300+ AP Research Topic Ideas

AP Research is a high school course offered as part of the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) program. It is designed to give students the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice and to develop the research and analytical skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

The course is typically taken by students in their senior year of high school, after they have completed other AP courses. AP Research is a two-semester course, with students typically spending the first semester developing a research question, conducting a literature review, and developing a research proposal. In the second semester, students conduct their research, analyze their findings, and present their results in a written thesis and an oral presentation.

AP Research is intended to be a rigorous course that requires students to think critically, develop research skills, and engage with complex issues in a meaningful way. The course is designed to prepare students for the demands of college-level research and to give them a strong foundation for pursuing advanced degrees or careers in fields that require research skills.

AP Research Topic Ideas

Selecting an AP Research topic can be a daunting task, requiring careful consideration of personal interests, research gaps, feasibility, and academic goals. To help students navigate this process, we have compiled a list of diverse and engaging AP Research topic ideas that cover a wide range of disciplines and research areas. These topic ideas are designed to inspire and guide students as they embark on their own research journey.

AP Research Topic Ideas are as follows:

• The effects of social media on adolescent mental health
• The relationship between physical activity and academic performance
• The impact of gentrification on urban communities
• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in reducing stress and anxiety
• The relationship between sleep patterns and academic performance
• The role of technology in the future of education
• The impact of the gig economy on the traditional job market
• The effects of climate change on coastal communities
• The use of virtual reality in therapy and mental health treatment
• The impact of immigration policies on undocumented students’ access to higher education
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and health outcomes
• The role of music therapy in treating mental health disorders
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning and teacher effectiveness
• The impact of artificial intelligence on employment opportunities
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs in improving academic achievement
• The impact of cultural assimilation on immigrant mental health and well-being
• The relationship between diet and mental health outcomes
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of alternative education programs for at-risk youth
• The role of mindfulness practices in reducing implicit biases and promoting inclusivity.
• The impact of social media influencers on consumer behavior
• The effects of language barriers on healthcare access and outcomes
• The relationship between access to green spaces and mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of school-based mental health programs
• The impact of parental involvement on academic achievement
• The effects of income inequality on social mobility
• The role of genetic testing in personalized medicine
• The impact of police body cameras on community trust
• The relationship between food insecurity and obesity rates
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in reducing school suspensions and expulsions
• The impact of globalization on cultural identity
• The effects of childhood bilingualism on cognitive development
• The role of art therapy in treating trauma-related mental health disorders
• The impact of corporate social responsibility on consumer behavior
• The relationship between air pollution and respiratory health outcomes
• The effectiveness of online learning platforms in improving student outcomes
• The impact of artificial intelligence on financial markets
• The effects of mindfulness practices on workplace productivity
• The relationship between exposure to violence and mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing gang involvement among at-risk youth.
• The impact of social media on political polarization
• The relationship between screen time and attention spans
• The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating anxiety and depression
• The impact of renewable energy on the job market
• The effects of food advertising on childhood obesity rates
• The role of experiential learning in developing leadership skills
• The relationship between gun ownership and rates of gun violence
• The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems
• The effectiveness of community policing programs in reducing crime rates
• The relationship between racial and ethnic identity development and mental health outcomes
• The effects of childhood trauma on long-term physical health outcomes
• The impact of cultural competency training on healthcare provider-patient relationships
• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in reducing substance abuse and addiction
• The relationship between access to healthcare and health outcomes in rural communities
• The effects of student loan debt on career choices and financial well-being
• The impact of social support on caregiver mental health outcomes
• The role of alternative therapies in managing chronic pain
• The effects of gaming on cognitive development and decision-making skills
• The impact of restorative justice practices on recidivism rates
• The relationship between religious identity and mental health outcomes.
• The effects of media representation on body image and self-esteem
• The relationship between parental involvement in education and student motivation
• The impact of automation on the future of work
• The effectiveness of school-based mindfulness programs in reducing anxiety and depression
• The effects of social isolation on mental health outcomes
• The role of exercise in managing chronic diseases
• The impact of gentrification on cultural heritage and community identity
• The effectiveness of telemedicine in improving healthcare access and outcomes
• The relationship between nutrition and cognitive function
• The effects of microaggressions on mental health and well-being
• The impact of social entrepreneurship on community development
• The effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing substance abuse and addiction
• The relationship between race and policing practices
• The effects of early childhood education on long-term academic achievement
• The role of animal-assisted therapy in treating mental health disorders
• The impact of social media on political activism and social change
• The relationship between personality traits and leadership effectiveness
• The effectiveness of mindfulness practices in reducing workplace stress and burnout
• The impact of climate change on food security and nutrition
• The relationship between cultural diversity and organizational performance in the workplace.
• The impact of COVID-19 on mental health outcomes and healthcare access
• The relationship between music and cognitive function
