Why do children across the world find the Simpsons funny? That is just one of the questions being considered by researchers from five countries who are looking into what makes children laugh. Researcher Maire Messenger-Davies is joining academics from Germany, Israel, South Africa and US in the year-long project. They have begun to compile “funny” material – primarily from tv shows – which they will show to children aged between eight and 12 from selected schools in each country. Specialists from the funding body, the Munich-based International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media, will measure their mirth using a “fun-o-meter”. The children will be asked what they thought and these responses will be analysed. Marie says “Programmes like the Simpsons are shown throughout the world and this study will demonstrate if that particular brand of humour is universally appreciated.”. Read More >>>
