Children say the funniest things, but what makes them laugh? Do German and Israeli kids share the same sense of humour - or is the Simpsons the universal language of laughter?
That is the puzzle that a
Children say the funniest things, but what makes them laugh? Do German and Israeli kids share the same sense of humour - or is the Simpsons the universal language of laughter?
researcher is hoping to unravel as part of a five-nation probe into what makes children laugh.
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 International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media in Munich.
She said: "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.