list of controversial issues research paper topics

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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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list of controversial issues research paper topics

Research Paper Guide

Controversial Research Paper Topics

300+ Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas - 2024 Edition

24 min read

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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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

woman holding a large book - Controversial Research Paper Topics

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.

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man in library looking for Controversial Research Paper Topics

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.

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.

woman researching about Controversial Research Paper Topics

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.

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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.

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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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.

This image shows the most controversial topics.

🏫 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.

This image shows examples of controversial 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 .

This image shows controversial topics in science.

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.
Hot Topics and Controversial Issues | Texas State University
Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics | University of Michigan
What Do Americans Think About Controversial Topics in Schools? | USC Dornsife
Topics | Brookings
Issues and Controversies: Find a Topic | Marquette University
Political Issues | Pew Research Center
Issues & Controversies: topics on Crime and Juvenile Justice | A&M University
Engaging in Discussions about Controversial Issues | Alys Avalos-Rivera
Business Management Topics | The University of Maine
Topics: Issues Related to Religion | The First Amendment Encyclopedia
5 Major Controversies and Challenges in Engineering | Interesting Engineering
What Are the Top 10 Public Health Challenges in 2023? | News Medical
Select a Research Topic: Current Events and Controversial Issues | Southern Adventist University
110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students | We Are Teachers
Addressing Controversial Issues | Council of Europe
100+ Interesting Debate Topics | Owlcation
Room for Debate | The New York Times
The 22 Debates That Made Us Rage, Roll Our Eyes, and Change Our Minds In 2022 | The New York Times
Current Debates | SAGE edge
Current Debates in Health Care Policy: A Brief Overview | Brookings
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How to write a 250-word essay: length, outline, & example, how to write a 200-word essay: length, prompts, & example, 740 funny research topics — a list of superb writing ideas.

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Research Topic Ideas

Picking a Topic
Area & Interdisciplinary Studies
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Business, Economics, & Management

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Controversial issues and current events, flint water crisis.

Education & Social Work
Health Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

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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Covers contemporary social issues, from Offshore Drilling to Climate Change, Health Care to Immigration. Helps students research, analyze and organize a broad variety of data for conducting research, completing writing assignments, preparing for debates, creating presentations, and more. This resource helps students explore issues from all perspectives, and includes: pro/con viewpoint essays, topic overviews, primary source documents, biographies of social activists and reformers, court-case overviews, periodical articles, statistical tables, charts and graphs, images and a link to Google Image Search, podcasts (including weekly presidential addresses and premier NPR programs), and a national and state curriculum standards search correlated to the content that allows educators to quickly identify material by grade and discipline. Keyword(s): United States

In-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.

1923-present. Each single-themed, 12,000-word report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist, and contains an introductory overview; background and chronology on the topic; an assessment of the current situation; tables and maps; pro & con statements from representatives of opposing positions; and bibliographies of key sources.

Balanced, accurate discussions of over 250 controversial topics in the news along with chronologies, illustrations, maps, tables, sidebars, contact info, and bibliographies, including primary source documents and news editorials.

Covers 1995-present. A Read Aloud button is available for text-to-speech for much of the content.

Series of short books that offer a balanced and authoritative treatment of current events and countries of the world.

What Everyone Needs to Know has short overviews designed to offer a balanced and authoritative treatment on complex current events and countries of the world. Includes books in these areas:

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A Research Guide
Research Paper Topics

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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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?
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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.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

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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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

Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas

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

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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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:

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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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Paper Topics and Opposing Viewpoints

Get Sources

*Controversial or those with opposing views are marked with a (C).

Topics A to E

Topics f to n, topics o to z.

Is this Fake News?

There are more options on the Start tab and Get Sources tab.

Abortion & Coronavirus Outcomes (C)*
Abortion overturning Roe v. Wade *(C)
Affirmative Action eliminated (C)*
Affordable Housing Shortage (C)*
Affordable Housing vs Proposition 21 (2020) *(C)
AI can help students learn (C)*

