A think tank is an organization that conducts research addressing issues of importance to society. When we think of "think tanks," we think of independent, unbiased esearchers that work to bridge the conversation gap between the government policymakers and the public interest. In theory, think tanks
In practice, think tanks
Tools for Researchers
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Think Tank and Civil Societies Program (University of Pennsylvania) published a Think Tank Index and is currently developing "global and, comprensive" Think Tank Directory. Includes research on the role of think tanks in society, as well as the Global Go To Think Tanks Report, which looks at think tank trends and issues, and ranks think tanks in a variety of areas (by region, by research interest, by achievement, etc.). |
Think Tank Search (Harvard Kennedy School) uses a customized Google search engine to mine information from over 600 think tanks online. Includes a think tank directory. Both a directory of U.S. and international think tanks, as well as a custom Google search of more than 250 think tank websites.
Worldwide NGO Directory (World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations)
Special Interest Groups Listing (Votesmart)
Global Think Tank Watch
Searchable database of policy research and analysis. (Here are the think tanks and research institutes included in the GTT Watch database.)
Source Watch
This Wiki, published by the Center for Media and Demogracy), reviews sponsorship and potential partisan biases influencing think tanks and other information source providers.
Policy Archive
"A comprehensive digital library of public policy research" sorted by topic and searchable in a variety of way.
Think tanks identify their mission as academic research. Organizational names often include
These naming tactics make it easy for the reader to assume that what they are reading is factual. Be careful. Many think tanks, including those that are well known and respected, reinforce the political and social biases of their founders, sponsors, and scientists.
Below, you'll find a sampling of the over 600 think tanks currently in operation in the United States, identified by their political leanings.
Liberal
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Non-Partisan/Centrist
Other
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Conservative
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Library Information and Media Center - Monona Grove High School - Monona, Wisconsin