20+ Interesting Psychology Extended Essay Topics and Ideas

This article gives you a list of Psychology extended essay topics based on different categories.

Psychology research focuses mainly on human mind and behavior. It explores how we think, feel, and interact with people.

Given how vast the psychological domain is, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of topics IB students can explore, and we have some interesting ideas to share with you.

Our list of topics isn’t by any means exhaustive. Rather, it’s a great starting point for brainstorming, helping you to identify an idea and a research question to explore.

IB Psychology Extended Essay Topics

You can focus your Psychology extended essay on a developmental, abnormal, social, biological, cognitive, health, sports and exercise, behavioral, or criminal psychology topic.

Below are examples of EE topics and ideas in each category:

Developmental Psychology

In the context of developmental psychology, your essay will focus on how people grow and change over the course of their lifetime. Your topic may focus on social development, cognitive transformation, and emotional changes.

Some topics in this category include:

• In what ways do different parenting styles influence a child’s cognitive and social development? 
• To what extent does participation in early childhood education programs affect later academic performance? 
• What role do early attachment patterns play in shaping adult relationships? 
• What is the relationship between brain development during adolescence and risk-taking behaviors? 
• How does parental divorce affect the emotional and social development of children? 
• What influence does the use of technology have on the cognitive and social development of children?

Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology focuses on unusual behavior. It involves an in-depth examination of emotional patterns, thoughts, and behavior that signal possible mental health disorder.

Here are some topic ideas that fit well into this category:

• How do societal and cultural influences contribute to the development of eating disorders?
• What is the correlation between social media use and the prevalence of anxiety disorders among adolescents? 
• What genetic and neurological factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia? 
• To what extent is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) more effective than other forms of therapy in treating depression? 
•  What impact do sleep disorders have on an individual's psychological well-being? 
• What psychological mechanisms underlie the development and persistence of phobias?

Social Psychology

An extended essay in social psychology focuses on how the presence of other human beings, or simply social environments, affects the thoughts, feelings, and behavior of a person.

There is a wide range of social issues in social psychology, including leadership, aggression, social perception, group behavior, and social interaction.

Here are some topics to consider:

• What are the challenges in identifying genetic characteristics that predict vulnerability to autism? 
• How does the way parents punish their children affect their development into adulthood? 
• To what extent has criminal profiling contributed to solving murder mysteries? 
• How does having an autistic sibling affect the development of other siblings? 
• What are the most effective strategies for improving the everyday functioning of children with autism? 
• How much longer will psychologists continue to accept schizophrenia as a valid diagnosis? 
• How much of the development of homosexuality can be attributed to biological factors? 
• How well do we understand the connection between stress and physical illness, and can this knowledge help in developing effective coping strategies?

Biological Psychology

• In what ways does imbalance of serotonin impact mood and emotional regulation in individuals with depression? 
• To what extent do genetic factors influence the development of bipolar disorder? 
• What role does the amygdala play in fear and anxiety responses in individuals with anxiety disorders?  
• What is the role of genetic inheritance in the likelihood of developing schizophrenia?
• How does impairment of the prefrontal cortex affect decision-making and impulse control in adolescents? 
• How is dopamine levels linked to the development of addictive behaviors in adults? 

Cognitive Psychology

• In what ways do cognitive biases shape human decisions and judgments in everyday scenarios? 
• To what extent does multitasking enhance or hinder cognitive performance and productivity? 
• What role does focused attention play in determining the effectiveness of cognitive processing? 
• In what ways do perceptual systems influence our understanding and interpretation of reality? 
• How do emotional states interact with cognitive mechanisms to affect decision-making? 
• Can background music improve or disrupt focus and performance in tasks requiring cognitive effort? 
• What evidence exists to link sleep cycles with the consolidation of memory and learning processes? 

Behavioral Psychology

• What therapeutic interventions are most effective for children with autism spectrum disorder? 
• What are the key benefits and drawbacks of using SSRIs for mental health treatment? 
• To what extent is autism a manifestation of "an extreme form of the male brain," and what biological evidence supports this claim? 
• How does the lack of a 'theory of mind' in autistic individuals contribute to their social challenges? 
• Should the goal always be to reunite foster children with their biological mothers, regardless of past family issues? 
• Is it more beneficial to suppress memories of past traumas in pursuit of a happier or more successful future? 
• In what ways do parents shape and influence the life trajectories of their children? 

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