The Language of Laughter: A Quantitative/Qualitative Fusion Examining Television Narrative and Humor

Abstract

This study utilizes multiple methods to analyze the effects of a laugh track on audience response to four episodes of the classic sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show.” An experimental design and a narratological approach are used in concert. One of the four episodes stood out quantitatively in terms of perceived humor and overall enjoyment, and was the only episode for which the laugh track had a negative impact. Narratological richness might explain the anomalous episode, as it was found to possess a more complex story structure, higher levels of satire, and other distinctive elements found to have high audience appeal.

Notes

^a.05 < p < .10.

*p < .05.

**p < .01.

^a.05 < p < .10.

*p < .05.

**p < .01.