The study compared two sets of disadvantaged children, with one set receiving excellent nutrition and high-quality, stimulating care for eight hours a day from birth to age five, and the other receiving ordinary formula and care. Four decades later, the adults who had received better care were not only physically healthier; they were more than four times likelier to have a college degree.
一项最新研究与卡罗莱纳启蒙工程（Carolina Abecedarian Project）的结果一致。卡罗莱纳启蒙工程是始于20世纪70年代的一项北卡罗来纳州社会实验。研究比较了两组贫困儿童，一组获得了充分的营养和每天八小时的高质量刺激性看护，从出生一直持续到五岁。四十年后，曾经获得过较好看护的成人不但身体更加健康，获得大学文凭的几率也要高出四倍。