controversial topics for research papers

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Controversial Research Paper Topics

Last updated on: Mar 5, 2024

150+ Controversial Research Paper Topics to Get You Started

By: Donna C.

10 min read

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

Finding the right research topic can be a challenge, especially when you want to explore subjects that are a bit daring. 

We understand the struggle of wanting to pick something that's not just interesting but also sparks curiosity and debate.

Controversial research papers make you think differently. They might make you a bit uncomfortable, but that discomfort often leads to some of the most fascinating discoveries and discussions.

In this blog, we've curated a list of controversial research paper topics to make your search easier. 

We’ll look closely at different topics, assisting you in finding a topic that not only interests you but also makes your academic experience meaningful.

Let’s dig in and find controversial topics to write a research paper on!

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Good Controversial Research Paper Topics for Students

Selecting a captivating research paper topic can make the research paper writing process more engaging and thought-provoking. 

Here, we've curated a list of top research topics for students who are wondering what are some good controversial topics for a research paper. 

Controversial Research Topics for Middle School

• Healthy School Lunches: Balancing Nutrition and Taste
• Should Students Have Homework on Weekends?
• Banning Junk Food in Schools: Pros and Cons
• Space Exploration: Is It Worth the Cost?
• The Importance of Environmental Conservation
• Community Service: Should It Be a Mandatory School Requirement?
• Is Censorship in Children's Literature Important?
• School Start Times: Are They Too Early?
• Should Students Be Allowed to Grade Their Teachers?
• Should Middle Schoolers Be Taught Financial Literacy?

Controversial Research Topics for High School Students

• Should High School Curriculum Include Mandatory Financial Literacy Courses?
• Exploring the Controversies Surrounding School Prayer
• The Influence of Violent VideoGames on Youth Behavior
• Should High School Start Times be Adjusted for Teenage Sleep Patterns?
• The Impact of Fast Food Advertising on Teenage Diets
• Debunking or Validating Popular Health Fads Among High School Students
• The Controversy Over Abstinence-only Education About Sex in High Schools
• The Role of Standardized Testing in College Admissions: Fair or Unfair?
• Should High School Students Have a Say in the Curriculum?
• The Impact of Global Warming Facts and Education on High School Students

Controversial Research Topics for College Students

• The Impact of Cancel Culture on Free Speech
• The Ethics of AI Surveillance in Educational Institutions
• Exploring Cultural Appropriation in College Events
• Debunking or Validating Conspiracy Theories in College Curriculum
• The Intersection of Gender Identity and Campus Policies
• Examining the Controversies Surrounding College Admissions Testing
• Privacy Concerns in Online Learning Platforms for College Courses
• Evaluating the Impact of Social Media Influencers on College Students
• Legalizing Recreational Drugs: Implications for College Communities
• Analyzing the Influence of the Electoral College on College Debates and Discussions

Controversial Research Topics for University

• The Intersection of Technology and Privacy in the Digital Age
• The Impact of Universal Basic Income on Labor Markets and Society
• Debunking Pseudoscience: Challenges and Strategies
• The Role of Blockchain Technology in Reshaping Industries
• The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and the Changing Landscape of Employment
• Neuroethics: Ethical Considerations in Brain-Computer Interface Technologies
• Augmented Reality in Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Care or Ethical Concerns?
• Crisis Communication in the Age of Social Media: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Ethics of Using AI in Criminal Justice: Bias, Accountability, and Transparency
• Social Media Influencers and Digital Advertising Ethics

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Controversial Research Topics for Master’s

• Implications of Synthetic Biology and Biohacking
• Quantum Internet: Privacy and Security Challenges
• Ethics of Autonomous Weapons and AI in Warfare
• Impact of Deepfake Technology on Media and Society
• The Intersection of Technology and Mental Health: Risks and Benefits
• Space Tourism: Ethical and Environmental Implications
• The Ethics of Data Brokers and Information Marketplaces
• Quantum Cryptography: Securing Communication in the Quantum Era
• The Future of Intellectual Property in the Age of AI and Robotics
• The Digital Divide: Addressing Inequities in Access to Technology

Controversial Research Topics for Ph.D.

• Digital Surveillance and Civil Liberties: A Comparative Analysis
• Ownership and Privacy of Genetic Data in the Genomic Era
• Legal and Ethical Aspects of Extraterrestrial Resource Utilization
• Ethics of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) Development and Deployment
• Regulatory Challenges of Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
• Algorithmic Trading, High-Frequency Trading, and Market Manipulation
• Big Tech's Influence on Global Politics and Governance
• Transhumanism and the Evolution of Post-Human Society
• The Intersection of Robotics and Human Rights: Ethical Considerations in Autonomous Systems
• Neurotechnology and the Possibility of Mind Reading: Ethical Implications

Common Controversial Research Paper Topics

• The Ethics of Genetic Editing: Balancing Innovation and Morality
• Climate Change: Addressing Skepticism and Urgency for Affirmative Action
• The Legality and Ethics of Euthanasia in Modern Society
• Concealed Handguns: Balancing Second Amendment and Civil Rights 
• The Controversy Surrounding Biofuels
• Legalization of Recreational Drugs: Weighing the Risks and Benefits
• The Impact of Immigration Policies on Society and the Economy
• Nuclear Energy vs. Renewable Energy: Striving for a Sustainable Future
• Censorship in Media: Protecting Society or Limiting Freedom of Expression?
• The Death Penalty: Examining Morality and Effectiveness in Criminal Justice

Easy Controversial Research Paper Topics

• Should Schools Adopt Year-Round Bilingual Education?
• The Impact of Social Media Dependency on Personal Relationships
• Fast Food Consumption: Pros and Cons
• The Effectiveness of Capital Punishment as a Deterrent to Crime
• The Influence of Reality TV on Youth Behavior
• Should Animal Testing be Banned?
• The Impact of Video Games Violence on Academic Performance
• Marijuana Legalization and its Ethical Aspects
• Should Smoking in Public be Illegal?
• The Impact of Cell Phones on Face-to-Face Communication

Interesting Controversial Topics

• The Philosophy of Time Travel: Possibilities and Paradoxes
• Human Colonization of Mars: Ethical and Practical Considerations
• Cryptids and the Paranormal: Scientific Exploration or Pseudoscience?
• The Mandela Effect: Collective Memory or Alternate Realities?
• Existence of Parallel Universes: Exploring Multiverse Theories
• Plant Consciousness: Do Plants Have Feelings and Awareness?
• The Mystery of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
• Dream Interpretation: Psychology or Pseudoscience?
• Astrology and Personality Traits: Cosmic Influences on Atheism?
• The Hollow Earth Theory: Myth or Scientific Possibility?

Captivating Controversial Research Topics

• Mind-Reading Technology and Privacy Paradox
• Designer Babies: Crafting the Perfect Human
• Parallel Universes: Theoretical Marvel or Scientific Reality?
• Crypto-Currencies and the Future of Money Laundering
• Artificial Consciousness: From Code to Sentience
• Psychedelics in Psychiatry: Breaking the Taboo
• Deepfake Dilemmas: The Ethics of Synthetic Media
• Algorithmic Bias: Unmasking the Hidden Prejudice in Code
• Conscious AI in the Workplace: Colleague or Competitor?
• Rejuvenation Biotechnology: Extending Human Lifespan

Psychology Controversial Research Paper Topics

Here are some important controversial topics in psychology for research paper writing:

• The Morality of Using Placebos in Psychological Treatment
• The Ethics of Conducting Psychological Experiments on Animals
• Is Video Game Addiction a Real Mental Health Concern?
• The Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Development
• The Role of Genetics in Determining Intelligence
• Is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) an Ethical Treatment for Depression?
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Causes and Solutions
• The Influence of Gender Stereotypes on Mental Health
• The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Cognitive Functioning
• The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories: Understanding Beliefs and Behavior

Controversial Medical Topics For A Research Paper

• The Ethics of Human Cloning
• Physician-Assisted Suicide: Legal and Ethical Perspectives
• Gene Editing and CRISPR Technology: Ethical Implications
• The Legalization of Recreational Drugs for Medicinal Purposes
• Organ Transplant Allocation: Fairness and Equality
• Genetic Testing for Disease Predisposition: Privacy and Consent
• Stem Cell Research: Promises and Ethical Concerns
• Would Universal Healthcare Improve Healthcare Access?
• Pharmaceutical Industry Influence on Medical Practices
• Abortion: Medical, Ethical, and Legal Considerations

Simple Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper

• The Debate Over Reparations for Historical Injustices
• The Controversies Surrounding Columbus Day
• The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Peoples
• Historical Revisionism in Holocaust Denial
• The Legacy and Controversies of Historical Figures
• The Decision to Drop Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki
• Historical Perspectives on Immigration Policies and Debates
• The Armenian Genocide: Recognition and Denial
• The Legacy and Controversies of the Vietnam War
• The Ethics of Archaeological Discoveries and Cultural Heritage Preservation

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Unique Controversial Topics

• Universal Basic Income (UBI): Economic Panacea or Social Pitfall?
• Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
• Urban Vertical Farming: Feeding Cities of the Future or Just a Pipe Dream?
• E-Waste Crisis: The Dark Side of Technological Advancement
• Water Scarcity and Corporate Control: Bottling Profits or Human Rights?
• Challenges of 5G Technology: Innovation or Health Concerns?
• Eradicating Infectious Diseases: Ethical Dilemmas in Gene Drives
• The Ethics of Behavioral Advertising: Personalized Marketing or Invasive Manipulation?
• Robot Rights: Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI Personhood
• The Future of Nuclear Energy: Sustainable Solution or Perpetuating Risks

Other than this range of controversial topics, here are some non-controversial topics too:

Non Controversial Research Paper Topics

• The History of Public Libraries: Evolution and Impact on Communities
• Effects of Music on Stress and Anxiety Levels
• Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Environments
• The Role of Vitamin D in Human Health
• History of Vaccinations and Their Impact on Public Health
• The Science of Sleep: Understanding Sleep Patterns and Disorders
• Positive Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Health
• The Impact of Reading on Cognitive Development in Children
• Advancements in Water Purification Technologies
• The History of Astronomy: Contributions and Discoveries

How to Choose a Controversial Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a controversial research paper topic requires careful consideration and a strategic approach to ensure the relevance and impact of your work. 

Here are key steps to guide you in selecting a provocative and engaging topic for your research:

• Identify Your Interests: Start by considering your personal interests and passions. A controversial topic is more compelling when it aligns with your genuine curiosity. Explore subjects that you are willing to investigate thoroughly.
• Review Current Debates: Reading reputable news sources, scholarly articles, and opinion pieces will help you identify topics generating controversy and public discourse.
• Evaluate Academic Relevance: Ensure that your chosen topic has academic merit. It should be relevant to your field of study and contribute meaningfully to existing knowledge. 
• Check Research Feasibility: Assess the feasibility of conducting research on your chosen topic. Ensure that there are accessible resources, data, and literature available for a comprehensive analysis. 
• Consider Ethical Implications: Controversial topics may involve sensitive issues. Strive to approach the topic with empathy, respect for diverse opinions, and a commitment to presenting a balanced perspective.
• Stay Open to Adaptations: The dynamic nature of controversial topics may require adjustments to ensure the relevancy and significance of your findings. That’s why it is important to remain open to adapting your approach. 

To sum up, looking into controversial topics lets us dig into complicated problems, have conversations, and question our existing knowledge. These interesting subjects grab people's attention and add to the broader perspectives of research. 

This blog is your ultimate guide for controversial research paper topic selection. But if you feel like you need help with your topic or even research paper, reach our professional paper writing service online !

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Home » 300+ Controversial Research Topics

300+ Controversial Research Topics

Controversial research topics are a vital aspect of scientific inquiry, as they often challenge existing assumptions and generate debates among experts in the field. These topics can range from ethical dilemmas to scientific controversies that challenge traditional thinking, and can spark heated discussions and disagreements. However, it is through exploring and investigating these controversial topics that researchers can uncover new insights, theories , and methodologies that ultimately drive progress and innovation in their respective fields. While controversial research topics can be complex and contentious, they also offer opportunities for growth and learning as scientists work to uncover the truth and push the boundaries of what is currently known.

Controversial Research Topics

Controversial Research Topics are as follows:

• The impact of genetically modified organisms on human health.
• The use of embryonic stem cells for medical research.
• The effectiveness of abstinence-only sex education.
• The effects of violent video games on children and adolescents.
• The link between intelligence and race.
• The legalization of marijuana.
• The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
• The existence of paranormal phenomena.
• The impact of social media on mental health.
• The effects of climate change on the global economy.
• The use of animals in scientific research.
• The impact of immigration on the economy and culture.
• The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling.
• The link between vaccines and autism.
• The benefits and risks of gene editing.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
• The effects of sugar consumption on human health.
• The ethics of human cloning.
• The effects of globalization on the environment.
• The impact of minimum wage laws on employment and the economy.
• The effects of bilingual education on academic achievement.
• The relationship between gun control and crime rates.
• The effects of spanking on child development.
• The impact of media bias on public opinion.
• The relationship between poverty and crime.
• The effects of same-sex marriage on society.
• The impact of nuclear power on the environment.
• The effects of air pollution on human health.
• The impact of the pharmaceutical industry on healthcare.
• The impact of artificial sweeteners on human health.
• The effects of divorce on children.
• The impact of music on behavior and emotions.
• The effects of solitary confinement on prisoners.
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on the criminal justice system.
• The effects of standardized testing on education.
• The impact of affirmative action on employment and education.
• The effects of social media on political polarization.
• The effects of immigration policies on families and communities.
• The impact of diet on mental health.
• The ethics of animal testing.
• The impact of technology on human relationships.
• The impact of the gig economy on workers’ rights.
• The effects of corporal punishment in schools.
• The impact of income inequality on society.
• The effects of video game addiction on mental health.
• The effects of police brutality on society.
• The impact of the gig economy on the economy as a whole.
• The effects of alternative medicine on human health.
• The impact of military spending on the economy.
• The effects of censorship on free speech.
• The safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
• The existence of extraterrestrial life.
• The impact of climate change on national security.
• The use of genetically modified organisms in food production.
• The impact of social media on political elections.
• The ethics of artificial intelligence.
• The impact of immigration on national security.
• The effectiveness of gun control laws.
• The ethics of animal rights.
• The impact of video game violence on real-world violence.
• The impact of cell phone radiation on human health.
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on society.
• The effectiveness of alternative medicine.
• The ethics of physician-assisted suicide.
• The impact of globalization on human rights.
• The impact of the gig economy on labor rights.
• The impact of income inequality on social mobility.
• The ethics of gene editing in humans.
• The impact of trade agreements on the economy.
• The ethics of cloning.
• The impact of solitary confinement on mental health.
• The effectiveness of mandatory minimum sentencing laws.
• The ethics of animal agriculture.
• The impact of poverty on mental health.
• The effectiveness of sex education in schools.
• The impact of cultural appropriation on society.
• The ethics of using animals in entertainment.
• The impact of air pollution on human health.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on privacy.
• The ethics of using drones in warfare.
• The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in prisons.
• The impact of genetically modified crops on the environment.
• The ethics of surrogacy.
• The impact of the gig economy on social welfare programs.
• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• The ethics of euthanasia.
• The impact of the Internet on society.
• The effectiveness of affirmative action policies.
• The impact of social media on youth development.
• The impact of renewable energy on the economy.
• The impact of cyberbullying on mental health.
• The ethics of human-animal hybrids.
• The impact of overpopulation on the environment.
• The impact of social media on political polarization.
• The impact of social media on mental health and well-being.
• The effects of violent video games on aggressive behavior in children and adolescents.
• The effects of homeschooling on academic achievement and social development.
• The ethics of human cloning for reproductive purposes.
• The impact of religious fundamentalism on political extremism and violence.
• The effects of poverty on child development and educational outcomes.
• The ethics of physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients.
• The impact of social media on political polarization and democracy.
• The effects of bilingual education on language proficiency and academic success.
• The ethics of genetically modifying human embryos for non-medical purposes.
• The impact of affirmative action on college admissions and diversity.
• The effects of mindfulness meditation on mental health and well-being.
• The ethics of animal rights and the use of animals for human consumption.
• The impact of the gig economy on worker rights and job security.
• The effects of minimum wage policies on employment and poverty reduction.
• The ethics of using human embryos for stem cell research.
• The impact of economic globalization on income inequality and economic growth.
• The effects of mandatory drug testing in the workplace on employee privacy and productivity.
• The ethics of organ donation and the sale of organs for transplantation.
• The impact of social class on educational opportunities and academic achievement.
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behavior in youth.
• The ethics of artificial intelligence and autonomous decision-making.
• The impact of gun culture on gun violence and public safety.
• The effects of parental involvement in education on academic achievement.
• The ethics of animal euthanasia and animal rights.
• The impact of prison privatization on criminal justice and rehabilitation.
• The effects of solitary confinement on mental health and prisoner rights.
• The ethics of using performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
• The impact of globalization on cultural identity and cultural preservation.
• The effects of medical marijuana on pain management and addiction.
• The ethics of using animals for animal testing and experimentation.
• The impact of media bias on public opinion and political polarization.
• The effects of youth sports specialization on athletic performance and injury rates.
• The ethics of using drones for military and civilian purposes.
• The impact of the obesity epidemic on healthcare costs and public health.
• The effects of gender stereotypes on career choices and gender equality.
• The ethics of surrogacy and the commercialization of reproduction.
• The impact of social media on body image and self-esteem.
• The effects of cyberbullying on mental health and social relationships.
• The ethics of animal euthanasia and humane animal control.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement and retraining.
• The effects of mandatory school uniforms on student behavior and academic performance.
• The ethics of using genetically modified crops for food production.
• The impact of immigration on cultural assimilation and diversity.
• The effects of peer pressure on adolescent behavior and decision-making.
• The ethics of using animals for zoos and aquariums.
• The impact of natural disasters on social inequality and disaster response.
• The effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health and well-being.
• The ethics of using gene editing to create “designer babies”.
• The impact of gentrification on urban communities and displacement.
• The effects of income inequality on political representation and corruption.
• The ethics of using animals for entertainment, such as in theme parks and circuses.
• The effects of pornography on sexual behavior and attitudes towards women.
• The ethics of gene editing in human embryos for disease prevention.
• The effects of affirmative action on workplace diversity and discrimination.
• The ethics of animal testing for cosmetic purposes.
• The impact of immigration on economic growth and job creation.
• The effects of gun control policies on crime rates and public safety.
• The ethics of euthanasia for patients with severe disabilities.
• The impact of income inequality on social mobility and economic opportunity.
• The effects of online dating on relationships and marriage.
• The ethics of using animals for scientific experimentation.
• The impact of climate change on global migration patterns.
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning and teacher accountability.
• The ethics of using social media data for targeted advertising.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on employment and job displacement.
• The effects of genetically modified organisms on human health and the environment.
• The ethics of surrogacy and the commodification of pregnancy.
• The impact of the #MeToo movement on workplace culture and gender equality.
• The effects of mandatory vaccination policies on public health and individual autonomy.
• The ethics of using embryonic stem cells for medical research.
• The impact of media censorship on freedom of speech and expression.
• The effects of school vouchers on education equity and public education.
• The ethics of animal agriculture and the environmental impact of meat consumption.
• The impact of social media algorithms on political polarization and misinformation.
• The effects of mass incarceration on communities of color and criminal justice reform.
• The ethics of human genetic engineering for athletic performance enhancement.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on privacy and personal data protection.
• The effects of teacher tenure on teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
• The ethics of autonomous weapons systems and the future of warfare.
• The impact of affirmative action on college admissions and meritocracy.
• The effects of social media on youth mental health and addiction.
• The ethics of using human tissue for medical research.
• The impact of hydraulic fracturing on the environment and public health.
• The effects of school discipline policies on student success and racial disparities.
• The ethics of using animal organs for human transplantation.
• The impact of trade policies on international development and economic inequality.
• The effects of workplace surveillance on employee privacy and productivity.
• The ethics of human enhancement technologies and the implications for society.
• The impact of renewable energy on energy independence and national security.
• The effects of immigration policies on family separation and human rights.
• The ethics of using gene editing to enhance intelligence and cognitive abilities.
• The impact of social media on political activism and social movements.
• The effects of mandatory minimum sentences on criminal justice and recidivism rates.
• The ethics of using nanotechnology for medical treatment and enhancement.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy and political participation.
• The effects of parental involvement in education on student achievement.
• The ethics of using animals for entertainment, such as in circuses and aquariums.
• The impact of mass surveillance on civil liberties and government transparency.
• The effects of school segregation on educational opportunities and social mobility.
• The ethics of using human embryonic stem cells for medical research.
• The impact of social media on political polarization and division.
• The effects of affirmative action policies on college admissions.
• The ethics of using animals for food and cosmetic testing.
• The impact of immigration policies on national security.
• The effects of e-cigarettes on lung health and smoking cessation.
• The ethics of cloning animals for commercial purposes.
• The impact of the war on drugs on public health and criminal justice.
• The effects of homeschooling on academic achievement and socialization.
• The impact of income tax policies on economic growth.
• The effects of police body cameras on accountability and transparency.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on human creativity and innovation.
• The effects of globalization on job outsourcing and economic inequality.
• The ethics of animal testing for medical research.
• The impact of mandatory minimum sentences on criminal justice and rehabilitation.
• The ethics of using human stem cells for medical research.
• The impact of social media on body image and eating disorders.
• The effects of the death penalty on crime deterrence and human rights.
• The ethics of using genetically modified crops for commercial agriculture.
• The impact of social media on romantic relationships and dating culture.
• The effects of standardized testing on teacher effectiveness and job satisfaction.
• The ethics of using drones for military strikes and surveillance.
• The impact of minimum wage policies on poverty and unemployment.
• The effects of workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives on productivity and morale.
• The ethics of using animals for entertainment purposes, such as in circuses or zoos.
• The impact of climate change on global economic growth and stability.
• The effects of solitary confinement on mental health and recidivism rates.
• The impact of the gig economy on worker exploitation and income insecurity.
• The effects of medical marijuana on pain management and opioid addiction.
• The ethics of using virtual reality for military training and simulation.
• The impact of school choice policies on education equity and segregation.
• The effects of noise pollution on mental and physical health.
• The ethics of using animal products for clothing and fashion.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on artistic expression and creativity.
• The effects of prison privatization on criminal justice and human rights.
• The ethics of using robots for elder care and healthcare.
• The impact of affirmative action policies on workplace diversity and inclusion.
• The effects of social media on adolescent self-esteem and body image.
• The ethics of using human organs for transplant research.
• The impact of drone strikes on civilian casualties and international law.
• The effects of microplastic pollution on human health and the environment.
• The ethics of animal cloning for livestock production.
• The impact of renewable energy on job creation and economic growth.
• The effects of occupational licensing on job opportunities and consumer protection.
• The ethics of using artificial intelligence in decision-making processes in the criminal justice system.
• The effects of climate change on global migration patterns.
• The ethics of genetically modifying human embryos.
• The impact of the meat industry on the environment and animal welfare.
• The efficacy and safety of alternative medicine treatments.
• The effects of marijuana legalization on crime rates.
• The ethics of using animals for scientific research.
• The effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
• The impact of technology on privacy and personal data protection.
• The effects of gun ownership on public safety.
• The ethics of gene editing to enhance physical and cognitive abilities.
• The impact of gentrification on urban communities.
• The effects of long-term space travel on human health.
• The ethics of using human subjects in medical research.
• The impact of income inequality on access to healthcare.
• The effects of the gig economy on workers’ rights and protections.
• The ethics of using non-human animals for food consumption.
• The impact of social media on political discourse and democracy.
• The effects of standardized testing on educational outcomes.
• The ethics of using autonomous weapons in warfare.
• The impact of income tax policies on economic inequality.
• The effects of urbanization on mental health and well-being.
• The ethics of using artificial intelligence for military applications.
• The impact of population growth on the environment and natural resources.
• The effects of screen time on children’s cognitive development.
• The ethics of surrogacy and reproductive technology.
• The impact of mental health stigma on access to care and treatment.
• The ethics of animal captivity and entertainment.
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health and safety.
• The effects of universal basic income on economic stability and well-being.
• The ethics of using genetic data for personalized medicine.
• The impact of the gig economy on income and wealth inequality.
• The effects of systemic racism on health outcomes and access to care.
• The ethics of using drones for civilian surveillance and law enforcement.
• The impact of social media algorithms on the spread of misinformation and polarization.
• The effects of childhood vaccination requirements on public health.
• The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes.
• The impact of global trade agreements on human rights and labor practices.
• The effects of nuclear energy on public health and the environment.
• The ethics of using gene editing for non-medical purposes.
• The impact of artificial sweeteners on human health and obesity rates.
• The effects of childhood obesity on long-term health outcomes.
• The ethics of using artificial intelligence for facial recognition technology.
• The impact of immigration policies on education outcomes and access.
• The effects of parental socioeconomic status on children’s academic achievement.
• The ethics of human genetic engineering for aesthetic purposes.
• The impact of deforestation on climate change and biodiversity loss.
• The effectiveness of the death penalty in reducing crime rates.
• The ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
• The impact of climate change on the global economy.
• The use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture.
• The ethics of embryonic stem cell research.
• The effects of pornography on society.
• The impact of globalization on employment and wages.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on society.
• The relationship between race and intelligence.
• The effects of minimum wage laws on employment and the economy.
• The effects of poverty on child development.
• The effects of video game violence on real-world violence.
• The impact of globalization on the environment.
• The effects of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• The impact of air travel on the environment.
• The impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
• The impact of solitary confinement on prisoners.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Research Paper

