ANALYSIS OF HUMOR SKILLS AMONG ELEMENTARY-SCHOOL STUDENTS - COMPARISONS OF CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT INTELLECTUAL HANDICAPS

Differences in the comprehension, production, and appreciation of humo r were explored among students who were achieving normally (20 second graders, 21 fourth graders) or had learning disabilities (14 fourth gr aders) or developmental handicaps (12 fourth graders). Comprehension o f humor was assessed by explanations of what made cartoons funny. Prod uction was assessed by completion of captionless cartoons. Appreciatio n was evaluated by ratings of funniness and facial mirth. Results indi cated that children without handicaps comprehended the cartoons better than did the students with intellectual handicaps. No production diff erences were observed Students who had intellectual handicaps demonstr ated age-appropriate appreciation ratings; however, students with deve lopmental handicaps lacked differential sensitivity.