Anishinaabe now leads Canada's Manitoba, a 1st
Birth Order Affect Intelligence (C)*
Book Banning is on the Rise, Why? (C)*
Buzz on Bees, protecting California Bees
ChatGPT/Open AI being sued by Authors and Why
ChatGPT robs students of skills (C)*
Children's' Mental Health impacted by Covid
Clean Drinking Water in California (2021)
Climate Migration (C)*
Coral (Flordia) Graveyards
Conspiracy Theories: Do they undermine Democracy? (C)*
Cryptocurrency Future (C)*
Death Penalty be banned (C)*
Debt Ceiling Law (2023) (*C)
Digital Dragon - Geofencing Warrants
Does diet soda make you gain weight?
Don’t Say Gay Florida Law
Early Childhood Homelessness
Education and learning during pandemic disparity (C)*
Food Insecurity
Global Warming Facts
Gun Control (C)*
Hate Incidents of Anti-Asian and the Broader Landscape of Racial Bias
Hate Speech on Facebook called by United Nations
Human Trafficking
Hybrid Work [Working from Home] (C)*
Immigrants and the Economy
Immigrants to citizens (C)*
Juneteenth, National Holiday and what is it?
Made to order embryos (C)*
Marijuana//Cannabis Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Mars Triple MIssion
Medical Marijuana (C)*
Mental Health from NIMH
Mexican-U.S. border fenced? (C)*
Near Death Experiences
No junk food in school lunches fight obesity (C)*
Ocean Plastic Pollution a problem?
Online dating
Opioids Crisis
Oscars Racist? (C)*
Pandemic Lockdown Controversy (C)*
People of Color Stopped by Police more often? (C)*
Plastic Bags Banned by Cities (C)*
Police Body Cameras Work? (C)*
Puppy Mills (C)*
Refusing to stand for the National Anthem (C)*
Retail Changing Landscape
School violence

Slavery Reparation in California
Social Inequality Fact
Social Media
Social Media - Globally
Social Media affects on Mental Health
Spy Balloons (C)*
Student Debt Cancellations (C)*
Suicide, are rates rising?
Tattooed in the Workplace Stigma
Teacher Pay be Performance Based? (C)*
Technology Addition (C)*
TikTok Ban (C)*
Vaccine controversy (C)*
Vegetarian Diets
Video Games Benefits
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Essay Topics

100 Engaging Controversial Essay Topics

When students are asked to write an argumentative paper, they start with looking for controversial argumentative essay topics. It’s a good decision: if you succeed in finding something great to write about, you stand more chances at getting a satisfying grade. But despite knowing this, making a choice is not easy. For one thing, you should have a clear idea of what a controversial essay even is. It is a genre of writing where you present an opinion others could dispute and prove its validity as well as accuracy. In other words, you pick a subject that causes arguments among society members, voice your point of view, and work hard to prove it by relying on scientific evidence.

In the long run, you’ll benefit from completing a fair number of similar essays: you’ll understand what it takes to participate in debates and how to defend your position. The choice of topic is tough since while there are many potentially interesting things to discuss, only some of them will be to your liking, and even fewer will be something you understand well enough to argue about. We’ll be glad to show you how to approach the choosing process and how to settle on the best theme possible.

How to Pick Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

At times, students are given a list from which they should pick their essay topics. This is a frustrating experience since they don’t get a right to really choose the topic they like. But fortunately, it doesn’t happen often, so if you are studying at college, you can expect to be given a free reign. Four tips below will show you how to go about picking an essay topic for a controversial paper.

Go through things you find engaging. Good controversial topics for essays are the ones that evoke some intense feelings in you. They could be positive or negative, but in any way, they should be something that makes you want to speak up. Recall the arguments you had online or with your friends and family recently. Maybe you saw something in the news and got angry? Did you read an article that got you passionate about the discussed topic? It could be anything, so think carefully.
Play a choosing game. If you have some essay ideas in mind but cannot settle on any of them, try a choosing game. This could also work in case you haven’t decided on anything at all yet. Pick a place, sit there, and note down everything you see or hear. Assign numbers to these things, and then ask a friend to choose one. Such an approach is fun, and it’s an easy way to arrive at a decision regarding your topic.
Check sources. When preparing for essay tasks, your first question should be, what are some controversial topics to write about? The second question should concern sources. Whatever subject you selected, it should be supported by credible resources that are peer-reviewed and have a DOI. Having an opposing position could be great, but if you are the only person who shares it, it’ll create some difficulties. Academic essays should be supported with some evidence, so your analysis cannot be performed merely based on your opinions. If you cannot locate trustworthy sources, better choose another topic.
Discuss with the supervisor. Once you made a decision, consult with your professor. They could give you valuable advice or warn you against some topics. If you are moving in the wrong direction, they will let you know in advance so that you wouldn’t waste your time for no reason.

100 Top Controversial Topics to Write About

There are many classical ways of choosing between topics on debatable issues, but with the evolution of the Internet, things have become much easier. You can search for online lists with suggestions, and they’ll give you the inspiration you need. We prepared this kind of list just below. There are ten popular topic categories there, with ten diverse themes in each. Take whichever you like best!

Controversial Essay Ideas on Education

Here are some traditional controversial argument topics related to education. All students will likely find them relatable!

