The effects of humor on verbal and imaginal problem solving

Author(s): Kirkpatrick, L. A., Derks, P.

Journal/Book: Humor. 1998; 11: Genthiner Strasse 13, D-10785 Berlin, Germany. Walter de Gruyter & Co. 21-31.

Abstract: Humor is frequently associated with creativity but its role in other forms of problem solving has received less attention. In this experiment, humor was examined as a possible primer for enhanced performance in an imaginal and in a verbal task. Jokes and simple sentences of high or low imagery were presented prior to participants' attempts to solve either mental rotation of figures or verbal analogies. The effect of imagery, as manipulated here, was not significant. Humor, however, speeded mental rotation and slowed performance on analogies or men, whereas women's solution times were relatively unaffected Greater hemispheric lateralization among men was considered as a possible explanation for this pattern of results.

Note: Article Belanger HG, Coll William & Mary, Dept Psychol, Williamsburg,VA 23187 USA

Keyword(s): MENTAL ROTATION; RIGHT-HEMISPHERE; SEX-DIFFERENCES; POSITIVE AFFECT; BLOOD-FLOW; TASK; BRAIN; COMPREHENSION; PERFORMANCE

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