Menu
19/04/2005
'What makes children laugh?' UU researcher asks
A University of Ulster researcher is hoping to unravel the puzzle into what makes children laugh.
As part of a five-nation probe, Professor Máire Messenger-Davies, who is based at the University’s Coleraine campus, will join researchers from Germany, Israel, South Africa and the US in the research project funded by IZI, the Munich based International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media.
The purpose is to determine what children laugh at and whether there are national or cultural differences that influence their sense of humour.
Initially the researchers are compiling samples of humorous material - mainly television programmes, both animated and live, from each of the countries under the microscope. These will be shown to audiences of 8-12 year olds in selected schools in each country and specialists from IZI will measure the responses using a 'Fun-o-Meter' - a device to gauge the giggle quotient.
Afterwards, the children will be invited to discuss their reactions to the viewing material and the results will be analysed.
The project runs for a year and as well as compiling material, the researchers are also identifying schools which will be the test bed for the humour probe.
(MB/GB)
As part of a five-nation probe, Professor Máire Messenger-Davies, who is based at the University’s Coleraine campus, will join researchers from Germany, Israel, South Africa and the US in the research project funded by IZI, the Munich based International Institute for the Study of Youth and Media.
The purpose is to determine what children laugh at and whether there are national or cultural differences that influence their sense of humour.
Initially the researchers are compiling samples of humorous material - mainly television programmes, both animated and live, from each of the countries under the microscope. These will be shown to audiences of 8-12 year olds in selected schools in each country and specialists from IZI will measure the responses using a 'Fun-o-Meter' - a device to gauge the giggle quotient.
Afterwards, the children will be invited to discuss their reactions to the viewing material and the results will be analysed.
The project runs for a year and as well as compiling material, the researchers are also identifying schools which will be the test bed for the humour probe.
(MB/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 March 2024
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
SDLP Launches Petition For Restoration Of Integrated Schools Funding
The SDLP has launched a petition calling for the restoration of funding for new buildings at ten integrated schools across NI. The petition follows the recent announcement of the withdrawal of this funding as part of the financial package agreed between Executive parties and the UK Government.
18 April 2024
Major L'Derry Regeneration Scheme Set To Get Underway
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that a major regeneration scheme in L'Derry will get underway in summer, following the appointment of contractor, FP McCann.
Major L'Derry Regeneration Scheme Set To Get Underway
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that a major regeneration scheme in L'Derry will get underway in summer, following the appointment of contractor, FP McCann.
22 February 2024
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
Man Pleads Guilty To Number Of Sexual Offences Against Children
A 31-year-old man who travelled to Belfast to meet what he thought was a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to a number of sexual abuse offences against children. Anil Patel pled guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging the commission of a child sex offence and possessing extreme pornography of children.
20 February 2024
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
Belfast YMCA Champions Affordable Housing
In a strategic move to address the pressing need for affordable housing in Belfast, local charity Belfast YMCA has released a prime piece of land to the market for sale in the Stranmillis Area. Working with commercial estate agents Frazer Kidd the land in the highly coveted BT9 area is on the market for 'offers in the region of £1m'.
21 March 2024
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
Down Royal Announces Fibrus As New Headline Sponsor
Racegoers of all ages across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to attend Down Royal's brand-new Fibrus Family Race Day taking place on Sunday 14th April 2024. This partnership will see Fibrus secure title naming rights to this year's new race meeting bringing the total number of fixtures at Down Royal in 2024 to fourteen.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
