Play-mirth theory: a cognitive appraisal theory of humor
Author Information
Author(s): Hatzithomas Leonidas
Primary Institution: Department of Business Administration, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece
Hypothesis
To experience humor, one must interpret a stimulus as a playful turn and the turn as consistent with their motives.
Conclusion
The study provides experimental evidence that two appraisals, playful turn and motive-consistency, elicit humor.
Supporting Evidence
- Playful turn was perceived in 100% of successful jokes compared to 27.9% in failed jokes.
- Motive-consistency was perceived in 96.2% of successful jokes compared to 1.0% in failed jokes.
- Unexpectedness and benign violation were significantly higher in successful jokes.
- The study differentiates mirth from other positive emotions like joy and relief.
Takeaway
This study shows that humor happens when something serious is seen as playful, and it matches what we want.
Methodology
Two online experiments tested the play-mirth theory by manipulating appraisals and measuring emotional responses.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the self-reported nature of humor experiences.
Limitations
The study used student convenience samples from Greece, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
150 undergraduate students, 53.3% females, aged 21-24.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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