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in addressing racial disparities in school discipline
• The effects of mindfulness practices on sleep quality and duration
• The role of public art in promoting community well-being
• The relationship between social support and coping with chronic illnesses
• The impact of globalization on cultural traditions and practices
• The effectiveness of trauma-informed care in addressing mental health disorders
• The effects of parental involvement on social-emotional development in early childhood
• The relationship between personality traits and job satisfaction
• The impact of urbanization on biodiversity and ecosystem services
• The effectiveness of cognitive training in improving memory and attention in older adults
• The effects of trauma on brain development in children and adolescents
• The role of gender in leadership effectiveness and organizational performance
• The impact of gentrification on housing affordability and homelessness rates
• The relationship between social support and academic achievement in low-income students
• The effectiveness of community gardens in promoting food security and nutrition
• The effects of air pollution on cognitive function and academic achievement
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting social justice and equity
• The impact of technology on interpersonal communication and relationship building
• The relationship between sleep disorders and mental health outcomes
• The effects of early childhood education on social-emotional development
• The impact of political polarization on social cohesion and community engagement
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions in reducing substance use disorders
• The relationship between gender identity and mental health outcomes
• The impact of social media on body image and eating disorder rates
• The effects of mindfulness practices on emotional regulation in children and adolescents
• The role of restorative justice in addressing hate crimes and bias-motivated violence
• The relationship between environmental attitudes and pro-environmental behavior
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in managing chronic pain.
• The impact of immigration policies on mental health outcomes among immigrant populations
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and access to healthcare
• The effectiveness of arts-based interventions in promoting mental health and well-being
• The effects of screen time on language development in young children
• The role of restorative justice in addressing gender-based violence
• The impact of climate change on mental health outcomes
• The relationship between social support and recovery from addiction
• The effectiveness of culturally responsive teaching in promoting academic achievement among diverse student populations
• The effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance and mental health outcomes
• The impact of outdoor recreation on physical and mental health outcomes
• The relationship between community engagement and crime rates
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in addressing anxiety and depression in college students
• The effects of food insecurity on academic achievement and health outcomes
• The role of race and ethnicity in accessing and utilizing mental health services
• The impact of social media on romantic relationships and dating behaviors
• The relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in older adults
• The effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in addressing substance use disorders
• The effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health outcomes
• The role of cultural competency in promoting patient-provider communication and trust
• The impact of gentrification on community health and well-being
• The relationship between mindfulness and creativity
• The effects of social support on post-traumatic growth
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating eating disorders
• The impact of race and ethnicity on access to affordable housing
• The relationship between environmental attitudes and pro-social behavior
• The effects of trauma on parenting practices and child development
• The role of community policing in promoting trust and safety in diverse communities
• The impact of gender stereotypes on academic and career choices
• The relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes in adolescents
• The effectiveness of restorative justice practices in addressing school-to-prison pipeline.
• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem in adolescent girls
• The relationship between mindfulness and resilience in first responders
• The effects of parental incarceration on child development and academic outcomes
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting voter participation and civic engagement
• The impact of cultural assimilation on mental health outcomes among immigrant populations
• The relationship between access to green spaces and mental health outcomes
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans
• The effects of exposure to violence on aggression and delinquency in adolescents
• The role of social support in reducing the stigma associated with mental illness
• The impact of school-based health clinics on academic achievement and health outcomes
• The relationship between social media use and sleep disturbances in adolescents
• The effects of music therapy on pain management and emotional regulation in cancer patients
• The role of gender and race in accessing and utilizing healthcare services
• The impact of urban sprawl on environmental degradation and public health
• The relationship between mindfulness and leadership effectiveness
• The effects of school culture on student academic achievement and well-being
• The role of community gardens in promoting sustainable urban development
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health outcomes
• The relationship between social support and job satisfaction
• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions in reducing anxiety and depression in LGBTQ+ youth
• The effects of air pollution on respiratory health outcomes in urban areas
• The role of mindfulness in reducing burnout among healthcare professionals
• The impact of income inequality on health outcomes and access to healthcare
• The relationship between social media use and academic performance in college students
• The effects of trauma on memory and cognitive function
• The role of community-based organizations in addressing food deserts and promoting healthy eating habits
• The impact of neighborhood walkability on physical activity and health outcomes
• The relationship between social support and coping with chronic pain
• The effectiveness of family-based interventions in addressing substance use disorders in adolescents
• The impact of environmental regulations on public health and well-being.
• The relationship between job satisfaction and employee retention
• The effects of technology addiction on mental health and social relationships
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting financial literacy and reducing debt
• The impact of early childhood education on academic achievement and cognitive development
• The relationship between cultural identity and mental health outcomes among immigrants
