Which two variables significantly affect the effectiveness of punishers?

The correct answer is focused on the concepts of immediacy and schedule, which are critical to understanding how punishers function effectively within behavioral interventions.

Immediacy refers to the timing of the punisher in relation to the behavior it follows. For a punishing consequence to be effective, it must occur immediately after the undesirable behavior. This immediacy helps the individual clearly associate the behavior with its negative consequence, thereby enhancing the likelihood that the behavior will decrease in the future.

Schedule, in this context, relates to the systematic application of punishment. This includes aspects such as the frequency of the punishment and consistency in its application, which can significantly shape the learning process. A consistent schedule of punishment reinforces that a particular behavior will always lead to a consequence, thereby strengthening the reduction of that behavior over time.

Together, immediacy and schedule determine how well a punisher can alter behavior. A punisher that is applied after too long a delay, or one that is inconsistently enforced, may fail to create the necessary connection for the individual, resulting in less effective behavior modification.