An effective research paper title will

• identify the limited subject of the essay, and
• the position the paper takes on the subject.

It may also be useful to grab the reader’s interest with a brief quote or detail, but if your goal is to persuade your reader, your title will also need to inform.

Your title is your first opportunity to persuade your reader. Don’t waste it. —Paper Titles: Inform by Stating your Topic and Position; Grab the Reader’s Interest If You Can