Test of an information-processing model of humor: physiological response changes during problem- and riddle-solving.
Heart rate and skin conductance were monitored continuously while subjects heard and responded to seven riddles and seven problems which were structurally similar. Hypotheses based on cognitive problem-solving models of humor were tested by comparing changes occurring during problem solving with those that occurred during "riddle solving". While heart rate tended to accelerate once a riddle or problem was presented and decelerate once the answer or punch line was given, there were significant differences in skin conductance between riddle- and problem-solving responses, suggesting that a purely problem-solving model of humor may be untenable. A test of Berlyne's hypothesis of arousal change and humor appreciation was also made. As predicted, humor appreciation was greatest for those who showed a moderate amount of change.
D001143:Arousal; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011340:Problem Solving; D013997:Time Factors; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic