how to write a research paper for high school students

How to Write a Research Paper as a High School Student

By Carly Taylor

Senior at Stanford University

6 minute read

Read our guide to learn why you should write a research paper and how to do so, from choosing the right topic to outlining and structuring your argument.

What is a research paper?

A research paper poses an answer to a specific question and defends that answer using academic sources, data, and critical reasoning. Writing a research paper is an excellent way to hone your focus during a research project , synthesize what you’re learning, and explain why your work matters to a broader audience of scholars in your field.

The types of sources and evidence you’ll see used in a research paper can vary widely based on its field of study. A history research paper might examine primary sources like journals and newspaper articles to draw conclusions about the culture of a specific time and place, whereas a biology research paper might analyze data from different published experiments and use textbook explanations of cellular pathways to identify a potential marker for breast cancer.

However, researchers across disciplines must identify and analyze credible sources, formulate a specific research question, generate a clear thesis statement, and organize their ideas in a cohesive manner to support their argument. Read on to learn how this process works and how to get started writing your own research paper, integrating skills like critical thinking and advanced academic writing.

How do I choose my topic?

Tap into your passions.

A research paper is your chance to explore what genuinely interests you and combine ideas in novel ways. So don’t choose a subject that simply sounds impressive or blindly follow what someone else wants you to do – choose something you’re really passionate about! You should be able to enjoy reading for hours and hours about your topic and feel enthusiastic about synthesizing and sharing what you learn.

We've created these helpful writing resources to inspire you to think about your own passion project . Polygence also offers a passion exploration experience where you can dive deep into three potential areas of study with expert mentors from those fields.

Ask a difficult question

In the traditional classroom, top students are expected to always know the answers to the questions the teacher asks. But a research paper is YOUR chance to pose a big question that no one has answered yet and figure out how to make a contribution to answering that question. So don’t be afraid if you have no idea how to answer your question at the start of the research process — this will help you maintain a motivational sense of discovery as you dive deeper into your research. If you need inspiration, explore our database of research project ideas and easy research topics for high school students.

Be as specific as possible

It’s essential to be reasonable about what you can accomplish in one paper and narrow your focus down to an issue you can thoroughly address. For example, if you’re interested in the effects of invasive species on ecosystems, it’s best to focus on one invasive species and one ecosystem, such as iguanas in South Florida , or one survival mechanism, such as supercolonies in invasive ant species . If you can, get hands on with your project.

You should approach your paper with the mindset of becoming an expert in this topic. Narrowing your focus will help you achieve this goal without getting lost in the weeds and overwhelming yourself.

Would you like to write your own research paper?

Polygence mentors can help you every step of the way in writing and showcasing your research paper

How do I prepare to write a research paper?

Conduct preliminary research.

Before you dive into writing your research paper, conduct a literature review to see what’s already known about your topic. This can help you find your niche within the existing body of research and formulate your question. For example, Polygence student Jasmita found that researchers had studied the effects of background music on student test performance, but they had not taken into account the effect of a student’s familiarity with the music being played, so she decided to pose this new question in her research paper.

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to skim articles in order to decide whether they’re relevant enough to your research interest before committing to reading them in full. This can help you spend as much time as possible with the sources you’ll actually cite in your paper.

Skimming articles will help you gain a broad-strokes view of the different pockets of existing knowledge in your field and identify the most potentially useful sources. Reading articles in full will allow you to accumulate specific evidence related to your research question and begin to formulate an answer to it.

Draft a thesis statement

Your thesis statement is your succinctly-stated answer to the question you’re posing, which you’ll make your case for in the body of the paper. For example, if you’re studying the effect of K-pop on eating disorders and body image in teenagers of different races, your thesis may be that Asian teenagers who are exposed to K-pop videos experience more negative effects on their body image than Caucasian teenagers.

Pro Writing Tip: It’s okay to refine your thesis as you continue to learn more throughout your research and writing process! A preliminary thesis will help you come up with a structure for presenting your argument, but you should absolutely change your thesis if new information you uncover changes your perspective or adds nuance to it.

Create an outline

A research paper outline is a tool for sketching out the structure of your paper by organizing your points broadly into subheadings and more finely into individual paragraphs. Try putting your thesis at the top of your outline, then brainstorm all the points you need to convey in order to support your thesis.

Pro Tip: Your outline is just a jumping-off point – it will evolve as you gain greater clarity on your argument through your writing and continued research. Sometimes, it takes several iterations of outlining, then writing, then re-outlining, and then rewriting in order to find the best structure for your paper.

What are some key tips when writing?

Introduction.

A research paper introduction should move the reader from your broad area of interest into your specific area of focus for the paper. It generally takes the form of one to two paragraphs that build up your thesis statement and give the reader an idea of the broad argumentative structure of your paper. After reading your introduction, your reader should know what claim you’re going to present and what kinds of evidence you’ll analyze to support it.

Topic sentences

Writing crystal clear topic sentences is a crucial aspect of a successful research paper. A topic sentence is like the thesis statement of a particular paragraph – it should clearly state the point that the paragraph will make. Writing focused topic sentences will help you remain focused while writing your paragraphs and will ensure that the reader can clearly grasp the function of each paragraph in the paper’s overall structure.

Transitions

Sophisticated research papers move beyond tacking on simple transitional phrases such as “Secondly” or “Moreover” to the start of each new paragraph. Instead, each paragraph flows naturally into the next one, with the connection between each idea made very clear. Try using specifically crafted transitional phrases rather than stock phrases to move from one point to the next which will make your paper as cohesive as possible.

In her research paper on Pakistani youth in the U.S. , Polygence student Iba used the following specifically crafted transition to move between two paragraphs: “Although the struggles of digital ethnography limited some data collection, there are also many advantages of digital data collection.” This sentence provides the logical link between the discussion of digital ethnography's limitations from the prior paragraph and the upcoming discussion of this technique’s advantages in this paragraph.

What is a research paper conclusion?

Your conclusion can have several functions:

To drive home your thesis and summarize your argument

To emphasize the broader significance of your findings and answer the “so what” question

To point out some questions raised by your thesis and/or opportunities for further research

Your conclusion can take on all three of these tasks or just one, depending on what you feel your paper is still lacking up to this point.

How do I cite my sources?

Last but not least, crediting your sources is extremely important. There are many different citation formats, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago style. Research online or consult an expert to make sure you know which citation style is standard in your field of interest.

You have several options for keeping track of your bibliography:

Use a notebook to record the relevant information from each of your sources: title, author, date of publication, journal name, page numbers, etc.

