Humor

High school (ages 12+)
Thinking & Learning

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/humor

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is humor?Humor is a way people make each other laugh by using jokes, wordplay, or funny situations. It helps us feel happy and connect with others.
2. Why do jokes make us laugh?Jokes surprise us by showing something unexpected or silly, which tricks our brain into feeling happy and releasing feel‑good chemicals like dopamine.

Incongruity Theory: Humor arises from the perception of unexpected mismatches between concepts or situations, creating cognitive surprise.
Neurotransmitter Release: The brain's release of chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which are associated with pleasure and reward during amusement.
Coping Mechanism: A strategy used to manage stressful or challenging situations, where humor helps in reframing and reducing emotional distress.
Social Cohesion: The degree to which members of a group feel united and connected, a function humor effectively promotes through shared positive experiences.