LibGuides: Sociology: Organisations

Questions to ask when evaluating research by policy organisations/ NGOs/ think-tanks

Take care to properly evaluate research published by research/policy organisations (often called "think-tanks") as they are highly varied in their purpose and their ideological positions. Consider the following questions:

Who is the intended audience for the publication?
Who funds the organisation?
What is the purpose of any published output? Is the focus on thorough academic research or is it more focused on influencing policy?
Can you verify the evidence presented?

Selected research/ policy organisations

Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion (CASE)
Academic think-tank based at the London School of Economics that examines different dimensions of social disadvantage and analyses the impact of public policy.
Demos
Demos are supported by a wide range of private, charitable and public funders but do not accept funding from political parties.Their aims are to fund education and research for the public benefit in issues of politics, economics, the environment and public policy.
Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
UK think tank that produces reports on economic, political and social issues. They also publish the journal "Progressive Review", which is available online via Library Search.
Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
Produces research and policy recommendations, particularly around topics of poverty, social deprivation and housing.
NatCen Social Research
Independent social research centre, publications include the British Social Attitudes Report.

Think-tank databases and indexes

Think Tank Index: Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program
The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania conducts research on the role that policy institutes play in governments and civil societies. They produce an annual Index that ranks the world’s leading think tanks across a range of categories. A very useful resource to discover think-tanks across the world.

Policy File Index (ProQuest) This link opens in a new window
This unique resource for U.S. public policy research grants users access to timely, updated information from over 350 public policy think tanks, nongovernmental organizations, research institutes, university centers, advocacy groups, and other entities. Over 75 public policy topics are covered, from foreign policy to domestic policy. The majority of records link directly to the full-text report, paper, document, or other source. Content is updated frequently, with approximately 250 new records added weekly.

Library Guides

Sociology: Organisations

Questions to ask when evaluating research by policy organisations/ NGOs/ think-tanks

Selected research/ policy organisations

Think-tank databases and indexes

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