Witty children. Playful development of creative techniques by humorous interactions among 7-to 12-year-old children

Journal/Book: Z Entwicklungspsychol Padago. 1999; 31: Rohnsweg 25, D-37085 Gottingen, Germany. Hogrefe & Huber Publishers. 101-115.

Abstract: In a field study based on a qualitative longitudinal study with a cohort-sequence design twelve trained investigators observed systematically 102 children (from the second, fourth, and sixth grades) during the time periods of 1992/93, 1994/95 und 1996/97. In the 6109 humor scenes created by 7- to 12-year-old children with other children researchers recognized five levels: within the development of wittiness. Wittiness was not primarily due to age but due to the use of more:apd more complex techniques of humor creation. From the observed material 13 techniques were identified,among which chaotic techniques, supplement, analogy, combination of several techniques, polyfunctionality and comparison were important. Girls and boys did not differ in the developmental level of humor or wittiness, but favored different techniques. Within the development of self-created wittiness were found inter- and intraindividual differences and similarities.

Note: Article Bonsch-Kauke M, Humboldt Univ, Philosoph Fak 4, Inst Allgemeine Padag, Abt Empir Bildungsforsch, Unter Linden 6, D-10099 Berlin, GERMANY

Keyword(s): humor; wittiness; creative techniques; school-age children

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