LibGuides: Bias, Fake News, Hoaxes, & Lies: Think Tanks

Think Tanks & Research Institutes

What is a Think Tank?

Think tanks are private or publicly funded organizations that conduct research, usually in well defined topic or subject areas, which are often defined by or limited by the donor or founder. Think tanks often host archives of their research reports on their web sites, and these can be a rich source of useful and relevant information for students. However, just as in every other human endeavor, there can be sources of error or bias.

Credo Reference contains a wealth of background information on think tanks, including what they are, their role in American politics and policy development, and more.

Think Tank Search and Discovery

Just as with anything else, your first step is finding a think tank or research institute that will address the topics you want. There are many ways to identify appropriate institutions:

Think Tank Search Engine Think Tank Search searches the websites of institutions that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity. These sites are affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, and non-governmental organizations.

Think Tanks and NGOs. List of non-profit research institutes and NGOs around the world.

Wikipedia. List of think tanks from around the world. Like all Wikipedia entries, this one is subject to change!

Liberal, Centrist, or Conservative?

"Slant" or Point of View

Many think tanks try to be non-partisan, or centrist - their research and reports present information that is neither liberal or conservative but shows both sides of an issue. Other think tanks tend to focus on issues or take positions that align more closely to either a liberal or conservative point of view. That doesn't mean you need to avoid research from an organization that has a particular slant, as long as you are aware of it and take that bias into consideration when doing your research.

Liberal Think Tanks:

Center for American Progress The Center for American Progress is an independent nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans, through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Our aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities We are a nonpartisan research and policy institute. We pursue federal and state policies designed both to reduce poverty and inequality and to restore fiscal responsibility in equitable and effective ways. We apply our deep expertise in budget and tax issues and in programs and policies that help low-income people, in order to help inform debates and achieve better policy outcomes.
Commonwealth Fund The Commonwealth Fund is a private foundation that aims to promote a high performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society's most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, and elderly adults.
Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch is known for its accurate fact-finding, impartial reporting, effective use of media, and targeted advocacy, often in partnership with local human rights groups.
Open Society Institute The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations to help countries make the transition from communism.
RTI International (Research Triangle Institute) RTI is an independent, nonprofit institute that provides research, development, and technical services to government and commercial clients worldwide. Our mission is to improve the human condition by turning knowledge into practice.

Centrist, Bipartisan, or Nonpartisan

Brookings Institution The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level. Brookings is the oldest, and currently the top-ranked, think tank in the US.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Our mission ... is to advance the cause of peace through analysis and development of fresh policy ideas and direct engagement and collaboration with decisionmakers in government, business, and civil society
Center for Strategic and International Studies The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to providing strategic insights and policy solutions to help decision-makers chart a course toward a better world
Earth Institute @ Columbia University Columbia’s Earth Institute blends research in the physical and social sciences, education and practical solutions to help guide the world onto a path toward sustainability. Science + Collaboration + Education = Sustainability
Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. We conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. We do not take policy positions
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars The Wilson Center, chartered by Congress as the official memorial to President Woodrow Wilson, is the nation’s key non-partisan policy forum for tackling global issues through independent research and open dialogue to inform actionable ideas for Congress, the Administration and the broader policy community

Conservative

AEI: American Enterprise Institute The American Enterprise Institute is a public policy think tank dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential, and building a freer and safer world. The work of our scholars and staff advances ideas rooted in our belief in democracy, free enterprise, American strength and global leadership, solidarity with those at the periphery of our society, and a pluralistic, entrepreneurial culture.
Cato Institute Cato Institute is a public policy research organization — a think tank — dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Freedom House Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world. We analyze the challenges to freedom, advocate for greater political rights and civil liberties, and support frontline activists to defend human rights and promote democratic change. Founded in 1941, Freedom House was the first American organization to champion the advancement of freedom globally.
Heritage Foundation Free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense—promoting these principles is the mission of The Heritage Foundation
Hoover Institution The Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity, while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all mankind.
Hudson Institute Promoting American leadership and global engagement for a secure, free, and prosperous future. Hudson Institute challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law.