Create a folder on your computer where you can store your electronic sources

Use an online bibliography creator such as Zotero, Easybib, or Noodletools to track sources and generate citations

Under our Projects tab, you can read research papers by Polygence students. You can also explore other opportunities for high school research and writing contests .

If you’re interested in finding an expert mentor to guide you through the process of writing your own independent research paper, consider applying to be a Polygence scholar today!

Your research paper helps even you earn college credit , get published in an academic journal , contribute to your application for college , and improve your college admissions chances !

Feeling Inspired?

Interested in doing an exciting research project? Click below to get matched with one of our expert mentors!

Research Paper Examples for High School Students

Indigo Research Team

Are you about to write a research paper but staring at a blank page, confused and overwhelmed?

Well, you're not alone. Most students find themselves in this position, especially on their first paper.

You probably have questions like "How exactly should my sections be organized?" or "What should my biology research paper look like?

It's enough to make anyone feel lost.

This article provides a guiding light through the fog. In the next few minutes, we'll provide several research paper examples for high school students you can use as a guide.

Sound good? Then, let's dive right in!

What is a Research Paper?

A research paper is an academic paper that answers a specific question.

Writing a quality paper is a big deal in academia. It represents the highest level of academic study - where you dive deep into investigating a topic, analyzing information, and making an original argument supported by extensive research.

The goal is to further the boundaries of knowledge in your field. You challenge existing theories with new perspectives that could reshape the understanding of that topic area. It takes rigorous critical thinking and skills to synthesize mounds of information into meaningful conclusions that contribute new insights.

Writing research helps you grow as a scholar, too. The intense process of engaging deeply with a complex topic builds your research, analytical, and academic writing abilities. By sharing fresh ideas and findings with others, you stimulate the growth of knowledge in your discipline.

There are different types of research papers. It depends on your objective and methodology (how you conduct the research).

Analytical Research Paper

An analytical paper focuses on examining different viewpoints from published works on a topic. You evaluate the information to provide a comprehensive, unbiased understanding.

Argumentative or Persuasive Research Paper

An argumentative or persuasive paper takes a stand on a controversial issue and argues for that position. You try to convince the reader that your viewpoint is correct or best by using evidence and logic.

Experimental Research Paper

Experimental papers document the process and results of experiments the author performed. This details the step-by-step methodology, data collected, analysis done, and conclusions made. It's commonly used in scientific fields.

Survey Research Paper

Survey papers collect data directly from people about their thoughts, behaviors, or traits. The data gets analyzed to make inferences about the broader population sampled.

Comparative Research Paper

Comparative papers highlight similarities and differences between theories, policies, or phenomena. Comparing things leads to deeper understanding.

Cause and Effect Research Paper

Cause and effect papers explore reasons why some events happen, or conditions exist and outcomes that then emerge. The researcher tries to establish causal links between variables.

Review Research Paper

Finally, a review paper synthesizes all existing research on a topic to identify overarching trends, gaps, and consensus in that field or discipline.

As you can see, each research paper type serves unique aims and requires certain perspectives. Understanding these distinctions helps guide your approach when conducting and writing up studies. 

The landscape of academia progresses through work recorded in papers like these, driving innovation. They remain vital for spreading knowledge and encouraging a thoughtful culture of exploration.

The key is first to understand the purpose behind the specific research paper you aim to tackle. Get clear on the methodology and outcome goals upfront.

It takes time and skill to compose the best papers that contribute to knowledge.

Different Research Paper Examples for High School Students

Writing a quality research paper can feel intimidating at first. However, having solid sample research examples to guide you makes it much more manageable. The type of research paper you write depends on your area of study.

In this section, you’ll find several research examples across different disciplines written by our students here at Indigo Research:

Physics Research Paper Example

Physics explores the laws around motion, energy, and forces. You could investigate why objects fall at different speeds, how magnets work to attract metal, or how electricity flows through wires. Researching core concepts like gravity, friction, magnetic fields, or light waves reveals insights into the physics of how the world works.

Here is a good research paper example in physics. 

• Axions as a Model of Dark Matter

Biology Research Paper Example

Biology delves into the living world of animals, plants, cells, and ecosystems. You might study metamorphosis across a butterfly's life cycle stages, how pollution impacts forest health, or the intricate parts that make up a single cell. Understanding foundational building blocks like ecosystems, plant life cycles, cell anatomy, and more can yield fascinating discoveries.

Here are some well-written research papers on biology for guidance.

• A Stretchable and Tough Small-scale Magnetic Actuator for Biomedical Applications

Psychology Research Paper Example

Psychology aims to reveal why humans think, feel, and act the way we do through studying emotions, memory, development, and interactions. Investigating what triggers anger responses, factors impacting eye-witness memory, peer pressure effects on teens, or impacts of rap music lyrics on mood represents just a snippet of psychological research possibilities out there to captivate any burgeoning psychologist!

Here is a research essay example in psychology for guidance.

• Sustained Attention Outcomes of ADHD Traits and Typically Developing Participants

Economics Research Paper Example

Economics analyzes financial decision-making around supply, demand, trade, and resources. You could explore reasons for inflation, stock market trends, how governments intervene in markets, or why everyday goods' prices fluctuate over time. Real-world applications make economics research intriguing for unraveling modern money matters.

Here is an example of student research paper on economics for guidance.

• Impact of YouTubers on Cryptocurrency

AI and Machine Learning Research Paper Example

AI and machine learning study how to engineer computer systems and robots capable of “thinking" intelligently like humans. It's an exciting frontier with innovations like self-driving vehicles, personalized ads served by algorithms analyzing your browsing data, or AI programs winning strategy games against grandmasters.

Evaluation metrics for neural networks, implementing pattern recognition, and analyzing bias in data or code – the options for hands-on testing are vast enough to launch forward machine intelligence that enhances lives.

Here is a sample short research paper example on AI and Machine Learning.

• Personalized Hybrid Recommender System with Average Time Intervals

Computer Science Research Paper Example

Computer science underlies software, apps, video games, and websites, transforming modern life through coding languages and powering the technology we engage with daily. Possible investigations include modeling a mobile app, evaluating website security vulnerabilities, debugging video game mods you create, comparing software engineering code methods, or prototyping a computational art bot to generate poems.

Here is a free example of a research paper as a guide on computer science research.

• Accelerating and Improving Simulation Performance in Communication Systems Modeling through Parallel Computing and Clustering

History Research Paper Example

History research connects past and present events, social movements, and influential leaders' lasting impacts on modern life. Deeply exploring WWII's complex catalysts, how the civil rights movement unfolded through key milestones, the rippling influences of Ada Lovelace's innovations, or lessons we can learn from the Space Race era now in a renewed age of interstellar exploration can anchor history's meaningful life teachings in our memory.

