Laughlab: The Scientific Quest for the World's Funniest Joke

(Paperback)

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Laughter is good for us. It makes us less stressed, decreases our blood pressure and lowers anxiety levels. For hundreds of years, scientists and philosophers have investigated what jokes make us laugh, and why certain people find certain jokes funny. Over a twelve-month period starting last year, a huge on-line experiment was undertaken by LaughLab to find the world's funniest joke. Created by Dr Richard Wiseman in collaboration with the British Association for the Advancement of Science, LaughLab was the largest-ever scientific study into humour. 350,000 people took part in the study, and in the first week the LaughLab website made the World Top Ten with around 3 million attempted hits a day. LaughLab, the book, is the conclusion of this fascinating and fun experiment, packed full with the endlessly entertaining results of the research that will appeal to all ages. At last we know the answers to such enduring mysteries as: - How do the differences between the sexes lead to man and women finding different jokes funny - Why do some jokes make lots of people laugh whilst others only appeal to certain types of people - What sort of jokes make children laugh and what does that tell us about the way in which they see the world - What do the jokes that we find funny reveal about the way in which our brains work and the ultimate question...- What is the world's funniest joke and why Will you agree with the outcome Will you laugh, grin or groan And just why did the chicken cross the road...

Author Bio

The British Association for the Advancement of Science (The BA) works in co-operation with the DTI and promotes the understanding and development of science and technology, emphasising their contribution to cultural, economic and social life.