Education Gained in the US Has Lost Its Prestige
The Importance of Doing Homework Diligently Is Overestimated
Education Has become Redundant Today Because You Can Find a Job Anyway
Governments & Universities Should Pay Full Tuition For All Their Students
Physical Punishments for Children and Animals Should Be Made a Crime
Minors Should Have the Right for Purchasing Condoms
Children Should Be Taught About Different Kinds of Sexuality From Early Age
Parents Should Never Supervise Their Children’s Online Actions
No Student Should Ever Be Expelled From Educational Establishments
Competitions Among Students Encourage Hurt and Feeling of Inadequacy

Controversial Essay Prompts on Technology

Technological progress has changed our lives to a profound extent. These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this.

iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone
Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families
Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights
Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care
Youth Depend on Technology Too Much & Become Helpless in the Process
No One Should Be Punished for Saying Anything Online
GPS Poses Serious Threats to Privacy & Safety
Most Surveillance Cameras Should Have Better Level of Quality
Internet Helped Queer Community Meet New People
Cancer Rates Have Increased Due to Technological Developments

Controversial Topics for Philosophy Essay

Philosophy is a dreamy but also precise science, so you could find some good controversial topics to write about here.

Some Universal Truths Are Actually Falsehoods
We Underestimate Philosophy Because We’re Scared of Its Truth
Existentialism Is Caused By Flawed Social Expectations
Feminism Has Turned Into a Movement of Violence & Bigotry
Some Problems Do Not Have Any Resolution
Not All Mysteries Should Be Solved by Humans
Every Person Should Be Allowed to Rebel Against Government
Being Loved Is More Important Than Loving
Emotions Could Be Hindrance to Having Successful Life
Animals Do Not Differ From Human Beings In Any Relevant Aspects

Controversial Essays Ideas About Environment

Environment is a sphere that always fuels fierce debates. There is a big number of great controversial arguments topics here.

Humans Should Be Forbidden to Eat Animals
Recycling Must Be an Obligatory Part Of Every Person’s Life
No Country Could Be Allowed to Have Nuclear Weapon
People Who Actively Work to Protect Environment Should Receive Money For It
Companies Who Break Environmental Laws Should Be Stopped from Operating
Current Air Quality in Big Cities Is Unacceptably Bad & This Issue Must Be Resolved
Alternative Fuels In Their Current State Are Not Effective
Deserts Should Be Forcefully Turned Green Areas
Global Warming Is More Dangerous Than We Believe
Preventing Pollution Under Current Conditions Is Not Realistic

Science, Biology, and Health Topics

When writing controversial topics essay, these days, scientific and medical spheres are definitely among the most popular ones.

Assisted Suicide Must Be Officially Permitted in All Countries
Deadliness of COVID Is Overstated
Food Created With Science Is More Useful Than Natural Food
Some Illnesses Will Never Be Cured
People Producing & Selling Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Imprisoned
Biology Should Be Taught in All Schools From the First Year
Eugenics Should Not Exist for Perfecting People
GMO Is Not As Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe
Fish Can Feel Emotional Attachment to Their Owners
Science Is Not as Precise as We Think

Religious environment is relevant for many people, so it has plenty of controversial argumentative essay ideas.

The Fact of Life Existing After Death Could Be Proven Scientifically
Idea of Humans Evolving From Animals Is Not Sustainable
Religion Kills More People Than It Saves
Bible Has Been Written by Multiple Individuals
People Should Be Allowed to Pray to Whichever God They Believe In
Religion Is Not Based on Science
Faith Is the Most Important Part of Life
Violence Promoted by Religions Should Partly Discredit Them
Words of Prayers Do Not Matter: Only Feelings Behind Them Do
Stereotypes About Religions Unleash Violence Among People

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Controversial Essays Topics for Law and Politics

Controversial writing topics about justice and politics never end, considering how passionate everyone feels about them. Everyone wants the best for their country, so why not explore ways of achieving this in an essay?

Death Penalty In Its Present Form Is Useless
Death Penalty Is a Useful Method of Fight Against Human Monsters
Multiculturalism Fuels Tolerance in the Society
American Women Have Equal Opportunities with Men
Electronic Voting Is Ineffective: Too Much Cheating
Gun Control Is Not as Relevant as It Is Presented
Free Journalism No Longer Exists
Racist Allegations Are Often Exaggerated
Hate Crimes Should Automatically Receive Death Penalty
Presidents Who Allow Wars to Break Out Must Be Removed from Power

Current Events

The world is constantly undergoing changes, so unique controversial essay topics about it are in perpetual supply.

Amount of Taxes People Pay Does Not Correspond to Benefits They Get
Concept of Fashion Is Invented Solely by People
Trump Should Have Never Been a President in US
Trump Brought Positive Changes to Some Parts of the World
World Has Become Too Demanding & Unfair to Still Live in It
Mental Health Therapy Should Receive Additional Funding Due to COVID Impacts
Quarantine Measures Should Be the Same in All Parts of the World
People Should Be More Caring In These Difficult Times
Food Should Be Made Free During COVID
Rich & Poor People Should Be Treated in Equal Conditions

Prompts on Entertainment

How about some fun and easy controversial topics about things that work as distractions from everyday worries?

