Scientists say they found the root of sarcasm. Yeah, right

[emad]

May 23, 2005

Scientists say they found the root of sarcasm. Yeah, right
By Alexandra Frean, Social Affairs Correspondent

SCIENTISTS in Israel have cracked the complicated cognitive code that determines whether individuals are able to understand sarcasm.
Yeah, right.

No, really. The findings, published today by the American Psychological Association, could provide vital clues to the best way of helping people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome, as well as those with some forms of brain damage, to improve their communication skills.

Simone Shamay-Tsoory, the psychologist who led the research, said that the study aimed to determine how people distinguish between a speaker’s words and a speaker’s intention. “Only then can you really understand sarcasm,” she said. Dr Shamay-Tsoory and her colleagues at the Rambam Medical Centre in Haifa and the University of Haifa studied the reaction of brain-damaged and healthy people to a series of stories recorded by actors.

Some were sarcastic, such as this: Joe came to work and, instead of beginning to work, he sat down to rest. His boss noticed his behaviour and said: “Joe, don’t work too hard.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,170-1623448,00.html

[Democracy White]

1. Interesting

As being a suffer of Asperger's syndrome, I find this very enlightening. I have a difficult time trying to discern what someone is saying is sarcasm or real. I have a difficult time understanding jokes as well.

Dee

[Lannes]

2. Great thread title!

[emad]

3. 'Sarcasm' brain areas discovered : BBC

Scientists say they have located the parts of the brain that comprehend sarcasm - honestly.

By comparing healthy people and those with damage to different parts of the brain, they found the front of the brain was a key to understanding irony.

Damage to any of three different areas could render individuals unable to understand sarcastic comments.

The Israeli team from Haifa University told Neuropsychology how their findings might help to explain autism features.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4566319.stm