99 of the Most Controversial Research Paper Topics (Controversial Yet Interesting)

Ignite debates with thought-provoking content! Explore controversial research paper topics for compelling discussions and academic exploration.

Feb 20, 2024

Dive into a world of contentious debates and thought-provoking discussions with a deep look at controversial research paper topics. From exploring ethical dilemmas to dissecting societal taboos, this blog will navigate the intricate landscape of controversial subjects, shedding light on research paper structure while captivating your intellectual curiosity. Join us as we unravel the complexities of these contentious issues and challenge the norms of traditional research. Let's embark on a journey of exploration and critical analysis together.

Table of Contents

Why controversial research paper topics make the best research papers, how to effectively structure a controversial research paper, supercharge your researching ability with otio — try otio for free today.

1. Stimulates Critical Thinking and Debates

Controversial research paper topics have the unique ability to spark intense debates and discussions among researchers, academics, and the general public. These topics often challenge preconceived notions and push individuals to think critically, analyze different perspectives, and defend their own viewpoints. The intellectual stimulation that arises from debating controversial issues can lead to groundbreaking insights and innovative solutions.

2. Encourages Exploration of Taboo Subjects

Controversial research paper topics often touch upon taboo subjects that are considered sensitive or off-limits in mainstream discourse. By delving into these contentious areas, researchers have the opportunity to explore uncharted territories , challenge societal norms, and shed light on marginalized voices. This exploration can lead to a deeper understanding of complex issues and contribute to social progress and change.

3. Drives Innovation and Creativity

The inherent controversy surrounding these research paper topics pushes researchers to think outside the box, question traditional beliefs, and come up with novel approaches to address challenging issues. This drive for innovation and creativity can lead to the development of groundbreaking theories, methodologies, and solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the field of study and have a lasting impact on society.

4. Captures Public Attention and Interest

Controversial research paper topics have a certain allure that captures the attention and interest of a wide audience. These topics often deal with pressing social, political, and ethical issues that resonate with people on a personal level. As a result, research papers on controversial topics have the potential to reach a larger audience, generate public discourse, and raise awareness about important issues that might otherwise be overlooked.

5. Fosters Resilience and Intellectual Courage

Engaging with controversial research paper topics requires a certain level of resilience and intellectual courage. Researchers must be willing to confront uncomfortable truths, challenge prevailing beliefs, and navigate potential backlash or criticism. By tackling controversial subjects head-on, researchers can develop a greater sense of resilience, strengthen their analytical skills, and cultivate the intellectual courage necessary to push boundaries and pursue innovative research agendas.

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1. Genetic modification of embryos: Ethical implications and future considerations

Exploring the ethical dilemmas surrounding the genetic modification of embryos and the potential impact on future generations.

2. Mandatory vaccinations: Balancing public health and individual rights

Investigating the debate on mandatory vaccinations to prevent the spread of contagious diseases while respecting personal freedoms.

3. Climate change denial: The science, the skeptics, and the consequences

Examining the arguments of climate change deniers, the scientific consensus, and the potential consequences of inaction.

4. Artificial intelligence: Enhancing society or posing a threat to humanity?

Delving into the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in various aspects of society and its potential impact on humanity.

5. Legalizing euthanasia: Compassion or moral dilemma?

Analyzing the arguments for and against legalizing euthanasia, considering the ethical and moral implications.

6. Gun control: Striking a balance between safety and Second Amendment rights

Exploring the contentious issue of gun control, addressing public safety concerns while upholding constitutional rights.

7. Animal testing: Scientific necessity or ethical concern?

Examining the use of animals in scientific research, weighing the benefits of medical advancement against animal welfare concerns.

8. Capital punishment: Just retribution or inhumane practice?

Discussing the arguments surrounding the death penalty, including its deterrent effect, justice for victims, and ethical considerations.

9. Nuclear energy: Sustainable solution or environmental risk?

Investigating the role of nuclear energy in the quest for sustainable power sources and its potential environmental impact.

10. Gender identity: Biological reality vs. self-perception

Exploring the complexity of gender identity, including biological, social, and personal factors that influence one's sense of self.

11. Online privacy: Balancing security with individual freedom

Analyzing the tension between protecting online privacy and the need for security measures in the digital age.

12. Legalization of prostitution: Empowerment or exploitation?

Examining the arguments for and against legalizing prostitution, considering the impact on sex workers and society.

13. Cloning: Scientific advancement or ethical dilemma?

Delving into the science and ethics of cloning, including its potential benefits and the moral implications of cloning humans.

14. Cultural appropriation: Appreciation or exploitation?

Discussing the fine line between cultural appreciation and appropriation, considering power dynamics and historical contexts.

15. Universal basic income: Addressing inequality or encouraging dependency?

Exploring the concept of universal basic income as a solution to economic disparities and its potential societal implications.

16. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Feeding the world or endangering health?

Investigating the controversy surrounding GMOs, including their role in food production, safety concerns, and environmental impact.

17. Social media influence: Empowering or manipulating society?

Analyzing the influence of social media on individuals and society, including its role in shaping opinions and behaviors.

18. Cyberbullying: The dark side of online interactions

Exploring the prevalence and impact of cyberbullying on mental health and well-being, and strategies for prevention.

19. Art censorship: Preserving morals or stifling creativity?

Discussing the debate on art censorship, considering cultural sensitivities, freedom of expression, and artistic integrity.

20. The obesity epidemic: Personal responsibility or societal problem?

Examining the factors contributing to the obesity epidemic, including lifestyle choices, food environment, and public health policies.

21. Renewable energy sources: Transitioning towards a sustainable future

Investigating the potential of renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

22. Racial profiling: Law enforcement tool or civil rights violation?

Analyzing the practice of racial profiling, its impact on marginalized communities, and efforts to address systemic bias.

23. The privacy vs. security debate: Striking a balance in the digital age

Exploring the trade-offs between privacy rights and national security concerns, especially in the context of technological advancements.

24. The future of work: Automation, AI, and the changing labor landscape

Discussing the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the workforce, including job displacement and skills training.

25. Body modification: Self-expression or societal taboo?

Examining the motivations behind body modifications, including tattoos, piercings, and cosmetic surgeries, and societal perceptions.

26. Educational inequality: Addressing disparities in access and quality

Investigating the factors contributing to educational inequality, including funding disparities, systemic barriers, and solutions for reform.

27. Medical marijuana: Healing herb or gateway drug?

Exploring the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana , its legal status, and the debate on its recreational use.

28. Sustainable agriculture: Balancing productivity with environmental stewardship

Discussing sustainable farming practices that promote food security while minimizing environmental impact and preserving natural resources.

29. Cybersecurity threats: Protecting data in the digital age

Analyzing the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, including hacking, identity theft, and data breaches, and strategies for protection.

30. Animal rights activism: Advocacy for ethical treatment or extremist ideology?

Examining the motivations and tactics of animal rights activists, legal protections for animals, and ethical considerations in animal welfare.

31. The role of media in shaping public opinion: Informative tool or propaganda machine?

Discussing the influence of media outlets on public perception, including bias, misinformation, and the importance of critical thinking.

32. Immigration policies: National security or human rights concern?

Exploring the complexities of immigration policies , including border control, refugee rights, and the socio-economic impact of migration.

33. Gender pay gap: Workplace inequality and the fight for equal pay

Investigating the disparities in wages based on gender, factors contributing to the gender pay gap, and strategies for achieving pay equity.

34. Mental health stigma: Breaking the silence and promoting understanding

Discussing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, misconceptions, and the importance of destigmatizing mental illness.

35. Space exploration: Inspiring innovation or wasteful expenditure?

Exploring the benefits of space exploration in scientific advancement, technological innovation, and the ethical considerations of space travel.

36. Internet censorship: Protecting society or stifling free speech?

Analyzing the implications of internet censorship on freedom of expression, access to information, and government control of online content.

37. Cultural diversity in the workplace: Promoting inclusivity or tokenism?

Examining the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace, challenges faced by diverse employees, and best practices for fostering inclusivity.

38. Autonomous vehicles: Revolutionizing transportation or safety risk?

Discussing the potential of self-driving cars to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and ethical considerations in autonomous vehicle technology.

39. Gender stereotypes in media: Reinforcing norms or challenging perceptions?

Investigating the portrayal of gender stereotypes in media, its impact on society, and efforts to promote gender equality in media representation.

40. Food insecurity: Hunger in a world of abundance

Exploring the root causes of food insecurity, including poverty, conflict, and climate change, and solutions to address global hunger.

41. The ethics of whistleblowing: Exposing truth or breaching trust?

Discussing the moral dilemmas faced by whistleblowers, the impact of whistleblowing on organizations, and legal protections for whistleblowers.

42. Alternative medicine: Holistic healing or pseudoscience?

Examining the efficacy of alternative medicine practices, including acupuncture, herbal remedies, and homeopathy, and the debate on their scientific basis.

43. Body image and the media: Unrealistic standards and mental health

Analyzing the influence of media on body image perceptions, the prevalence of body dysmorphia, and strategies for promoting positive self-esteem.

44. Plastic pollution: A global environmental crisis

Investigating the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems, human health, and efforts to reduce plastic waste through recycling and regulation.

45. Animal testing in cosmetics: Beauty at the cost of cruelty?

Discussing the controversy surrounding animal testing in the cosmetics industry, ethical alternatives, and consumer awareness of cruelty-free products.

46. Nuclear disarmament: A world free of nuclear weapons?

Exploring the challenges and benefits of nuclear disarmament, global security implications, and diplomatic efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation.

47. Climate engineering: Geoengineering solutions for climate change

Investigating the feasibility and ethical implications of climate engineering technologies, such as solar radiation management and carbon capture.

48. The impact of social media on mental health: Connection or isolation?

Discussing the effects of social media on mental well-being, including cyberbullying, FOMO, and strategies for promoting positive online interactions.

49. Water scarcity: Managing a precious resource

Exploring the global water crisis, sustainable water management practices, and the socio-economic impact of water scarcity on communities.

50. Universal healthcare: Ensuring access to healthcare for all

Discussing the benefits and challenges of implementing universal healthcare systems, including funding, quality of care, and equity in healthcare access.

51. Sweatshop labor: Exploitation in the global supply chain

Analyzing the ethical issues of sweatshop labor, corporate responsibility, and efforts to improve working conditions and wages for garment workers.

52. The impact of globalization on culture: Homogenization or diversity?

Examining the cultural consequences of globalization, including the spread of Western values, cultural exchange, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

53. Genocide prevention: Learning from history to protect human rights

Discussing the role of international law , humanitarian intervention, and early warning systems in preventing genocides and mass atrocities.

54. Data privacy in the age of surveillance: Protecting personal information

Exploring the implications of data collection and surveillance on privacy rights, data breaches, and the need for data protection regulations.

55. Drug legalization: Addressing the war on drugs

Investigating the arguments for legalizing drugs, including marijuana, psychedelics, and the impact of drug policies on public health and criminal justice.

56. Artificial intelligence in warfare: Autonomous weapons and ethical concerns

Discussing the use of AI in military technology, including autonomous drones, cyber warfare, and the ethical considerations of AI in armed conflict.

57. Police brutality: Accountability and reform in law enforcement

Analyzing cases of police violence, racial bias in policing, and efforts to promote accountability, community policing, and reforms in law enforcement.

58. The ethics of animal experimentation: Balancing scientific progress and animal welfare

Examining the ethical considerations of using animals in research, alternatives to animal testing, and regulations to ensure humane treatment.

59. Bioethics in Healthcare: Navigating moral dilemmas in medical practice

Discussing ethical issues in healthcare, including patient autonomy, end-of-life care, genetic testing, and reproductive technologies.

60. GMO labeling: Informed consumer choice or unnecessary regulation?

Exploring the debate on labeling GMOs in food products, consumer rights to know, and the impact of GMO labeling on food industry practices.

61. Online hate speech: The limits of free expression

Investigating the rise of online hate speech, its impact on marginalized groups, legal implications, and strategies to combat hate speech online.

62. The future of democracy: Challenges and opportunities in a digital age

Discussing the impact of technology on democracy, including disinformation, social media influence, electoral integrity, and civic engagement.

63. Cyber warfare: The new frontier of conflict

Analyzing the threats posed by cyber warfare, including hacking, ransomware, and state-sponsored cyber attacks, and strategies for cybersecurity defense.

64. Workplace discrimination: Breaking barriers and promoting diversity

Examining the prevalence of workplace discrimination based on race, gender, age, and sexual orientation, and efforts to foster inclusive work environments.

65. The opioid epidemic: Addressing addiction and overdose crisis

Discussing the factors contributing to the opioid crisis, including overprescription, illicit drug trafficking, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

66. Surveillance capitalism: The commodification of personal data

Exploring the business model of surveillance capitalism, data collection practices by tech companies, and the implications for consumer privacy.

67. Online dating: Changing norms and social interactions

Investigating the impact of online dating on relationships, social dynamics, and the evolution of dating norms in the digital age.

68. Racial disparities in healthcare: Addressing inequities in access and treatment

Examining the racial inequalities in healthcare outcomes, disparities in access to care, and strategies to promote health equity among diverse populations.

69. The impact of technology on jobs: Automation and the future of work

Discussing the effects of automation and AI on the labor market, job displacement, reskilling programs, and the need for workforce adaptation.

70. Domestic violence: Breaking the cycle of abuse

Analyzing the prevalence of domestic violence, its impact on victims and families, and interventions for prevention, support, and legal protection.

71. The dark web: Unveiling the hidden layers of the internet

Exploring the anonymous and illicit activities on the dark web , including illegal markets, cybercrime, and the challenges of law enforcement in cyberspace.

72. Cultural heritage preservation: Safeguarding the past for the future

Investigating efforts to protect cultural heritage sites, artifacts, and traditions from destruction, looting, and the impact of urban development.

73. Mass incarceration: Reforms in the criminal justice system

Examining the causes and consequences of mass incarceration, racial disparities in sentencing, and initiatives for criminal justice reform and rehabilitation.

74. Genetic privacy: Regulating DNA data and bioinformatics

Discussing the privacy concerns related to genetic testing, DNA databases, and the ethical implications of sharing personal genetic information.

75. The impact of social media influencers: Marketing or manipulation?

Analyzing the influence of social media influencers on consumer behavior, advertising regulations, and the authenticity of influencer marketing.

76. Access to education for refugee children: Overcoming barriers to learning

Exploring the challenges faced by refugee children in accessing quality education, barriers to integration, and initiatives for refugee education support.

77. Workplace surveillance: Balancing security with employee privacy

Investigating the use of surveillance technologies in the workplace, employee monitoring practices, and the legal and ethical implications of workplace surveillance.

78. Cryptocurrency regulation: Navigating the digital financial landscape

Exploring the challenges of regulating cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the implications for financial transactions, security, and legal frameworks.

79. Mental health treatment stigma: Breaking down barriers to care

Discussing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, access to mental healthcare services, and destigmatization efforts to promote help-seeking behaviors.

80. The impact of social media on politics: Influence and disinformation

Analyzing the role of social media in political discourse, election campaigns, misinformation, and the regulation of political advertising online.

81. Human trafficking: Combating modern-day slavery

Examining the global issue of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, forced labor, and efforts to prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, and protect victims.

82. Biohacking: DIY biology and ethical considerations

Investigating the biohacking movement, including DIY genetic engineering, body modifications, and the ethical implications of citizen science in biotechnology.

83. Gender-based violence: Addressing inequalities and promoting gender equality

Discussing the prevalence of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and efforts to empower survivors, raise awareness, and enact legal protections.

84. The digital divide: Access to technology and internet connectivity

Exploring the disparities in access to technology, digital skills, and internet connectivity, and initiatives to bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy.

85. The impact of social media on youth: Peer pressure and mental health

Analyzing the influence of social media on adolescent behavior, mental well-being, body image perceptions, and strategies for promoting positive online habits.

86. Workplace diversity programs: Fostering inclusion and equity

Examining the effectiveness of workplace diversity initiatives, including diversity training, recruitment practices, and the promotion of inclusive work environments.

87. Child labor: Exploitation and human rights violations

Discussing the prevalence of child labor, its impact on education, health, and development, and efforts to eliminate child labor through legislation and advocacy.

88. The ethics of brain-computer interfaces: Enhancing cognition or privacy concerns

Investigating the ethical considerations of brain-computer interface technology, its potential applications in healthcare, communication, and the implications for privacy and autonomy.

89. Social inequality in healthcare: Addressing disparities in access and outcomes

Examining the socio-economic factors contributing to healthcare inequality, including insurance coverage, healthcare affordability, and the impact on health disparities.

90. The future of privacy in a surveillance society: Protecting personal data

Exploring the challenges of protecting privacy rights in a surveillance society, digital tracking, data breaches, and the need for privacy regulations.

91. The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities: Environmental justice and adaptation

Analyzing the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, including low-income neighborhoods, indigenous populations, and strategies for climate resilience and adaptation.

92. Social media addiction: The risks of excessive screen time

Investigating the addictive nature of social media, its impact on mental health, relationships, and strategies for digital detox and healthy technology use.

93. Sustainable fashion: Ethical practices and environmental impact

Discussing the environmental and social implications of fast fashion, sustainable fashion brands, ethical sourcing, and the circular economy in the fashion industry.

94. Workplace harassment: Creating a culture of respect and accountability

Examining the prevalence of workplace harassment , including sexual harassment, bullying, and efforts to prevent workplace misconduct, promote reporting mechanisms, and support victims.

95. The impact of artificial intelligence on creative industries: Innovation or job displacement

Analyzing the role of AI in creative fields, including art, music, writing, and the potential impact on creative expression, copyright laws, and employment in the arts.

96. Cultural assimilation vs. cultural preservation: Identity and diversity

Exploring the tensions between assimilation and preservation of cultural identities, traditions, languages, and the impact of globalization on cultural diversity.

97. Youth activism: Empowering the next generation of changemakers

Investigating the rise of youth-led movements, social activism among young people, and the impact of youth activism on policy change, social justice, and civic engagement.

98. Smart cities: Urban innovation and sustainable development

Discussing the concept of smart cities, IoT technology, data-driven urban planning, and the potential of smart infrastructure to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality of life in urban areas.

99. Workplace automation: Redefining job roles and skills

Analyzing the impact of automation on the workforce, job displacement, upskilling opportunities, and the future of work in an increasingly automated economy.

1. Choosing a Provocative Topic

Select a topic that is relevant, timely, and sparks debate. Addressing current societal issues or challenging conventional beliefs can make your research paper stand out and generate interest.

2. Thorough Background Research

Before diving into writing, ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Familiarize yourself with various perspectives, existing studies, and key arguments to strengthen the credibility of your paper.

3. Compelling Introduction

Hook your readers from the start with a captivating introduction. Clearly define the issue at hand, present the significance of your research, and pose thought-provoking questions to engage your audience.

4. Structured and Logical Organization

Divide your paper into clear sections such as introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This structure will guide the reader through your arguments and findings in a coherent manner.