Below is an example of a sample undergraduate research paper to write for history research.

• Yugo Wars: A Case Study on the Peacekeeping Efforts in Bosna-Hercegovina

Math Research Paper Example

Math research elucidates the world through numeracy, geometry, algebra, statistics, calculus, and more. You can consider comparing statistical methods, implementing probability theory, discovering patterns in prime numbers, demonstrating geometry theorems, or modeling applications of derivatives/integrals. The pure science of mathematics interlinks with every other domain, opening cross-disciplinary opportunities!

Here is an example of a math research paper to use as a guide.

• Paradoxes in Special Theory of Relativity

Law Research Paper Example

Law research examines legal principles, court precedents, and regulations upholding rights plus justice in societies. Analyzing Supreme Court decisions validating rights, evaluating the effectiveness of criminal procedures, or studying juvenile law complexities represents just a small sample of legal avenues to bolster understanding of ethical codes steering modern civilization.

Here is an example of a law research paper you can use as a guide.

• Mental Health Through the Lens of Law

Medicine Research Paper Example

Medical research aims to improve healthcare through clinical treatment insights, pharmaceutical advances, diagnostic technologies, vaccination developments, or surgical innovations against prevalent diseases and global epidemics. Choose burning topics like cancer immunotherapies, coronavirus variants analysis, anesthesiology during operations, the efficacy of antidepressants, post-stroke rehabilitation, or maternal health policies to drive life-saving medical revelations!

Here are examples of medical research papers for high school students.

• An Evaluation of Communication Methods for Community Outreach in Patients with Diabetes

Astronomy Research Paper Example

Ever wonder what's happening beyond Earth? In astronomy, you can dive into the vast universe! Write about planets, stars, galaxies, black holes, or even the Big Bang. Explain how stars are born, what planets contain, and how telescopes help us see faraway space objects. Imagine the mysteries you can uncover.

Here is an example of a written research paper on astronomy. 

• INTEGRAL mission - Automation of Transponder Swaps Scheduling and Schedule Validation

Media Research Suggestion Example

Movies, TV shows, social media – media is everywhere! Media research looks at how it influences us. Explore how advertisements try to persuade us, how social media impacts relationships, or how news channels shape world understandings. You could research on nearly everything. Like how special effects excite moviegoers, how influencers gain followers, or how to spot fake news online. The insights are endless.

Here is an example of a scholarly paper sample on Media for high school students.

• Role of Interactive Multimedia in Environment Awareness

A Sample Research Paper 

The potential of microbiome manipulation in honeybees to mitigate colony collapse disorder (ccd).

Honeybees fill the vital ecological roles of pollinating diverse wild and agricultural plant species globally. However, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) poses escalating threats by inflicting sudden population crashes where adult worker bees inexplicably abandon hives. While researchers have identified likely culprits, including pesticides, habitat loss, viruses, and mites, fully elucidating CCD’s triggers remains challenging. Recently, attention shifted to better understanding the links between honeybee digestive tract microbial communities and CCD susceptibility. Studies reveal alterations within gut microorganism populations of collapse-prone bee colonies. These discoveries inspired promising yet still emerging microbiome-focused interventions aiming to improve hive resilience like probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal transplants. If efficacious and scalable solutions emerge through further research, microbial amendments in apiculture could help mitigate CCD while benefiting ecosystems, agriculture, and food security worldwide.

Introduction

Bees’ extraordinary pollination services enable sexual reproduction for nearly 90% of wild plant species and over 70% of global food crops. This linchpin role of managed honeybees upholding ecosystem biodiversity and supporting agricultural productivity explains rising concerns over Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). First reported in 2006, CCD describes mysterious honeybee hive abandonments where adult worker bees inexplicably disappear, leaving behind the queen, some nurses, and lingering honey and pollen reserves. Their unexplained failures to return disabled colonies cascaded into population crashes.

While global apiculture continually sustains some attrition, the accelerating rates and enigmatic characteristics of CCD-afflicted declines have alarmed farmers, conservationists and policy makers alike due to our interdependence with bees propagating crops, orchards, and botanical abundance. Investigations of the disorder’s erratic outbreaks gradually compiled causes ranging from pesticide exposures to inadequate nutrition. One relative newcomer on the list of contributing stress factors - alterations within bees’ digestive tract microbial communities – shows particular promise for explaining susceptibilities while offering potential mitigation opportunities through microbiome manipulation techniques.

Like humans and most creatures, bees rely on densely populated gut microbial communities aiding digestion, nourishing development, calibrating immunity, and mediating toxins. Swarming with bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, a bee’s microbiome exhibits its own ecological equilibrium where different species carve distinct metabolic niches while also interacting cooperatively or competitively to stabilize overall population dynamics and hive functionality.

Research reveals that much like other mammals, individual bees initially acquire gut microbes through environmental transmission from adults, then continue inoculating colony members throughout their lives via ongoing physical contact and shared food. Colonies maintain somewhat consistent core microbial signatures across seasons and geographies. However, when examining CCD-decimated hives, scientists noticed stark microbiome composition deviations from the established baseline of healthy colonies with reduced bacterial diversity and framed the shifts as either potential causes or results of collapse events. Ongoing studies parse details, but abundant evidence already shows microbiome status correlates with disease susceptibility generally.

These revelations spurred inquiries into whether purposefully altering bee microbiomes through probiotics, prebiotics or fecal microbial transplants could boost hive hardiness and prevent the disorder's destructive outcomes. If such microbiome-focused solutions prove efficacious, they could offer more sustainable management practices curtailing CCD pandemics to safeguard ecological integrity and agricultural outputs.

Results/Cues

Probiotics provide targeted ingestible doses of live supplemental microbes conjectured to benefit organismal and even emotional health. Researchers demonstrated that administering certain Lactobacilli strains orally enhances honeybee cognitive capacities while increasing gut microbiome diversity. Monitoring energetically costly probiotic production and field application feasibility at commercial scales will fall to agriculture experts. But thus far, studies report colony productivity improvements, supporting further probiotic development to improve resistance to colony decline.

Prebiotics refer to fibrous nutritional compounds fed to animals to stimulate growth and reproduction among their naturally occurring microbial gut inhabitants. Studies confirm prebiotic supplementation bolsters digestive tract microbial density and diversity in managed bee colonies while appearing to reduce susceptibility to pathogenic infiltration. Confirming efficiency across seasons and geographies remains necessary before producers adopt the practice en masse. Additionally, scientists must rule out unintended side effects from systematically nurturing certain untargeted microorganisms alongside beneficial commensals before deeming the method safe.

