Cartoons in The Context of Paul McGhee's Theory of Humor Development

Abstract

This study, which was conducted to examine cartoons according to Paul McGhee's humor development theory, is a basic qualitative research design. The research study group consists of 8 cartoons, 4 Turkish and 4 foreign productions, which are available on national and international children's channels and digital broadcasting platforms. These cartoons are; Keloğlan Masalları, Niloya, Pepee, Rafadan Tayfa, Caillou, Masha and the Bear, SpongeBob, and The Smurfs. The study's data were analyzed using the "humor checklist" prepared by the researcher. Document analysis technique was used to analyze the data obtained. As a result of the study, it was determined that the cartoon with the most humor elements was Masha and the Bear, the cartoon with the least humor elements was Pepee. In the study, it was observed that the most humor elements were found in stage 4c, which includes humor aimed at distorting the properties of objects, people, and animals, and the least humor elements were found in stage 4d, which includes naming the opposite sex. As a result of the research, it was determined that the cartoon with the most and least humorous elements in each stage differed. Since cartoons have different characteristics, the amount of humor in different stages may vary. However, humor is universal, and children of all ages watch cartoons. In this context, it is suggested that cartoons should have humor elements with different characteristics.