Violent Games Do Not Affect People Playing Them Negatively
Modern Ads Could Be a Form of Art
Fiction Is the Best Way to Distract Yourself From Troubles
Media Should Be Regulated More Strictly
Having Fun Is Essential for Mental Health
Modern Entertainments Are Dangerous & Should Be Modified
Nobody Falls In Love at the First Sight
Entertainment Is Not to Blame For People Becoming Addicted
Reality Shows Create Impossible Expectations
Home Alone Is Still an Excellent Movie

Controversial Essay Ideas For College Students

College essays are more complex than those in high school, but they are also easier than those at universities. If you are a college student, take a look at these good controversial essay topics.

Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Work Whenever They Want
Teens Should Not Be the Ones Paying for Their Education
College Students Do Not Need Cars Because They Are Not Prepared to Drive Them
Internet Addiction Is a Myth in Most Cases
Students Should Not Expect That They Will Find Love in College
Gender Expectations Among Students Are Not Equal
Serving the Military Is Romanticized to a Dangerous Degree
Sororities and Fraternities Must Be Forbidden in the US
Polygamy Is Vastly Misunderstood in Modern Society
Love is Portrayed in Harmful Ways in Fiction

Controversial Essay Topic Ideas to Transform Your Writing

As you can see, topics are vital. You should pay extra attention when choosing them because your final success depends on it. Take your time and think carefully. In case nothing comes to your mind right away, try utilizing the tips we offered above. Still, we understand that writing is a tricky process that could be frustratingly difficult. If you have any questions, contact our support team via our website. They’ll be happy to help you with your problems! Whether you’d like us to guide you or write an essay in its entirety, we can do that. Drop a message and tell us what needs to be done. Your unique controversial essay on an original topic will be delivered on time.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

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Here are some basic tips for selecting a topic for any research paper.

Choose: a topic that interests you. You're more likely to enjoy the research process, if you like the topic.

Make sure: that your topic is not so broad that you are overwhelmed with information.

Make sure: that your topic is not so narrow that you can't find enough information.

Limit: your topic to a time period if necessary. For example, 2, 5 or 10 years.

Limit: your topic to a geographical area if necessary. For example, the United States or Kentucky or Louisville.

Consider: how much information you need. For example, your professor may require 3 scholarly articles, 1 book, and 1 newspaper article . It's best to know what you need before you even start looking.

Start: your research early to eliminate stress and anxiety.

Stumped about what to write about? Here are a couple places to get ideas. A librarian or writing instructor can help you narrow a topic that is too broad.

Credo Reference allows access to hundreds of reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, subject-specific texts, and many more. The Mind Map feature helps draw connections between different aspects of a topic.

This database is useful for locating background and general information in almost all subject areas to help you better understand your topic.

Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints can be used to search articles, videos, charts, images, and infographics. It includes topical overviews, news, and opinions on hundreds of important social issues.

Use this database to discover and choose research paper topics, and find in-depth articles for research assignments for any class.

One helpful note on Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints is that i f you click on the "Browse Issues" tab right beneath the light bulb icon, you will find a list of topics.

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Last Updated: Nov 30, 2023 9:22 AM
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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.

A police car in front of a police memorial gathering

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.

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The Perfect List of Controversial Research Paper Topics and Issues

There are some hard questions, the answers to which invariably lead to conflict and serious debate. Aspiring for a career in journalism or mass media requires one to face such tough questions, sometimes on a daily basis, research their origins and development, understand and analyze their proponents and mouthpieces, and come to a conclusion derived through rationale and logic.

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Controversial Research Paper Topics: List of Controversial Issues

If you are taking a journalism or writing class, you may encounter controversial topics and may have to write a research paper on one of them. With a world in constant turmoil and change there is no dearth of issues which can serve as topics for research and debate.

It may not be as challenging to debate the Economic impact of the baby-boomers on the 21st century or Does motivation work in the corporate world? as maybe topics like Why the death-penalty makes us happy? or Was 9/11 an inside job?.

To start off, here are a few off-beat topics.

~ Did 9/11 call for the war in Iraq? Could the US have brought the culprits to justice, like the Israelis did, after the massacre of their Olympic athletes in Munich in 1975?

~ Is the increased presence of Public Surveillance Technology justified?

~ Is free speech really free? Or are we merely allowed to voice government-endorsed truths?

~ Will implementing tougher gun control laws help? Will they prevent shooting rampages? Or simply make it difficult for people to defend themselves?

~ Does the death sentence have a negative effect on society? Why? Wouldn’t it be a positive thing, to have all the rapists, pedophiles, and murderers taken out?

~ Pro-life vs Pro-choice

~ What does the existence of places like Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo say about the democratic and freedom-loving principles of the United States?

~ Should certain breeds of dogs, like the Pit Bull for example, be banned?

