One study argues that cognitive and emotional skills are needed to process and produce humor.
Humor is observed in all cultures and in all ages. Throughout history it has been appreciated as an essential and fundamental human behavior.
In fact, several studies have found an association between humor and intelligence.
Researchers in Austria found in 2017 that funny people, particularly those who enjoy dark humor, have a higher IQ than other peers. They argue that cognitive and emotional skills are needed to process and produce humor.
Their analysis shows that funny people have higher verbal and non-verbal intelligence, and score lower on mood disturbances and aggressiveness.
On the younger side, research conducted in Turkey found that children with higher levels of general knowledge and verbal reasoning are better able to produce humor.
In this study, more than 200 children wrote texts for 10 newly drawn animated cartoons. Then seven experts rated the captions for grace and relevance to cartoons, with a total of 30,380 ratings.
When the intelligence and mood of these children were compared, the researchers found that general intelligence was highly correlated with humor. Intelligence explained 68% of the difference in humor capacity and, in particular, It was found that children with greater general knowledge and greater verbal reasoning had a greater capacity for humor.
Also, in 2010, researchers from the University of New Mexico conducted studies with 400 students, equally divided by gender. They were evaluated for verbal intelligence, abstract reasoning and their ability to produce humor, also writing subtitles for three cartoons.
Again, high scores on intelligence tests were correlated with the ability to recognize and produce humor.
While studies show differences in the strength of the link between intelligence and humor for children and adults, authors say that cultural context is also important.
Both humor and intelligence are shaped by cultural norms, beliefs, and values. A joke that is considered funny in one culture may not be so in another. Similarly, a particular behavior may be considered a sign of high intelligence in one culture, but other cultures may consider it inappropriate.
Having humor makes you more attractive, according to science
Funny people aren’t just smart, it’s nice to be around them. Evidence suggests that having a good sense of humor is related to high emotional intelligence and is a highly desirable quality in a partner.
Evolutionary psychologists describe humor as a “hereditary trait.” indicating mental aptitude and intellectual agility. In studies of what factors are considered attractive in a person, both men and women rate funny people as more charming and say that having a good sense of humor is one of the most important traits in a long-term relationship.
Research on the use of humor in education also supports the notion that humor is an effective learning aid. Several studies have shown that humorous lessons are more enjoyable for students and also improve students’ understanding and recall of the topic. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
