Discuss asexuality
• Are phobias real or a mental problem?
• Researching the Oedipus complex effectively

If you are about to start working on your thesis, you need some of our thesis topics in social psychology. Use them as they are or reword them as you see fit:

• The role of violence in our society
• How do people expose a lie?
• Factors that affect a person’s religious perspective
• Discuss Freud’s theories
• An in-depth analysis of Gestalt Psychology
• Explain and analyze Socionics

Are you looking to get a major in psychology? We have some major topics in social psychology that you will surely find interesting:

• Techniques used to research psychological topics
• Explain Mood Freezing and how it works
• The design of modern physiological studies
• Effects of sleep deprivation on memory
• An in-depth look at environmental psychology
• Domestic abuse and its psychological effects

Discussing various mental illnesses is not easy, we know. So, we did our best to come up with relatively easy mental illness topics:

• Is depression a mental illness?
• Violence can be classified as a mental illness
• Describe the seasonal affective disorder

We have just the social media psychology topics you have been looking for (all updated for 2023):

• Effects of social media on children’s psychology
• Facebook effects on self-esteem
• Nonverbal communication on social media
• Prosocial behavior on social media

Cognitive psychology is a hot subject these days, so our ENL writers did their best to come up with the most interesting (and original) cognitive psychology research topics:

• Effects of autism on young children.
• ADHD effects on social growth.
• Can we recover from memory loss?
• How are memories created?
• Cognitive psychology and the effects of colors.
• Measuring the level of critical thinking.
• Social judgement and its impact on the individual.

Want to pick a topic that you know will perform great in 2023? Take a look at our great social psychology topics to write about:

• Discuss social cognition
• Discuss a personality disorder
• Discuss romance from a psychological standpoint
• Discuss leadership in relation to social psychology
• Discuss the various human attitudes
• Discuss social control types
• Effects of prejudice on human psychology

If you want to surprise your professor and get some bonus points, all you have to do is pick one of these developmental psychology ideas:

• Social development and its effects on bullying
• Effects of music on learning
• The apparition of violence in school children
• Does eating breakfast influence learning capabilities?
• Discuss youth psychopathic tendencies
• Age negative affects learning
• Discuss how our media encourages child violence
• Psychological development and its health effects

Out of hundreds of different research topics, we managed to gather the ones that are the most interesting. Our list of excellent research topics in social psychology:

• The psychology behind a long-lasting marriage
• The psychology of a homophobe
• Formed habits and ways to change them
• Adult shyness and its effects on social interaction
• Hate crimes and their psychological effects
• Analyze the rise in divorces in 2023 in the US
• The effects of wearing a school uniform

You are not prohibited from writing about controversial topics, of course. Why not pick one of these controversial topics for social psychology research paper?

• Overcrowding effects on our mental health
• Climate change effects on human psychology
• Is PTSD treatable?
• Eating disorders caused by fast food chains
• Psychological methods to control pain
• The dangers of taking antidepressants
• The dangers of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on convicts

Do you want to challenge yourself? No problem, we have some pretty difficult social psychology topics for research that you can choose from:

• A terrorist’s psychological profile
• Caring for hyperactive children
• 3 phobias and their effect on a woman’s personality
• Psychological effect of solitary confinement
• Colors and their effect on mental states
• The psychological profile of a sex worker
• Psychological problems of the homeless
• Sports psychology at the workplace

We realize you may need more research topic in social psychology. Perhaps you need some topics on a very specific subject. Or perhaps you want a list of topics that you can be 100% sure are original and never before used. The good news is that our experienced editorial team can write a whole list of topics in social psychology right now – just for you. You can just take your pick from all the awesome social psychology topics for your project or check out social work research topics . Get in touch with us and tell us what you need!

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