On the importance of the dynamics of humour and comedy for constructionism and reflexivity in social science research methodology

Abstract

Humour and comedy have gained increased significance in academic research in recent years. This article examines the importance of humour and comedy as valuable tools in qualitative social science research methodology. It makes the original contribution of utilizing humour and comedy theory, and critical understandings of both their macro and micro mechanisms and functions, to argue that humour and comedy can accommodate, and indeed, expedite, social science research methodology in relation to two key principles: constructionism and reflexivity. This represents a significant and rigorous theoretical contribution to not just humour and comedy theory but the paradigm of qualitative social science methodology. Following a review of the benefits of using humour and comedy in qualitative research, the article considers how the broader theories and more intricate mechanics of humour and comedy can facilitate research into the social world, examining how humour and comedy can inform and develop constructionism and reflexivity.

Using the draw and tell method with adolescents as part of an interpretive descriptive study

“…In interpretive descriptive studies, high-quality data are often derived from interviews that achieve depth; such depth is facilitated through the initial development of rapport with participants (of note, other forms of datasuch as observations and documentsmay also be used in interpretive description) (Thorne, 2016). It is well recognised that humour helps people to feel more relaxed (Jenkinson et al, 2019;Lockyer and Weaver, 2021;Shang et al, 2021) and can enhance adolescent engagement (Goodwin et al, 2019). Use of humour has been recommended as a strategy to put participants at ease so that initial rapport can be developed (Rubin and Rubin, 2011).…”

‘Humour can open the door to conversations’: Exploring the Role of Comedy in Breaking Down Barriers to Employment for Young Disabled People

“…Comedy, games, and laughter were important features of the research processes for this project. Lockyer and Weaver (2022) highlight the benefits of using humour and comedy as part of data collection. For example, they argue that it provides a space to discuss difficult topics and can also help establish trusting relationships.…”

Pengaruh Fasilitas Belajar dan Motivasi Belajar Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Peserta Didik Pada Mata Pelajaran IPS di UPTD SDN Wilayah I Kecamatan Bontoa Kabupaten Maros

“…Dengan demikian, peranan studi Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial sangatlah penting sebagai sarana mendidik peserta didik mengembangkan pengetahuan, sikap dan keterampilan agar dapat mengambil bagian secara aktif dalam kehidupannya kelak sebagai anggota masyarakat dan warga negara yang baik. Ilmu pengetahuan sosial, dalam konteks yang lebih metodologis menurut Lockyer & Weaver (2021) juga akan sangat berhubungan dengan pentingnya pengembangan dua prinsip utama yaitu konstruksionisme dan refleksivitas; Scharp & Thomas (2019) sebelumnya juga meninjau hal tersebut. Termasuk debat tentang paradigma realisme kritis dalam ilmu sosial (Zhang, 2022).…”