The research conducted in the Harris P-C Interaction Lab, directed by Dr. Yvette R. Harris, focuses on exploring environmental antecedents of cognitive, intellectual and socio emotional development of minority and non-minority preschool and school age children. The theoretical philosophy embraced by the lab is a combination of the Vygotskian, Ecological and Social Cognitive Learning perspectives.

Therefore the investigations in the lab examine how early learning occurs in the context of the home environment, and we examine the role of culture, socioeconomic status on cognitive and social outcomes.

In addition to the basic research we also are launching two new applied lines of work. One focuses on exploring the issues of family stabilization as mothers’ return to their homes, and communities from prison. The next line explores the impact of sickle cell disease on family functioning and mental health.

The work in the lab has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Miami University, The United Way, Proctor and Gamble, the Center for Human Development Learning and Technology, the Harvard Radcliffe Murray Center and the Department of Psychology