5. Incorporating Diverse Viewpoints

Acknowledge different perspectives on the controversial topic and present a balanced analysis . Address counterarguments respectfully while reinforcing your own stance with strong evidence and logical reasoning.

6. Data-driven Analysis

Support your claims with reliable data, statistics, case studies, and scholarly references. Using empirical evidence will enhance the credibility of your research paper and validate your arguments.

7. Engaging Writing Style

Write in a clear, concise, and engaging manner. Avoid jargon and complex language that may alienate readers. Use illustrative examples, anecdotes, and relatable scenarios to make your paper more accessible and impactful.

8. Ethical Considerations

Ensure that your research is conducted ethically and respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved. Address any potential biases or conflicts of interest transparently to maintain the integrity of your study.

9. Impactful Conclusion

End your paper with a compelling conclusion that summarizes key findings, emphasizes the significance of your research, and suggests potential implications for the field. Leave the reader with lingering thoughts and a call to action.

10. Peer Review and Revision

Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or professors to refine your research paper. Be open to constructive criticism and revise your work diligently to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively structure a controversial research paper that captures the reader's attention, stimulates critical thinking, and contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse.

• Research Paper Outline Template • Research Paper Introduction Example • Research Paper Conclusion Example • How Long Should A Research Paper Be • How To Quickly Write A Research Paper • Tips For Writing Research Papers • 7 Steps In Writing A Research Paper

In controversial research paper topics, the landscape is vast and ever-evolving. Scholars, students, and knowledge workers frequently find themselves engulfed in a deluge of information, struggling to sift through the abundance of data to extract meaningful insights. This dilemma is exacerbated by the proliferation of content creation, where anyone can contribute to the pool of knowledge with a mere click. Otio emerges as a beacon of light in this chaos, offering a streamlined solution to the pervasive issue of content overload. By providing a centralized AI-native workspace for researchers, Otio revolutionizes the way individuals engage with information. Let's delve into the key features of Otio that make it a game-changer in the realm of research and writing.

Collecting Diverse Data Sources

One of the primary challenges faced by researchers is the task of gathering information from a multitude of sources, ranging from traditional articles and books to tweets and YouTube videos. Otio simplifies this process by allowing users to collect data seamlessly from a wide array of sources. Whether it's a thought-provoking tweet or an in-depth research paper, Otio enables users to compile all relevant materials in one cohesive platform.

Extracting Key Takeaways with AI-generated Notes

Once the data is amassed, the next hurdle is distilling key insights from the wealth of information. Otio's AI-generated notes feature proves to be invaluable in this regard. By automatically generating detailed notes on bookmarks, PDFs, videos, and more, Otio empowers users to extract essential takeaways with ease. This not only saves time but also ensures that crucial information does not get lost in the sea of data.

Engaging in Source-grounded Q&A Chat

In the pursuit of knowledge, clarity is key. Otio enhances the research process by offering a unique source-grounded Q&A chat feature. This functionality enables users to engage in dynamic conversations about individual links or entire knowledge bases, fostering a collaborative and insightful research environment. Just like conversing with a knowledgeable peer, Otio's chat capabilities facilitate a deeper understanding of the material at hand.

Accelerating the Writing Process with AI Assistance

Crafting coherent and compelling research papers or essays is often a laborious task. Otio streamlines this process by providing AI-assisted writing functionalities. From generating draft outputs based on collected sources to refining the writing style, Otio acts as a supportive writing partner for researchers, helping them transition from a mere reading list to a polished first draft in record time.

Embracing the Future of Research and Writing with Otio

In a world inundated with information, Otio stands out as a beacon of efficiency and innovation. By amalgamating cutting-edge AI technologies with user-friendly features, Otio redefines the research and writing experience for knowledge workers, researchers, and students alike.  Embrace the future of research and writing—let Otio be your AI research and writing partner . Try Otio for free today and revolutionize your workflow.

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Research Topic Ideas

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Controversial issues and current events, flint water crisis.

• Education & Social Work
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Look at the "Picking a Topic" tab on this guide for help brainstorming your topic. Also, our Research Process guide can help you throughout your research process.

• Research Process by Liz Svoboda Last Updated Mar 1, 2024 6815 views this year
• Affirmative Action
• Affordable Care Act
• Alternative medicine
• America's global influence
• Artificial intelligence
• Assisted suicide
• Bilingual education
• Black Lives Matter
• Border security
• Capital punishment
• Charter schools
• Childhood obesity
• Civil rights
• Climate change
• Concussions in football
• COVID restrictions
• Cryptocurrency
• Cyber bullying
• Cybersecurity
• Drug legalization
• Early voting
• Eating disorders
• Equal Rights Amendment
• Executive order
• Factory farming
• Foreign aid
• Freedom of speech
• General Data Protection Regulation
• Genetic engineering
• Gerrymandering
• Green New Deal
• Hate speech
• Health insurance
• Human trafficking
• Immigration
• Israel-Palestine relations
• Judicial activism
• Labor unions
• Land acknowledgments
• #MeToo movement
• Minimum wage
• Misinformation
• Net neutrality
• Nuclear energy
• Offshore drilling
• Online anonymity
• Organic food
• Outsourcing
• Police reform
• Political activism
• Prescription drug addiction
• Racial profiling
• Reparations
• Russian hacking
• Sanctuary city
• Screen addiction
• Self-driving cars
• Sex education
• Smart speakers
• Social Security reform
• Standardized testing
• Stimulus packages
• Supreme Court confirmation
• Syrian civil war
• Title IX enforcement
• Trade tariffs
• Transgender rights
• Ukraine and Russia
• Urban agriculture
• Vaccination mandates
• Violence in the media
• Voter ID laws
• Voting fraud and security
• White nationalism
• Women's rights
• Zero tolerance policies

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

601 Controversial Questions & Topics for Research, Essays, & Debate

People constantly participate in passionate debates about sensitive and divisive societal issues. Some may utilize memes or social media to discuss hot topics, while others join online forums and blogs. Even though controversial topics are believed to address trivial issues, many may have a tangible impact on the world and global problems.

Below, you’ll find a list of controversial questions and topics for research that can come in handy on days when you lack inspiration!

🔝 Top 10 Controversial Questions in 2024

🤔 most controversial questions — and why.

• 🏫 Topics for High School Students
• 🎓 Topics for College Students

🔎 Controversial Research Topics

• 📝 Controversial Argumentative Topics

💼 Controversial Business Topics

🏥 controversial medical topics, 🔬 controversial science topics, 💡 controversial philosophical questions, 😛 funny controversial topics, 🗣️ controversial debate topics, 🔗 references.

• Why should brain control techniques in psychology be banned?
• How to stop sexual abuse in the motion picture industry?
• How is homosexuality discriminated against in the 21st century?
• Does drug control help to reduce drug consumption among teenagers?
• What is the role of plastic pollution in global warming?
• How to make domestic violence victims speak out?
• Why are alternatives to prison sentences more effective?
• What is the impact of human overpopulation on food security?
• What is the positive impact of free trade on the international market?
• Why do abusive power and control often take part in modern relationships?

A controversial topic differs from others in that it causes considerable disagreement, debate, and varied emotional reactions in society. It usually involves opposing points of view, beliefs, or interests.

Below, we’ve listed several most controversial questions and explained what makes them such.

❔ Should abortion be legalized around the world?

Abortion is controversial due to its ethical, moral, and legal consequences. It raises the question of the fetus’ rights to life and a person’s right to govern their own body.

❔ What are the most effective measures to prevent gun violence?

Gun control is among the most controversial and emotional topics in many nations. Its discussion is mainly centered around two questions:

• Can the limit on people’s right to bear weapons be considered an unfair restriction on liberty?
• Is there a link between gun ownership and crime?

❔ Should capital punishment be canceled?

Opponents of the death sentence point out its inhumanity, irreversibility, and unfairness due to the persistence of racial and economic inequalities. Proponents believe that it is reasonable retribution for specific acts and is effective in deterring crime and protecting society.

❔ To what degree should freedom of speech be protected?

Freedom of speech is controversial because society struggles to define its limits. There is still a need to find a balance between safeguarding the freedom of expression and protecting individuals against the harm caused by speech.

❔ What measures should be taken to stop global warming?

The global warming controversy refers to the public dispute over whether the planet is getting warmer. Also, people argue about the leading causes of climate change, its consequences, and methods to stop it.

🏫 Controversial Topics for High School Students

Investigating controversial topics may help high school students develop critical thinking skills, engage in meaningful dialogues, and expand their awareness of challenging social issues. Below you can find some controversial questions for students!

• Should sports classes in school be mandatory?
• Abortion as a controversy .
• Why can technologies destroy the world?
• The benefits of year-round school.
• Circumcision as a controversial topic in the United States .
• Social networks make people less social.
• Alcohol should be banned under 25.
• Child labor and exploitation controversies .
• Bad parenting is a leading reason for childhood obesity .
• Is it time to decriminalize prostitution ?
• Same-sex marriage as a moral controversy .
• Happiness is more crucial than a career.
• Zoos around the world should be closed.
• The controversy over marijuana legalization .
• Why will cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• The institution of marriage is a relic of the past.
• Genetic engineering and cloning controversy .
• Climate change has already become irreversible.
• Why is playing online games a sport?
• Controversy about global warming: skepticism and reality .
• Alternative medicines are more dangerous than helpful.
• Why is remote studying the future of education?
• Victorian period corset controversy .
• Leisure time is critical for working productivity.
• Is nationalism beneficial or harmful?
• The Barbie doll controversy in a Latinx community .
• The government should permit gay couples to adopt children .
• The positive side of smoking and vaping .
• Why is immigration a controversial topic in the US ?
• Should we outlaw the use of fatal force by police ?

🎓 Controversial Topics for College Students

Controversial topics often reflect current social challenges , allowing college students to contribute to discussions and decisions that influence the world around them. Look at the most interesting controversial debate questions for college that we have prepared for you!

• The crime behind animal testing in the beauty industry.
• Biracial adoption and its controversies .
• Why are many people ignoring cybersecurity ?
• The benefits of expanding stem cell research .
• The gun control controversy in the constitutional context .
• Why should churches and religious institutions pay taxes?
• The issue of media bias and discrimination in the modern world.
• Women in army infantry: controversial issues .
• Non-chemical cleaning products: worth the cost or not?
• Capitalism is an economic system that perpetuates inequality.
• The United States Patriot Act controversies .
• Should the death penalty be abolished in the US?
• The effectiveness of using hacking skills in business.
• Ethical controversies in COVID-19 pandemic regulations .
• Why is being transgender not a gender disorder ?
• The risk of religious discrimination in a multi-cultured society.
• Controversial art and censorship .
• Does a smoking ban reduce lung cancer rates?
• The influence of mixed-race backgrounds on personal development.
• Minimum wage policy and its impact: controversy .
• The importance of policies and religious accommodations at the workplace.
• How to raise awareness of women’s rights in society?
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis controversy .
• Legalization of marijuana for medical usage: for and against.
• What are the potentially harmful effects of consuming genetically modified food ?
• Dementia and its controversial treatment .
• The effects of globalization on national economies and job losses.
• How to reduce the incidence of alcoholism and drug addiction in society?
• The Jamestown massacre controversy .
• The efficiency of drug testing programs in schools .

Controversial research topics inspire discussions and push limits on established beliefs. In the following paragraphs, you can find risky but interesting controversial questions for your future study!

Controversial Topics in Education

• How do cell phones decrease learning productivity?
• The role of textbooks in education .
• The impact of fast food on students’ learning skills.
• Do armed guards reduce crime rates in schools?
• Why does education require political intervention ?
• The negative side of individualized approach in education .
• Advantages and disadvantages of tracking and grouping in classes.
• School sex education and teenage pregnancy in the United States .
• Does a college education lower the unemployment rate ?
• Early childhood education and its influence on success in the future.
• Education: internet courses versus traditional courses .
• Does a low level of IQ affect academic performance?
• The importance of detention in disciplining students.
• Labeling in special education .
• Does homeschooling provide a better education than traditional schooling?

Controversial Psychology Topics

• What factors contribute to the persistence of stereotypes in diverse societies?
• Psychology: happiness as a way of living .
• The impact of advertising on the human brain and mental health.
• How does yoga affect a person’s mental state?
• Gaming influence on psychology and personality .
• The effect of biological factors on sexual orientation .
• Do violent video games influence real-life aggression?
• Psychology: does a criminal mind exist ?
• Placebo effect and its role in demonstrating the power of the mind.
• Can psychological profiling accurately forecast criminal behavior?
• Psychological testing: beneficial or harmful ?
• The impact of subconscious biases on decision-making.
• Does testimony from witnesses properly represent historical events?
• Experimental psychology: science vs. ideology .
• Do near-death experiences provide evidence of an afterlife?

Controversial Criminal Justice Topics

• Do mandatory minimum sentences lower crime rates?
• Racial bas in criminal justice systems and workplaces .
• The ethical side of capital punishment in the US .
• The role of racial bias in the criminal justice system.
• Recidivism in criminal justice: the prison system of America .
• Do private prisons put profit above inmate welfare?
• The effectiveness of body cameras in maintaining accountability and transparency.
• Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system .
• Is the drug war successful in lowering drug abuse?
• The impact of solitary confinement on the occurrence of mental disorders in prisoners.
• Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system .
• How to prevent sexual assault in the military ?
• The role of restitution in dealing with prison overcrowding .
• Cyberbullying as a criminal offense in Singapore .
• How does the prison system impact the mental health of prisoners ?

Controversial Political Questions

• Is wealth redistribution a successful way of addressing income inequality?
• Political culture: failure of democracy in Iraq .
• Do restrictive abortion policies decrease the abortion rates among teens?
• What impact do campaign funding regulations have on political corruption ?
• Mexican immigration as a political controversy .
• How do religious factors shape public opinion on LGBTQ+ rights?
• How to regulate the misinformation or propaganda inside the country?
• Abortion in Texas as a political issue .
• How does the accessibility of weapons affect the frequency of mass shootings ?
• What effect does immigration have on crime and public safety in host countries?
• Tolerance and political diversity in the US .
• Why does power concentration negatively affect press freedom?
• How do politicians reconcile private power interests and democratic values?
• Political ecologies of electronic waste: does it really make a difference ?
• What is the role of government in providing affordable healthcare ?

Controversial Environmental Topics

• Does the ban on plastic help to stop climate change?
• Environment: oil drilling in the Arctic National Refuge .
• Nuclear power as the solution for sustainable energy production.
• Can banning fast fashion be beneficial to the environment?
• The controversies of climate change .
• How does noise pollution affect marine life?
• Does recycling cause more trash in the environment?
• Global warming and the free rider problem .
• The benefits of efficient toilets in conserving water.
• The establishment of the carbon tax as a way to reduce carbon footprint.
• Global warming: myth or reality ?
• What threat to the Earth does overpopulation pose?
• The negative consequences of leftover foods in restaurants.
• It’s not my fault: global warming and moral responsibility .
• Would the ban on mining aid in preserving the environment?

📝 Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial argumentative essay topics require the student to investigate a problem, examine the evidence, and present a concise viewpoint on an issue. Some of the hottest topics are already waiting for you below!

• Should athletes be checked for steroid usage regularly?
• The controversy between free will and determinism .
• Procrastination has a negative influence on critical thinking.
• Pharmacies should provide teenagers with free contraception.
• Operation Geronimo: controversy and the legal authority .
• Torture can be efficient in solving some crimes.
• Why should computer addiction be treated seriously?
• Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens ?
• Prenuptial agreements can strengthen families’ relationships.
• Why should media violence be censored?
• Should smoking be illegal ?
• Are social networks helpful, or are they just a waste of time?
• Cyberbullying should have legal consequences.
• Have “three-strikes” laws been effective and should they be continued ?
• Religious courses should be mandatory for everyone.
• Why is modern technology too isolating?
• Should Georgia legalize gambling to raise revenue ?
• Tourist tax is essential to protect cultural heritage .
• All individuals should have the right to possess firearms.
• The Right-to-Die bill: why all states should pass it .
• Do TV shows reinforce harmful stereotypes?
• Values of fashion should not contradict the healthy body image .

Controversial Questions About Art

• Why is the depiction of nudity in art considered vulgar?
• Pornography vs. artistic nude photographs .
• Should obscene artistic expression without “serious artistic value” be censored?
• Why is art not an objective branch of human culture?
• Graffiti as a monumental form of art .
• Can governments stop the trafficking of antiquities?
• What role does criticism play in modern art?
• Art and entertainment: is there any difference ?
• Are museums ready to cope with competition and demands for change?
• Why is visiting a theater good for cultural growth?
• Freedom of expression in artworks .
• Why are new directions in architecture widely criticized?
• Is an artwork’s worth determined by its price?
• Defining art in the past and present .
• Can graffiti be considered a legitimate form of art?

Controversial History Questions

• Is the existence of Atlantis not entirely mythical?
• How has the invention of gunpowder affected the world ?
• Why is it not true that pyramids were built by slaves in Egypt?
• What would be with Germany if Hitler had not happened?
• How did WWI change women’s role in America ?
• What was the leading cause of the American Civil War ?
• Who funded the assassins of Archduke Ferdinand?
• What led up to the assassination of Julius Caesar ?
• Why was slavery unprofitable for enslavers?
• From whom did Charles Darwin get his idea of evolution?
• Jacksonian democracy: who benefitted ?
• Why was Galileo tortured for his beliefs?
• Who actually wrote Shakespeare’s plays?
• Was the Industrial Revolution positive for society ?
• How did European pathogens cause the decline of the Cahokia and Mississippian mounds?

Controversial Opinion Questions

• Why should religion be separated from politics?
• Euthanasia in public opinion and policy-making .
• Do a person’s thoughts and behavior contribute to mental illnesses?
• How can curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Internet in our life: personal opinion .
• Why are immigrants more of a benefit rather than a problem?
• Are social media platforms accountable for the material they publish?
• Money and expenditures: personal opinion .
• What is the harmful impact of homework ?
• Should LGBT+ problems be discussed during school sex education classes?
• Our opinions on vaccines and what factors influence them .
• Why allowing a child to be overweight is a form of child abuse ?
• How can smartphones damage our IQs?
• Opinions about euthanasia: for and against .
• Why is war never an option for solving international disputes?

Like any other sphere, business has many exciting topics that provoke deep discussion and boost people’s curiosity. Here are some ideas that you can use for your papers!

• The issue of discrimination and harassment at the workplace.
• Business ethics and CSR: when corporate values must be upgraded .
• How does abuse of leadership authority impact employees’ productivity?
• The risks of nepotism and favoritism in big corporations.
• Samsung and child labor: business ethics case .
• How to find the balance between work and personal life?
• The ethical side of corporate espionage.
• Business ethics: Indian tea plantation workers .
• Social media networks should be blocked at work.
• Why are remote workers more productive?
• Business ethics of concealing facts in a report .
• The efficiency of open-space offices in creating fresh business ideas.
• Companies should provide health care to part-time employees.
• Management issues: diversity in the workplace .
• How to avoid ethical issues in the business industry?
• A casual dress code should be mandatory in the office.
• Socialization of people with disabilities in the workplace .
• Will AI replace human jobs soon?
• Minimum wages should be increased around the world.
• Workplace sexual harassment and legal boundaries .
• Stakeholder capitalism as a fundamental violation of fiduciary duty.
• How to deal with a toxic working environment?

Controversial Topics in Business Management

• How to obtain an advantage over competitors ethically?
• Artificial intelligence in strategic business management .
• The importance of workforce diversity in global organizations.
• Participative management approach as a method to empower the workforce.
• Women minorities in business management .
• Why is it vital to implement quality management systems ?
• Employers should make accommodations for employees with mental health issues.
• The marginal productivity of labor in business management .
• All workplace relationships should be banned.
• Time management as a way to boost productivity.
• Moral wayfinding for a business manager .
• Outsourcing as a way of redirecting the company’s resources.
• The effectiveness of banning political discussion in resolving labor conflicts.
• Technological changes in business management .
• Why is focusing on customer service not vital in the business industry?

Controversial Marketing Topics

• Overpromising as a harmful way to gain customers’ trust.
• Marketing: social responsibility and the law .
• Misusing customer data should be punished by the government.
• How does misleading pricing affect the number of sales?
• Is it necessary to develop a marketing plan ?
• The risks and benefits of controversial marketing.
• The impact of colors on the brand and marketing campaigns .
• Advertising to children and social responsibility .
• Why should advertising potentially dangerous products be banned?
• Virtual influencers in marketing and their impact on teenagers.
• Sex in advertising and its harmful effects .
• Recycling content as a way to draw more customers.
• What is the role of social justice issues in ads of popular brands?
• Pharmaceutical advertising is propaganda .
• The role of racial diversity in marketing campaigns.

Controversial medical topics can inspire passionate discussions within healthcare. In the following paragraphs, you can check out the hottest ideas to discuss in the medical field!

Controversial Nursing Topics

• The importance of nurses in end-of-life care .
• Staffing issues in nursing .
• How long should nurses rest between patients?
• The benefits and drawbacks of nurse-physician collaboration .
• Circumcision ethical dilemma and a nurse’s role in it .
• The efficiency of nursing unions in defending nurses’ rights.
• Medical errors and disclosure in pediatric nursing .
• Nurse Robaczynski’s case: crime or mercy killing ?
• Nursing approaches to ophthalmic care for older adults.
• What is the value of informed consent in nursing practice?
• Drug addiction among nurses .
• The worth of nursing leadership in fostering a culture of transparency.
• The role of nurses in addressing medical futility.
• Nurses’ work-life balance and patient safety .
• How to balance patient autonomy and healthcare professional expertise?

Controversial Public Health Topics

• Should medical experiments on humans be legalized?
• Vaccination as a public health policy issue .
• The pros and cons of exercising for pregnant women.
• Social media disinformation as a key cause of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy .
• Abortion from legal and public health perspectives .
• How should the issue of obesity be treated?
• The impact of the coronavirus on a specific vulnerable population.
• Sugary drink tax as a public health policy .
• Did COVID-19 give a boost to telemedicine ?
• The opioid crisis is a public health catastrophe.
• Is bottled water safe for public health ?
• The impact of aging water and sewer infrastructure on health.
• Why are electronic cigarettes more harmful than regular ones?
• Firearm violence as a public health issue .
• Federal privacy laws should protect the privacy of patients.