~ Is water fluoridation by large corporations ethical? Are they dumping their toxins or preventing cavities?

~ Should euthanasia be banned, regulated or allowed?

~ Are the Internet activists who call themselves Anonymous, a threat to society?

~ Immigration into the United States – a commitment to human freedom, or a one way trip to economic ruin?

~ Educational reform – Are high-school and college grades inflated?

~ Is genetically engineered food a threat to human health?

~ Should the government bailout big businesses?

~ Is the United States heading towards socialism?

~ In light of the ongoing recession, is Western monetary aid to third-world nations acceptable?

~ Is military recruitment at high-schools acceptable?

~ Does an increased access to contraceptives lead to lack of inhibitions among teens?

~ Is alien abduction a real phenomena, or evidence of a psychological disorder?

How To Go About It

Research, lots of it.

Scan through current and past newspapers, books, magazines, news portals, databases, online libraries, websites, blogs, search engines. The more you read, the better your comprehension of the topics will be. The Internet is a huge resource but it may not necessarily be the best one, always check your facts from multiple sources.

Write on what matters

Choose a topic that is relevant to you, as a thinking person. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something that is in the news at present, but may involve moral dilemmas or ethical issues. Some examples are abortion laws in Catholic countries like Ireland, or gun-control in the United States.

Get to Ground Zero

Make it a point to penetrate the blanket of opinions, media coverage and related events, which may cover your topic of interest like a London fog. If it’s a local event, try and interview the people involved, on both sides. Remember, when you write on a topic that courts controversy, it’s your viewpoint that the reader is most interested in.

Start a journal

Notes are valuable, they keep one’s feet grounded in reality and serve as a ready reference in times of confusion. Keep a detailed journal of your reading, interviews, reference websites, newspaper extracts and other research materials. Its prudent to keep a backup on your computer, along with a hard copy.

Using writing styles

There are various writing formats which are used for research writing. They follow certain protocols for denoting footnotes and references, while writing on topics like medicine and psychology and the Arts, and must be followed religiously, to present a good paper. Some of these styles are, Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), Turabian style and Chicago style.

Think on your feet

Piece all the past and current information together, collate data using software like Excel and Word. Is your information authentic? Are your sources stating the facts or representing opinions? Is there a bias? Questions like this will help you evaluate the status of your sources, the reliability of your data and whether or not you have cultivated an informed opinion on the matter.

Once you have your research in place, it is time to get on with the actual business of writing. Write the first draft purely from your understanding of the topic, then, begin the process of refining what you have written. You will probably have to present your final paper in a certain specific format, listing all your sources and references. It is important to present a professional view on the topic and cover every possible aspect, like the title suggests, a thoroughly researched paper is the end-game here. Never rush through topics, you may miss out on nuggets of information which may be crucial. The topic may require several drafts before it can be put up for review, don’t panic if you are unable to find that one-right-word for the paragraph. Writing a research paper can be fun and a controversial topic can be even more interesting if done the right way.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 55 great debate topics for any project.

General Education

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

All people should have the right to own guns.
The death penalty should be abolished.
Human cloning should be legalized.
All drugs should be legalized.
Animal testing should be banned.
Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
Violent video games should be banned.
The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
All people should have Universal Basic Income.
Sex work should be legal.
Countries should be isolationist.
Abortion should be banned.
Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
Bottled water should be banned.
Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

Homework should be banned.
Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
School uniforms should be required.
Standardized testing should be abolished.
All students should have an after-school job or internship.
School should be in session year-round.
All high school athletes should be drug tested.
Detention should be abolished.
All student loan debt should be eliminated.
Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
All schools should have armed security guards.
Religion should be taught in schools.
All schools should be private schools.
All students should go to boarding schools.
Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
Public college should be tuition free.
All teachers should get tenure.
All school districts should offer school vouchers.

Health Debate Topics

Healthcare should be universal.
Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
All people should be vegetarians.
Euthanasia should be banned.
The drinking age should be 18.
Vaping should be banned.
Smoking should be banned in all public places.
People should be legally required to get vaccines.
Obesity should be labeled a disease.
Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
The sale of human organs should be legalized.
Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

Social media has improved human communication.
The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
Individuals should own their own DNA.
Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
Net neutrality should be restored.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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15 April 2024
Correction 22 April 2024

Revealed: the ten research papers that policy documents cite most

Dalmeet Singh Chawla 0

Dalmeet Singh Chawla is a freelance science journalist based in London.

You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

G7 leaders gather for a photo at the Itsukushima Shrine during the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan in 2023

Policymakers often work behind closed doors — but the documents they produce offer clues about the research that influences them. Credit: Stefan Rousseau/Getty

When David Autor co-wrote a paper on how computerization affects job skill demands more than 20 years ago, a journal took 18 months to consider it — only to reject it after review. He went on to submit it to The Quarterly Journal of Economics , which eventually published the work 1 in November 2003.

