Mark Pezzo

Mark Pezzo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Florida, within the College of Arts & Sciences. He has held significant administrative roles, including Associate Dean, Department Chair, and Graduate Director at the St. Petersburg campus. Previously, he taught at Wake Forest University and UNC Greensboro.

Education:

• B.S. in Special Studies, Psychoacoustics (Magna Cum Laude), S.U.N.Y. Fredonia, 1987
• M.S. in Experimental Psychology (Social/Cognition), Ohio University, 1991
• Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Social/Cognition), Ohio University, 1996

Dr. Pezzo's research centers on judgmental biases, especially hindsight bias, planning fallacy, rumor transmission, and algorithm aversion. His work investigates the interplay between cognitive and motivational processes in human judgment, with increasing focus on medical decision making and how people evaluate AI-based diagnostic tools. He explores how emotions, beliefs, and motivations shape retrospective evaluations and predictive accuracy.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend toward understanding human-AI interaction in healthcare, particularly how patients and physicians respond to algorithmic decision aids. The articles span cognitive psychology, social psychology, and medical decision science, demonstrating interdisciplinary rigor. Key themes include trust in AI, hindsight bias in clinical settings, and the conditions under which humans prefer machines over peers.

Scientific Awards:

• Multiple awards for teaching

Dr. Pezzo has mentored students and led academic programs, serving as Graduate Director. While specific grants are not listed, his sustained research output in high-impact journals suggests active funding support. He has contributed to curriculum development, particularly in Psychological Statistics, Social Psychology, and Judgment & Decision Making.

Outside academia, he is a musician, playing upright bass in Dean Johanesen & The 24 Hour Men, a gypsy/swing jazz trio performing across Florida.