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Future Dean Leads Discussion at Andrus Gerontology Center

By Athan Bezaitis

Gerald C. Davison, the dean designate of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, presented a lecture last week entitled, “Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations: A Think-Aloud Paradigm for the Assessment of Cognition and Emotion,” at the Andrus Gerontology Center.

Davison, who is a widely known researcher in an experimental branch of clinical psychology called cognitive behavior therapy, was instrumental in the creation of this unique research method that analyzes vocalized responses to hypothetical scenarios. 

“People’s constructions of the world are pivotal in how they feel and act,” said Davison in describing how the findings, which records people’s immediate responses for short intervals after being exposed to a simulated situation, can be more effective than surveys and questionnaires in analyzing patients. 

The discussion was packed with faculty, staff and students, who were on hand to meet their new boss. 

“I was curious to hear him speak,” said Bernard Steinman, research associate at the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence.  “I think the future of the Center is headed in the right direction.”

Jon Pynoos, professor at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, was also there for the opportunity to learn about the new dean’s academic work.

“He has a wonderful sense of humor,” said Dr. Pynoos.   “Although I knew very little beforehand about his particular method of cognitive behavioral research, his presentation was interesting in terms of his own professional development, thought provoking, and touched on many emotional levels.”

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The discussion was packed with faculty, staff and students, who were on hand to meet their new boss. 

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