Pew Research Center
The Times Mirror Company established the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press in 1990. This research project began with a specific mission to conduct polls on politics and policy. Andrew Kohut took over as director in 1993. The Pew Charitable Trusts became its primary sponsor in 1996. That year marked a significant name change to the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. In 2004, the trust officially established the Pew Research Center in Washington, D.C. The organization evolved from a corporate initiative into an independent think tank under new leadership.
Andrew Kohut served as president until he stepped down in 2013. He then assumed the role of founding director while Alan Murray took the position of second president. Michael Dimock joined the center as a staff member fourteen years before his selection. In October 2014, Michael Dimock was named president after serving as a veteran of the organization for that duration. These transitions shaped the direction of the research during critical periods of American political history.
The Pew Research Center operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. It functions as a subsidiary of the Pew Charitable Trusts, which serves as its primary funder. For studies focusing on demographics of religions in the world, the center receives joint funding from the Templeton Foundation. This financial structure allows the organization to maintain independence while conducting extensive social science research across multiple domains.
U.S. politics and policy positions form one major area of investigation for the center. International affairs and immigration migration issues receive significant attention in their reports. Race and ethnicity remain central themes alongside religion and age generations. Gender and LGBTQ rights and views constitute another key focus area. Family relationships, economy work, and science topics round out their core interests. Internet technology and news habits also drive much of their current data collection efforts.
Public opinion polling forms the backbone of the center's investigative strategy. Random sample survey research provides statistical rigor to their findings. Panel based surveys allow researchers to track changes over time within specific groups. Media content analysis helps them understand how information flows through society. These empirical social science techniques ensure that their conclusions rest on measurable evidence rather than speculation.
The Pew Research Center states it does not take policy stances on any issue. It maintains neutrality as a core principle of its operations. The organization serves as a charter member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research Transparency Initiative. This membership signals commitment to open methodology and ethical standards. Their approach ensures that data remains available for all sides of political debates without bias.
Common questions
When was the Pew Research Center established in Washington, D.C.?
The Pew Research Center officially established its operations in Washington, D.C. in 2004. This organization evolved from a corporate initiative into an independent think tank under new leadership.
Who became president of the Pew Research Center in October 2014?
Michael Dimock was named president of the Pew Research Center in October 2014 after serving as a staff member for fourteen years. He joined the center before his selection and served as a veteran of the organization during that duration.
What is the legal status of the Pew Research Center organization?
The Pew Research Center operates as a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. It functions as a subsidiary of the Pew Charitable Trusts which serves as its primary funder.
Which topics does the Pew Research Center investigate regarding U.S. politics?
U.S. politics and policy positions form one major area of investigation for the Pew Research Center. International affairs and immigration migration issues receive significant attention in their reports alongside race and ethnicity themes.
Does the Pew Research Center take policy stances on any issue?
The Pew Research Center states it does not take policy stances on any issue. It maintains neutrality as a core principle of its operations while serving as a charter member of the American Association of Public Opinion Research Transparency Initiative.
All sources
17 references cited across the entry
- 1newsPew Trusts to Open Research Center in D.C.Brian Faler — 2004-04-27
- 4webAbout Pew Research CenterPew Research Center — n.d.
- 6newsCompany Overview of The Pew Charitable TrustsBloomberg — December 29, 2015
- 7webPew Research CenterRoper Center for Public Opinion Research
- 9webOur History
- 10webWhat does "PEW" stand for?Michael Suh — 2010-03-15
- 11newsAlan Murray Of 'The Wall Street Journal' Named Pew Research Center's PresidentMark Memmott — NPR — November 2, 2012
- 12newsMichael Dimock Named President of Pew Research CenterNick Massella — FishbowlDC — October 14, 2014
- 13webCompany Overview of The Pew Charitable Trusts501c3Lookup.org
- 14webThe Global Religious Landscape: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World's Major Religious Groups as of 2010Pew Research Center — December 2012
- 15webPew-Templeton Global Religious Futures ProjectPew Research Center
- 16webResearch Topics