Controversial Medical Ethics Topics

• Medical students’ involvement in patient care: for or against.
• Patient’s violence and the use of the doctor’s force .
• Is it ethical for healthcare workers to accept gifts from patients?
• The peculiarities of working with surrogate decision-makers.
• Medical ethics: a do-not-resuscitate order .
• How to address disparities in health care professionally?
• The importance of patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Medical ethics: performing an unnecessary test .
• The possible pitfalls of legalization of organ transplantation .
• Euthanasia should be a free choice of a patient.
• Is lying to patients against medical ethics ?
• What is the ethical side of DNR orders ?
• Moral dilemmas concerning physician-assisted suicide .
• Medical ethics: pet euthanasia .
• How should malpractice and negligence in healthcare be punished?

Controversial Questions about Mental Health

• Why is self-help in coping with mental disorders a waste of time?
• What are the dangers of fad diets for mental health ?
• Are mental health issues a result of personality weakness or character flaws?
• Do children experience mental health issues?
• What causes medication administration errors in a mental health hospital ?
• How to prevent a mental health condition?
• What is the role of psychosurgery in treating depression?
• How does ageism affect mental health and addiction ?
• Why do people use self-harm to overcome traumatic experiences?
• Is hearing voices the first symptom of schizophrenia ?
• What are the mental health issues in incarcerated adults ?
• Why is having bipolar disorder considered fancy among teenagers?
• What is the role of practical pharmacotherapy in child psychiatry ?
• How can violence potential be assessed in forensic psychiatric institutions ?
• How can suicidal behavior be unnoticed in society?

Do you need a controversial scientific topic for your term paper or essay? Read on to find the perfect topics on science that you can use in your favor!

• Science should try to revive extinct species.
• Vaccines and autism: does the controversy persist ?
• Will expanding stem cell research be beneficial?
• The role of genes in determining a person’s behavior.
• Controversies related to technology: newborn screening .
• What is the evidence of life on other planets?
• The scientific side of reincarnation .
• Controversies between religion and science .
• Why should alternative medicine be forbidden?
• Genetic variations as the leading cause of alcoholism.
• How is science demarcated from pseudoscience ?
• The efficiency of symptomatic care in the separation of conjoined twins .
• Is it possible to create a virus in the lab?
• Faith and science: did Darwin kill God ?
• The impact of scientific creationism on education.
• Why should the development of neural lace technology be banned?
• Cyber-science: fiction or modern reality ?
• Why should people have the right to refuse vaccinations?
• Should governments invest significant resources in space exploration ?
• The promises and perils of artificial intelligence .
• The ethical aspects of human cloning for medical purposes.
• Why is animal testing necessary?

Controversial Biology Topics

• Drinking a lot of water wipes away the vital nutrients the body needs.
• Is gender a culturally or biologically perscribed role ?
• Why are overweight people more likely to develop chronic diseases ?
• Current generations are responsible for preventing climate change.
• Mind-body problem in psychobiology .
• Charles Darwin’s evolution hypothesis may not be flawless.
• The potential for gene editing to heal genetic diseases .
• Substance abuse: environmental influences and biology .
• Cancer treatment does additional harm to the health.
• The debate in evolutionary biology regarding the validity of the molecular clock.
• Biotechnology: impact on biological warfare and biodefense .
• What are healthy bacteria that should remain in the body?
• The impact of synthetic biology on the environment.
• Advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research .
• What are the evolutionary origins of homosexuality ?

Controversial Engineering Topics

• The design and construction of weaponry should be banned.
• Engineering professionalism and ethics .
• What is the ethical side of bioengineering?
• The possible consequences of the “conflict mineral” exploitation.
• Loudness war in sound engineering .
• How can AI replace humans in engineering processes?
• The debate between imperial and metric measurements.
• Green engineering: principles, benefits, and constraints .
• Why do environmental engineers play a huge role in mitigating climate change?
• The safety of products and structures is a crucial concern for engineers.
• Human factor engineering problem: carpal tunnel syndrome .
• Manipulation of organisms with the help of genetic engineering .
• Why do males dominate the engineering industry?
• Ethical dilemmas in software engineering: Volkswagen ethical dilemma .
• The efficiency of chemical engineering technologies in diagnosing diseases.

Controversial Chemistry Topics

• How do chemical agendas impact cultural values or religious ideas?
• Government preparedness to chemical and bio terrorism .
• The role of chemistry in the prediction of environmental or health problems.
• Chemical weapons as a primary threat to the world.
• Chemical pollution and loans in business ethics .
• The role of chemical laboratories in increasing drug abuse rates.
• How does desalinated water impact human health?
• Dumping chemical wastes in the lake .
• The negative side of using nuclear energy .
• Why is avoiding pesticides in agriculture vital?
• An unethical decision of the Rongping Chemical Company .
• The use of radiant energy in making food safer.
• What is the potential side effect of fluoridation?
• Chemical impact on the US vulnerable communities .
• The safety of using BPA in food packaging .

Deep, controversial questions can challenge our beliefs and prompt introspection. Check out the most contentious philosophical questions that you can use for your essay or paper below!

• How can we identify good without knowing what evil is?
• What is the problem of evil in relation to philosophy and religion ?
• Do you have control over your destiny, or does everything happen by fate?
• Is happiness the most essential goal in life?
• Philosophy prospectus: why should we be moral ?
• Does life exist somewhere else in the universe?
• Is it immoral to distribute riches inequitably?
• Issues in philosophy: does God exist ?
• Is love simply a physical desire or something more?
• Can a life without friends still be fulfilling?
• Are there limits to what should be questioned ?
• What will happen when the world ends?
• Does religion have an impact on scientific thinking?
• Is euthanasia morally acceptable ?
• How can you know that your perceptions are accurate?
• What is the distinction between being alive and living?
• Is watching football morally acceptable ?
• Is beauty a subjective or objective concept?
• Are we ethically obliged to help others?
• Are rich countries morally obligated to assist poor countries ?
• Is suffering an unavoidable aspect of human life?
• What does an afterlife look like?
• When is the use of military force justified ?

Moral Controversial Topics

• Would you kill one person to save the lives of hundreds?
• What is the moral doctrine of active and passive euthanasia ?
• Why is there no absolute morality in the world?
• Is refusing life-saving medical care morally wrong?
• What is the moral status of an abnormal fetus ?
• Would you lie in the name of love?
• Does putting others before yourself give your life purpose?
• Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard ?
• Would you want to know when you are going to die?
• Would you go against the law to save someone you care about?
• What is the moral status of the human embryo ?
• Would you use a dating service to find a lover?
• Can money buy happiness?
• Is it morally permissible to drive after having one drink ?
• What would you change in the world if you could?

Controversial Religious Topics

• How does religion impact a woman’s right to have an abortion?
• Religion in schools: is there a place for it ?
• What are the negative consequences of blasphemy laws?
• Why should animal sacrifice be banned in every religion?
• What are the consequences of religious freedom in America ?
• Why do autopsy laws conflict with religious objections?
• Is there scientific evidence for God’s existence ?
• Is religion the root of terrorism ?
• Why is gay marriage not supported in many religions?
• Can prayer affect the fate of events?
• What are the religious and moral aspects of slavery ?
• How should the church respond to racial injustice and discrimination ?
• Why can’t Satanism be a valid religion?
• Is Islam a religion that practices just war ?
• Do religions cause more conflict than they solve?

Do you know that funny, controversial questions can provide you with a dose of laughter and debate at the same time? Look at the entertaining topics we have prepared for you!

• Why are women often used as inspiration for writing poems?
• Should apartments ban dogs based on breed ?
• How quickly can children become addicted to video games?
• Why is procrastination necessary for achieving goals?
• Should stimulants be prescribed to boost grades ?
• What impact does noise pollution have on human well-being?
• Why should guys avoid wearing skinny jeans?
• Should plant-based dairy be labeled as milk ?
• How to choose a role model for your children?
• Why do people enjoy making things complicated?
• Should schools distribute condoms ?
• Why may clowns frighten both children and adults?
• How to win an argument with the husband?
• Why pitbulls should not be banned .
• What are the most effective ways to survive a zombie apocalypse?
• What is the most useless talent in the world?
• Should spamming be illegal ?
• Why is listening to podcasts instead of music more beneficial?
• The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
• Should people be paid to stay healthy ?
• Only hardworking people can achieve their goals.
• What makes someone a “good person”?

Random Controversial Questions

• What are the leading causes of awkward dates?
• Gender stereotypes: should real men wear pink ?
• What is the importance of mandatory napping hours for adults?
• What is the proper technique for applying toothpaste on a brush?
• Should wolves come back to Colorado ?
• How does laughter influence academic success in elementary school?
• When is it useful to be a good liar?
• Why shouldn’t you have grades in school ?
• Why should pajamas be a part of the work dress code ?
• Why is retail therapy an effective method for boosting happiness?
• Repatriate or keep: should museums return artifacts ?
• What are the possible consequences of falling coconuts for human health?
• Why should wearing socks with sandals be banned?
• Should societies impose monogamy ?
• Why are emojis the superior way of communication?

Controversial Sports Topics

• Why should the use of animals in the sports industry be banned?
• The issue of violence in sports .
• The benefits and drawbacks of social media’s influence on the sports world.
• Why does money play an essential role in professional sports?
• Steroid use and sports .
• Advertising during football matches should be banned.
• Why should sports betting be legalized?
• Transgender women athletes in professional sports .
• The impact of funny nicknames on sports career.
• Gender discrimination is the biggest problem in the sports industry.
• Accessibility of sports facilities for people with disabilities .
• What are the risks and rewards of steroids in sports?
• The role of sport in preventing mental problems.
• Public funding for professional sports facilities .
• Why are all Brazilian athletes good at soccer?

Controversial Music Topics

• Why is rap music considered to promote rape?
• The need for censorship in the music industry .
• Michael Jackson : a musical genius or a mentally ill man?
• The role of classical music in improving learning skills.
• Hip-hop and violence: does this music genre promote crime ?
• The effectiveness of piracy laws in curbing illegal copying of songs.
• What is the secret behind the success of Justin Bieber?
• Tupac’s fake death conspiracy theory .
• The impact of music types on sleep quality .
• Why isn’t auto-tuned music real music?
• Controversies about how to interpret music .
• The importance of lyrics in modern pop songs.
• The relationship between music and lifestyle of a music fan.
• Legalizing free downloads of music and movies .
• Why is talent not important in the music industry in the 21st century?

Controversial Animal Topics

• Why is animal testing never justified?
• Is animal creativity possible ?
• The efficiency of government laws in protecting animals’ rights.
• The ethical drawbacks of horse racing.
• Using animals in medical experiments .
• What should there be the penalty for animal poachers?
• What are the effective ways to prevent animal extinctions?
• Animal welfare: why animals should be treated with kindness and respect .
• Sacrificing an animal for religious reasons: an ethical side.
• What are humans’ responsibilities to animals?
• Captivity in zoos adversely affects animals .
• Using animals for food should be banned.
• The impact of farming on the environment.
• Animal transplantation and commerce in organs .
• Why should keeping exotic animals as pets be illegal?

Social Media Controversial Topics

• The influence of social networks on self-esteem.
• Social media’s influence on the children and teens .
• Social networks as a method to manipulate people.
• The importance of digital connectedness in modern society.
• Transparency of services: social media and the Internet usage .
• How to stop the dissemination of fake news on Twitter?
• Digital friendship: benefits and possible drawbacks.
• Social media for children: threat or opportunity ?
• How does the platform BeReal differ from other social networks?
• The impact of Instagram masks on the perception of one’s appearance.
• Law enforcement: online crimes and social media .
• Why should politicians be banned from social media?
• Social networks as a platform for the emergence of new professions.
• Nursing professionalism in social media .
• Social media destroys creativity in teenagers.

Controversial Relationship Questions

• How does divorce impact a child’s mental health?
• Money issues in romantic and marital relationships .
• Is there a place for monogamy in today’s world?
• Why are mothers expected to prioritize their children’s needs over their own?
• Family relationships and dominant culture .
• Why is it important for a couple to move in together before marriage?
• How does violence in a family affect a child?
• Family relationships and response to health issues .
• Why is a man considered the head of the family?
• Is it good for spouses to have different religious beliefs?
• Domestic violence in same-sex relationships .
• Should couples put their careers above their relationships?
• Why should adoptive parents not hide information about a child’s biological origins?
• Interpersonal qualities for good relationships .
• How does betrayal impact relationships?

Controversial Food Questions

• What are the health risks of genetically modified foods?
• Labeling food with genetically modified organisms .
• Why should pineapple on pizza be banned?
• How does food misinformation in the media impact consumers’ choices?
• Food additives: dangers and health impacts .
• Why is McDonald’s the best fast-food restaurant in the world?
• What is bad about taking photos of food at restaurants?
• Is fast food really harmful and can it be healthy ?
• Why should people not eat meat daily?
• What is the role of a healthy diet in dealing with childhood obesity?
• Food consumption: enjoyment and ethics .
• Can your diet be modified to match your genetic profile?
• Why do people in different countries have opposite views on nutrition?
• Advantages and disadvantages of biotechnology in improving the nutritive value of foods .
• What are the main risks of eating too much sweets?

Looking for controversial questions to debate in the classroom or during the conversation? Check out the list we’ve created especially for you!

• Addicts should receive help rather than punishment.
• Breastfeeding and bottle feeding controversies .
• Why does the beauty industry create unrealistic beauty standards ?
• Is it possible for alternative energy to replace fossil fuels effectively?
• Rationalism and empiricism controversy .
• The possible drawbacks of binge-watching .
• The importance of a parenting class before having a child.
• Antisemitism controversy and Holocaust denial .
• Why is war never justified?
• Smoking e-cigarettes should be made illegal.
• Contemporary global controversies: labor standards .
• The single-gender schools are better for teenagers.
• Why should we ban “diet culture”?
• Debate on circumcision: is it unethical and unlawful ?
• Effective ways of solving the problem of ageism in society.
• The drawbacks of patriotism exceed the advantages.
• Mass starvation: is it a real danger for humans ?
• Why is it impossible to achieve world peace ?
• The negative impact of beauty pageants on self-esteem.
• Graffiti: is it art or vandalism ?
• Are pharmaceutical medication prices reasonable?
• Women are better at managing large corporations than men.
• Sport hunting: is it cruel to kill animals for sport ?
• Organ donation should be made compulsory.
• Why is feminism out of date in the 21st century?
• Criminal profiling: is it science ?
• Cryptocurrencies will replace traditional currencies soon.
• Corporate jobs are a new form of slavery.
• Obesity: is it a disease ?
• Why is blockchain technology the future?

❓ Controversial Questions FAQ

What is a controversial topic.

Controversial topics are topics that elicit strong emotions and divide opinions. Dealing with controversial issues may be highly emotional, especially if they involve values, beliefs, and ethical standards. At the same time, such topics help distinguish between fact and opinion and teach respect for other people’s viewpoints.

What Are Some Controversial Questions?

• Is freedom of speech essential in a functional society?
• Should burning the flag be punished?
• Is solar power the energy of the future?
• Should more people become vegetarian?
• Is tourism harmful to the environment?
• Will technology kill the world?

How to Present a Controversial Topic?

• Ensure you have all the necessary information and are well-versed in the subject.
• Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terminology.
• Consider your target listeners’ age, gender, and ethnicity.
• Establish credibility by sharing accurate facts or relevant stories.
• Present both sides of the argument to be objective.
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255 Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Controversial research topics are often polarizing subjects at the intersection of science, ethics, and society. They can range from concerns about technological aspects to their ways of use, raising debates over privacy and the future of human labor. The field of neurobiology also hosts contentious discussions, such as the possibility of mind-reading and memory manipulation. The controversy around such research topics underscores the critical importance of maintaining a delicate balance between advancement and morality. Society needs to balance scientific progress and ethical boundaries, oftentimes facing resistance due to their revolutionary nature and potential for far-reaching impacts.

Hot Controversial Research Topics

• Climate Change Predictions: Alarmist Propaganda or Scientific Reality?
• Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms in Food Production
• Autonomous Vehicles: Safety Paradigm Shift or Potential Hazard?
• Artificial Intelligence and Job Displacement: Future Prospects
• Income Inequality: Economical Necessity or Societal Flaw?
• Internet Censorship: Protection or Infringement on Freedom?
• Augmented Reality in Education: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
• Human Cloning: Medical Breakthrough or Ethical Dilemma?
• Animal Experimentation: Scientific Necessity or Cruelty?
• Mandatory Vaccination Policies: Public Health or Personal Rights?
• Concealed Carry Laws: Increased Safety or Potential for Violence?
• Social Media Addiction: Real Issue or Overblown Panic?
• Cryptocurrency Regulation: Economic Stability or Threat to Innovation?
• Privacy Concerns and Breaches in the Age of Big Data
• Legalization of Euthanasia: Compassionate Choice or Slippery Slope?
• Crisis in Affordable Housing: Policy Failures or Market Forces?
• Alternative Medicine: Holistic Healing or Pseudoscientific Nonsense?
• Online Learning Platforms: Revolutionizing Education or Widening the Gap?
• Food Security and Genetically Engineered Crops: Pros and Cons
• Bias in AI Systems: Unintended Consequence or Product of Design?

Simple Controversial Research Topics

• Plastic Bags: Convenience or Ecological Disaster?
• Mandatory School Uniforms: Educational Aid or Unfair Imposition?
• Veganism: Health Trend or Ethical Necessity?
• Internet Privacy: User Responsibility or Company Obligation?
• Exotic Pets: Personal Passion or Ecological Threat?
• Body Modifications: Personal Expression or Health Risk?
• Space Exploration: Worthwhile Investment or Wasteful Expense?
• Sex Education in Schools: Essential Curriculum or Parental Prerogative?
• Celebrity Culture: Harmless Entertainment or Unhealthy Obsession?
• Animal Rights: Welfare Issue or Human Responsibility?
• Artificial Sweeteners: Healthy Alternative or Hidden Danger?
• Nuclear Power: Energy Solution or Environmental Hazard?
• Adoption Rights for Same-Sex Couples: Equality or Child Welfare Concern?
• Fast Fashion: Economic Driver or Environmental Culprit?
• Homeschooling: Parental Right or Educational Challenge?
• Genetic Testing: Health Precaution or Ethical Minefield?
• E-Sports: Genuine Sport or Mere Entertainment?
• Minimum Wage Hikes: Economic Boost or Business Burden?
• Daylight Saving Time: Energy Conservation or Unnecessary Inconvenience

Interesting Controversial Research Topics

• Quantum Computing: Disruptive Innovation or Overhyped Technology?
• Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness: Neuroscientific Reality or Pop Culture Myth?
• Dark Matter: Astounding Discovery or Scientific Misconception?
• Epigenetics in Disease Propagation: Cutting Edge Insight or Confounding Variable?
• Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery: Panacea or Pandora’s Box?
• Biometric Data in Surveillance: Privacy Implications and Ethical Dilemmas
• Modern Technology: Ethical Boundaries in Genetic Editing
• Artificial Superintelligence: Inevitable Future or Unfounded Fear?
• Metamaterials in Stealth Technology: Transformative Development or Security Concern?
• Technological Singularity: Feasible Possibility or Science Fiction?
• Exoplanets and Possibility of Extraterrestrial Life: Scientific Probability or Wishful Thinking?
• Consciousness and Quantum Physics: Valid Connection or Pseudoscientific Claim?
• Bioinformatics in Personalized Medicine: Promising Progress or Unrealistic Promise?
• Transhumanism: Ethical and Philosophical Implications
• Cyber Warfare: Unseen Threat in the Digital Age
• Teleportation in Quantum Mechanics: Theoretical Possibility or Sci-Fi Dream?
• Neural Interfaces: Revolution in Human-Computer Interaction or Ethical Quandary?
• Post-Quantum Cryptography: Securing Future Communication
• Antimatter: Physics’ Most Expensive Substance and Its Potential Uses
• Decoding Dark Energy: Unraveling the Universe’s Biggest Mystery

Popular Controversial Research Topics

• Climate Change Denial: Misunderstanding Science or Political Agenda?
• Medical Marijuana: Therapeutic Use or Gateway Drug?
• Gun Control Laws: Safety Precaution or Infringement of Rights?
• GMO Foods: Feeding the World or Health Risk?
• Public Surveillance: Security Measure or Invasion of Privacy?
• Online Privacy: An Illusion in the Digital Age?
• Artificial Intelligence: Progress or Threat?
• Fake News: Media Misinformation in the Digital Age
• Death Penalty: Justice Served or Inhumane Punishment?
• Single-Sex Education: Beneficial Approach or Unfair Segregation?
• Euthanasia: Right to Die with Dignity or Ethical Issue?
• Freedom of Speech: Unrestricted Right or Need for Regulation?
• Animal Testing: Necessary Evil or Unjustifiable Cruelty?
• Vaccines and Autism: Science or Myth?
• Legalization of Prostitution: Women’s Right or Exploitation?
• Social Media: Communication Revolution or Toxic Influence?
• Body Image and Media: Unhealthy Standards or Consumer’s Choice?
• Police Brutality: Systemic Problem or Isolated Incidents?
• Reality TV: Harmless Entertainment or Societal Degradation?

Captivating Controversial Research Topics

• Multiverse Theory: Groundbreaking Concept or Unprovable Hypothesis?
• Emerging Pathogens: Epidemiological Threats in the Anthropocene
• Epigenetic Inheritance: Revolutionizing Understanding of Heredity
• Quantum Entanglement: Implications for Faster-Than-Light Communication
• Probing Panspermia: Cosmic Origin of Life on Earth?
• Superconductivity at Room Temperature: Implications for Energy Transmission
• Biological Immortality: Theoretical Possibility or Pseudoscientific Fantasy?
• Mind Uploading: Digital Immortality or Ethical Nightmare?
• Genome Editing in Human Embryos: Pioneering Medicine or Unethical Practice?
• Artificial Photosynthesis: Renewable Energy’s Holy Grail?
• Nootropics and Cognitive Enhancement: Neuroethical Considerations
• Fusion Power: Realistic Path to Clean Energy or Technological Mirage?
• Regenerative Medicine: Healing Potential or Ethical Quagmire?
• Machine Consciousness: Technological Reality or Philosophical Conundrum?
• Astrobiology and Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Probable Existence or Wishful Thinking?
• Large Hadron Collider: Unraveling the Universe or Risking Its Destruction?
• Genetically Modified Babies: Medical Breakthrough or Ethical Catastrophe?
• Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment: Revolution in Psychiatry or Reckless Approach?
• Artificial Wombs and Ectogenesis: Futuristic Medicine or Ethical Minefield?
• Synthetic Biology: Redefining Life or Crossing Dangerous Boundaries?

