Boys, ages 6, 8, and 10, were classified with regard to conceptual tempo and were presented with cartoon stimuli varying in cognitive complexity and level of affectivity. The results indicate that reflective subjects generally displayed the highest comprehension scores while impulsive subjects displayed the greatest spontaneous mirth. (JMB)

Investigates the development sequence of children's comprehension of riddles. In Study I riddles and jokes were collected and classified from children of grades 1 through 10. In Study II, students of grades 1, 3, 6, 10, and college were given selected riddles from three categories determined in Study I to test the predicted comprehension sequence.…

A study of the development of 6- to 12-year-old children's appreciation of verbal jokes was conducted within the framework of the incongruity and resolution theory of humor. Results revealed age differences indicating that older children appreciated both structural components while younger children appreciated the incongruity structure. (ST)

Examined the relationship of ability to conserve and comprehend of logical riddles in 33 first-, third- and fifth-grade boys of average intelligence. Although both riddle comprehension and cognitive maturity as assessed by Piagetian tasks increased with grade, the relation between them was not clearly demonstrated. (Author/JMB)

Studied the enjoyment and comprehension of riddles and nonriddles by first, third, and fifth grade normal children. Also investigated the relationship of sex to the enjoyment of humor. (SDH)