The theory of a number of philosophers and psychologists, including Freud, is that humor is a biphasic sequence involving first the discovery of incongruity and then the resolution of the incongruity. Without the mechanism of resolution, we cannot distinguish humor from nonsense. The punch line of a joke is seemingly incongruous with the preceding…

Canadian adults see less humor and realism in Archie Bunker of "All in the Family" than does United States sample. (RB)

Examines the work of Kate Sanborn (1839-1917), who edited an anthology of women's humor and crusaded for 20 years to alter the stereotype of women's humorlessness. It is suggested that her work adds to our knowledge of feminist history, as well as presaging current theoretical developments in the psychology of women. (Author/ABB)

Examines audience reactions to informative public speakers' use of self-disparaging humor. Concludes that speakers using such humor may be perceived as more humorous, but also run the risk of reducing their perceived competence, having the audience associate with them less, and producing speeches that are rated as less interesting. (MM)

A sarcastic essay outlines ways in which the college faculty member can avoid carrying out committee service responsibly. (MSE)

The pilot study investigated receptive and expressive humor in students (total N=54) with learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, or no handicap. Among results were that older learning disabled students were more like mildly retarded students than normal peers; and that learning disabled students had more difficulty understanding…

Discusses theories about humor as an important coping strategy among educators and students. Such observations prompted the study reported here, which investigates the relationship between humor and the principal's role, and the research implications of the relationship. Outlines the study's rationale, methodology, findings, and conclusions. (CJH)

Gives humorous advice for parents interested in helping their children write term papers, such as making sure to understand the footnote and bibliography forms because kids can get pretty annoyed at being marked down on parents' typing. (EL)

Examines creative humor and appreciative humor. Suggests ways elementary school counselors can nurture humor, both creatively and appreciatively, as a necessary characteristic of the complete child. (ABB)

Examines a group of young adult novels written by American Jewish authors to support claim that they have helped establish the irreverent, lively tone characteristic of contemporary literature for young adults. Also discusses definitions of Jewish humor; the use of Jewish places, names, and words; discussion and wordplay; and stereotypes. (EM)

Crosby Bonsall, a prolific author-illustrator for young readers, comments on many topics related to writing, illustrating, and young children's initial independent encounters with print in books. (HOD)

Presents a selection of quotations from would-be censors. Argues humorously that the quotations were intended to be funny. (FL)

Discusses perceptual processing associated with understanding cartoons; reviews literature focusing on cartoon creation, criticism, and communication; defines iconic imaging; and reviews crucial factors in understanding and creating cartoons, including leveling, sharpening, and assimilation, right and left brain imagery modes, developmental stages…

This essay addresses concerns surrounding the censorship of library materials and responds to comments received on a previous article by the same author ("Top of the News," Winter 1984). Discussion covers the American Civil Liberties Union, vulgar language and inadequate vocabulary, library collections, library material selection, and…

Observed the ways in which norm formation and social conformity are engaged in the joke setting. Despite the "cautious" operational definition of the convergence concept, the basic finding of convergence nevertheless seems fairly absolute and pertinent to the individual's day-to-day social relations. (Author/BL)