Amazing Controversial Research Topics

• Climate Engineering: Solution to Global Warming or Dangerous Interference?
• Designer Babies: Genetic Advancement or Unethical Practice?
• Autonomous Drones: Security Innovation or Privacy Nightmare?
• Quantum Encryption: Unbreakable Security or Potential Cyber Threat?
• Time Travel: Scientific Possibility or Pure Fiction?
• Biohacking: Human Enhancement or Ethical Quandary?
• Space Tourism: Next Frontier or Excessive Luxury?
• Cybernetic Implants: Futuristic Medicine or Invasion of Privacy?
• Artificial General Intelligence: Next Technological Revolution or Existential Risk?
• Cognitive Computing: Harnessing the Power of the Human Brain?
• Extraterrestrial Mining: Space Opportunity or Environmental Hazard?
• Nanobots in Medicine: The Future of Healing or Science Fiction?
• Neuroprosthetics: Overcoming Disabilities or Ethical Minefield?
• Mars Colonization: Humanity’s Future or Unattainable Fantasy?
• Virtual Reality in Therapy: Healing Innovation or Potential Misuse?
• Lab-Grown Meat: Sustainable Solution or Ethical Dilemma?
• Psychedelics for Psychotherapy: Breakthrough or Dangerous Precedent?
• Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency: Revolutionizing Industries?
• Cyborg Technology: Blurring the Line Between Humans and Machines?
• Hyperloop Transport: Future of Travel or Unrealistic Vision?

Impressive Controversial Research Topics

• Human Longevity: Natural Limits or Extendable Lifespan?
• Cybernetic Enhancement: Technological Progress or Ethical Dilemma?
• Artificial Superintelligence: Salvation or Doomsday Device?
• Interstellar Travel: Cosmic Ambition or Scientific Fiction?
• Telepathy and Neuroscience: Brain-to-Brain Communication Possibility?
• Climate Refugees: Addressing the Unseen Impact of Global Warming
• Augmented Humans: Technological Advancement or Ethical Quagmire?
• De-Extinction: Rewriting History or Upsetting Natural Order?
• Nanotechnology in Environmental Clean-Up: Magic Solution or Hype?
• Space Elevators: Revolutionary Concept or Impossible Construction?
• Conscious Artificial Intelligence: Technological Achievement or Moral Catastrophe?
• Biological Aging: Inevitable Process or Treatable Condition?
• Mind Reading Technology: Breakthrough or Privacy Invasion?
• Personalized Medicine: Individual Care or Discriminatory Practice?
• Bioluminescent Plants: Natural Lighting Solution or Ecological Hazard?
• Quantum Internet: Superfast Communication or Security Threat?
• 5G Technology: Next Generation Connectivity or Health Risk?
• Human-Machine Fusion: Next Step in Evolution or Ethical Nightmare?
• Bioengineered Organs: Pioneering Medicine or Uncharted Territory?

Controversial Research Topics for High School

• School Uniforms: Suppressing Individuality or Promoting Discipline?
• Social Media Influence: Shaping Identities or Breeding Narcissism?
• Video Games: Creative Outlet or Violent Influence?
• Censorship in Literature: Protecting Youth or Limiting Freedom?
• Climate Change Education: Critical Knowledge or Political Indoctrination?
• Cell Phone Use in Schools: Tool for Learning or Distraction?
• College Admissions: Merit-Based or Biased?
• Standardized Testing: Measuring Competence or Creating Stress?
• Cyberbullying: Virtual Teasing or Real Harm?
• Sexual Education: Comprehensive Information or Encouraging Promiscuity?
• School Shootings: Gun Issue or Mental Health Crisis?
• Junk Food in Schools: Personal Choice or Public Health Problem?
• Competitive Sports in Schools: Building Character or Unnecessary Pressure?
• Beauty Pageants: Celebrating Beauty or Promoting Sexism?
• Student Privacy Rights: Essential Freedom or Safety Risk?
• Intelligent Design in Schools: Alternate Theory or Religious Imposition?
• Celebrity Role Models: Inspirational or Damaging?
• Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: Effective Education or Sheltered Learning?
• Parental Monitoring: Necessary Supervision or Invasion of Privacy?
• School Prayer: Freedom of Religion or Violation of Separation of Church and State?

Controversial Research Topics for Middle School

• Animal Testing: Scientific Necessity or Cruelty?
• Video Games: Harmful Distraction or Learning Tool?
• School Uniforms: Unifying Dress Code or Freedom Restriction?
• Social Media Usage: Fun Interaction or Potential Danger?
• Climate Change: Real Threat or Scientific Misunderstanding?
• Zoos: Educational Institutions or Animal Prisons?
• Homework: Beneficial Practice or Unnecessary Burden?
• Bullying: School Issue or Social Problem?
• Fast Food: Convenient Meal or Health Hazard?
• Music Lyrics: Artistic Expression or Harmful Influence?
• Recycling: Environmental Duty or Waste of Time?
• Veganism: Lifestyle Choice or Dietary Necessity?
• Cell Phones in Class: Useful Tool or Distraction?
• Violence in Cartoons: Harmless Humor or Negative Influence?
• Exotic Pets: Fascinating Companions or Ecological Threat?
• Single-Sex Schools: Better Learning Environment or Outdated Concept?
• Competitive Sports: Healthy Activity or Too Much Pressure?
• Reality TV Shows: Harmless Entertainment or Negative Influence?
• School Lunches: Nutritional Balance or Junk Food Paradise?
• Global Warming: Immediate Concern or Overstated Problem?

Controversial Research Topics for College Students

• College Tuition: Fair Price or Financial Burden?
• Internet Privacy: Fundamental Right or Luxury?
• Artificial Intelligence: Technological Revolution or Threat to Jobs?
• Legalizing Marijuana: Recreational Freedom or Gateway to Addiction?
• Animal Rights vs. Medical Research: Where to Draw the Line?
• Euthanasia: Compassionate Option or Ethical Dilemma?
• Genetically Modified Foods: Solution to Hunger or Health Risk?
• Privacy vs. Security: Balancing Act in the Digital Age?
• Body Cameras for Police: Tool for Accountability or Privacy Invasion?
• Globalization: Economic Boom or Cultural Erosion?
• Student Loan Debt: Necessary Evil or Financial Trap?
• Immigration Policies: Humanitarian Aid or National Security Concern?
• Single-Use Plastics: Convenient Tool or Environmental Disaster?
• Genetic Engineering: Medical Breakthrough or Playing God?
• Capital Punishment: Effective Deterrent or Barbaric Practice?
• Sex Education: Comprehensive Approach or Abstinence-Only?
• Climate Change: Scientific Consensus or Politicized Issue?
• Nuclear Energy: Sustainable Power Source or Environmental Hazard?
• Freedom of Speech: Absolute Right or Subject to Limitations?

Controversial Research Topics for University

• Net Neutrality: Free Access or Controlled Traffic?
• Censorship in Media: Necessary Control or Freedom Infringement?
• Religious Freedom vs. Discrimination: Balancing Act or Clear Boundary?
• Genetically Modified Organisms: Food Security or Health Risk?
• Animal Rights in Scientific Research: Unavoidable Sacrifice or Ethical Violation?
• Cryptocurrency Regulation: Financial Innovation or Potential Fraud?
• Fracking: Energy Solution or Environmental Disaster?
• Big Data: Privacy Concern or Unavoidable Necessity?
• Euthanasia: Compassionate Practice or Morally Unacceptable?
• Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Implications and Accountability
• Political Correctness: Respectful Language or Limitation of Speech?
• Stem Cell Research: Medical Breakthrough or Ethical Dilemma?
• Free College Education: Right or Privilege?
• Cyber Warfare: Invisible Threat in Global Security
• Minimum Wage: Economical Solution or Unemployment Risk?
• Legalization of Recreational Drugs: Personal Freedom or Public Health Issue?
• Torture for National Security: Justified Precaution or Human Rights Violation?
• Artificial Meat: Sustainable Solution or Ethical Issue?
• Self-Driving Cars: Future of Transportation or Safety Hazard?
• Geoengineering: Climate Change Solution or Risky Manipulation?

Controversial Research Topics for Master’s

• Cryptocurrency: Disruption in Financial Systems or Bubble Waiting to Burst?
• Bioethics in Genetic Engineering: Navigating Uncharted Territory
• Artificial Intelligence: Autonomy and Accountability Issues
• Neuralink and Neuroethics: Implantable Brain-Machine Interfaces
• Transhumanism: Technological Evolution or Ethical Nightmare?
• Darknet Markets: Anonymity, Cryptocurrency, and Law Enforcement
• Feminism in the 21st Century: Progress or Polarization?
• Climate Change Mitigation: Technological Solutions vs. Behavioral Change
• Digital Privacy: Balancing National Security and Individual Rights
• Space Law: Ownership, Exploitation, and Settlement of Extraterrestrial Bodies
• Immortality through Science: Possibility or Ethical Conundrum?
• Psychology of Radicalization: Pathways to Extremism
• Alternative Energy: Viability of Nuclear Fusion Power
• Biometrics: Security Advancement or Privacy Invasion?
• Robot Ethics: Machine Morality in an Automated World
• Future of Work: Impact of Automation and AI on Labor Market
• Cyber Diplomacy: Politics in the Age of Information Warfare
• Internet of Things: Security Implications and Regulatory Measures
• Anthropocene Era: Human Activity and Earth’s Geology

Controversial Research Topics for Ph.D.

• Quantum Computing: Revolutionary Technology or Hyped Potential?
• Geoengineering: Mitigating Climate Change or Playing God?
• Nanomedicine: Frontier of Healthcare or Pandora’s Box?
• Artificial Superintelligence: Technological Singularity or Existential Threat?
• Space Colonization: Humanity’s Destiny or Fantasy?
• Epigenomics: Unveiling the Complexity of Life Beyond Genetics
• Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Adaptability or Myth?
• Cyber Autonomy: Security Implications and Strategic Concerns
• Xenotransplantation: Medical Breakthrough or Biological Time Bomb?
• Bioinformatics in Personalized Medicine: Promise or Peril?
• Crispr Gene-Editing: Revolutionizing Medicine or Ethical Minefield?
• Deep Learning Algorithms: Pathway to AI or Black Box Mystery?
• Holography in Data Storage: Future of Information or Overambitious Idea?
• Teleportation: Quantum Physics Breakthrough or Science Fiction?
• Dark Energy and the Expanding Universe: Unveiling Cosmic Mysteries
• Artificial Wombs: Potential in Reproductive Medicine or Ethical Dilemma?
• Technological Singularity: Inevitable Future or Pseudoscientific Prediction?
• Quantum Gravity: Unifying Theory or Theoretical Mirage?
• Posthumanism: Philosophical Discourse in the Age of Technological Transformation
• Decoding Consciousness: Neuroscience’s Biggest Challenge or Philosophical Conundrum?

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is our election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Do we have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Are girls too mean to each other?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
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125 Controversial Research Topics and Ideas to Deal With

Table of Contents

Writing a controversial research paper or essay is similar to an argumentative essay where you need to provide clear opinions and stand for your beliefs. But, one of the challenging parts of writing a controversial essay or research paper is choosing the right controversial research topics.

We live in a world full of controversies. So, choosing a controversial topic and conducting deep research would be really tough and interesting. In general, the majority of controversial topics revolve around social issues like religious conflicts, racism, drugs, etc. But when you choose a controversial topic, you should give preference to the topic that is inspiring and has a scope to present your ideas or thoughts.

In case, you are in a dilemma of what controversial topic to select for your research paper, check this blog post. Here, we have shared some effective tips for choosing a good controversial research topic. Also, we have suggested 100+ controversial research topics on various themes.

Controversial Research Paper Topic Selection Tips

As said earlier, choosing a controversial topic is a challenging task. If you choose an impressive controversial topic for writing a research paper or essay, then obviously your assignment will stand out in the crowd and will also help to boost your marks or grades.

Discussed below are a few tips that you should keep in mind and follow while picking a controversial research topic.

• The controversial topic you select should match your interest, and you should also have strong knowledge about it.
• The topic you select should be inspiring to you and your readers should be able to relate to that topic easily.
• Never pick a wide topic because it would be difficult for you to share your opinions clearly.
• Choose a controversial topic that has a good scope of discussion because when you write a research paper, you should be able to present your views and counterarguments with relevant references.
• In order to write an authentic controversial research paper, the controversial topic you choose should have many supporting pieces of evidence like statistical information, unusual facts, and surveys.

List of Controversial Research Paper Topics

The following are a few top controversial topics that you can consider for writing your research paper or thesis.

Interesting Controversial Research Topics

• The disclosure of personal medical data.
• The safety of uninsured patients.
• The moral aspect of marijuana legalization.
• Should the elder children take care of their younger siblings?
• The violence in video games.
• Is being a vegetarian healthy?
• The attitude of students with disabilities.
• Are nurses responsible for a patient’s behavior?
• The Covid-19 controversies.
• The origin of religious conflicts.
• Uninsured patients and their safety.
• Video games and their violence.
• How is a nurse responsible for the patient’s behavior?
• All vegetarians are healthy- What is your viewpoint>
• Covid-19 and the controversies surrounding it.
• Why is surrogate motherhood controversial?
• Surrogate mothers and societal worldview
• Why is gay marriage controversial?
• Discuss some recent issues and controversies related to surrogacy in the United States
• Critical analysis of the controversies around Gay and lesbian surrogacy
• Analyze the controversies around the cases of assisted death
• Discuss the reasons making the Affordable Care Act highly controversial
• Describe the three reasons that make the idea of Arming teachers controversial
• Analyze the controversies around Arms Control and Nonproliferation
• Describe some of the most controversial cases around the Rule of Law & Human Rights in the United Kingdom

Captivating Controversial Topics for Research 

• The moral aspect of beauty salons.
• The restricted nature of Catholicism.
• Tobacco advertisements and their benefits.
• The medical tourism issue.
• Male versus female parenting.
• Domestic violence is caused by alcohol consumption.
• Should college be free?
• Are Montessori schools a threat to public education?
• Should school uniforms be abolished?
• Should religion be taught as an obligatory subject?
• Should surrogate pregnancy be used on-demand or only for health reasons?
• Should there be a state regulation for fast food chains?
• Controversies of the #Metoo movement.
• Should there be censorship in social media?
• Discuss the use of psilocybin in the treatment of mental illnesses.
• Write about the negative side of the film industry.
• Should TV Commercials be banned?
• Is womb transplantation a good alternative to surrogate pregnancy?
• Where are the limits of harassment?
• Should we welcome immigrants and refugees?
• Should school teachers are permitted to provide private coaching
• The impact of cell phones on health.
• Role of a nurse in maintaining the privacy of crime information.
• Community colleges and their negative outlook.

Read more: Good Argumentative Essay Topics That You Must Consider

Best Controversial Research Paper Topics

• Should smartphones be allowed at school?
• Social media dependency.
• Should the children be allowed to use Facebook and Instagram?
• Should martial arts be taught at school?
• Capital punishment and its benefits for the media.
• Females VS Males in Science.
• Social media and its negative image.
• Is it essential to allow prisoners to vote?
• Should luxury parties be forbidden?
• The external politics of the United States.
• Should people shift to cryptocurrency and is it reliable to invest in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin?
• Is it necessary to ban the production of handbags made from animal skins?
• Do MBA students make good business leaders or managers?
• Is it really necessary to censor movies?
• Should non-Muslims be allowed to enter Mecca and Medina?
• Changing the looks of babies: should it be legal to change the eye color of a newborn genetically?
• Discuss genetic engineering and its implications as a tool for human enhancement
• Should healthcare providers in developed nations pay for assisted reproductive techniques?
• Is it more challenging for African (black) artists to get recognition?
• Why do so many musicians ban US President Donald Trump from using their work?
• Analysis of John Lennon’s remark on the Beatles stating Beatles “more popular than Jesus”
• Whitewashing in Hollywood: should there be any law to guarantee the employment of actors of color?
• Does the portrayal of domestic violence in the media channels cause audiences to become violent themselves?
• Should pregnant women be allowed to take the concept of the ‘right to life’ and ‘right to choice’ into account?
• Discuss the controversy around ‘The Birth of a Nation (1915)’ movie

Outstanding Controversial Research Ideas

• The negativity of nightclubs.
• The dark side of the fashion industry.
• Should minors be allowed to enter beauty salons?
• The substance promotion by rap and rock musicians.
• The portrayal of slavery in the media.
• A negative  outlook on community colleges .
• The distorted view of the rest of the world in the USA.
• Should nurses keep information about the crimes private?
• The use of opium for sedating purposes.
• The issue of vaccine distribution.
• The portrayal of patriarchy in digital and traditional media.
• Impact of movies and TV series in causing Islamophobia.
• The adverse side of the fast fashion industry.
• Is sustainable fashion an achievable factor for the poor or is it just a concept for the rich?
• Is it good or bad to conduct human gene editing?

Popular Controversial Research Topics

• The attitude to patients with AIDS.
• The decrease of the drinking age.
• Uneven access to healthcare in the world.
• Is using cell phones dangerous for our health?
• Are we to blame for global warming?
• Should we ban the use of animals in various research works?
• How to approach the death penalty differently?
• The morality and athletes.
• Ban the tax system for poor people.
• Is it important to forgive the debts of college students?
• Are suicidal pods ethical?
• Should the language most spoken be accepted as the national language?
• Is Sabarimala’s verdict progressive or a threat to traditions?
• Is India becoming an intolerant country?
• Is it really necessary to become a vegetarian to protect the earth?

Read more: Top  Criminal Justice Research Topics Idea for Students

Excellent Controversial Research Topics

• Discuss the ethical implications of legalizing abortion in the US Firearm Laws and the situation as it stands today: An Indian viewpoint
• Discuss how Catholicism is a limiting religion.
• Education in the public versus Montessori education Examine the dangers of the Montessori approach.
• Policies against discrimination and inclusion in companies and institutions of higher learning
• In North Carolina, community college scandals unleash a veritable Pandora’s box.
• Is it necessary to allow healthcare workers like nurses to assist criminals by keeping their knowledge secret from law enforcement?
• What are the main stipulations and bans in Middle Eastern nations?
• Montessori schools pose a danger to the education system.
• Is religious education important for school students?
• Which is morally preferable, life in jail or a rehabilitation facility?

Unique Controversial Research Topics

• Which is the best cardio equipment- the elliptical or treadmill?
• Are flying cars the best solution to traffic congestion?
• Is exercise a source of critical medical complications?
• Future vs. the Past: Which Era is More Appealing?
• Was religion created to limit humanity?
• Do churches become businesses?
• What measures are justified when fighting terrorism?
• Can censorship be justified when national security is endangered?
• Is civil marriage a marriage too?

Till now, we saw effective tips for choosing the right controversial research paper topic and a list of top trending and popular controversial topics.

In general, a controversial research paper is a type of academic research paper that addresses the writer’s views or opinions about a highly charged, contestable issue. Out of the various controversial topics listed above, choose any topic of your choice.

Controversial Research Paper Writing Tips

After choosing a controversial research topic, follow the below-mentioned tips to come up with a praiseworthy controversial essay or research paper.

• The controversial research paper should cover all the major points of the selected topic in a simple and concise manner.
• Write a crispy and thought-provoking thesis statement that is relevant to your controversial research topic.
• Never discuss the same argument repeatedly in the essay. Make sure to touch all the main points of the selected topic and discuss them with supporting examples and evidence.
• Your entire piece of writing should induce the readers to raise certain questions about your opinions, ideas, and morals.
• When writing a controversial research paper, be sure to include your opinions and counterarguments with relevant references.
• When you explain your point of view about a controversy in the research paper, include relevant statistical data and facts to make your readers believe that you have done some research about the subject,
• Structure and format the controversial research paper in a readable and understandable manner by including elements like an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• The final draft of your controversial research paper should be free from errors. So, do a complete revision and rectify the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, if there are any.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, the list of the different controversial research ideas suggested in this blog would help you in crafting a detailed research paper with proper evidence. In case, you are hesitant about what topic to choose or if you don’t know how to write an excellent controversial research paper, then get in touch with us quickly.

On our platform, we have numerous skilled academic writers to offer high-quality online assignment help on any controversial topic. Especially, based on the requirements you send us, our professionals will prepare and deliver a great research paper deserving of an A+ grade. Just book your order and get your work done on time with the assistance of our controversial research paper helpers.

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Research Paper Guide

Controversial Research Paper Topics

300+ Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas - 2024 Edition

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Picking a research topic can be tough, especially when you want to explore things that are a bit controversial. We get that you want something interesting that makes you curious and maybe starts a little debate.

Controversial research papers might make you feel a bit uneasy, but guess what? That discomfort can lead to some really insightful discoveries and talks.

In this blog, we've made things easy for you. We've picked out some controversial topics to help you out with your research paper . 

We'll look closely at different subjects to help you find one that not only interests you but also makes your academic journey more meaningful.

So, let's jump in and find controversial topics for your research paper!

• 1. Good Controversial Research Topics for Students
• 2. Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper
• 3. Controversial Topics in Psychology for Research Paper
• 4. Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper 
• 5. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Atheism
• 6. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Assisted Suicide 
• 7. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Capital Punishment
• 8. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Censorship 
• 9. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Abortion
• 10. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Affirmative Action 
• 11. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Affordable Care Act
• 12. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Alternative Medicine 
• 13. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Bilingual Education 
• 14. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Biofuels 
• 15. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Climate Change
• 16. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Animal Testing 
• 17. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Athletes and Morality
• 18. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Civil Rights
• 19. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Weapons 
• 20. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Election Contests
• 21. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Global Warming Facts
• 22. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Social Media 
• 23. Controversial Research Paper Topics About Violence 
• 24. Easy Controversial Topics for Research Paper
• 25. Common Controversial Research Paper Topics
• 26. Interesting Controversial Topics for Research Papers
• 27. Funny Controversial Topics for Research 
• 28. Controversial Issues Today for Research
• 29. Non-Controversial Research Paper Topics 
• 30. How to Choose the Best Controversial Research Paper Topic 

Good Controversial Research Topics for Students

Here, we've compiled a list of topics tailor-made for researchers and scholars. Let's dive in and check out a range of controversial topics for high school research papers to college level research!

