It always depends on the child.
My oldest is devastated when I look disapprovingly at him, my second could care less.
I spank my children as well as talk with them and work with their individual weaknesses.
I was spanked with a belt and have never had anything more than a speeding ticket (even that was 8 over I swear!), while a certain relative who was never spanked was an out of work bum who has been arrested for theft and selling drugs.
You are quite right. All three of my boys have different temperaments and personalities.
For instance, my youngest is so eager to please (he is 7) that he dissolves into tears if you give him "that look".
My middle boy couldn't care less. He'll stand there and scuff his feet and look bored while we lecture him.