Autor’s paper is now the third most cited in policy documents worldwide, according to an analysis of data provided exclusively to Nature . It has accumulated around 1,100 citations in policy documents, show figures from the London-based firm Overton (see ‘The most-cited papers in policy’), which maintains a database of more than 12 million policy documents, think-tank papers, white papers and guidelines.

“I thought it was destined to be quite an obscure paper,” recalls Autor, a public-policy scholar and economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. “I’m excited that a lot of people are citing it.”

The most-cited papers in policy

Economics papers dominate the top ten papers that policy documents reference most.

Data from Overton as of 15 April 2024

The top ten most cited papers in policy documents are dominated by economics research; the number one most referenced study has around 1,300 citations. When economics studies are excluded, a 1997 Nature paper 2 about Earth’s ecosystem services and natural capital is second on the list, with more than 900 policy citations. The paper has also garnered more than 32,000 references from other studies, according to Google Scholar. Other highly cited non-economics studies include works on planetary boundaries, sustainable foods and the future of employment (see ‘Most-cited papers — excluding economics research’).

These lists provide insight into the types of research that politicians pay attention to, but policy citations don’t necessarily imply impact or influence, and Overton’s database has a bias towards documents published in English.

Interdisciplinary impact

Overton usually charges a licence fee to access its citation data. But last year, the firm worked with the publisher Sage to release a free web-based tool , based in Thousand Oaks, California, that allows any researcher to find out how many times policy documents have cited their papers or mention their names. Overton and Sage said they created the tool, called Sage Policy Profiles, to help researchers to demonstrate the impact or influence their work might be having on policy. This can be useful for researchers during promotion or tenure interviews and in grant applications.

Autor thinks his study stands out because his paper was different from what other economists were writing at the time. It suggested that ‘middle-skill’ work, typically done in offices or factories by people who haven’t attended university, was going to be largely automated, leaving workers with either highly skilled jobs or manual work. “It has stood the test of time,” he says, “and it got people to focus on what I think is the right problem.” That topic is just as relevant today, Autor says, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Most-cited papers — excluding economics research

When economics studies are excluded, the research papers that policy documents most commonly reference cover topics including climate change and nutrition.

Walter Willett, an epidemiologist and food scientist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, thinks that interdisciplinary teams are most likely to gain a lot of policy citations. He co-authored a paper on the list of most cited non-economics studies: a 2019 work 3 that was part of a Lancet commission to investigate how to feed the global population a healthy and environmentally sustainable diet by 2050 and has accumulated more than 600 policy citations.

“I think it had an impact because it was clearly a multidisciplinary effort,” says Willett. The work was co-authored by 37 scientists from 17 countries. The team included researchers from disciplines including food science, health metrics, climate change, ecology and evolution and bioethics. “None of us could have done this on our own. It really did require working with people outside our fields.”

Sverker Sörlin, an environmental historian at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, agrees that papers with a diverse set of authors often attract more policy citations. “It’s the combined effect that is often the key to getting more influence,” he says.

Has your research influenced policy? Use this free tool to check

Sörlin co-authored two papers in the list of top ten non-economics papers. One of those is a 2015 Science paper 4 on planetary boundaries — a concept defining the environmental limits in which humanity can develop and thrive — which has attracted more than 750 policy citations. Sörlin thinks one reason it has been popular is that it’s a sequel to a 2009 Nature paper 5 he co-authored on the same topic, which has been cited by policy documents 575 times.

Although policy citations don’t necessarily imply influence, Willett has seen evidence that his paper is prompting changes in policy. He points to Denmark as an example, noting that the nation is reformatting its dietary guidelines in line with the study’s recommendations. “I certainly can’t say that this document is the only thing that’s changing their guidelines,” he says. But “this gave it the support and credibility that allowed them to go forward”.

Broad brush

Peter Gluckman, who was the chief science adviser to the prime minister of New Zealand between 2009 and 2018, is not surprised by the lists. He expects policymakers to refer to broad-brush papers rather than those reporting on incremental advances in a field.

Gluckman, a paediatrician and biomedical scientist at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, notes that it’s important to consider the context in which papers are being cited, because studies reporting controversial findings sometimes attract many citations. He also warns that the list is probably not comprehensive: many policy papers are not easily accessible to tools such as Overton, which uses text mining to compile data, and so will not be included in the database.

The top 100 papers

“The thing that worries me most is the age of the papers that are involved,” Gluckman says. “Does that tell us something about just the way the analysis is done or that relatively few papers get heavily used in policymaking?”

Gluckman says it’s strange that some recent work on climate change, food security, social cohesion and similar areas hasn’t made it to the non-economics list. “Maybe it’s just because they’re not being referred to,” he says, or perhaps that work is cited, in turn, in the broad-scope papers that are most heavily referenced in policy documents.