Controversial Research Topics for Middle School 

• Should Homework be Abolished?
• Uniforms vs. Casual Dress: What's Best for Schools?
• Cell Phones in School: Educational Tool or Distraction?
• Impact of Social Media on Teenagers' Well-being
• School Lunch Choices: Healthy Options or Personal Freedom?
• Should Animal Testing be Allowed for Cosmetic Products?
• The Role of Competitive Sports in Schools
• Banning Sugary Drinks in Schools: Health vs. Choice
• Exploring Different Learning Styles: Tailoring Education
• The Pros and Cons of School Year-round Education

Controversial Research Topics for High School Students 

• The Role of Video Games in Aggressive Behavior Among Adolescents
• Exploring the Effects of Fast Food on Teenagers' Health
• The Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing in High Schools
• Teenage Privacy: Balancing Independence and Parental Oversight
• The Influence of Celebrities on Teenagers' Behavior
• Addressing Teenage Substance Abuse in Schools
• Climate Change Education: How Much is Too Much?
• Examining the Impact of Cyberbullying on High School Students
• Should Sex Education be Comprehensive in High Schools?
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering in High School Biology

Controversial Research Topics for College Students 

• The Intersection of Free Speech and Hate Speech on College Campuses
• Privacy vs. National Security: The Debate on Surveillance in a Digital Age
• The Controversial Dimensions of Animal Testing in Scientific Research
• Examining the Impact of Affirmative Action Policies in College Admissions
• The Impact of Online Learning on Traditional Higher Education
• College Student Mental Health: Addressing the Stigma
• Controversies in the Ethical Landscape of Cloning Research
• The Role of Technology in Cheating and Plagiarism Among College Students
• Debating the Legalization of Recreational Drugs on College Campuses
• Examining the Controversial Influence of Social Activism on College Campuses

Controversial Research Topics for University 

• Freedom of Speech on College Campuses: Boundaries and Responsibilities
• Economic Implications of Legalizing Recreational Drugs
• Online Privacy: Striking a Balance Between Security and Freedom
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Opinions
• College Affirmative Action Policies: Equal Opportunity or Reverse Discrimination?
• Exploring the Impacts of Student Loan Debt on Graduates
• Ethical Controversies Surrounding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Academic Settings
• Balancing Academic Freedom and Cultural Sensitivity
• Controversies in How Climate Change Impacts Higher Education
• Analyzing the Controversial Landscape of Mental Health Support Services on University Campuses

Controversial Research Topics for Master’s 

• The Future of Work: Automation and Job Displacement
• Ethical Dilemmas in Advancing Biomedical Engineering
• The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Business Ethics
• Debating the Morality of Capital Punishment
•  Controversial Dynamics of Social Media's Influence on Political Campaigns
• Explore the Controversies at the Intersection of Technology and Human Rights
• Healthcare Accessibility: Addressing Disparities
• The Ethics of Conducting Psychological Experiments on Human Subjects
•  Controversial Role of Corporate Influence on Environmental Policies
• The Intersectionality of Gender, Race, and Class: Challenges and Solutions

Controversial Research Topics for Ph.D. 

• Explore the Controversies Surrounding Ethical Implication in Machine Learning Systems
• The Ethical Implications of Genetic Editing in Human Embryos
• The Impact of Corporate Lobbying on Government Policies
• Exploring the Role of Religion in Shaping Public Policies
• Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Local vs. Global Approaches
• The Morality of Military Interventions in Global Conflicts
• The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Civil Liberties
• Privacy Concerns in the Era of Big Data Analytics
• The Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles in Urban Planning
• Understanding and Addressing Systemic Racism in Institutions

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

• Genetic Engineering: Promises and Pitfalls
• Vaccination Mandates: Balancing Public Health and Individual Rights
• Stem Cell Research: Ethical Implications
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Navigating Moral Boundaries
• Medical Marijuana: Therapeutic Benefits and Legal Considerations
• Organ Transplants: Allocation and Fairness
• Mental Health Stigma: Addressing Barriers to Treatment
• Elderly Care: Euthanasia and Quality of Life
• Access to Healthcare: A Basic Right or a Privilege?
• Human Cloning: Scientific Progress or Ethical Dilemma?

Controversial Topics in Psychology for Research Paper

• Nature vs. Nurture: The Enduring Debate
• The Ethics of Conducting Experiments on Human Subjects
• Psychological Effects of Violent Video Games on Children
• The Validity of Repressed Memories in Psychotherapy
• Psychological Impact of Social Media Addiction
• Cultural Bias in Psychological Testing: Addressing Diversity
• The Link Between Mental Health and Gun Violence
• Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: Medication vs. Therapy
• Psychology of Terrorism: Understanding Extremist Behavior
• The Influence of Early Childhood Experiences on Adult Behavior

Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper 

• Reevaluation of Historical Figures: Should Statues be Removed?
• Navigating Controversies in the Ethics of Historical Revisionism
• Controversial Legacy and Cultural Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Societies
• Slavery Reparations: A Continuing Debate
• The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb: Was it Justified?
• The Role of Women in Historical Movements
• The Debate Over Confederate Symbols in Modern Society
• The Holocaust Denial: Confronting Revisionist Claims
• Historical Accuracy in Films: Balancing Drama and Truth
• The Consequences of Historical Cultural Appropriation

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Atheism

• Unpacking Controversies Surrounding the Role of Atheism in Shaping Modern Society
• Atheism vs. Agnosticism: Debating Belief Systems
• Analyzing the Controversial Connections Between Atheism, Morality, and Ethics
• Atheism in Education: Balancing Worldviews
• Atheism and Science: Conflict or Coexistence?
• Atheism and the Notion of Meaning in Life
• The Perception of Atheists in Religious Majority Societies
• Atheism and Politics: Separation of Church and State
• Atheism in the Context of Cultural Diversity
• Atheism and Human Rights: Exploring Connections

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Assisted Suicide 

• Controversies in the Ethical Dimensions of Assisted Suicide in Medical Practice
•  Legal Complexities in Assisted Suicide Practices on a Global Scale
• Controversies Surrounding Assisted Suicide Through the Lens of Religious Perspectives
• Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill Minors: Debating Compassion
• The Psychological Impact of Assisted Suicide on Families
• Assisted Suicide and Quality of Life: Balancing Autonomy
• Cultural Variations in Attitudes Towards Assisted Suicide
• Physician-Assisted Suicide vs. Euthanasia: Distinguishing Practices
• Assisted Suicide and Mental Health: Examining Connections
• Assisted Suicide Laws: A Global Comparative Analysis

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Capital Punishment

• Capital Punishment: Retribution vs. Rehabilitation
• The Death Penalty and Deterrence: Assessing Efficacy
• Capital Punishment and Racial Disparities in Sentencing
• Capital Punishment vs. Life Imprisonment: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
• The Morality of Capital Punishment in Contemporary Society
• Wrongful Executions: A Critical Examination
• The Death Penalty and International Human Rights
• Capital Punishment for Juveniles: Evaluating Ethical Boundaries
• The Impact of Capital Punishment on Victims' Families
• The Role of Mental Illness in Death Penalty Cases

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Censorship 

• Censorship in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions
• Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Navigating Boundaries
• Censorship in the Arts: A Clash of Creativity and Regulation
• The Ongoing Debate on Government Involvement in Media Censorship
• Internet Censorship: Balancing Security and Freedom
• Censorship in Education: Protecting Students or Limiting Knowledge?
• Controversies Surrounding Book Censorship in Educational Institutions and Libraries
• Censorship in Film and Television: Impact on Culture
• Social Media Censorship: Navigating the Digital Landscape
• Censorship and Political Propaganda: Examining Connections

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Abortion

• The Ethics of Abortion: Personhood and Rights
• Abortion Access: Legal, Ethical, and Socioeconomic Dimensions
• Late-Term Abortion: Balancing Medical Necessity and Morality
• Analyzing the Varied Perspectives on Abortion Through the Lens of Religious Influence
• Abortion and Mental Health: Debunking Myths
• Abortion Rights vs. Fetal Rights: A Legal Perspective
• Abortion Stigma: Addressing Societal Attitudes
• Controversies in the Involvement of Men in the Abortion Debate
• Abortion and Reproductive Justice: A Feminist Perspective
• Abortion Laws Worldwide: A Comparative Analysis

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Affirmative Action 

• Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Achieving Diversity
• Affirmative Action vs. Meritocracy: Evaluating Fairness
• The Economic Impact of Affirmative Action
• Affirmative Action and Reverse Discrimination: A Legal Analysis
• Affirmative Action and Colorblind Policies: Addressing Disparities
• Public Opinion on Affirmative Action: Shifting Perspectives
• Affirmative Action and Corporate Diversity Initiatives
• Affirmative Action in Employment: Challenges and Opportunities
• Affirmative Action in Politics: Representation and Equity
• The Role of Affirmative Action in Combating Systemic Racism

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Affordable Care Act

• The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Healthcare Access
• Affordable Care Act vs. Private Healthcare: A Comparative Study
• Public Opinion on the Affordable Care Act: Lessons Learned
• The Role of Government in Healthcare: ACA's Significance
• Affordable Care Act and Small Businesses: Assessing Impacts
• Healthcare Costs and the Affordable Care Act: Evaluating Solutions
• Repealing vs. Expanding the Affordable Care Act: Policy Debates
• Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Services: Addressing Gaps
• The Affordable Care Act and Healthcare Disparities
• The Future of Healthcare Reform: Challenges and Possibilities

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Alternative Medicine 

• Integrative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine: Bridging Approaches
• The Placebo Effect in Alternative Medicine: Exploring Mechanisms
• Alternative Medicine and Cancer Treatment: A Controversial Landscape
• Cultural Appropriation in Alternative Medicine Practices
• Herbal Remedies and Traditional Medicine: Scientific Perspectives
• Alternative Medicine vs. Evidence-Based Medicine: Finding Common Ground
• Homeopathy: Efficacy and Skepticism in Medical Communities
• Alternative Medicine and Mental Health: Examining Connections
• The Regulation of Alternative Medicine: Striking a Balance
• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine: Clinical Applications

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Bilingual Education 

• Bilingual Education vs. English-Only Instruction: Examining Approaches
• The Impact of Bilingual Education on Academic Achievement
• Bilingual Education and Cultural Identity: A Dual Perspective
• The Role of Parental Involvement in Bilingual Education Success
• Bilingual Education and Economic Mobility: A Long-Term Analysis
• Bilingual Education and Special Needs Students: Addressing Challenges
• Bilingual Education in Global Contexts: Cross-Cultural Perspectives
• The Politics of Bilingual Education: Policy Debates and Implications
• Bilingual Education and Standardized Testing: Assessing Fairness
• Bilingual Education in Early Childhood: Cognitive and Social Benefits

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Biofuels 

• Biofuels and Sustainable Agriculture: A Holistic Approach
• Controversies Surrounding the Environmental Impact of Biofuel Production
• A Critical Comparative Analysis of Biofuels and Fossil Fuels
• Second-Generation Biofuels: Advancements and Challenges
• The Role of Government Policies in Promoting Biofuel Development
• Biofuel and Food Security: Navigating the Trade-offs
• Algae Biofuels: Promises, Potential, and Pitfalls in the Pursuit of Sustainable Energy
• Biofuel Subsidies: Economic Implications and Equity Concerns
• Biofuel and Land Use: Balancing Energy Needs and Ecosystem Preservation
• The Social and Ethical Dimensions of Biofuel Production

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Climate Change

• Climate Change Denial: Exploring Causes and Solutions
• The Role of Individual Actions in Combating Climate Change
• Climate Change and Environmental Justice: Addressing Disparities
• Perspectives and Debates Surrounding Climate Change and Its Varied Impacts on Biodiversity
• Geoengineering: Controversial Approaches to Climate Mitigation
• Climate Change and Global Health: Assessing Vulnerabilities
• The Politics of Climate Change: International Cooperation and Challenges
• Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels: A Global Energy Transition
• The Economics of Climate Change: Balancing Costs and Benefits
• Climate Change and Migration: A Growing Global Challenge

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Animal Testing 

• Balancing Scientific Progress and Ethical Concerns: The Ongoing Debate on Animal Testing in Biomedical Research
• Alternatives to Animal Testing: Advancements and Limitations
• Animal Testing in Medical Research: A Necessary Evil?
• Cosmetic Testing on Animals: Industry Practices and Ethics
• Animal Testing and the Development of Pharmaceuticals: A Critical Analysis
• The Psychological Impact of Animal Testing on Researchers
• The Use of Non-Human Primates in Biomedical Research: Ethical Considerations
• Animal Welfare vs. Scientific Advancement: Finding Common Ground
• The Role of Legislation in Regulating Animal Testing Practices
• Animal Testing and Public Opinion: Bridging the Gap

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Athletes and Morality

• Sports Ethics: Balancing Competition and Fair Play
• Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Sports: Ethical Implications
• The Role of Money and Sponsorship in Sports Morality
• Athletes as Role Models: Responsibilities and Expectations
• Sportsmanship in Modern Athletics: A Changing Landscape
• Gambling and Match Fixing: Ethical Challenges in Sports
• The Impact of Violence in Sports: Cultural Acceptance vs. Moral Concerns
• Gender Equality in Sports: Ethical Considerations
• The Use of Technology in Sports: Fairness and Morality
• The Role of Coaches in Instilling Morality in Athletes

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Civil Rights

• The Ongoing Struggle for Racial Equality: Past, Present, and Future
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Achievements and Ongoing Challenges
• Disability Rights: Navigating Barriers to Equality
• Women's Rights: Progress and Persistent Inequalities
• Religious Freedom vs. Anti-Discrimination Laws: A Delicate Balance
• Indigenous Rights: Addressing Historical and Contemporary Injustices
• Immigration Policies and Human Rights: A Controversial Nexus
• Prisoner Rights: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment
• Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunities: A Continuing Debate
• Socioeconomic Inequality: A Civil Rights Perspective

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Weapons 

• Gun Control: Striking a Balance Between Rights and Regulation
• The Ethics of Autonomous Weapons: A Technological Dilemma
• Nuclear Weapons and Global Security: A Delicate Balance
• The Arms Trade: Balancing Economic Interests and Global Stability
• Private Ownership of Military-Style Weapons: Legal and Ethical Dimensions
• The Use of Chemical Weapons: A Violation of International Law
• Autonomous Drones in Warfare: Ethical Implications
• Cyber Weapons: A New Frontier in Global Conflict
• The Role of Weapons in Policing: Community Safety vs. Militarization
• Disarmament Initiatives: Progress, Challenges, and International Cooperation

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Election Contests

• Election Interference: Addressing Threats to Democratic Processes
• Voter ID Laws: Ensuring Security or Impeding Voting Rights?
• Gerrymandering: Manipulating Electoral Districts for Political Gain
• Campaign Finance: Balancing Free Speech and Financial Influence
• Electronic Voting: Ensuring Accuracy and Security
• The Electoral College: Examining Criticisms and Alternatives
• Third-Party Candidates: Their Impact on Election Outcomes
• Voting Rights for Convicted Felons: Restoring Civic Participation
• The Influence of Foreign Entities in Domestic Elections

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Global Warming Facts

• Anthropogenic Influence on Global Warming: Scientific Consensus vs. Skepticism
• The Role of Carbon Emissions in Climate Change: Factoring in Human Activities
• Natural Factors vs. Human Activities in Global Warming Trends
• The Impact of Global Warming on Weather Patterns: Evidence and Predictions
• The Ethics of Climate Change Denial: Responsibility and Accountability
• The Economic Costs of Global Warming: Assessing Long-Term Implications
• The Global Response to Climate Change: Successes and Failures
• The Role of Renewable Energy in Mitigating Global Warming
• Addressing Global Warming Skepticism: Strategies for Effective Communication
• Global Warming and Biodiversity Loss: A Synthesis of Evidence

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Social Media 

• Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Link
• Fake News and Disinformation on Social Media Platforms
• Privacy Concerns in the Age of Social Media: Navigating Digital Spaces
• Social Media Addiction: A Growing Public Health Concern
• Cyberbullying on Social Media: Impact and Prevention Strategies
• Influencer Culture on Social Media: Authenticity vs. Commercialization
• Social Media and the Spread of Misinformation during Public Health Crises
• The Ethics of Content Moderation on Social Media Platforms
• Social Media and its Influence on Youth: Balancing Benefits and Risks

Controversial Research Paper Topics About Violence 

• Media Violence and its Impact on Aggressive Behavior
• The Connection Between Poverty and Violent Crime Rates
• Gun Violence Prevention: Policy Approaches and Controversies
• Domestic Violence: Challenging Societal Norms and Legal Responses
• Youth Violence in Urban Environments: Root Causes and Interventions
• The Role of Mental Illness in Perpetrating Acts of Violence
• Violence in Video Games: Assessing Effects on Youth Behavior
• Capital Punishment and its Role in Deterrence of Violent Crimes
• The Ethics of Torture in Combating Terrorism: A Controversial Debate
• The Impact of Violent Entertainment on Societal Desensitization

Easy Controversial Topics for Research Paper

• School Uniforms: Necessity or Restriction?
• Single-sex Education: Pros and Cons
• Impact of Fast Food on Obesity Rates
• Social Media and Its Effects on Teenagers
• Standardized Testing in Education: Fair or Flawed?
• Animal Testing for Cosmetics: Cruelty or Necessity?
• The Legal Drinking Age: Should It Be Lowered?
• The Role of Celebrities in Shaping Youth Culture
• The Pros and Cons of Online Learning
• The Impact of Reality TV on Society

Common Controversial Research Paper Topics

• Climate Change: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Conservation
• Gun Control: Finding a Middle Ground
• Capital Punishment: Ethical Implications
• Immigration Policies: Striking a Balance
• Social Media Impact on Society: The Good and the Bad
• Euthanasia: Right to Die or Moral Dilemma?
• Legalization of Marijuana: Weighing the Pros and Cons
• Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Considerations
• Censorship in Media: Protecting Society or Infringing on Rights?
• Gender Equality: Progress and Challenges

Interesting Controversial Topics for Research Papers

• Artificial Intelligence: Threats and Advancements
• Universal Basic Income: A Solution or a Burden?
• Cryptocurrency: Revolutionizing Finance or a Bubble?
• Space Exploration: The Ethics of Colonizing Other Planets
• Cultural Appropriation: Where to Draw the Line?
• Technological Unemployment: Will Robots Take Our Jobs?
• Biohacking: Pushing the Boundaries of Human Enhancement
• Body Positivity vs. Health Concerns: A Delicate Balance
• Quantum Computing: Promise and Perils
• Psychedelic Therapy: Bridging Science and Spirituality

Funny Controversial Topics for Research 

• Is Pineapple an Acceptable Pizza Topping?
• Toilet Paper Orientation: Over or Under?
• The Great Toothpaste Squeeze Debate: Middle or Bottom?
• Socks with Sandals: Fashion Faux Pas or Bold Statement?
• Cats vs. Dogs: Settling the Age-Old Argument
• Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich?
• The Proper Way to Load a Dishwasher: Endless Debate
• Innie vs. Outie: The Belly Button Controversy
• Team Edward vs. Team Jacob: The Twilight Saga Revisited
• The Great Debate: Do Aliens Prefer Cats or Dogs?

Controversial Issues Today for Research

• Climate Change Policies: Global Cooperation or National Interests?
• Online Privacy: Balancing Security and Personal Freedoms
• Income Inequality: Addressing the Wealth Gap
• Gun Control: Finding Solutions in a Divided Society
• Mental Health Stigma: Breaking Barriers to Treatment
• Vaccine Hesitancy: Navigating Public Health Concerns
• Racial Injustice: The Call for Equity and Equality
• Social Media and Democracy: Impact on Political Landscapes
• Gender Pay Gap: Bridging Disparities in the Workplace
• Immigration Policies: Striking a Balance Between Security and Compassion

Non-Controversial Research Paper Topics 

• Advancements in mRNA Vaccine Technology
• Exploring the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Anxiety Reduction
• Cybersecurity Challenges in the Modern Internet Era
• Personalized Nutrition and its Impact on Health and Disease Prevention
• Adapting Time Management Strategies to Remote Work Environments
• Innovations in Sustainable Energy Solutions: A Comprehensive Review
• Analyzing the Impact of Digital Reading Platforms on Cognitive Skills
• Sleep Patterns and Their Influence on Mental and Physical Health
• Revolutionizing Retail: The Integration of Augmented Reality in E-commerce
• Assessing the Effectiveness of Multimodal Learning Approaches in Education

How to Choose the Best Controversial Research Paper Topic 

The best controversial topics to write a research paper on are those that ignite your intellectual curiosity and offer room for exploration.

Here's a guide to help you choose the best controversial research essay topics:

• Identify Your Interests:

Start by considering your own interests and passions. What issues or subjects do you feel strongly about? Choosing a topic that genuinely engages you will make the research process more enjoyable.

• Consider Relevance:

Look for research paper topics that are relevant to your field of study or the course you're taking. A controversial paper should contribute to the broader discourse within your academic discipline, ensuring its significance and impact.

• Evaluate Controversy Levels:

Not all controversial topics are created equal. Some may be too polarizing, making it challenging to present a balanced view. Aim for a topic that allows you to explore multiple viewpoints, encouraging critical thinking and a well-rounded analysis.

• Check Resources Availability:

Ensure that there is enough research material available on your chosen topic. A well-supported research paper relies on credible sources, so make sure there is a sufficient body of literature to draw from.

• Test Your Thesis Statement:

Draft a preliminary thesis statement for your chosen topic. This will help you communicate the main focus of your research and ensure that it aligns with your intended exploration of controversy.

In conclusion, this list provides lots of interesting yet challenging topics for your research paper. As you go ahead with your research, keep in mind that these topics are not just for getting good grades. They're also for having conversations that matter and can change how we see things. 

But if you want professional help with picking a topic as well as writing your research paper, MyPerfectWords.com is your best bet! 

