My program of research concerns the psychology of moral development, especially moral reasoning and moral personality.  Earlier studies focused on the validity of stage models of moral development, the processes in developmental progression, the issue of gender and cultural differences, and the role of family and peer interactions.

My current research is aimed toward some new directions in moral psychology, particularly in terms of moral personality and identity.  Recent projects have examined individuals' conceptions of different types of moral exemplarity in order to determine the various personality characteristics attributed to different types of moral excellence.

Current research is examining the psychological functioning of individuals who have been recognized as highly moral (recipients of national awards for either bravery or exceptional care) in an attempt to flesh out the psychological dynamics in exemplary moral action.

These projects will help in developing a more full-bodied account of moral functioning.