Think Tanks
What Are Think Tanks?
Think tank is a phrase used to describe organizations (usually non-profit) which conduct public policy research and analysis.
They often publish papers based on their research and make them available for free on their web sites.
Some think tanks are non-partison, but others advocate particular political positions. Be sure to take this into consideration when evaluating their material.
- Guide to Think Tanks (Uni. of Oregon)Lists think tanks by subject area and provides search feature
- Think Tank Search (Harvard)Think Tank Search searches the websites of institutions that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity.
- Center for American ProgressProgressive research and advocacy organization "dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through progressive ideas and action."
- The Brookings InstituteConduct research on ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global levels.
- INET: Institute for New Economic ThinkingINET was created to broaden and accelerate the development of new economic thinking that can lead to solutions for the great challenges of the 21st century.
- Pew Research CenterNonpartisan institute conducting public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.
- Resources for the FutureIndependent nonpartisan organization conducting economic policy research concerning natural resources and the environment.
- Kaiser Family FoundationThe Kaiser Family Foundation focuses on major healthcare issues in the US and, to a lesser extent, the world.
- The National Bureau of Economic ResearchA research organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of how the economy works.
- Economic Policy InstituteEPI was the first—and remains the premier—think tank to focus on the economic condition of low- and middle-income Americans and their families.
- American Enterprise InstituteConservative think tank addressing government, politics, economics and social welfare.
- Cato InstituteLibertarian think tank "dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets and peace."
- The Heritage FoundationThink tank with a mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies.
- Mackinac Center for Public PolicyA nonprofit research and educational institute that advances the principles of free markets and limited government.
- Writing about think tanks and using their research: a cautionary tip sheet : Advice from Journalist's Resource
- 2018 Global Think Tank Index Report (rankings based on transparency & influence by Think Tanks & Civil Society Program at Uni. of PA)
Other Policy Resources
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)"The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 189 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world."
- World Bank"The World Bank has set two ambitious goals to push extreme poverty to no more 3 percent by 2030, and to promote shared prosperity and greater equity in the developing world."
- World Trade Org."The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments."
- US Dept. of the Treasury - Economic PolicyTreasury is responsible for analyzing and reporting on current and prospective economic developments in the U.S. and world economies and assisting in the determination of appropriate economic policies.
Articles (Background info, case studies, etc)
- CQ ResearcherOverview of 'current situation' as well as pro/con perspectives & maps + graphs
- Business Source PremierThis database is best used for business-related topics
Search Tip: Try Synonyms
- Example: (child OR youth) AND poverty
- Example: (pandemic OR epidemic OR outbreak)
- Example: government AND (regulation OR intervention)
Search Tip: Think of different ways to describe the same problem or consider other effects or causes of the topic
- Example: welfare OR "food stamps" OR unemployment
- Example: "monetary policy" OR "interest rates" OR "price controls"
Statistics + Data Visualization
- StatistaKeep your search terms relatively broad.
- Policy MapEasy to use online mapping with data on demographics and more.
Suggested eBooks
Human Agency and Behavioral Economics: Nudging Fast and Slow by ISBN: 9783319558073Publication Date: 2017