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30 Controversial Research Paper Topics

Read also: How to make a research paper for college.

• Abortions: pro-life, pro-choice or the third option?
• Shall kids from the religious families choose their religion when they grow up?
• Military veterans: do they really feel better in the civilian life or shall they return to war?
• Child transitioning: shall it be allowed?
• Is civil marriage a marriage too?
• Shall national cultures be preserved in the age of globalization?
• Homeopathy: a traditional remedy or a fraud?
• Are single parents still ostracized by the society?
• Can the convicted criminals return to the ordinary life after prison?
• Can euthanasia count as palliative treatment?
• Did Stalin raised the USSR from the economical abyss?
• Can human cloning be allowed?
• Teenage marriages: are there cases when they are justified?
• The limits of self-defence
• Where are the limits of harassment?
• Can all the religions be merged into the universal one to stop the religion wars?
• Modern beauty standards: a way to the healthy body or self-esteem killers?
• Do churches become business now?
• Can censorship be justified when national security is endangered?
• Freedom versus safety: how much control shall government have over our lives?
• Single-sex schools: raising ladies and gentlemen or isolating kids from each other?
• Does sex still sell? Tapping on our primal instincts in advertising
• The ethics of surrogate motherhood
• Is sex work an actual work? Legalisation of prostitution: pros and cons
• Shall cursing people and using black magic be a criminal offense as psychological assault?
• What measures are justified when fighting terrorism?
• Is obesity the new norm?
• Shall we welcome all the immigrants and refugees?
• Living vegan: is it good for health?
• Can someone invent a new religion just for personal purposes?

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

• Introduction
• Supporting body paragraphs
• Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

• Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
• Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
• Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
• Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
• Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
• Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
• Do the transitions flow smoothly?
• Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
• Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

• Read your work aloud to yourself.
• Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
• Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
• Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

• Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
• Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
• Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
• Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
• Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
• Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
• Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
• Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
• Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
• Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
• Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
• Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
• Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
• Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
• Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
• Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

• Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
• Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
• To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
• Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
• Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
• Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
• What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
• Should schools push to abolish homework?
• Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
• Should universities do away with Greek life?
• Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
• Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
• Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
• Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
• Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
• Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
• Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
• Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
• Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
• Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
• Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
• Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
• Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
• Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
• Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
• Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
• Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
• Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
• Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
• Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
• Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
• Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
• Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
• Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
• Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
• Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
• Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
• Should women be allowed into special forces units?
• Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
• Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
• Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
• Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
• Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
• Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
• In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
• Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
• Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
• Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
• Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
• Should organ donation be mandatory?
• Is cloning animals ethical?
• Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
• Is surrogacy ethical?
• Should birth control require a prescription?
• Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
• Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

• Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
• Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
• Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
• Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
• Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
• Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
• Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
• Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
• Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
• Should the United States ban TikTok?
• Is social media harmful to children?
• Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

• Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
• Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
• Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
• Should the government regulate religious practices?
• Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
• Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
• Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
• Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
• Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
• Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
• Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
• Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
• Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
• Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
• Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

• Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
• Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
• Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
• Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
• Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
• What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
• Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
• Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
• Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
• Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
• Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

• Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
• How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
• Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
• Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
• Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
• Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
• Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
• Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
• Should sports teams be divided by gender?
• Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
• Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
• Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
• Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
• Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
• Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
• Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
• Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
• Does computing harm the environment?
• Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
• Are electric cars really better for the environment?
• Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
• Should private jets be banned?
• Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
• Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
• Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
• Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
• Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
• Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
• Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
• Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
• Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
• Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
• Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
• Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
• Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
• Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
• Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
• Should tipping practices be phased out?
• Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
• Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
• Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

• 125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• 7 Best Places to Study
• Guide to the IB Extended Essay
• How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
• AP Lit Reading List
• How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
• 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
• High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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Guide to Controversial Topics

We present a list of some of the most controversial topics today. These talking points can be the perfect jumping-off point for a research paper, help in preparing for an exam, or fodder for a heated debate.

Controversy is everywhere. As college students, you have an opportunity to immerse yourself in these controversies, to learn everything you can, and to decide your level of involvement in the public debate. And of course, there’s a good chance you’ll have to write about some of these controversial subjects during your college education.

This makes our list of controversial issues a great starting point on countless important topics in current events from global warming and universal health care to foreign affairs and the role of religious belief in the federal government. Whether you’re starting a research paper or preparing for an exam; seeking a topic for a debate class or getting involved in real-world policy issues, you can start your exploration of numerous controversies here.

Read on for a look at the controversial debate topics most directly shaping public discourse, and indeed, shaping public life in American today.

For a little more on the role of controversy in higher education, we ask the question: Should We Ban Controversy in the Classroom?

And for the lighter side of controversy, check out these funny controversial topics .

The 30 Most Controversial Topics Over the Last 25 Years

Find the perfect starting point for your position paper or argumentative essay on anything from “cancel culture” to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; from the role of religious beliefs in the public forum to the plight of undocumented immigrants, and much more.

Civil Rights to Abortion

Civil Rights

The Civil Rights Movement refers to one of the most consequential struggles in American history, one that continues to the present date. Civil Rights refer to the freedoms, liberties, and protections under the law that are meant to be accorded to all people.

But civil rights advocates argue that racial inequality is ingrained in American life through realities like economic disenfranchisement, police brutality, and mass incarceration. The Civil Rights controversy pits groups, organizations, and communities who advocate for greater racial equality against those who work to maintain or advance a white racial hierarchy.

Learn more about the Civil Rights Controversy.

Censorship and Freedom of Speech

The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights protects the freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religious expression, and the right to a free press against government restriction. As a key component in the very first article of the Bill of Rights, free speech is among the most cherished and frequently-cited protections built into the U.S. Constitution.

However, because the content of that speech and expression may itself provoke sharp disagreement, the true controversy in this issue extends from differing ideas about what constitutes “protected speech” as well as the methods that should or shouldn’t be used to limit free speech. This underscores the debate around Freedom of Speech and Censorship.

Learn more about the Censorship and Freedom of Speech Controversy.

Climate Change

The climate change debate concerns the impact of human activity on the earth’s temperature, as well as its impact on weather patterns, plant-life, wildlife, and human health. On one side of the debate, most in the scientific community believe that human activity is responsible for climate change.

On the other side, some journalists, political leaders, and industry advocates argue either that global climate change is not actually occurring, or that climate change is the result of natural meteorological patterns unrelated to human activity. Some also argue that economic imperatives should be prioritized over environmental concerns.

Stand on the front lines in the fight against climate change with a degree in environmental science .

Learn more about the Climate Change Controversy.

Death Penalty/Capital Punishment

Capital punishment refers to the use of the death penalty as a form of legal punishment administered by the state. Capital punishment in the U.S. has long been the subject of constitutional, philosophical and practical disagreement, and as such, has been subject to legal fluctuation.

As of the time of writing, the United States is one of 56 nations worldwide, and one of just four developed democracies (alongside Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore) which uses the death penalty. The U.S. is also the only developed Western nation to employ capital punishment.

Learn more about the Death Penalty and Capital Punishment Controversy.

Abortion refers to the act of terminating a pregnancy before it can be carried to term. The abortion controversy concerns the ongoing debate and battle over the legal status of abortion in the U.S., both at the state and national levels.

Abortion is among the most divisive issues in American public discourse. Views on abortion often carry religious, political, and cultural overtones. The debate is largely framed by two competing views: The Pro-Choice view, that abortion is a woman’s constitutionally-protected right; and the Pro-Life view, that abortion is immoral, and that the government should have the right to restrict and/or punish abortion.

Learn more about the Abortion Controversy.

Social Security to Religious Freedom

Social security.

Social Security refers to the federal social insurance program in the United States, which provides financial and medical benefits to older Americans, as well as the disabled and some who have been widowed or orphaned by working age adults. All working Americans contribute to Social Security through a dedicated payroll tax.

The Social Security controversy refers to a complex economic and philosophical debate over how Social Security should be funded, dispersed, and managed. Some advocate for its continuity as a federal program while others argue that social security should be privatized and removed from government control.

Learn more about the Social Security Controversy.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI), in the simplest terms, refers to computing which aims to mimic human cognitive functions like learning, problem solving, and adaptation to environmental conditions. With the evolution of computer science, computing machines have accelerated in their capacity to demonstrate “intelligence” in areas such as reasoning, planning, natural language processing, perception, and much more.

Advance the technology behind AI, machine learning, automation, and more with a degree in data science and analytics .

Learn more about the Artificial Intelligence Controversy.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance refers to financial coverage for healthcare expenses. Health coverage is among the most intensely debated subjects in American life, both because of the generally high cost of healthcare expenses, and because access to coverage varies significantly based on employment and socioeconomic status.

Some Americans believe the government should take greater responsibility for the millions who are uninsured or underinsured, with many arguing that the United States should provide universal medical and mental health coverage for all Americans. By contrast, others believe that paying for health coverage should be the individual responsibility of every American, and argue that universal healthcare coverage is a socialist policy.

Learn more about the Health Insurance Controversy.

Women’s Rights

Women’s Rights refers to the ongoing movement in the U.S. to improve gender equity through legislation, activism, public service, political participation, and more. The United States was founded as a patriarchy, restricting women from owning property, voting, or enjoying the rights of citizenship.

The women’s rights movement uses activism, policy advocacy, and non-profit organization to improve gender equality and close the gender pay gap, whereas the opponents of this movement may argue that gender equality already exists, or that women are biologically unequal to men and therefore deserving of secondary status.

Advance the public discussion on women’s rights and equality with a degree in gender studies .

Learn more about the Women’s Rights Controversy.

Religious Freedom

On its surface, the controversy over religious freedom in the U.S. concerns the right of individuals to practice their religion freely and without infringement by individuals, groups, or the government. But since the dawn of American history, the debate over religious liberty has been clouded by conflicts between different groups and belief systems, especially when the belief system of one group risks discrimination against another group.

While the right to practice one’s religion is a core Constitutional protection, debate persists over the meaning of religious freedom and whether this freedom can be used to exempt groups from certain laws, including anti-discrimination laws.

Learn more about the Religious Freedom Controversy.

Minimum Wage to Labor Unions

Minimum wage.

Minimum wage refers to the lowest hourly wage that an employer may legally pay an employee under state and federal law. The controversy over the minimum wage concerns the belief that a living wage should be a fundamental right for all American workers and is opposed by the belief that regulatory control over wage thresholds risks imposing undue economic burdens on employers with potentially deleterious effects on the economy as a whole.

Learn more about the Minimum Wage Controversy.

Atheism is defined as the absence of a belief in deities, or the rejection of a belief in deities, or the belief that no deities exist. These nuances underscore the complexity of individual views on religion and theology, and by extension, the complexity of this debate.

The controversy over atheism concerns disagreement between those who believe in the existence of deities and those who do not believe in the existence of deities, and more specifically, how these divergent beliefs should be treated in public spaces. As a result, this controversy touches closely on issues of religious freedom, the separation of church and state, and freedom of expression.

Learn more about the Atheism Controversy.

Reparations

Reparations for slavery refers to the idea of compensating the victims of African slavery and their descendants for the abuses suffered under U.S. law. The idea of reparations for the victims of African slavery in America emerged as early as the colonial era, but took on particular relevance after the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.

While some individual former slaves and their descendants have received reparations of some type, the vast majority have not, owing to the absence of any lasting or comprehensive federal policy. This absence keeps the reparations controversy relevant, as advocates, activists, and public leaders continue to call for the adoption of some form of reparations, both in compensation for slavery, and for the injustices visited upon succeeding generations of Black Americans.

Learn more about the Reparations Controversy.

Hacking refers to the use of computing skills to penetrate, disrupt, or interfere with a computer system by non-standard avenues. Hacking is a controversial issue because this skill can be used for many different purposes both lawful and unlawful; ethical and unethical.

Some hackers use their skills for criminal activities while others may use their skills to create cybersecurity defenses against malicious actors. Activists may use hacking to undermine dictatorship just as dictators might use hacking to suppress individual liberties.

Help in the fight against criminal hacking with a degree in cybersecurity .

Learn more about the Hacking Controversy.

Labor Unions

A labor union refers to an organized alliance of workers, often joined by a shared industry or trade, but also frequently joined across different labor industries. Labor unions use a tactic referred to as collective bargaining to improve worker conditions, advance wages, and secure benefits, as well as supporting members in disputes with management, and engaging in political action and lobbying.

The controversy over labor unions concerns the historical and ongoing conflict of ideals, methods, and goals between labor leaders, organizers and union members on one side, and business management, ownership, and industry lobby groups on the other side.

Learn more about the Labor Unions Controversy.

Extremism to Gun Control

Extremism refers to beliefs and actions that are of an extreme or fanatical nature. Extremism is often connected to political, religious or racialist ideologies that fall far outside of the mainstream.

Extremism is often associated with fringe groups such as white supremacists, jihadist terrorists, or religious fundamentalists, and is distinguished from traditional activism for its radical and sometimes violent methods. The controversy over extremism centers on the disagreement between those who subscribe to extremist views and extremist actions, and those who reject the views or methods of extremism, as well as those who work actively to prevent extremism.

Gain a better understanding of the reasons people resort to extremism with a degree in psychology .

Learn more about the Extremism Controversy.

Electoral College

The United States Electoral College is a group of 538 delegates—representing the 50 United States and the District of Columbia—who meet every four years to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Though the Electoral College is written into the U.S. Constitution, it is also a source of ongoing controversy.

This is because the outcome of the electoral vote is the sole determinant of the presidency. Critics argue that this model renders the national popular vote meaningless, undermines the principle of “one-person, one vote,” and results in widespread voter disenfranchisement. Debate over the Electoral College has been magnified by recent elections in which the winner of the national popular vote did not win the electoral vote and thus, did not win the presidency.

Learn more about the Electoral College Controversy.

The term vaccine refers to a form of medical treatment which may be used to preemptively inoculate individuals and populations against infectious diseases. The controversy over vaccines stems from a social phenomenon called vaccine hesitancy, as well as an organized anti-vaccination, or anti-vax, movement. Those who support the use of vaccines point to extensive scientific evidence that vaccines are both safe and effective, whereas those who oppose vaccines believe that vaccines are either unnecessary or unsafe.

Learn more about the Vaccines Controversy.

Outsourcing

Outsourcing refers to the business practice of hiring outside consultants, freelance workers, or third-party agencies to complete work that might otherwise be handled in-house. The practice of outsourcing is also highly connected to the rise of globalization, free-trade, and the practice of “offshoring,” in which American companies will open facilities and employ laborers in other countries where wage standards, environmental restrictions, and costs of operation are lower.

The outsourcing controversy centers on the conflicting interests of corporate profitability and free market capitalism on one side, and, on the other side, concerns over heightened American unemployment and the exploitation of low-wage workers in the developing sphere.

Learn more about the Outsourcing Controversy.

Gun Control

Gun Control refers to legislation aimed at curbing gun violence in America. The gun control controversy centers on disagreement between sectors of the American public, as well as their political representatives, over the legal implications of the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which grants Americans the right to bear arms.

Some argue that the ongoing public health crisis of gun violence necessitates more restrictions around gun manufacturing, sales, and ownership while others argue that such regulation is unconstitutional, disagree that stricter gun control laws would lower the occurrence of gun violence, and often point to underlying issues such as mental illness and the need for better training of police officers.

Learn more about the Gun Control Controversy.

Foreign Aid to Charter Schools

Foreign aid.

United States foreign aid, also referred to as foreign assistance or international aid, is “aid given by the United States to other countries to support global peace, security, and development efforts, and provide humanitarian relief during times of crisis,” according to ForeignAssistance.gov. The controversy over foreign aid divides those who believe there are strategic, economic, and moral imperatives justifying this use of American resources for foreign aid versus those who believe this is a misappropriation of funding that should instead be spent on domestic priorities.

Learn more about the Foreign Aid Controversy.

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy refers to the use of nuclear reactions such as nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and nuclear decay in order to produce power. The controversy over nuclear energy concerns both its perceived impact on the environment and its capacity for weaponization.

The history of nuclear energy centers on the expansion of war-making capabilities and, specifically, the creation of weapons capable of mass casualty and mass destruction. But over time, nuclear energy has also become at once an ingrained part of the power grid in the United States and the world. Today, the global debate over nuclear energy concerns its safety, environmental impact, capacity for civil energy production, and its global proliferation as a source of potentially catastrophic weaponry.

Learn more about the Nuclear Energy Controversy.

Police Brutality

Police brutality refers to the use of excessive or unnecessary force by law enforcement officers, but may also refer to excessive force used by corrections officers and prison officials. The controversy over police brutality centers on disagreement over the extent of force that law enforcement should be entitled to use while engaging suspects, perpetrators, prisoners, and other members of the general public.

Those who believe that police brutality is a problem would argue that the current system of law enforcement gives officers too much discretion and impunity in using violent methods of engagement while those who don’t believe police brutality is a problem would argue that the dangerous nature of law enforcement requires that officers have far-reaching discretion in carrying out their duty, including the use of potentially violent confrontational tactics.

Help bring an end to police brutality with a degree in criminal justice .

Learn more about the Police Brutality Controversy.

Affirmative Action

Affirmative action refers to an array of policies and practices aimed at redressing historical and ingrained inequalities, especially those experienced by people of color and women as a consequence of systemic discrimination. Affirmative action usually takes the form of education and employment initiatives aimed at creating access and opportunities for individuals from groups that have faced such discrimination.

The controversy over affirmative action divides those who believe this is an effective way to push back against the sociological impact of systemic discrimination versus those who believe affirmative action is either ineffective or is, itself, a discriminatory policy.

Learn more about the Affirmative Action Controversy.

Charter Schools

A charter school is an educational institution that provides free and uniquely structured educational opportunities to students and families seeking an alternative to traditional public school. Charter schools are a product of the demand for greater school choice, especially in cities where public schools often struggle to provide a high quality educational experience.

The controversy over charter schools concerns the belief that charter schools are a valuable alternative to traditional public schooling, especially for disadvantaged or at-risk student populations versus the belief that charter schools divert funding and resources from traditional public schools.

Learn more about the Charter Schools Controversy.

Trump to Marajuana

Trump and the “big lie”.

The controversy over Trump and the “Big Lie” centers on the results of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn these results. In the months leading up to the November election, sitting President Donald Trump and his supporters and allies made widespread preemptive allegations that the outcome of the election would be rigged, and that a massive conspiracy was already underway involving crooked Democratic operatives, corrupt state voting commissions, preprogrammed voting machines, foreign Communist interference, and more.

Learn more about the Trump and the “Big Lie”.

Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is a modern protest movement centered around civil rights causes impacting Black Americans, especially as they relate to police brutality, vigilante violence, and institutional inequality in the American legal system. Black Lives Matter is at once a multi-chapter organization with concentrated leadership and a decentralized global movement engaged in widespread activism.

Learn more about the Black Lives Matter Movement .

COVID Vaccine Mandates

A new surge in cases is gripping the United States. Schools all over the country are adopting vaccine mandates. Vaccine skeptics argue these mandates are a violation of individual liberties. A prominent anti-vaccination activist writes “Vaccination is the putting of an impure thing into the blood — a virus or poison — often resulting in serious evil effects. In vogue for more than one hundred years, it has been received by most persons without question. Yet the time is passing when people will accept a medical dogma on blind faith; they now demand to know something about the practices to which they are called on to submit.”

Learn more about the COVID Vaccine Mandates Controversy .

Critical Race Theory

The controversy over Critical Race Theory (CRT) centers on whether or not this subject should be taught in schools. And to an extent, the Critical Race Theory controversy also extends from differing views on exactly what defines Critical Race Theory.

To supporters, Critical Race Theory refers to a university-level subject that addresses the intersection between race, law, and systemic inequality. To opponents, Critical Race Theory refers to any effort to inject discourse over race, gender, diversity, or discrimination into public school curriculum at any level of education. The result of these differing views—both on what defines CRT, and whether it should be taught in schools—is a heated public debate being placed out in city council chambers, school board meetings, and the halls of Congress.

Learn more about the Critical Race Theory Controversy:

Marijuana Legalization

The cannabis industry is in a state of steady growth. For students already with a background in subjects like business, law, chemistry, and plant biology, this growth represents great professional opportunity. And for students interested in taking a more direct route to a career in medical marijuana or cultivation, a number of fully accredited colleges and universities now offer courses, certifications, minors, and even four-year bachelor’s degrees in cannabis studies.

We’ve highlighted the top schools for studying marijuana—and as a bonus, we’ve included a ranking of the Top Cannabis Influencers and the Most Influential Books About Cannabis from the last half-century.

Learn more about the Marijuana Legalization Controversy .

The topics listed above have been selected for their relevance to current events. However, this is not an exhaustive list. We anticipate expanding this list of controversial issues over time. Topics we may explore in the future include the skyrocketing college student loan debt, requiring students to wear school uniforms, drug abuse, the impact of violent video games; the voting age, gender identity and trans rights, corporal punishment, the Green New Deal, and more.

Check out our full library of study guides, tools, and tips, here.

Select a Research Topic: Current Events and Controversial Issues

• Finding a Research Topic
• Current Events and Controversial Issues
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Food for Thought

When writing on controversial issues, exercise caution when considering a topic that has the potential to be overdone.  Issues such as gun control, abortion, corporal punishment, etc. have been written about so much for so long that it may be difficult to find something new to add to the conversation. Here are a few databases that have extensive browse for topic features:

• Why search here? The place to go to prepare for a debate, discussion, research paper, or persuasive writing assignment.
• What's included? Explores more than 800 hot topics in business, politics, government, education, and popular culture..

• Why search here? This database centers on the key social issues of our time.
• What's included? Opposing Viewpoints is a rich resource for debaters and includes viewpoints, reference articles, infographics, news, images, video, audio, and more.
• Why search here? Contains resources that present multiple sides of an issue.
• What's included? Points of View Reference Center contains many topics, each with an overview (objective background/description), point (argument) and counterpoint (opposing argument). For each topic, this database also offers a Guide to Critical Analysis, which helps the reader evaluate the controversial topics.