• The effects of social support on recovery from traumatic brain injury
• The role of restorative justice in reducing recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals
• The impact of neighborhood segregation on access to healthcare and health outcomes
• The relationship between mindfulness and emotional intelligence in the workplace
• The effects of sleep hygiene education on sleep quality and academic performance in college students
• The role of community-based interventions in reducing rates of childhood obesity
• The impact of poverty on cognitive development and academic achievement
• The relationship between social support and substance use recovery in adults
• The effects of nature exposure on stress reduction and mental health outcomes
• The role of restorative justice in addressing school discipline disparities
• The impact of racial microaggressions on mental health outcomes among people of color
• The relationship between social support and coping with chronic illness
• The effects of community policing on reducing rates of police brutality and misconduct
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting digital literacy and access to technology
• The impact of animal-assisted therapy on mental health outcomes in individuals with disabilities
• The relationship between mindfulness and athletic performance
• The effects of trauma on romantic relationships and attachment styles
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing waste
• The impact of social support on stress and coping mechanisms in caregivers of individuals with chronic illnesses
• The relationship between socioeconomic status and access to mental health services in rural areas
• The effects of mindfulness meditation on pain management and opioid use in chronic pain patients
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting social and economic justice
• The impact of environmental factors on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) development
• The relationship between social support and recovery from traumatic injuries
• The effects of peer mentoring on academic achievement and social-emotional development in adolescents.
• The relationship between childhood experiences and risk-taking behavior in adolescents
• The effects of gratitude interventions on well-being and social relationships
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting financial empowerment and reducing poverty
• The impact of childhood trauma on addiction and substance use in adulthood
• The relationship between cultural values and mental health outcomes in international students
• The effects of social support on academic persistence and retention in college students
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting restorative justice in the criminal justice system
• The impact of culturally responsive teaching on academic achievement and cultural identity development in students of color
• The relationship between mindfulness and sleep quality in older adults
• The effects of peer mentoring on social-emotional development and academic achievement in elementary school students
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting social and emotional learning in schools
• The impact of racial trauma on mental health outcomes among Black individuals
• The relationship between social support and job satisfaction in healthcare workers
• The effects of nature exposure on creativity and innovation in the workplace
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on addiction and substance use in adulthood
• The relationship between cultural identity and mental health outcomes in Indigenous populations
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting environmental justice and reducing pollution exposure in low-income communities
• The impact of social support on well-being and mental health outcomes in LGBTQ+ individuals
• The relationship between social media use and body image dissatisfaction in adolescents
• The effects of physical activity on cognitive function and academic achievement in older adults
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting social and economic mobility in low-income families
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing burnout and compassion fatigue in healthcare workers
• The relationship between cultural values and healthcare-seeking behavior in immigrant populations
• The effects of trauma on personality development and attachment styles
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting healthy eating and reducing food insecurity in underserved communities
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on cognitive function and academic achievement in early childhood
• The relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in refugee populations
• The effects of nature exposure on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults.
• The relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement in elementary school students
• The effects of a healthy lifestyle intervention on reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting disaster preparedness and resilience in vulnerable communities
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans
• The relationship between social support and job satisfaction in non-profit employees
• The effects of music education on cognitive development and academic achievement in elementary school students
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste
• The impact of cultural competence training on improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities in healthcare settings
• The relationship between social media use and sleep quality in college students
• The effects of physical activity on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults with chronic illnesses
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting youth leadership development and civic engagement
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on social skills development and peer relationships in early childhood
• The relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in individuals with chronic illnesses
• The effects of restorative justice practices on reducing school suspension rates and promoting positive school climate
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions
• The impact of cultural values on parenting practices and child development
• The relationship between social media use and body dissatisfaction in young adults
• The effects of technology-based interventions on reducing social isolation and loneliness in older adults
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on academic achievement and educational attainment in adolescence
• The relationship between social support and resilience in individuals experiencing homelessness
• The effects of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with chronic pain
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting social and economic integration of immigrants
• The impact of cultural values on mental health help-seeking behaviors in Asian American populations
• The relationship between social media use and academic performance in high school students
• The effects of physical activity on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with intellectual disabilities
