Structural models and classes of variables used in parent/child research are identified, and their implications are briefly discussed. The five types of research models appraised are noninteractive, unidirectional, bidirectional, family network, and sociopolitical. It is asserted that, taken together, the typology of models provides a system by which most studies in the field of parent/child research can be classified. Covering the content of most existing research, four categories of research variables are listed. These include family demographics, psychological characteristics/status, parent behaviors/actions, and child outcomes. Limitations of previous research are pointed out, and directions for future research are specified. It is concluded that, at the present time, parent/child research can move in the direction of greater complexity and that the greatest challenge facing researchers is the construction of a developmental conceptualization of family process and practice. (RH)