Gibson, O’Halloran, and Epstein Receive 2005 Decade of Behavior Research Award

On May 23, 2005, APSA members, Dr. James Louis Gibson, Dr. Sharyn O'Halloran, and Dr. David Epstein received the 2005 Decade of Behavior Research Award in recognition of their research on democracy issues.  The three were honored by Congressmen Brian Baird (D-WA, 3rd District) and Dan Lipinski (D-IL, 3rd District) at the 2005 Decade of Research Award Symposium on Capitol Hill.  The symposium entitled, "The State of Democracy: Engaging a Changing Citizenry", was an opportunity for the award recipients to present their research and engage the audience in conversation on what defines, challenges, and sustains democracy in the United States and abroad.  Pictured right are Congressman Dan Lipinski and Brian Baird presenting the award to James L. Gibson.

Gibson, O'Halloran and Epstein were joined by award recipients from other disciplines: Dr. Judith Torney-Purta, University of Maryland, College Park nominated by the American Psychological Association; Dr. William Clark, University of California, Los Angeles nominated by the Association of American Geographers; and Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, University of Pennsylvania nominated by the National Communication Association.  Pictured right are Congressmen Brian Baird and Dan Lipinski presenting the award to Sharyn O'Halloran and David Epstein. 

• More Details on the Symposium

The Decade of Behavior Research award recognizes research that has profoundly impacted the public's understanding of behavioral and social science principles as well as the use of social and behavioral science knowledge in policy settings. 

Dr. James Louis Gibson, Washington University, St. Louis, was selected for his research on political tolerance and the support for civil liberties in the U.S., the Soviet Union, and South Africa.  Gibson's empirical examination is hailed as providing important insight into how democracy functions by revealing how individuals, political leaders, and public policies are influenced when freedom is in jeopardy.

Dr. Sharyn O'Halloran and Dr. David Epstein, Columbia University, were selected for their joint research on the impact of racial redistricting on the democratic process. Their research has offered profound empirical and theoretical insights and has been cited in recent Supreme Court decisions concerning the Voting Rights Act.

The Decade of Behavior (2000-2010) is a multidisciplinary initiative to focus the talents, energy, and creativity of the behavioral and social sciences on meeting many of society's most significant challenges. APSA is one of over 70 supporting organizations, and Dr. Paula McClain, Duke University, represents APSA on the National Advisory Committee.