Finally, fecal microbial transplantation, an approach more commonly applied to recalibrate human digestion, has recently provided promising proof of concepts for stabilizing honeybee colony health as well. Experiments demonstrated transplanting microbiota from healthy donor colonies to disturbed recipient hives caused the recipients’ microbial composition to shift toward donor equilibrium. This also corresponded with reduced indications of immunological distress and pathogenic infiltration while promoting colony growth. Refining techniques and safety profiles could further make bee-to-bee probiotic transfers part of common practice pending field studies at true operational scales.

Despite promising early results from these microbiome-based interventions, researchers still face challenges translating laboratory success into optimized therapeutic techniques for industry-level beekeeping operations. Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding how to identify which core microbes comprise healthy bee microbiomes for different environments and genotypes. 

Controlling for inadvertent contamination introduction also demands continued vigilance. Field studies spanning multiple seasons and geographies will help gauge the true costs, scalability, and efficacy of rolling out given interventions. Lastly, perhaps the greatest challenge entails convincing traditionally minded beekeepers to adopt progressive microbiome-minded practices through further demonstration of reliable returns on investment.

A growing body of research links honeybee microbiome status with colony health and functionality, lending credence to the idea that microbiome disruption intensifies Colony Collapse Disorder’s compounding stress factors to trigger sudden yet devastating hive failure. 

These revelations propelled recent initiatives testing targeted microbiome modifications like probiotics, prebiotics, and microbe-based transplantation methods to try inoculating resilience within delicate bee colonies against collapse. Developing these techniques to balance efficacy, safety, and scalability, which persist across diverse real-world scenarios, remains an ongoing work. 

But early results bolster hopes that microbial amendments could soon emerge as viable tools for sustainably managing honeybee health to preserve these species’ ecological contributions while also protecting global agriculture’s productive potential it relies upon. Perhaps harnessing the microbiome’s power will illuminate pathways toward securing food and habitat for all species, including our own.

Anderson, K. E., et al. (2013). Gut microbial communities of honey bees are linked to hive health and nesting ecology. PLoS ONE, 8(6), e64046.

Engel, P., & Moran, N. A. (2013). The gut microbiota of bees: potential impacts on individual and colony health. Current Opinion in Insect Science, 2(1), 30-34.

Kwong, W. K., & Moran, N. A. (2016). Gut microbial symbiosis in honey bees: the potential role of selected lactobacilli in colony health. PLoS One, 11(3), e0151028.

Raymann, K., Moran, N. A., & Reuter, M. (2017). Ecological drivers of gut microbiota composition in social bees. FEMS Microbiology Letters, 362(14), fnw254.

Mao, W., et al. (2017). RNA-seq reveals impact of glyphosate-induced gut microbiome dysbiosis on honey bee health. Gut Microbes, 8(3), 245-255.

Vásquez, A., et al. (2017). Gut microbiome modulation as a potential approach to enhance bee health. Microbial Ecology, 74(2), 407-420.

Kakutani, T., et al. (2016). Effects of prebiotics on gut Lactobacillus flora and fructosyltransferase activity in the honeybee (Apis mellifera L.). Journal of Veterinary Medical Science, 78(2), 219-225.

Zheng, H., et al. (2020). Fecal microbiota transplantation restores gut microbiota and promotes honey bee worker longevity. Apidologie, 51(3), 807-817.

Final Takeaway

The key when writing a research paper in any field is to convey clearly your entire research process. It's ethical to refer to examples on the paper you're to write on. That's why we've taken the time to show you several examples of student research papers across various disciplines so you'll know how to proceed with your paper. 

If you still find it really difficult to write your own research paper, even with the examples we've provided, start your research journey with Indigo Research! Not only we will show you how to write a publishable research paper, you will also learn the necessary skills that will benefit you in the future.

How to Build an Independent Research Project in High School

Looking for ways to get more involved in your academics, dive deep into one subject, and better prepare yourself for college? Let’s talk research. 

In this guide, I’m going to outline how you can build a research project, find a mentor, and even publish your research—all while in high school. This comes from my experience studying for my PhD at Harvard Business School, directing the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , and doing research myself in high school. 

What is an independent research project?  

Independent research is basically a rigorous investigation into an academic question. What you study and the way you go about doing the research can vary widely between academic disciplines and scientific fields, but what connects all projects is a step-by-step approach to trying to answer the question. This might involve advanced data analysis, a review of dozens of scientific papers, or an experiment that you design and run.

In the research program I help run for high school students, we’ve had students who have written on many high school research project topics. These include climate change’s impact on the economy in Mumbai, non-viral delivery mechanisms for CRISPR/cas9, and an analysis of the AI strategy of the European Union. Do those sound way too impressive? Each of these projects were different in their approach and were built by high school students with no prior research experience.

In short, you can do it! 

An independent research project:

Analyzes a scientific question

Uses a rigorous methodology to answer the question

Draws on existing literature/scientific research

Involves writing a research paper or similar academic output (e.g., poster, academic presentation)

(Usually) requires mentorship from a research expert in the field 

Why should you do an independent research project?  

I see two main reasons to do an independent project: 1) to explore an area of academic interest that you’re particularly excited about and go far deeper than you could in a class, and 2) to build a project that reflects your interests and abilities to the outside world (I’ll explain more in a second).

Reason #1: To learn about an area that excites you  

Research is all about trying to discover something new. To do so, you have to go deep into a particular topic.

One high school student I mentored was interested in how organizations work. In particular, she was interested in her school system—the United World Colleges (UWC)—and how it came together to achieve its mission.

To research the school system, she decided on a qualitative (AKA interview-based) research project. To start, she made a list of 50 influential people in the UWC system (administrators, teachers, board members, and volunteers), found the emails and LinkedIns of each, and then reached out to them. She held over 25 interviews over Zoom, asking them about the school system and what challenges they faced. After a few interviews, she focused her research project on the topic of student selection. At the same time, we read research papers on related topics. She finally built a theory around the decentralized nature of the school system and how it influenced how students were selected.

In the end, she wrote a research paper that pushed her to go far deeper than any class on psychology! And you can too.

Whatever your interest, research will force you to go far deeper than you’ve gone on the topic. You’ll spend time learning about the cutting edge of the field. Then from there, you’ll try to build something new. 

Reason #2: Showcase your interests & abilities to the outside world

Universities tend to think research projects reflect a student’s high level of academic ability and drive. For example, in a 2014 research project on which summer activities were important for admission officers , research was ranked as second most important, following internships. In the same report, The University of Chicago admission office said, “ We give research prominence because as a research institution, we certainly like to see students engaging in research at the high school level .”

