[Purpose/significance] By investigating the research of RAND Corporation on the network analysis method, in this paper we explores the quantitative research methods of think tanks from the perspective of social networks. It is helpful for Chinese think tanks to enhance the construction and serve decision-making consultation. [Method/process] By deeply reading the reports released by Rand Corporation, we analyze the current situation from the perspective of research time, type and theme. Then, by selecting a representative study case, the basic operation flow of social network method is summarized. Meanwhile, we analyze the selection of statistical analysis models or methods in different situation. [Result/conclusion] The main characteristics of the research, which carried out by foreign authoritative think, are from self-rational speculation to scientific empirical research, from traditional academic field to practical problem field, and from single field to whole field analysis. Think tanks in China should integrate multi-disciplinary
perspectives to recognize and interpret research issues, focus on indicators and structural measurements of relation network data, and attach importance to innovation and improvement of network analysis methods and tools.