The Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does so by conducting public opinion polling and social science research; by analyzing news coverage; and by holding forums and briefings. It does not take positions on policy issues.

The Center’s work is carried out by seven projects:

• Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
• Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism
• Pew Internet & American Life Project
• Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
• Pew Hispanic Center
• Pew Global Attitudes Project
• Pew Social & Demographic Trends Project” Source: Pew Research Center

The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

“The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press is an independent, non-partisan public opinion research organization that studies attitudes toward politics, the press and public policy issues. In this role it serves as a valuable information resource for political leaders, journalists, scholars and citizens.

The Center conducts regular monthly polls on politics and major policy issues as well as the News Interest Index, a weekly survey aimed at gauging the public’s interest in and reaction to major news events. Shorter commentaries are produced on a regular basis addressing the issues of the day from a public opinion perspective. In addition, the Center periodically fields major surveys on the news media, social issues and international affairs.” Source: Pew Research Center for the People & the Press

The Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

“The Project for Excellence in Journalism is a research organization dedicated to trying to understand the performance of the news media and the revolution transforming information. It specializes in using empirical methods, particularly content analysis. It is non partisan, non ideological and non political and does not engage in advocacy…

The Project conducts research about journalism in the hope that a better understanding of what the news media is providing to citizens will help journalists do a better job and help citizens better understand what to expect and how to demand what they need. Since its inception in 1997 the Project has produced scores of reports on press performance. These include the largest study of local TV news ever produced, major studies of topics in the news, and in 2004, the Project began producing its annual reports on the State of the American News Media…

At a time of transformational change in the news media, our aim is to have the facts illuminate the way.” Source: The Project for Excellence in Journalism

Pew Internet & American Life Project

“The Project produces reports exploring the impact of the internet on families, communities, work and home, daily life, education, health care, and civic and political life. The Project aims to be an authoritative source on the evolution of the internet through surveys that examine how Americans use the internet and how their activities affect their lives.

The Pew Internet Project takes no positions on policy issues related to the internet. It does not endorse technologies, industry sectors, companies, nonprofit organizations, or individuals.

The Project’s reports are based on nationwide random phone surveys, online surveys, and qualitative research. This data collection is supplemented with research from government agencies, technology firms, academia, and other expert venues. The Project releases 15-20 pieces of research a year, varying in size, scope, and ambition.”  Source: Pew Internet Project