We conducted a research project exploring admission outcomes of students who took part in the Lumiere research program and listed research in their application. We found that students who did research as part of the program were 26% more likely to be admitted to a top 10 school than the average pool of applicants. Of course, we can’t claim that doing research means you’re more likely to get into any school—there are confounding factors such as baseline academic ability, intellectual curiosity, or parental background. But this is a useful data point to show that academically strong students often do research. 

So how do you actually build it?? 

How to Build an Independent Research Project

Step #1: identify a topic or area of interest  .

The first step is to identify an area that interests you. The more specific you can be the better, but you can be broad if you have a mentor who can guide you.

I usually recommend students try to get to the level of a sub-field when describing their interests. That means that you should be more specific than saying “economics,” but you don’t need to be as specific as saying, “I’m interested in the impact of Massachusetts state subsidies on consumption of electric vehicles in 2019” (an actual research project we’ve seen!). If you end up with, “I’m interested in the economics of climate change,” that’s enough to get started. In general, the more specific you can get, the better. 

To narrow your interests, I recommend reading widely in your field, including books on the topic, online articles, and research publications. Unless you have experience reading academic papers, I’d start with more public-facing writing (e.g., in magazines or books) to help you understand the field before reading more dense academic articles. 

For example, when I want to learn about business-related topics, I often read online magazines like the Harvard Business Review or research popular books on the topic by Googling. I then try to read the most popular book that comes up multiple times and that's (ideally) written by a professor. (Pro-tip: Books are nice because they’re usually written for a generalist audience and so are easier to start with. But, if they’re written by an academic, you can usually be confident that it’s rigorous!).

As I read the book, I’ll write down which papers and researchers get mentioned, then Google it/them to learn more.  

Step #2: Find a mentor (if you can)

After identifying a broad area of interest, invest time in  finding a mentor. Certainly, you do not need to work with a mentor to conduct research. But, in my experience, it’s hard to get started on a research project without some guidance. So, unless you’ve done research multiple times in the past, I recommend working with a mentor who can guide you.

If a mentor isn’t available, there’s still a lot you can do to get started. Read books in the field you’re interested in, join online communities for young researchers (Discord and Reddit have a few), and consider starting a blog that summarizes some of your learnings. These are all things you can do without a mentor. 

How do you find a mentor? The best profile of a mentor is a current researcher in the field. For example, this could be a professor working in that topic area, a PhD student, or an employee at a private lab/think tank. A second-best option would be a teacher in your school who has experience in that field and is willing to work with you on it. Ultimately, having someone is better than not, so try to loop in someone to guide you, even if just for accountability! 

You can find these researchers by attending a summer research program (here’s a list of 15 free summer research programs ) or by doing outreach yourself. That outreach could be warm (e.g., talking to the teachers and counselors in your school about your interests, asking family to see whether they have connections to researchers), or it could also be cold. If you’re looking to do cold outreach, the key is to 1) cast your net wide (reach out to 25+ researchers), 2) show how you can add value to the researcher, and 3) be persistent! Ideally, your mentor is willing to meet with you at a minimum once every few weeks to help you work on your project. Anything less than that won’t be enough guidance. 

Step #3: Define a research question  

With a mentor onboard, the next step is to identify a research question. Now your readings need to go deeper than in step #1. The best research questions are:

Specific : You need it to be specific for you to contribute to research in that area.

Researchable : You have the resources and time to do the research.

Interesting : You should care about what you’re exploring.

I’ve found that research questions require multiple iterations. The key is to propose specific ideas early on, but to take regular feedback from your mentor to refine it. If you don’t have a mentor, try to search around to see whether the idea that you’ve proposed has been studied before. You can do this by Googling your research question or by using Google Scholar (the best free platform to find academic articles). You want an idea that other people are interested in (and, therefore, have searched for before) but that hasn’t been answered. This usually takes a few tries before you find a research question that fits your interests and that you can realistically complete. 

Side Note: What about lab-based research? In a lab setting, you usually have less flexibility to pick the research question you’re interested in. That is because most labs are set up with a specific research purpose in mind, so they already have an area they want to explore. That’s ok! Just recognize that you’ll need to take more feedback from your mentor as to what topic to study in the lab.  

Step #4: Do the research!  

The next step is to do the research itself. Research can vary field-by-field—imagine how different physics research is from business research! Here are a few ways you can perform research:

Literature reviews

Data Analysis

Experiments

Interviews and Qualitative studies

Theoretical papers

You can find a ton of resources online to show you how to conduct each of these. If you’re wondering what each of these look like, below I show you a few example student projects to get you thinking. 

Step #5: Write up your results (and rewrite … and rewrite)

As you do your research, you should start writing about your results. I suggest reading at least five other papers on similar topics just to see how those authors structure their papers. For first-time researchers, imitating the style and tone of other professional researchers will be a great way for you to develop a paper that looks and feels like other papers in the field. For example, in many experimental research papers, an academic paper will follow a structure that includes an abstract, context, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion format. You could follow that structure or create your own. 

As you write, I highly recommend you get regular feedback from your mentor. Just like with your college essay , writing a great research paper requires writing and rewriting. The key is to write in the style of your academic field and to make your findings as clear as possible for an outside reader. You’re now an expert in your area of research, but your reader may not be! 

Three High School Research Topics That Worked  

Below, I profile three students who did research papers as part of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program. 

“Cap or No Cap? What Can Governments Do to Promote Production and Consumption of Electric Vehicles?”  Abstract The importance of the federal electric vehicle (EV) subsidy—the United States’ largest EV purchase incentive—in combating climate change is controversial in part because of the lack of empirical evidence. Although intuitive economic theory suggests that subsidies generally increase sales, research on the actual effect of the federal subsidy remains limited. This paper examines the effect of the federal subsidy on EV sales. Employing historical time series data from the Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center, EV units are separated into treatment and control units based on whether they are receiving the federal subsidy, allowing for a difference in differences (DiD) model structure including an initial estimate and regressions of linear and log-linear form. The federal subsidy has a substantial positive effect on EV sales, though the high standard error prevents rejection of the null at the 5% level. Above all, if, as the present study suggests, the high standard error is primarily due to a lack of sales data, then there is a need for future evaluations of the effect of the federal subsidy using more frequent time series data, as well as data from more units. — — —

Why it worked

This research paper, written by a junior in Massachusetts, investigated the impact of federal subsidies on the consumption of electric vehicles. They used a dataset collected by the Federal Department of Energy and used an advanced statistical model to measure the impact of the subsidy. The student submitted to and was ultimately published by the Cornell Undergraduate Review . The paper worked because it showed a deep knowledge of both the context of the electric vehicle market and the student’s comfort level with using statistical models common in economics research. 

