In this chapter, we present a case analysis of the development of frames and frame transitions for another one of the four representative dyads, Betsy and her mother. Similar to the organization utilized in previous qualitative chapters, we present the raw data developmental trajectories for each of the four frames, the raw data transition frequencies between the frames as a function of age, and a qualitative analysis of the relational history. In the latter, we describe the change processes at two levels, ordinary variability (referred to as level 1 change in Chapter 3) and innovations (referred to as level 2 change in Chapter 3), followed by a brief developmental account of these changes that describes any evidence for a developmental re-organization (level 3 change).

Developmental trajectories and transition frequencies

This dyad had a pattern of frame duration trajectories that was very similar to that of Richard and his mother. As shown in Figure 7.2 and Table 9.1, the historically predominant frame for this dyad was the guided object frame, which persisted until session 5. The newly emerging frame was the not-guided object frame, which became predominant relative to other frames in session 8, soon after Betsy acquired visually guided reaching. The bridging frame for this dyad appeared to be the social/object mixed frame. There was a peak in the social/object mixed frame in sessions 6–9, illustrating the inverted U-shaped trajectory for this frame found in the multilevel analysis.