As for Sage Policy Profiles, Gluckman says it’s always useful to get an idea of which studies are attracting attention from policymakers, but he notes that studies often take years to influence policy. “Yet the average academic is trying to make a claim here and now that their current work is having an impact,” he adds. “So there’s a disconnect there.”

Willett thinks policy citations are probably more important than scholarly citations in other papers. “In the end, we don’t want this to just sit on an academic shelf.”

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00660-1

Updates & Corrections

Correction 22 April 2024 : The original version of this story credited Sage, rather than Overton, as the source of the policy papers’ citation data. Sage’s location has also been updated.

Autor, D. H., Levy, F. & Murnane, R. J. Q. J. Econ. 118 , 1279–1333 (2003).

Article Google Scholar

Costanza, R. et al. Nature 387 , 253–260 (1997).

Willett, W. et al. Lancet 393 , 447–492 (2019).

Article PubMed Google Scholar

Steffen, W. et al. Science 347 , 1259855 (2015).

Rockström, J. et al. Nature 461 , 472–475 (2009).

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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.

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Partisan divides over K-12 education in 8 charts

Proponents and opponents of teaching critical race theory attend a school board meeting in Yorba Linda, California, in November 2021. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

K-12 education is shaping up to be a key issue in the 2024 election cycle. Several prominent Republican leaders, including GOP presidential candidates, have sought to limit discussion of gender identity and race in schools , while the Biden administration has called for expanded protections for transgender students . The coronavirus pandemic also brought out partisan divides on many issues related to K-12 schools .

Today, the public is sharply divided along partisan lines on topics ranging from what should be taught in schools to how much influence parents should have over the curriculum. Here are eight charts that highlight partisan differences over K-12 education, based on recent surveys by Pew Research Center and external data.

Pew Research Center conducted this analysis to provide a snapshot of partisan divides in K-12 education in the run-up to the 2024 election. The analysis is based on data from various Center surveys and analyses conducted from 2021 to 2023, as well as survey data from Education Next, a research journal about education policy. Links to the methodology and questions for each survey or analysis can be found in the text of this analysis.

Most Democrats say K-12 schools are having a positive effect on the country , but a majority of Republicans say schools are having a negative effect, according to a Pew Research Center survey from October 2022. About seven-in-ten Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (72%) said K-12 public schools were having a positive effect on the way things were going in the United States. About six-in-ten Republicans and GOP leaners (61%) said K-12 schools were having a negative effect.

A bar chart that shows a majority of Republicans said K-12 schools were having a negative effect on the U.S. in 2022.

About six-in-ten Democrats (62%) have a favorable opinion of the U.S. Department of Education , while a similar share of Republicans (65%) see it negatively, according to a March 2023 survey by the Center. Democrats and Republicans were more divided over the Department of Education than most of the other 15 federal departments and agencies the Center asked about.

A bar chart that shows wide partisan differences in views of most federal agencies, including the Department of Education.

In May 2023, after the survey was conducted, Republican lawmakers scrutinized the Department of Education’s priorities during a House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing. The lawmakers pressed U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona on topics including transgender students’ participation in sports and how race-related concepts are taught in schools, while Democratic lawmakers focused on school shootings.

Partisan opinions of K-12 principals have become more divided. In a December 2021 Center survey, about three-quarters of Democrats (76%) expressed a great deal or fair amount of confidence in K-12 principals to act in the best interests of the public. A much smaller share of Republicans (52%) said the same. And nearly half of Republicans (47%) had not too much or no confidence at all in principals, compared with about a quarter of Democrats (24%).

A line chart showing that confidence in K-12 principals in 2021 was lower than before the pandemic — especially among Republicans.

This divide grew between April 2020 and December 2021. While confidence in K-12 principals declined significantly among people in both parties during that span, it fell by 27 percentage points among Republicans, compared with an 11-point decline among Democrats.

Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to say teachers’ unions are having a positive effect on schools. In a May 2022 survey by Education Next , 60% of Democrats said this, compared with 22% of Republicans. Meanwhile, 53% of Republicans and 17% of Democrats said that teachers’ unions were having a negative effect on schools. (In this survey, too, Democrats and Republicans include independents who lean toward each party.)

A line chart that show from 2013 to 2022, Republicans' and Democrats' views of teachers' unions grew further apart.

The 38-point difference between Democrats and Republicans on this question was the widest since Education Next first asked it in 2013. However, the gap has exceeded 30 points in four of the last five years for which data is available.

Republican and Democratic parents differ over how much influence they think governments, school boards and others should have on what K-12 schools teach. About half of Republican parents of K-12 students (52%) said in a fall 2022 Center survey that the federal government has too much influence on what their local public schools are teaching, compared with two-in-ten Democratic parents. Republican K-12 parents were also significantly more likely than their Democratic counterparts to say their state government (41% vs. 28%) and their local school board (30% vs. 17%) have too much influence.