Example #2:

Using Novel Data Sources to Improve the Ocean Health Index of the High Seas Abstract This paper highlights the indispensable work of the ocean in sustaining life on earth, and particularly its role in climate regulation, through the framework of the Ocean Health Index (OHI). It focuses on the high seas, a region that covers half the earth’s surface but remains unexplored and much less understood than coastal waters. This paper critically evaluates data and evidence gaps in the OHI for the high seas and proposes the application of state-of-the-art climate change databases and technology, that if incorporated into the assessment, would reflect the ocean’s contribution in this sphere. Last but not least, this paper makes recommendations for the conservation of the high seas and its teeming wildlife. — — —

Why It worked

In this paper, a student analyzed the ocean health index (OHI) and proposed novel ways to improve its measurements in the high seas. This paper combined both a literature review, analyzing the origins and purpose of the OHI, and data collection to show additional data sources that the OHI could use to improve. The final recommendations were practical and showed a unique level of understanding of what the OHI is and could be.

Example #3:

The Forgotten Third: A Comparison of China, US, and the European Union’s AI Development Abstract In the 21st century, great power competition dominates the field of international relations. Much has been written about the US and China rivalry for technological dominance, specifically in artificial intelligence. But these analyses are missing one essential player: Europe. I ask will China use its advancements in artificial intelligence to overtake the United States as a superpower, disrupting the US hegemon, just as the United States once did in a post-cold war era with the USSR. Europe is developing its own strategy and capabilities to rival those of the US and China. I use a cross-country qualitative case study method to examine advancements in artificial intelligence across the US, China, and Europe, specifically France and Germany. To determine each states’ leadership and capabilities, I compare them across their AI dreams, hardware, research, and ecosystem. In this comparison I find that whilst China’s numbers outcompete the US and Europe in total output, there are multiple criterium, notably in top tier development, where there is still a significant gap China needs to close between its rivals. Thus, providing an opportunity for Europe, specifically France and Germany, to develop and lead certain criterium regarding core AI development. This paper contributes to existing scholarship on artificial intelligence and US-China relations by adding the European dimension.  — — —

This paper involved a qualitative case study analysis of AI development across different countries. The paper works because it addresses a hot topic (AI development), but does so in a novel and interesting way (looking at Europe as the third player in a China-U.S. AI power struggle). The author concludes that there’s opportunity for European countries, particularly Germany and France, to play a role in the development of AI capabilities. 

I’ve finished my research paper—now what? Publications, competitions, and ways to show off what you did

To showcase your research, you can consider submitting it to publications. Usually, publications will send your paper to a group of anonymous reviewers (usually researchers) who will offer comments and decide whether your work will be accepted or not. Usually, you’ll have time to resubmit revisions if you don’t get in the first time.

If you’re interested in a deep dive on publication, check out this guide on how to publish your research in high school. You’ll want to find a publication that caters to high school or college students and that has a rigorous peer-review process. In general, there are a few types of targets to consider. 

Highly Selective High School & College Publications

The first type of journals that students should think about are highly selective high school and college-level publications. These journals include the Concord Review or the Columbia Junior Science Journal . For example, the above economics research paper was published in the Cornell Undergraduate Economic Review , a rigorous college-level journal for university-level economic papers. This student was the first high school student to ever be published in the journal, a clear signal of competence to others.

The most selective journals include both a rigorous review process and a limited number of spots in the journal. The Concord Review , for example, accepts about 45 student research papers each year out of an estimated 900 submissions. The Columbia Junior Science Journal , similarly, publishes between 10-20 papers each year. Most of these journals require original research or data collection of some sort.   

Rigorous, Peer Reviewed High School Publications

The next level of journals are rigorous, peer-reviewed publications. These journals, such as the Journal of Emerging Investigators or the Journal of Student Research , have a peer-review process. These journals have requirements on the type of papers that are accepted (e.g., some will accept new data analyses, some will accept literature reviews). These journals do not have a certain number of slots predefined, but they do have a bar for what type of research they’ll accept. 

For these journals, students will submit their paper and the journal will assign (or ask you to identify) a potential set of reviewers for the paper. These reviewers will be researchers in the field who have earned a PhD. The reviewers will then offer comments. The Journal of Emerging Investigators stands out here among these journals as being one of the most rigorous and providing the most in-depth, critical feedback to students.

Research Conferences  

Another place to showcase your research is at research conferences. In some fields, like computer science, conferences are actually more common places to publish work than journals. One advantage of research conferences is that they often accept abstracts of research instead of full-length research articles, lowering the amount of effort required to get accepted. Also, many conferences want more researchers to populate the conference, again making the admission process easier. Example conferences for high school students to consider include the Harvard Science Research Conference and the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting . Search, too, for field-specific conferences based on your research paper topic, perhaps by Googling “student research conference + [topic area]” or “research conference + [topic area].”

Competitions

Finally, a common way to showcase your research is in the form of a student competition. Science fairs, such as ISEF Regeneron , are one common way for students to showcase their work. But there are dozens of others, including the Genius Olympiad, John Locke Essay Competition , and the STEM Fellowship Competition . 

Competitions can be one of the most impactful ways to show your work because it’s a powerful signal if you win. As a bonus, competitions usually allow you to submit your research paper to publications and to competitions at the same time (check your publications requirements before doing that though!).

Conclusion: Research is a great way to learn and showcase what you can do

If you want to explore an area of interest deeply, there’s no better way to do it than by building a research project. Research is a great learning tool to help you become an expert in a particular field. As you build a project (and then show it off!), you’ll help create a spiky profile that can help in the admission process. 

Special thanks to Stephen for writing this blog post.

Stephen is one of the founders of the Lumiere Research Scholar Program and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1:1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper. In the 2020-2021 school year, over 1,500 students applied to the program. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how do i write a research paper as a high school student.

I'm working on a research paper for a competition and it's my first time doing this. Any tips or resources on how to tackle a research paper at the high school level? Thanks!

First off, congratulations on taking the initiative to participate in a research paper competition! Writing a research paper can seem daunting, but breaking it down into steps will make the process more manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tackle a research paper at the high school level:

1. Choose a topic : Start by selecting a subject that interests you and fits the competition's guidelines. It's important to choose a focused topic rather than a too general or too narrow one.

2. Conduct preliminary research : Familiarize yourself with the topic by looking up related articles, books, and online resources. Note any significant themes, questions, or perspectives that stand out to you during this initial phase.

