Towards a neural circuit model of verbal humor processing: An fMRI study of the neural substrates of incongruity detection and resolution

The present study builds on our previous study within the framework of Wyer and Collin's comprehension–elaboration theory of humor processing. In this study, an attempt is made to segregate the neural substrates of incongruity detection and incongruity resolution during the comprehension of ver...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:NeuroImage (Orlando, Fla.) Fla.), 2013-02, Vol.66, p.169-176
Main Authors: Chan, Yu-Chen, Chou, Tai-Li, Chen, Hsueh-Chih, Yeh, Yu-Chu, Lavallee, Joseph P., Liang, Keng-Chen, Chang, Kuo-En
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Brain
Brain - physiology
Brain Mapping
Comprehension - physiology
Female
fMRI
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
Humor
Humor comprehension
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
Incongruity-resolution theory
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Neural circuit model of humor
Neural Pathways - physiology
Speech Perception - physiology
Studies
Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
Wit and Humor as Topic
Young Adult
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Summary:The present study builds on our previous study within the framework of Wyer and Collin's comprehension–elaboration theory of humor processing. In this study, an attempt is made to segregate the neural substrates of incongruity detection and incongruity resolution during the comprehension of verbal jokes. Although a number of fMRI studies have investigated the incongruity-resolution process, the differential neurological substrates of comprehension are still not fully understood. The present study utilized an event-related fMRI design incorporating three conditions (unfunny, nonsensical and funny) to examine distinct brain regions associated with the detection and resolution of incongruities. Stimuli in the unfunny condition contained no incongruities; stimuli in the nonsensical condition contained irresolvable incongruities; and stimuli in the funny condition contained resolvable incongruities. The results showed that the detection of incongruities was associated with greater activation in the right middle temporal gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus, and the resolution of incongruities with greater activation in the left superior frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule. Further analysis based on participants' rating scores provided converging results. Our findings suggest a three-stage neural circuit model of verbal humor processing: incongruity detection and incongruity resolution during humor comprehension and inducement of the feeling of amusement during humor elaboration. ► This study sought to isolate the neural substrates underlying humor comprehension. ► Incongruity detection and resolution were segregated using a ‘nonsensical’ condition. ► Detection activated the right middle temporal gyrus and right medial frontal gyrus. ► Resolution activated the left superior frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobe. ► A neural circuit model of humor comprehension and elaboration processing is proposed.
ISSN:1053-8119
1095-9572
DOI:10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.10.019