A bar chart showing Republican and Democratic parents have different views of the influence government, school boards, parents and teachers have on what schools teach

On the other hand, more than four-in-ten Republican parents (44%) said parents themselves don’t have enough influence on what their local K-12 schools teach, compared with roughly a quarter of Democratic parents (23%). A larger share of Democratic parents – about a third (35%) – said teachers don’t have enough influence on what their local schools teach, compared with a quarter of Republican parents who held this view.

Republican and Democratic parents don’t agree on what their children should learn in school about certain topics. Take slavery, for example: While about nine-in-ten parents of K-12 students overall agreed in the fall 2022 survey that their children should learn about it in school, they differed by party over the specifics. About two-thirds of Republican K-12 parents said they would prefer that their children learn that slavery is part of American history but does not affect the position of Black people in American society today. On the other hand, 70% of Democratic parents said they would prefer for their children to learn that the legacy of slavery still affects the position of Black people in American society today.

A bar chart showing that, in 2022, Republican and Democratic parents had different views of what their children should learn about certain topics in school.

Parents are also divided along partisan lines on the topics of gender identity, sex education and America’s position relative to other countries. Notably, 46% of Republican K-12 parents said their children should not learn about gender identity at all in school, compared with 28% of Democratic parents. Those shares were much larger than the shares of Republican and Democratic parents who said that their children should not learn about the other two topics in school.

Many Republican parents see a place for religion in public schools , whereas a majority of Democratic parents do not. About six-in-ten Republican parents of K-12 students (59%) said in the same survey that public school teachers should be allowed to lead students in Christian prayers, including 29% who said this should be the case even if prayers from other religions are not offered. In contrast, 63% of Democratic parents said that public school teachers should not be allowed to lead students in any type of prayers.

Bar charts that show nearly six-in-ten Republican parents, but fewer Democratic parents, said in 2022 that public school teachers should be allowed to lead students in prayer.

In June 2022, before the Center conducted the survey, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a football coach at a public high school who had prayed with players at midfield after games. More recently, Texas lawmakers introduced several bills in the 2023 legislative session that would expand the role of religion in K-12 public schools in the state. Those proposals included a bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom, a bill that would allow schools to replace guidance counselors with chaplains, and a bill that would allow districts to mandate time during the school day for staff and students to pray and study religious materials.

Mentions of diversity, social-emotional learning and related topics in school mission statements are more common in Democratic areas than in Republican areas. K-12 mission statements from public schools in areas where the majority of residents voted Democratic in the 2020 general election are at least twice as likely as those in Republican-voting areas to include the words “diversity,” “equity” or “inclusion,” according to an April 2023 Pew Research Center analysis .

A dot plot showing that public school district mission statements in Democratic-voting areas mention some terms more than those in areas that voted Republican in 2020.

Also, about a third of mission statements in Democratic-voting areas (34%) use the word “social,” compared with a quarter of those in Republican-voting areas, and a similar gap exists for the word “emotional.” Like diversity, equity and inclusion, social-emotional learning is a contentious issue between Democrats and Republicans, even though most K-12 parents think it’s important for their children’s schools to teach these skills . Supporters argue that social-emotional learning helps address mental health needs and student well-being, but some critics consider it emotional manipulation and want it banned.

In contrast, there are broad similarities in school mission statements outside of these hot-button topics. Similar shares of mission statements in Democratic and Republican areas mention students’ future readiness, parent and community involvement, and providing a safe and healthy educational environment for students.

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About 1 in 4 U.S. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year

About half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, race and lgbtq issues in k-12 schools, most popular.

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research. Abortion - Should abortion be legal? Alternative Energy - Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels? American Socialism - Should the U.S. become socialist?
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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.
100 Controversial Research Topics Guide For College Students
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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 ...
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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. ... Controversial Issues and Current Events. Affirmative Action; Affordable Care Act; ... accurate discussions of over 250 controversial topics in the news along with chronologies ...
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Check out our list of the best controversial topics for essays or debates. Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 ... Controversial issues are also a good topic because it's easier to write a strong thesis and find sources to back up your argument. ... Check out our list of 113 amazing research paper topics to put you on the path to an A+ paper grade!
30 Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas
Remember that your controversial research paper won't solve the issue, it is needed to teach you to look at the issue from all the sides possible and hold the discussion. You may use the list of sample topics we gathered for you to get inspired and use the ideas in your own research. Good luck! Abortions: pro-life, pro-choice or the third option?
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50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 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 ...
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These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this. iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone. Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families. Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights. Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care.
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Social and Political Issues Debate Topics. All people should have the right to own guns. The death penalty should be abolished. Human cloning should be legalized. All drugs should be legalized. Animal testing should be banned. Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults. Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
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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 ...
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1. Stimulates Critical Thinking and Debates

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