3. Develop a research question : Based on your early findings, develop a research question that guides your investigation. A strong research question should be clear, focused, and complex enough to require thoughtful analysis.

4. Gather detailed information : Use databases, journals, books, and other reliable sources to collect data related to your research question. Keep track of your sources for citation purposes.

5. Organize and evaluate : As you gather information, analyze the material and look for key points, patterns, and trends. Organize your findings in a logical manner (by theme, chronology, or viewpoint).

6. Develop a thesis : Your thesis statement should be a concise argument that answers your research question and captures the central idea of your paper. This will help guide your writing.

7. Create an outline : Establish a structure for your paper by outlining the introduction, body, and conclusion. This will help you organize your thoughts, create a logical progression of ideas, and keep your paper focused on the main points.

8. Write the paper : Begin by writing a draft of your paper following your outline. Start with the body paragraphs, covering the main points and evidence for each, and then move on to the introduction and conclusion.

9. Revise and edit : After completing your draft, review it for content, organization, grammar, and style. Solicit feedback from peers and teachers who can provide constructive criticism and help you improve the paper.

10. Cite your sources : Use the appropriate citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) to document your sources in-text and in a bibliography or works cited page at the end of your paper.

To learn more, read this blog post: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-research-paper-in-high-school/

Don't forget to carefully follow your competition's specific guidelines and submission criteria throughout the process. Good luck with your research paper!

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How to Write a Research Paper in High School

What’s covered:, how to pick a compelling research paper topic, how to format your research paper, tips for writing a research paper, do research paper grades impact your college chances.

A research paper can refer to a broad range of expanded essays used to explain your interpretation of a topic. This task is highly likely to be a common assignment in high school , so it’s always better to get a grasp on this sooner than later. Getting comfortable writing research papers does not have to be difficult, and can actually be pretty interesting when you’re genuinely intrigued by what you’re researching. 

Regardless of what kind of research paper you are writing, getting started with a topic is the first step, and sometimes the hardest step. Here are some tips to get you started with your paper and get the writing to begin! 

Pick A Topic You’re Genuinely Interested In

Nothing comes across as half-baked as much as a topic that is evidently uninteresting, not to the reader, but the writer. You can only get so far with a topic that you yourself are not genuinely happy writing, and this lack of enthusiasm cannot easily be created artificially. Instead, read about things that excite you, such as some specific concepts about the structure of atoms in chemistry. Take what’s interesting to you and dive further with a research paper. 

If you need some ideas, check out our post on 52 interesting research paper topics .

The Topic Must Be A Focal Point

Your topic can almost be considered as the skeletal structure of the research paper. But in order to better understand this we need to understand what makes a good topic. Here’s an example of a good topic:

How does the amount of pectin in a vegetable affect its taste and other qualities?

This topic is pretty specific in explaining the goals of the research paper. If I had instead written something more vague such as Factors that affect taste in vegetables , the scope of the research immediately increased to a more herculean task simply because there is more to write about, some of which is overtly unnecessary. This is avoided by specifications in the topic that help guide the writer into a focused path.

By creating this specific topic, we can route back to it during the writing process to check if we’re addressing it often, and if we are then our writing is going fine! Otherwise, we’d have to reevaluate the progression of our paper and what to change. A good topic serves as a blueprint for writing the actual essay because everything you need to find out is in the topic itself, it’s almost like a sort of plan/instruction. 

Formatting a research paper is important to not only create a “cleaner” more readable end product, but it also helps streamline the writing process by making it easier to navigate. The following guidelines on formatting are considered a standard for research papers, and can be altered as per the requirements of your specific assignments, just check with your teacher/grader!

Start by using a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12 or 11 sized font. Also, add one inch margins for the pages, along with some double spacing between lines. These specifications alone get you started on a more professional and cleaner looking research paper.

Paper Citations 

If you’re creating a research paper for some sort of publication, or submission, you must use citations to refer to the sources you’ve used for the research of your topic. The APA citation style, something you might be familiar with, is the most popular citation style and it works as follows:

Author Last Name, First Initial, Publication Year, Book/Movie/Source title, Publisher/Organization

This can be applied to any source of media/news such as a book, a video, or even a magazine! Just make sure to use citation as much as possible when using external data and sources for your research, as it could otherwise land you in trouble with unwanted plagiarism. 

Structuring The Paper

Structuring your paper is also important, but not complex either. Start by creating an introductory paragraph that’s short and concise, and tells the reader what they’re going to be reading about. Then move onto more contextual information and actual presentation of research. In the case of a paper like this, you could start with stating your hypothesis in regard to what you’re researching, or even state your topic again with more clarification!

As the paper continues you should be bouncing between views that support and go against your claim/hypothesis to maintain a neutral tone. Eventually you will reach a conclusion on whether or not your hypothesis was valid, and from here you can begin to close the paper out with citations and reflections on the research process.

Talk To Your Teacher

Before the process of searching for a good topic, start by talking to your teachers first! You should form close relations with them so they can help guide you with better inspiration and ideas.

Along the process of writing, you’re going to find yourself needing help when you hit walls. Specifically there will be points at which the scope of your research could seem too shallow to create sizable writing off of it, therefore a third person point of view could be useful to help think of workarounds in such situations. 

You might be writing a research paper as a part of a submission in your applications to colleges, which is a great way to showcase your skills! Therefore, to really have a good chance to showcase yourself as a quality student, aim for a topic that doesn’t sell yourself short. It would be easier to tackle a topic that is not as intense to research, but the end results would be less worthwhile and could come across as lazy. Focus on something genuinely interesting and challenging so admissions offices know you are a determined and hard-working student!

Don’t Worry About Conclusions

The issue many students have with writing research papers, is that they aren’t satisfied with arriving at conclusions that do not support their original hypothesis. It’s important to remember that not arriving at a specific conclusion that your hypothesis was planning on, is totally fine! The whole point of a research paper is not to be correct, but it’s to showcase the trial and error behind learning and understanding something new. 

If your findings clash against your initial hypothesis, all that means is you’ve arrived at a new conclusion that can help form a new hypothesis or claim, with sound reasoning! Getting rid of this mindset that forces you to warp around your hypothesis and claims can actually improve your research writing by a lot!

Colleges won’t ever see the grades for individual assignments, but they do care a bit more about the grades you achieve in your courses. Research papers may play towards your overall course grade based on the kind of class you’re in. Therefore to keep those grades up, you should try your absolute best on your essays and make sure they get high-quality reviews to check them too!

Luckily, CollegeVine’s peer review for essays does exactly that! This great feature allows you to get your essay checked by other users, and hence make a higher-quality essay that boosts your chances of admission into a university. 

