A Complexity Science Account of Humor

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Complexity Science
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Psychological humor theories often cite incongruity-resolution as key to funniness.
• Complexity science offers a novel framework for modeling humor's cognitive dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model the incongruity-resolution sequence in humor using complexity science principles.
• To empirically test hypotheses derived from the complexity-based humor model.
• To explore the relationship between humor, phase transitions, and social factors.

Main Methods:

• A complexity science model was developed to represent humor as a phase transition.
• An empirical study involved participants rating visual puns for funniness.
• Statistical analysis examined correlations between incongruity, resolution abruptness, funniness, and social factors.

Main Results:

• The extent of incongruity and abruptness of resolution positively correlated with reported funniness.
• Social factors, like Schadenfreude, were associated with humor responses.
• The model explained why some phase transitions (e.g., bistable puns) are less humorous.

Conclusions:

• Humor can be effectively modeled as a phase transition in complexity science.
• Incongruity and resolution dynamics are critical determinants of humor perception.
• The model's insights may extend to decision-making and therapeutic interventions.