Nine Examples Analyzed

Let’s apply what we have learned and analyze the Nine Examples. We will do that by dissecting every joke three times according to the following definitions and our formula:

1. Definition of a Joke: “A joke conveys information in a funny way.”

2. Mechanism of a Joke: “A joke adds information in a way that triggers a sudden cognitive shift.”

3. The Formula: “Disappoint an assumption by fulfilling a second assumption in a surprising and satisfying way.”

We will proceed to identify all the elements in order to further our understanding of how jokes work. Additionally this step by step process can help you pinpoint problems when a joke just doesn’t seem to be working. Seeing all the elements before you and not having a clear answer for one of the steps can be a good indicator as to why there is a problem.

FORM OF THE JOKE (Cartoon, barjoke,etc.)

“Here goes the actual joke.”

DEFINITION OF A JOKE: “A joke conveys information in a funny way.”

Content of the Joke: Here we summarize the content.

In a funny way: Do we think the joke is funny? Not to spoil the surprise but yes. Yes it is. Otherwise we wouldn’t look at it.

MECHANISM OF A JOKE: “A joke adds information in a way that triggers a sudden cognitive shift.”

We identify the information (the word or words) that trigger the sudden cognitive shift.

THE FORMULA: “Disappoint an assumption by fulfilling a second assumption in a surprising and satisfying way.”

Assumption: Here we identify the assumption which the joke uses.

A second assumption is fulfilled: Whic second assumption gets fullfilled?

Surprising: Is it surprising?

Satisfying: Is it satisfying and thus fulfills all three conditions (Humorous, Harmless, Compatible)?

Humorous: Is it humorous and thus fulfills all three following conditions?

1) Behavior (The tendency to laugh or to grin):
2) Cognitive (Something is intellectually perceived as “funny”):
3) Emotional (The positive feeling of amusement):

Harmless: Is the joke harmless?

Harmless according to the Benign Violation Theory: What is the norm that gets violated and how it is made benign?

Is it still in a way compatible with the original assumption: Is it compatible and if so, how?

Unexpected Change that turns out to be benign: Is there an unexpected change that turns out to be benign and if so, what is it?