Want more info on your chances for college admissions? Check out CollegeVine’s admissions calculator, an intuitive tool that takes numerous factors into account as inputs before generating your unique chance of admission into an institute of your selection!

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Research Paper Examples for High School Students

• Last modified 2024-08-13
• Published on 2024-08-15

Enhance Your Research Skills with Aralia’s Research Scholar Classes

1. what is a research paper.

A research paper is a form of academic writing that requires a student to explore and analyze a particular topic in-depth. It involves gathering information from various sources, presenting an argument or thesis, and supporting it with evidence. Research papers are essential for developing critical thinking, building research skills, and preparing for college and beyond.

A primary research paper consists of seven main sections :

• The Abstract, which is a brief summary of the hypothesis, results, and conclusions;
• The Introduction, which provides background information, summarizes prior research, and outlines the study;
• The Methods and Experiments section, detailing the research process, study design, and procedures;
• The Results section, presenting data and statistical outcomes;
• The Discussion section, where the author interprets the results, offers conclusions, and suggests future research;
• The References section, listing all sources used;
• And finally, Tables and Figures, which display the data discussed in the paper.

To read more about each section, please refer to How to Read Scientific Research Papers – High School Edition .

2. What Are the Types of Research Paper?

There are various types of scientific research papers, each with a unique writing style that helps students develop different reading approaches. Primary articles present original research data and conclusions, allowing students to understand how research is conducted and to verify its authenticity. Secondary research documents, such as review articles and systematic reviews, provide overviews of relevant topics and expert perspectives, helping students gain a well-rounded understanding. However, students should critically assess all viewpoints. Special articles include letters to editors, commentaries, and correspondences, offering short communications on topics of interest, often responding to or providing feedback on primary research. These can be useful for students seeking additional insights or clarifications on primary research papers.

Additionally, other common research papers include analytical papers , which break down a topic into its components for deeper understanding; argumentative papers , where the writer presents and supports a particular viewpoint; and experimental papers, which document the process and results of scientific experiments. Each type helps students develop critical reading and writing skills for academic success.

3. How To Do Research

Conducting research in high school is a valuable way to explore your academic interests, develop critical thinking skills, and contribute to the broader body of knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Identify Your Research Interest : Begin by exploring subjects that genuinely fascinate you. Whether it’s a specific scientific field, a historical event, or a social issue, choosing a topic that resonates with you will keep you motivated throughout the research process. For more tips on selecting a research focus, check out How to Pursue Research Interest in High School .
• Understand the Research Process : Familiarize yourself with the key steps in conducting research, from developing a research question to collecting and analyzing data. A structured approach will help you stay organized and ensure your research is thorough and methodical. To dive deeper into these steps, refer to the 8 Steps in the Research Process .
• Design Your Study : Once you have a research question, plan how you will investigate it. This might involve designing experiments, conducting surveys, or reviewing literature. Consider what data you need, how you will collect it, and how you will ensure the reliability and validity of your findings. The Guide to Do Scientific Research in High School provides detailed insights into creating a research plan.
• Conduct the Research : Execute your research plan and document your process and observations meticulously.
• Analyze the Results : Once your data is collected, analyze it to see if it supports your hypothesis or answers your research question.
• Present Your Findings : You can present your research in various formats, such as a research paper, a presentation, or even at a science fair or competition. Make sure to communicate your methodology, findings, and conclusions.
• Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to refine your work.
• Once you feel that your papers are ready, you can choose a research journal to submit your work to for publication. Here are 17 Research Journals for High School Students.

Aralia Students Are 4x More Likely to Publish a Research Paper

4. research paper topics.

• Historical Research Topics : Exploring significant events, influential figures, and cultural movements can provide rich material for research papers. For example, students might investigate the causes and effects of World War I, the impact of the Renaissance on modern art, or the role of women in the American Revolution. Check out more historical research topics .
• Scientific Research Topics : Science topics offer opportunities to explore the natural world, human health, and technological advancements. Examples include studying the effects of climate change on biodiversity, analyzing the efficacy of different cancer treatments, or researching the ethical implications of genetic engineering.
• Literary Research Topics : Students might analyze themes, characters, and symbolism in classic or contemporary works. Examples include exploring the representation of women in Shakespeare’s plays, the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on American literature, or the influence of mythology in modern fantasy novels.
• Psychology Research Topics : For students interested in psychology, exploring topics such as the effects of social media on mental health, the psychology of learning and memory, or the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior can provide unique insights. Discover 10 unique psychology research ideas for high school students . 

5. Different Research Paper Examples for High School Students

Below, we will explore examples of high school research papers to help students understand how to structure and present their work effectively. We’ll be drawing from the Journal of Student Research (JSR), a reputable platform that publishes exemplary research conducted by high school students across a wide range of fields.

Neuroscience Research Paper

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system and brain, focusing on how they influence behavior, cognition, and overall health. Combining insights from biology, psychology, and medicine, it offers an exciting and complex field for students to research, with the goal of developing innovative treatments for neurological and psychiatric conditions.

“Alpha-Synuclein Targeting Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease” research focuses on alpha-synuclein, a protein that aggregates and plays a key role in developing Parkinson’s.

Ethics Research Paper

Ethics examines moral principles that govern human behavior and decision-making. For students, researching ethics offers an opportunity to delve into complex moral dilemmas and explore how ethical theories apply to real-world issues.

“Exploring the Interplay Between Religious Music, Emotions, and Ethics in Cultures Worldwide” investigates how religious music affects people’s emotional well-being and ethical values. The study highlights how music influences moral and ethical standards within religious practices, fostering pro-social behavior and ethical decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence Research Paper

Artificial Intelligence (AI) involves creating systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving. Delving into AI can spark interest in developing new solutions and understanding the implications of technology on society.

The Implementation of Artificial Intelligence in Breast Cancer Screening examines the role of AI in enhancing breast cancer detection through mammography. The study reviews various AI models and their effectiveness in diagnosing breast cancer, highlighting the potential of deep learning technologies.

In addition, students can go to 25 research opportunities for high school students to view a comprehensive list of research opportunities available to high school students, offering valuable insights into different fields and helping students find programs that align with their interests. 

6. Conduct Research With Aralia

Aralia Education offers a range of research opportunities for high school students, including mentorship programs and research projects. These programs are designed to help students develop their research skills and produce high-quality research papers. Consider participating in these to learn essential skills and prepare yourself to write research papers for competitions, college, and beyond!

Historical Research and Writing

Psychology Research Program

Business Research

AP Research

Aralia Economics Research Scholar Program

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