Theory of Humor

Question 1

No shortage of theories, however the only consensus agreement is that humor is so subjective that no one theory can possibly fit all instances. Below are brief summaries from two credible compilers of humor theory - Melvin Helitzer (CWS) and Rod Martin (PH)

Answer 1

Woody Allen - works strictly on instinct - not sure he knows exactly what he is doing - trial and error discovery -
batting averages - some techniques
work more often than others

Question 2

Patricia Keith-Spiegel - psychologist (CWS)

Answer 2

2 primary reasons we laugh: surprise
and superiority - 6 additional reasons: instinct, incongruity, release, ambivalence, resolution of puzzle, regression

Question 3

Downside of Theory

Answer 3

Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog - they both die in the process - shifting
into analytical mindset shifts you out
of humor mindset - it’s okay, just be forewarned

Question 4

SURPRISE - the most universally accepted formula for humor - 3 triggers of surprise (embarrassment, misdirection and incongruity)

Answer 4

EMBARRASSMENT - unintentionally doing or saying something foolish.
MISDIRECTION - trapping the audience - comedic surprise
INCONGRUITY - audience is fully aware of all facts, but someone they are observing is not - CWS

Question 5

SUPERIORITY - second primary reason for laughter (Patricia Keith-Spiegel)

Answer 5

strong and constant need to feel superior. Humor satisfies this need - superiority cuts two ways - high or low - always best to punch up - humor is social criticism - the goal is to deflate - humor reassures our insecurities - assuages our sense of inferiority - make the audience feel superior

Question 6

SECONDARY REASONS (laughter)

Answer 6

INSTINCT - substitute for assault
INCONGRUITY - generates superiority
AMBIVALENCE - mixed emotions
RELEASE - tension release
RESOLUTION - self congratulation
REGRESSION - infantile state of mind

Question 7

BENIGN VIOLATION - Peter McGraw

Answer 7

transgressions of personal, social and moral norms can occur through a variety of behaviors, however to be considered funny the transgression must be benign - having no consequence other than generating laughter - critics say this is
a variation of incongruity theory (fully informed observing the uninformed)

Question 8

BRAIN SCIENCE

Answer 8

Humor activates 2 parts of the brain - language based part of brain “gets” the joke (ambiguity, incongruity and surprise) and the emotional part of the brain appreciates the humor and triggers laughter