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting inclusive recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on social-emotional development and mental health outcomes in adolescence
• The relationship between social support and coping strategies in individuals with chronic illnesses
• The effects of cognitive training on improving memory and executive function in older adults
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting affordable housing and reducing homelessness
• The impact of cultural values on end-of-life decision-making and hospice utilization in diverse populations
• The relationship between social media use and self-esteem in young adults
• The effects of art therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults with mental illness
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting social and economic justice for marginalized communities
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on social skills development and peer relationships in adolescence
• The relationship between social support and mental health outcomes in parents of children with disabilities
• The effects of technology-based interventions on promoting healthy eating habits and reducing obesity in children and adolescents
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting access to healthcare for underserved communities
• The impact of cultural values on mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviors in Latinx populations.
• The relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in college students
• The effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on reducing symptoms of burnout in healthcare professionals
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting environmental conservation and sustainability
• The impact of childhood trauma on social skills development and peer relationships in elementary school students
• The relationship between social support and quality of life in individuals with chronic pain
• The effects of a physical activity intervention on reducing symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting financial literacy and reducing debt
• The impact of cultural values on perceptions of mental health and mental illness in African American populations
• The relationship between social media use and body image concerns in adolescent girls
• The effects of animal-assisted therapy on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting intergenerational relationships and reducing ageism
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on college readiness and academic achievement in high school students
• The relationship between social support and well-being in individuals with chronic illnesses in rural areas
• The effects of a technology-based intervention on promoting healthy sleep habits in adolescents
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting sustainable tourism and reducing negative impacts on local communities and the environment
• The impact of cultural values on perceptions of and access to mental health services in Native American populations
• The relationship between social media use and social anxiety in young adults
• The effects of art therapy on reducing symptoms of trauma in refugee populations
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting civic engagement and activism among youth
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on social-emotional development and mental health outcomes in young children
• The relationship between social support and self-esteem in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• The effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with eating disorders
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting workplace diversity and inclusion
• The impact of cultural values on parenting practices and child outcomes in immigrant populations
• The relationship between social media use and body image concerns in adolescent boys
• The effects of music therapy on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults with dementia
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting access to affordable childcare and early education programs
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on physical health outcomes in adulthood
• The relationship between social support and substance use behaviors in adolescents
• The effects of a physical activity intervention on reducing symptoms of depression in adults with chronic pain
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting sustainable urban development and reducing pollution
• The impact of cultural values on perceptions of and access to mental health services in Hispanic/Latinx populations
• The relationship between social media use and self-esteem in individuals with visible differences
• The effects of narrative therapy on reducing symptoms of trauma in survivors of intimate partner violence
• The role of community-based organizations in promoting access to affordable legal services for low-income individuals
• The impact of adverse childhood experiences on social and emotional development in adolescence
• The relationship between social support and quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The effects of a technology-based intervention on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior in adults with spinal cord injuries
• The role of community-based interventions in promoting sustainable energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• The impact of cultural values on perceptions of and access to mental health services in Middle Eastern populations.

How to Pick an AP Research Topic

Choosing an AP Research topic can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be a fulfilling experience. Here are some steps you can follow to pick an AP Research topic:

• Identify your interests: Think about what you enjoy learning about and what topics you are passionate about. Consider your past experiences, hobbies, and future career goals. This will help you identify areas that you are enthusiastic about exploring.
• Research different topics: Conduct extensive research on topics that interest you. Read articles, books, and research studies related to your areas of interest. This will help you develop a deeper understanding of the topics and identify potential research gaps.
• Narrow down your options: After conducting your research, narrow down your options to a few potential topics. Consider the feasibility of conducting research on each topic, the availability of resources, and the scope of the project.
• Consult with your teacher or mentor: Discuss your potential topics with your teacher or mentor. They can offer valuable insights and guide you in selecting a topic that aligns with your academic and career goals.
• Define your research question: Once you have identified your topic, define your research question. The question should be clear, focused, and specific. It should also be open-ended to allow for further exploration.
• Develop a research plan: Develop a research plan that outlines the steps you will take to conduct your research. This should include the research methods you will use, the data you will collect, and the timeline for completing the project.
• Review and refine: Continuously review and refine your topic and research plan as you conduct your research. This will help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed.