30+ Qualitative Research Topics for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 21 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you are in high school and considering an independent project, qualitative research is worth considering. Unlike quantitative research, which focuses on numbers and statistics, qualitative research is about understanding ideas, experiences, and perspectives. You look at why people think or behave a certain way, how they feel about issues, and what their experiences are like.
It might seem easiest to pick the first topic you think of and start, but exploring several ideas first is usually better. Looking at different possibilities helps you choose a project that really interests you, that you can complete with the time and resources you have, and that matches the kind of research you want to do.
Why should I do qualitative research in high school?
Doing qualitative research in high school can help you build skills that are useful both in school and in life. You learn how to organize your time, plan a long project, and divide it into smaller tasks you can finish step by step. You also practice carefully analyzing information, whether it comes from interviews, observations, texts, or case studies. Explaining your findings clearly in writing or presentations improves your ability to communicate ideas.
Completing a research project shows that you can think deeply and take initiative. It can make your college applications and resumes stronger, especially if you are interested in subjects like social studies, humanities, or psychology. Research also helps you understand topics more deeply, prepares you for harder academic work, and gives you experience that can be useful in jobs, internships, and future studies.
Here is a list of 30+ qualitative research topics that high school students can explore!
Topic 1: Climate and Environment
Intergenerational Perceptions of Climate Change Responsibility: Compare how young people and older adults view their responsibility toward climate change and what actions they believe are needed.
Overpopulation and Its Effects on Local Water and Food Security: Investigate how residents in densely populated areas perceive scarcity of resources and how they cope.
Perceptions of Renewable Energy in Rural vs Urban Areas: Explore attitudes toward solar panels, wind energy, and adoption barriers.
Climate Policy Awareness & Public Participation: Interview citizens about their knowledge of climate laws, willingness to act, and obstacles to participation.
Overuse of Natural Resources and Community Adaptation: Study local perceptions of resource depletion and traditional practices used to adapt.
Impacts of Air Pollution on Everyday Life in Urban Areas: Collect resident experiences on health, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies.
Topic 2: Health, Well-being, and Education
Creative Expression and Emotional Health in Schools: Gather student stories about music, art, or performance and its role in coping and wellbeing.
AI’s Role in Health Care Access and Equity: Interview patients, doctors, and policymakers on AI tools’ impact on equitable healthcare access.
Digital Divide & Its Consequences for Learning During Crises: Study students’ experiences with remote learning and technology gaps.
Effectiveness & Limitations of Online vs Offline Education: Explore experiences of teachers, students, and parents in different learning environments.
Mental Health Stigma in Different Cultures: Compare how various cultural or ethnic communities perceive and respond to mental illness.
Exploring Resilience After Academic Setbacks: Ask students how they cope with failure in exams, projects, or competitions.
Topic 3: Gender and Social Equity
Lived Experiences of Gender-Based Discrimination in School or Workplace: Document personal experiences, responses, and suggested changes.
Gender & Technology: How Female Students Experience STEM Fields: Explore barriers young women face in choosing or staying in STEM courses.
Role of Peer Pressure in Decision-Making Among Teenagers: Investigate how peer influence shapes choices and perceived outcomes.
Topic 4: Technology, Privacy, and Ethics
Impact of Digital Surveillance & Privacy Concerns on Personal Freedom: Interview individuals about data collection on behavior, trust, and privacy.
Ethics of AI in Decision-Making: Study perceptions of fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI used for hiring, lending, or law enforcement.
Emotional Intelligence & Artificial Intelligence: Explore public views on AI tools aiding emotional recognition or support.
Role of Media in Cultivating Fear or Hope About AI: Investigate how portrayals of AI in news, movies, and social media shape public attitudes.
Implications of Smartphone Use in Classrooms: Research how students and teachers navigate learning, distractions, and social interactions with devices.
Topic 5: Social Behavior and Community
Urbanization, Housing Crises, and Quality of Life: Gather resident experiences on affordability, overcrowding, and daily life.
Cultural & Psychological Effects of Mass Migration: Study perceptions of identity, belonging, and integration among migrants and host communities.
Food Waste and Consumer Attitudes: Explore household habits, awareness, and motivations to reduce waste.
Entrepreneurship & Youth: Barriers, Motivations, and Community Support: Investigate young entrepreneurs’ challenges, inspirations, and local support.
Effects of Corruption on Business Trust and Consumer Behavior: Study local perceptions of corruption and its impact on trust and decision-making.
The Rise of E-Business vs Traditional Business: Compare perspectives of shop owners and customers on the shift to online commerce.
Media Representation & Body Image Among Adolescents: Explore teen views on movies, ads, and social media’s influence on self-image.
How Language Shapes Friendships: Study bilingual students to see if switching languages affects friendship closeness or style.
Reality vs. Stereotypes in Teen TV Shows: Compare portrayals of high school life in media with actual student experiences.
The Role of Gaming Communities in Social Connection: Explore how online games build friendships and a sense of belonging.
The Role of Technology in Family Communication: Compare how texting, video calls, or social media shape parent-teen communication.
Understanding Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in School Culture: Study inclusivity in schools and its impact on participation and wellbeing.
Student Interpretations of Memes as Social Commentary: Investigate whether teens see memes as entertainment or cultural expression.
Exploring Teen Views on Work-Life Balance: Ask students how they envision balancing careers, relationships, and personal growth.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere 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.
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