Conducting your own research puts you in the driver's seat.
A riveting research paper can set you apart from your peers. While historical research can yield some thought-provoking and even timely points, conducting your own research through interviews and case studies will put you in the driver's seat of your own investigation. In order to make your paper a memorable one, choose a topic that combines different disciplines.
Women's Reactions to Images in the Media
Most women experience a drop in self esteem upon viewing fashion magazines.
How do women in your school environment react to images in women's fashion magazines, such as Elle, Cosmopolitan and Vogue? Give your research subjects a questionnaire gauging their self-image, ideas about their body size and their perception of healthy weight. Have them peruse a women's fashion magazine for 15 minutes, then have them retake the questionnaire. How has your subject's self-perception changed since the first questionnaire? This topic is a thought-provoking cross section of psychology, women's studies and communications.
School Cafeteria Waste
Cafeterias often waste tons of food on a given day.
How much waste is generated in your school cafeteria every day? Talk with school officials to find out what is done with food waste generated by the student body. What is the amount equal to in dollars? In calories? Should your school be taking a more responsible approach to waste management? Research different ways in which your school's management could be more responsible when it comes to food waste. This question raises pertinent issues for those pursuing environmental studies, sustainable development and business management.
School Nutrition Patterns
Young adults are not known for being the healthiest eaters.
Through personal interviews, case studies and random surveys, examine the diets of a wide sampling of students. What percentage of students are getting the recommended daily allowance of calcium, iron or Vitamin C? Are students consuming more or fewer calories than is generally recommended, and are they getting the majority of their calories from fat, protein or carbohydrates? Explore how students can improve the quality of their diets, and how school officials can provide more nutritious options in the school cafeteria.
How Green is Your School?
Energy-efficient lightbulbs are just one way to conserve energy.
Set out to find out how environmentally conscious your school is. Is there a recycling system? Do classrooms use energy-efficient light bulbs? Does the cafeteria compost its food waste? Propose new ways in which your school could be more environmentally friendly. How much would this transformation cost? Find out where your school ranks on the green scale as compared to other schools in your area.
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