Final answer:
There's no direct reference to a researcher named Waterman in the context of family studies. However, research by Annette Lareau, reflected in Gladwell's work, indicates different parenting styles between lower and higher-income families that influence child development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining research related to Waterman and studies of families, there seems to be a mix-up as the detailed references provided do not mention a researcher named Waterman directly associated with a study on families. Nevertheless, we can glean meaningful insights about family dynamics and parenting styles from the works of other scholars mentioned. For instance, the study conducted by sociologist Annette Lareau, as reported by Gladwell, found that parents from lower-income families tend to follow an approach of 'accomplishment of natural growth,' allowing their children to grow independently. In contrast, parents from higher-income backgrounds actively cultivate their child's skills and abilities. In the Lareau study, higher-income parents were more likely to engage in analytical conversations with their children and encourage them to question authorities and develop negotiation skills. These insights contribute greatly to our understanding of how economic backgrounds can influence parenting strategies and child development within families.