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19/04/2005
'What makes children laugh?' UU researcher asks
A University of Ulster researcher is hoping to unravel the puzzle into what makes children laugh.
As part of a five-nation probe, Professor Máire Messenger-Davies, who is based at the University’s Coleraine campus, will join researchers from Germany, Israel, South Africa and the US in the research project funded by IZI, the Munich based International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media.
The purpose is to determine what children laugh at and whether there are national or cultural differences that influence their sense of humour.
Initially the researchers are compiling samples of humorous material - mainly television programmes, both animated and live, from each of the countries under the microscope. These will be shown to audiences of 8-12 year olds in selected schools in each country and specialists from IZI will measure the responses using a 'Fun-o-Meter' - a device to gauge the giggle quotient.
Afterwards, the children will be invited to discuss their reactions to the viewing material and the results will be analysed.
The project runs for a year and as well as compiling material, the researchers are also identifying schools which will be the test bed for the humour probe.
(MB/GB)
As part of a five-nation probe, Professor Máire Messenger-Davies, who is based at the University’s Coleraine campus, will join researchers from Germany, Israel, South Africa and the US in the research project funded by IZI, the Munich based International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media.
The purpose is to determine what children laugh at and whether there are national or cultural differences that influence their sense of humour.
Initially the researchers are compiling samples of humorous material - mainly television programmes, both animated and live, from each of the countries under the microscope. These will be shown to audiences of 8-12 year olds in selected schools in each country and specialists from IZI will measure the responses using a 'Fun-o-Meter' - a device to gauge the giggle quotient.
Afterwards, the children will be invited to discuss their reactions to the viewing material and the results will be analysed.
The project runs for a year and as well as compiling material, the researchers are also identifying schools which will be the test bed for the humour probe.
(MB/GB)
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