Some studies of the social behavior of children are used to illustrate 2 methods for investigating interaction sequences. 1 method is that of multivariate informational analysis; the other involves a transition probability model. The procedures are applied to study affectional behavior among children in several different groups, both normal and disturbed, and under diverse situations. Beyond its aim of demonstrating the utility of the techniques, the paper suggests processes of control and organization by which situational and personal variables influence social interaction. The methods and concepts are thought to be applicable to the study of the temporal chaining of events within other groups and within paired relationships. (29 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)