Chapter 11 - Applications of Humor in Education and in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter describes the role of humor in the applied areas of educational and industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology. With regard to humor in education, we review relevant research addressing the following questions: (1) How often and in what ways do teachers use humor in the classroom? (2) Does humor affect students’ perceptions of the classroom environment? (3) Does humor improve students' ability to attend, learn, and retain information? (4) Does humor reduce anxiety and improve test performance? (5) Does humor in textbooks help students learn the material? With regard to humor in the workplace, we begin with a discussion of research focusing on humor and organizational culture, exploring ways in which the humor climate of a workplace can be positive or negative. A negative humor climate includes humor-based gender harassment. Finally, we review research on humor and leadership. A theme throughout this chapter is that, both in the classroom and in the workplace, it is important to recognize that humor can be harmful as well as beneficial. Contrary to the claims of some enthusiastic advocates of humor, rather than simply seeking to increase the frequency of humor in these settings, research indicates that it is important to understand the types of humor that are already occurring and the social functions they serve. Thus, while maintaining an open mind about the possible benefits of humor-related applications in these areas, a psychological perspective requires that we carefully sift through the evidence and avoid being carried away by unfounded enthusiasm.