... of behaviour does not occur instantaneously, but moves through a series of steps, getting closer to the desired behaviour. * E.g. At 3 months a baby may start making a noise such as: 'mmmmmmm'. The mother may then begin to shape the behaviour by saying 'mummy'. After a while the baby might say: 'mmuuu'. Later after repetition of this behaviour shaping process the baby might say: 'mum'. Finally after more repetition the desired word 'mummy' might be said by the baby. Once this desired word has been said, the mother is likely to praise the baby for saying it, which furthermore reinforces the baby to continue to say it. The process of language doesn't stop there. Once a child reaches four or five they will begin their education. At school, phrases and sentences will be reinforced. * Saying: 'Mummy I want some food' brings on a reinforcement of food because he asked. ...

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