If you want to make a punishment more effective in deterring a behavior,what should you do?
A)Deliver the punishment on a variable-interval schedule.
B)Deliver the punishment on a variable-ratio schedule.
C)Make the punishment quick and predictable.
D)Announce that only some of the people who break the rule will receive punishment.

Question

If you want to make a punishment more effective in deterring a behavior,what should you do?​
A)Deliver the punishment on a variable-interval schedule.
B)Deliver the punishment on a variable-ratio schedule.​
C)Make the punishment quick and predictable.​
D)Announce that only some of the people who break the rule will receive punishment.​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Making the punishment quick and predictable is the most effective way to deter a behavior as it provides a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the behavior and the consequence. In contrast, variable-interval and variable-ratio schedules of punishment can be unpredictable and may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the punishment. Announcing that only some people will be punished can also lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the punishment as it creates an environment of uncertainty and may lead to a belief that the punishment may not apply to them.

If You Want to Make a Punishment More Effective in Deterring