High School Policy Debate Topic (2011-2012): United States Space Policy: Policy Organizations (Think Tanks)

Policy organizations are often referred to as "think tanks." These organizations conduct research and can advocate in a wide-range of policy areas. They can produce reports, data, and other publications that can be used for public policy research.

While many of these organizations are politically neutral, some have strong ideological positions that influence the research. In addition, reports and publications from these organizations are often referred to as "grey literature" which has not necessarily gone through the peer-reviewed process. It is important to evaluate resources and the organizations themselves to understand the research presented.