Research interests include early caregiving relationships and infant child care. Studies social development from infancy through middle childhood. Is co-director of a project called Indiana First Steps Evaluation, which is studying the impact of early intervention programs on infants and toddlers with disabilities. Has written two books on family child care. Research editor of Young Children.
Current studies relate to children's reactions to caregiver turnover in day care settings.
Has published three books and more than 50 research papers in these areas. Specific studies include the role of individual differences such as sex and temperament in mediating the impact of the environment on individuals and measuring the impact of early temperament influences. Studies social development of young children, parent-child relations, public policy, and development of nurturance. Found that pets help children to learn nurturing skills. Organized 1994 Hoosier Family Policy Summit on the well-being of families.