Controversial Issues

• Abstinence only education
• Affirmative Action
• Alternative medicine
• America's global influence
• Animal Testing
• Artificial intelligence
• Assisted suicide
• Bilingual education
• Book banning
• Capital punishment
• Charter schools
• Childhood obesity
• Civil rights
• Climate change
• Concealed weapons
• Cryptocurrency
• Cyber bullying 
• Death penalty
• Drug legalization
• Eating disorders
• Energy crisis
• Ethnic Adoption
• Factory farming
• Foreign aid
• Freedom of speech
• Genetic Cloning
• Genetic engineering
• Hacking 
• Health insurance
• Human Trafficking
• Identity theft
• Immigration
• Labor unions
• Local food movement
• Mandatory National Service
• Minimum wage
• Nuclear energy
• Organic food
• Offshore drilling
• Outsourcing
• Plastic Surgery
• Racial profiling
• Recreational Marijuana
• Roe v. Wade
• School safety
• School uniforms
• Second Amendment
• Self-defense laws
• Self-driving cars
• Sex education
• Social security
• Standardized testing
• Student Loan Debt
• Urban agriculture
• Violence in the media
• Women's rights
• Zero tolerance policies

Current Events

• 2020 Census
• Affordable Care Act
• Afghanistan crisis 
• Arming teachers
• Black Lives Matter
• Brazil political crisis
• Confederate memorials
• COVID-19 vaccines & mandates
• Cybersecurity
• Electoral College
• Equal Rights Amendment
• Federal interest rates
• Filibuster 
• Gender nutral restrooms
• Gerrymandering
• Government shut down
• Hate speech
• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
• Impeachment
• Internet privacy
• Iran nuclear deal
• Islamophobia
• Lethal Injections
• Marijuana legalization
• Mass incarceration
• Mass shooting
• Medical Devices
• Me Too movement
• Migrant crisis
• Mueller Report
• Net neutrality
• North Dakota Access Pipeline
• North Korea
• Paris Climate Agreement
• Planned Parenthood
• Poverty gap
• Prescription drug addiction
• Racism in America
• Refugee crisis
• Russian hacking
• Sanctuary city
• School violence
• Sexual assault on campus
• Supreme Court Justice oversight
• Syrian civil war
• Transgender rights
• Trump, Donald
• UK leaving EU (Brexit)
• Vaccination
• Voter fraud
• Voting laws
• Warehouse Working Conditions (Amazon, UPS, Walmart)
• White nationalism
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My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

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• Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
• Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
• Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
• Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
• Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
• Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Should there be a minimum wage?
• Should the government intervene in the free market?
• Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
• Should there be term limits for US senators?
• Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
• Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
• Should hate speech be banned?
• Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
• Is the gender pay gap real?
• Does institutional racism exist in the US?
• Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
• Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
• Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
• Should prostitution be legalized?
• Should abortion be banned?
• Should there be stricter gun control laws?
• Should automatic weapons be banned?
• Should military service be mandatory?
• Should water be a commodity or a human right?
• Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

• Is the death penalty ethical?
• Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
• Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
• Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
• Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
• Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
• Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
• Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
• Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

• Is atheism a religion?
• Does religion do more harm than good?
• Should creationism be taught in schools?
• Should there be religious education in schools?
• Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
• Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
• Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
• Should religious institutions pay taxes?
• Are most religions inherently sexist?
• Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

• Should we lower the voting age to 16?
• Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
• At what age should teens be allowed to date?
• At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
• Should sex education be mandatory in school?
• Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
• Should teens have access to birth control?
• Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
• Is peer pressure good or bad?
• Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
• Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
• Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
• Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
• Should mobile devices be banned at school?
• Is the school grading system effective?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
• Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

• Can scientists ever be objective?
• Should corporations fund research?
• Should science be optional in school?
• Why are women underrepresented in science?
• Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
• Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
• Should net neutrality be restored?
• Should robots have rights?
• Is AI a menace to humans?
• Is AI the next stage in evolution?
• Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
• Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
• Is climate change a threat to humanity?
• Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
• Is climate change reversible?
• Should all cars be electric?
• Is nuclear energy safe?
• Does alien life exist?
• Could alien life have found Earth?
• Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Are professional athletes good role models?
• Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
• Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
• Is dance a real sport?
• Is video gaming a real sport?
• Is bodybuilding a real sport?
• Is cheerleading a real sport?
• Should mixed martial arts be banned?
• Should women compete against men in sports?
• Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
• Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
• Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
• Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
• Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
• Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

• Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
• Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
• Is organic food better than regular food?
• Is fast food responsible for obesity?
• Is food waste unavoidable?
• Is organic farming sustainable?
• Is factory farming unsustainable?
• Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
• Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
• Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
• Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

• Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
• Can a vegan diet help the environment?
• Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
• Is an all-meat diet healthy?
• Is dieting ever effective?
• Does fasting help or harm the body?
• Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
• Should we ban trans fat?
• Is sugar addictive?
• Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

• Should animals have the same rights as humans?
• Should animals be considered individuals?
• Do animals have emotions?
• Do animals have consciousness?
• Is animal testing ethical?
• Should the fur industry be restricted?
• Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
• Should there be animals in circuses?
• Should we try to reverse extinction?
• Are humans destroying animal habitats?
• Is selective dog breeding unethical?
• Should bullfighting be banned?
• Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

• Is psychology a real science?
• Is depression a real disease?
• Are antidepressants effective?
• Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
• Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
• Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
• Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
• Is prejudice against different people inherent?
• Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
• Are social media sites addictive?
• Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
• Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
• Do video games cause violence?
• Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

• Is monogamy natural?
• Does divorce harm children?
• Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
• Should people date people much older than themselves?
• Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
• Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
• Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
• Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
• Are long-distance relationships worth it?
• Is sex before marriage wrong?
• Is online dating good or bad?
• Are homosexual relationships natural?
• Should same-sex marriage be banned?
• Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

• Are vaccines safe?
• Is Covid-19 manmade?
• Should immunization be mandatory?
• Should euthanasia be allowed?
• Is alternative medicine any good?
• Should healthcare be free?
• Is obesity a disease?
• Is circumcision healthy?
• Is stem cell research ethical?
• How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
• Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
• Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
• Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
• Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
• Should we use gene-editing in humans?
• Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
• Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

• Are nurses compensated fairly?
• Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
• Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
• Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
• Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
• Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

• Is evolution up for debate?
• Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
• Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
• How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
• Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
• Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

• Is music getting worse over time?
• Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
• Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
• Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
• Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
• Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

• Is the value of art subjective?
• Should explicit art be censored?
• Who decides what constitutes art?
• Should an art piece always carry a message?
• Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
• Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

• Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
• Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
• Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
• Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
• Was the French Revolution inevitable?
• Is history always written by the victors?
• Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

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7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

• Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
• Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
• How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
• How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
• How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
• How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

• What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
• How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
• How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
• What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
• How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
• How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
• How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
• What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
• What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
• What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
• Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
• Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
• Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
• Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
• Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
• Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
• Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
• What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
• How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
• What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
• Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
• Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
• Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
• How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
• Should graduate students be able to form unions?

• What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
• How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
• Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
• Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
• How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
• How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
• Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
• Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
• Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
• Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
• Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
• Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
• Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
• Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
• How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
• How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
• What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
• Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
• What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
• What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
• Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
• Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
• Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
• What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
• How does stress affect the body?
• Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
• What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
• Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
• How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
• What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
• Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
• What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
• What were the causes of the Civil War?
• How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
• Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
• What caused Hitler's rise to power?
• Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
• What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
• How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
• What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

• Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
• Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
• How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
• How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
• What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
• What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
• How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

• How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
• How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
• Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
• Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
• How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
• How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
• What are the pros and cons of fracking?
• What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
• What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
• How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
• Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
• Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
• What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
• What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
• How are black holes created?
• Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
• How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
• Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
• How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
• Has social media made people more or less connected?
• What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
• Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
• What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
• How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
• When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
• Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

Are you also learning about dynamic equilibrium in your science class? We break this sometimes tricky concept down so it's easy to understand in our complete guide to dynamic equilibrium .

Thinking about becoming a nurse practitioner? Nurse practitioners have one of the fastest growing careers in the country, and we have all the information you need to know about what to expect from nurse practitioner school .

Want to know the fastest and easiest ways to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius? We've got you covered! Check out our guide to the best ways to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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140+ Controversial Research Topics for Students to Consider

What is a controversial research.

Writing a controversial research paper aims to stir discussion and research revolving around any controversial topic. After choosing something that makes people think and even question some ideas to be explored to the opposite opinions to collect enough proof. Let’s Start Controversial Research Topics Journey.

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How to Write a Controversial Research Paper?

• Know your readers: Imagine your type of readers from different viewpoints of your argument. Here, it would help if you considered the people who can disagree with you and those who agree with you. You need to take their concerns into consideration. Thus, you will develop a good ability for a wide range of readers.
• Demonstrate your care for your readers: You can show your care for your readers in various ways. The best way is to bring up their concerns and address them in the right way through your writing. For example, you are convincing corporates on any particular issue and then always focus their profit in mind.
• Avoid factual errors: Writing points can quickly make your readers lose faith in you or your argument.
• Always avoid plagiarism: plagiarism is the biggest enemy of any assignment writing paper. You can only get an idea from any source and never copy-paste from any source. Your paper will be rejected if even a trace of plagiarism is found.
• Polish your Controversial Research paper: Always try to avoid any spelling, punctuation, or sentence construction errors in your  Controversial Research  assignment paper since it might weaken your argument and create a bad impression on your readers.
• Write a hooking introduction: This set of sentences should be sort but interesting enough to keep your readers stuck to your whole  Controversial Research Paper.
• Write important contexts: Give all the necessary contexts in  your Controversial Research Papers.  This might include debates on current issues, historical events, etc. People will become more familiar with your issue if you give the context. This will also help you define the issue’s significance with your argument.
• Stating your thesis: This thesis part is your own claim or argument. It is not only a fact or statement but very much arguable based on the evidence you gave.
• Present your argument logically: While you are presenting your argument, you always need to ensure that each of your claims supports your overall thesis. In your introductory part, you need to include a summary of your given argument as well as an overview of the organization. This will always help your readers know what you want to state and gain their trust. Start the paper body by including the sub-claims in the different sections of your paragraph.
• Support each point with valid evidence: Do not write any vague points. Include data from the respected scientific studies of the discussed topic. For example, if you are using any scientific data, always ensure it is collected from a valid, relevant, peer-reviewed source. It must also have a statistically significant size, sample and a literature review. You can also include specific examples to make a point in your essay.
• Take care with the statistics: Statistics are quite useful to establish the importance of any topic. It also affects various groups of people. Sometimes, it can also be misleading. Thus, it is always very important for you to acquire statistics from a reliable source. Here, you need to address the context, with size, sample, etc., to determine whether the statistics are helpful. Here, it would help if you also remembered that any statistical correlation is not equal to causation.
• Present your argument logically: You must ensure each of your claims supports your overall thesis. In the introductory part, you need to introduce a summary of your own argument, which will help your reader understand your viewpoints and argument. In this way, you can gain their trust. You need to write the paper body with subclaims as various sections of the Paras. Here, you also need to back up each of the claims with concrete evidence. For example, if you use scientific data, ensure it comes from a relevant source. These also need a statistically significant sample size with a perfect literature review.
• Use the best sources: Always use credible sources in your writing. While you are convincing your audiences, you need to use the most credible sources.
• Cite the sources: you need to choose the best citation style. You need to follow this form throughout your paper. Here, you also need to include in-text citations while paraphrasing your sentences. Also, take care to avoid plagiarism.
• Support your argument: In order to support your argument, you always need to analyze your evidence. This will need you to break down your own evidence into various components. You are clearly explaining each argument’s real purpose to your audience.

Also Read:  The Most Relevant Controversial Topics For Essay And Debate

How do you choose topics for a controversial research paper, controversial research topics guide.

• Please choose a topic that is really interesting to you since you will be enjoying it more.
• Always ensure that your topic is not very broad and over-informed
• Ensure that your chosen topic is also not so narrow that it is difficult to find adequate information on it
• Limit your topic to a specific period ex, 2, 5 or 10 years
• Always limit the topic to any specific geographical area if required ex: USA, California or Kentucky
• Consider how much information is needed for your chosen topic.
• Start your research work for the elimination of anxiety or stress.

Interesting Blog for You:  100+ Interesting Debate Topics & Ideas for Students

List of the best controversial research paper topics, controversial research topics for school and college students.

• Safety Uninsured patients
• Responsibilities of a nurse towards patient’s behaviour
• Video games and their violence
• Controversies surrounding Covid-19
• Personal medical data vs its disclosure
• How to deal with physical disabilities
• Origin of religious conflicts
• Female vs male parenting
• Ethical aspects of the beauty salons
• Health factors in a vegan diet

Controversial Research Topics for University Students

• Affirmative Action
• Artificial intelligence researches
• Alternative medicine
• America’s global influence
• Research on stem cell
• Human-computer Interface researches and Future
• Affordable Care Act
• Atheism and its significance in society
• Bilingual education
• Human clone research ethical or not

Controversial Topics for Research Scholars

• Banning plastic bags
• Making uniforms mandatory in schools, right or not
• Internet privacy and ethical hacking
• Is having exotic pets an Ecological Threat or Personal Passion
• Is investment in space exploration worthwhile?
• Analyzing celebrity culture and media influence
• Is animal protection a human responsibility?
• Is sex education necessary at the school level?
• Gender equality in the society
• Are artificial sweeteners really good for health?

Amazing Controversial Research Topics

• Is surrogacy ethical?
• NATO’s role in Yugoslavia’s conflict
• Benefits of eating meat
• Can genetics cause alcoholism?
• Psychological effects of hate crimes
• Should bullfighting be banned everywhere
• Advancement in genetic research
• De-addiction camps benefits
• Is spiritual healing useful?
• Ways to meditate

Captivating Controversial Research Ideas

• Is it helpful to have a huge interest in psychology?
• Healthcare among tee agers
• Is the regulation of social media necessary?
• Good vs evil, do genes act?
• Future of Physiognomy
• Are video games making our kids violent?
• Pros and cons of adult education
• Are anti-abortion laws really helpful to society?
• Will machines rule us in the Future?
• Is capital punishment ethical?

Impressive Controversial Research Questions

• Expression of slavery on television
• Medical tourism and its issues
• Downbeat effects of nightclubs
• Abortion laws in Poland
• Abortion laws in the USA
• Global warming reasons
• Issues associated with vaccination
• Laws related to weapons
• Sanctions on certain Middle Eastern countries
• Limited nature of Roman Catholicism

Trending Controversial Research Topics

• How history repeats itself
• Can student assessment be made optional?
• How vitamins help our body from food supplements
• Is free internet access really helpful for students?
• Do horror movies really destroy mental well-being?
• Is imposing uniforms a violation of human rights
• Practical studies should be paid more attention in colleges
• Global climate change consequences
• Marijuana is a legal drug.
• Adult education drive and its importance in society

Classic Controversial Topics for Research

• Is calling out culture good for society
• Is CBD good for pets?
• How safe is cell phone radiation
• Can cheerleading be regarded as a sport
• Should churches be taxed
• Is a college education worth it?
• Are Concealed Handguns legal
• Is corporal punishment needed
• Is Daylight Saving Time necessary
• Importance of various space programs

Interesting Controversial Research Topics

• Can kids be allowed to vote?
• Does school uniform lead to equality?
• Is Freedom of Speech justified?
• Do not mix church and politics.
• Pros and cons of military services
• Fear of plagiarism
• Can religious education be made compulsory
• Black Lives Matter movement controversies
• Censorship in North Korea
• Stigma on Metal Music

Captivating Controversial Topics for Research

• Can abortions be legalized
• Is advanced education needed for everyone
• Is polygamy an inevitable thing even today
• Terrorism is a big global threat.
• Lesbians and homosexuals vs society
• Plastic surgery to be made readily available for everyone
• Everyone deserves forgiveness
• Soft drinks should not be sold to kids
• Fast food chains need to be government-controlled
• Marijuana and heroin to be made legal

Outstanding Controversial Research Ideas

• Dilemma on Cannabis Legalization.
• Why Should College Tuition be lowered?
• Basic work ethic research
• Should college tuition be made free
• Capitalism should be checked
• Rise of the machines in the modern society
• Gay Couples Rights for Adoption
• Why Businesses need to Embrace Ethics
• How to control the rising population
• Necessity of green revolution

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Excellent Controversial Research Topics

• Athletes to be allowed to take performance-enhancing meds
• Media promote terrorism.
• Minimum wages to be increased.
• Society is full of cults.
• Eating disorders are curable
• How to end capitalism
• How to promote public sector entities
• freedom of speech cannot be guaranteed
• All countries have the right to defend their national security.
• Today is the era of globalization.

Simple Controversial Topics for Research

• Is technology really improving our quality of life
• Is artificial intelligence (AI) dangerous?
• Do drones in public places really ensure safety
• Has email improved our communication?
• Shall we invest in technology for colonizing other planets
• Is technology making us less productive
• Should all cars be made electric
• Can social media really make human relationships
• Can net neutrality be restored?
• How to overcome mobile addiction

Impressive Controversial Ideas for Research

• Using terrorism as a global political tool
• Domestic violence
• Gender inequality
• Banned sport practices
• Illegal smuggling of drugs and weapons overseas
• Global industrial pollution
• Poisonous gases from automobiles
• Illegal experiments exposure
• Benefits of sting operations
• Ban on animal entertainment

Wrapping Up

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Research Paper Topics : Controversial Topics

• Controversial Topics

Books that help with Topic Selection

In order to assist students with the selection of research topics, the Rio Hondo College Librarians have developed this guide.

Controversial Topic Ideas

Abortion, Moral and Ethical Aspects Abstinence and AIDS Prevention

Addiction 

Adoption 

Advertising in Schools

Agriculture Industry --

Alcohol and Tobacco Advertising  

Alcohol Use

Alternative Energy Sources

American Housing Collapse

Amnesty 

Animal Cloning  

Animal Experimentation Anonymous  Egg and Sperm Donation

Anti-Immigrant Movement

Arms Trade 

Artificial Intelligence   Assisted Suicide

Bilingual Education 

Binge Drinking

Bioethics 

Biomedical Technology

Bioterrorism

Body Image  

Border Fence

Campaign Finance Reform

Capitalism 

Carbon Offsetting 

Cell Phones in School Censorship 

Charter Schools

Child Welfare  Children's Online Protection Laws 

Clean Coal  

Cloning    Commercial Whaling

Concealed Handguns 

Conservation of Natural Resources Convicted Felons' Rights

Corporate Tax Rate & Jobs  

Domestic Terrorism 

Domestic Violence

Drug Legalization

Drug Trafficking

Drug Use in Sports

Drunk Driving 

Eating Disorders

Electoral College

Endangered Food

Endangered Species

Environmentalism 

Felon Voting 

Flat Tax Rate Food Safety

Freedom of Speech

Gambling 

Gay Parents

Genetic Engineering  Genetically Modified Food

Genocide 

Globalization

Gun Control 

Hate Crimes

Health Insurance

Homelessness 

Homeschooling 

Homosexuality

Human Rights

Human Trafficking

Identity Theft

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Labor Unions

Local Food Movement Mental Disorders

Minimum Wage

Missile Defense System

National Retail Sales Tax

National Security

Nuclear Safety

Nutrition  Obamacare  

Occupy Movement

Offshore Drilling  Organic Food

Outsourcing

Political Corruption

Population Growth

Prescription Drugs

Prison Overcrowding Recycling 

Renewable Energy

Reproductive Technology

Right to Privacy

Right to Health Care

Same-Sex Marriage

Sexting 

Smoking Ban

Social Security Privatization

Socializing Online

Standardized Testing

Stem Cells 

Student Rights

Sweatshops Tablets vs. Textbooks  Technology and Society  

Teenage Pregnancy

Texting While Driving

The Federal Budget Deficit

The Middle Class

The Tea Party Movement

Torture 

Underage Drinking

Unemployment

Video Games

Water Pollution

Waterboarding

Welfare Reform

• << Previous: Z Topics
• Last Updated: Jul 28, 2022 9:11 AM
• URL: https://libguides.riohondo.edu/ResearchPaperTopics

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10 Controversial Topics For Research Paper

What are some controversial topics for research paper you should write? There are so many potential ideas to consider it may take a few moments to settle on just one. Think about the local newspaper or subjects that get people really emotional. Writing about such topics is important because it helps you stay current with events while ensuring your paper meets academic expectations. Here are some tips to help you choose a great idea for research.

How to Learn about Controversial Research Paper Topics

The best way to learn about controversial research paper topics is to consider things that people always talk about. Think about areas of government and issues that affect people regularly. It can be anything from racism to poverty. You can use authority websites providing updated information on related subjects to choose a topic. Use magazines or ask people on social media what issues are important to them. Use what you learn to think about an idea for in-depth research. Consider asking people in the community for ideas or think about something you want to change but has yet to happen.

Sample List of Controversial Research Paper Topics

Preparing to write a paper on controversial ideas may include something that personally happened to you or someone you know. Today’s society is full of controversy so you may not have any trouble creating a list of controversial topics for research paper writing. You can make a list of ideas by brainstorming. Reading a list of topics from example papers may also help with developing ideas from scratch. When you have the time to choose an idea explore different angles and list potential talking points before making a final selection. Here are some sample ideas to get you going.

• Should a woman have a right to abortion?
• How to prevent school shootings
• Why poverty is on the rise
• Should schools be required to teach kids about sex?
• Why some schools are bringing back religion
• How to help people spend their money better
• Why people should learn more about eating red meat
• Is enough being done to find a cure for cancer?
• Why there should be no such thing as being poor anywhere in the world
• How to encourage employers to pay their employees more money

Tips on Choosing Controversial Topics for Research Papers

Make a list of things you think are most controversial right now. You can use the local news, social media, or even personal family events or opinions as inspiration. Think about subjects you feel strongly about and whether they are getting the attention they need. You could consider how to end a controversy if you could as a potential writing prompt. Select an idea you can defend with solid evidence while making your viewpoint interesting and valid.

Why Controversial Research Paper Topics Make Great Papers

People often have their own opinion for certain topics and many are headstrong with defending their side no matter what by any means necessary. A topic such as gun control is an example. There are people who feel it is necessary to have a gun, but others say they wish we could live in a world without them. The aspect of having a gun may look bad on one end, but others will say that the gun itself isn’t to blame for violence, but the people who pull the trigger are more responsible. The aspect of controversy has many sides and it is up to you to choose a topic that is easy for you to explain its various controversial areas.

After reviewing a potential list of controversial topics for research paper writing it should get easier to figure out what to write and how to present it. Think about this form of writing as an argument paper. Sometimes an argument is a form of controversy when standing up to defend your position. Other times, controversial writing may focus on a topic or idea that has cause emotional distress or widespread disagreement that people just can’t come together to agree upon. Select an idea you’ll be able to detail with information to make the content interesting for both sides of the conflict. Or, alternatively, consider buying research paper from the professional writers.