Situational Humor Response Questionnaire: Quantitative measure of sense of humor.

TLDR

The article develops the Situational Humor Response Questionnaire (SHRQ) and reports findings from three validity studies. The authors designed a 21‑item scale to quantify sense of humor, differing from prior self‑report measures that used a conformist definition. Reliability coefficients were in the .70s, and validity studies showed significant correlations with observed mirth, peer ratings, positive mood, and wittiness, indicating the SHRQ is useful for assessing humor in both sexes, though with stronger support for males.

Abstract

In this article, the development of the Situational Humor Response Questionnaire (SHRQ) is described and the findings of three validity studies are reported. We designed this 21-item scale to assess individuals' sense of humor as denned in quantitative terms, in contrast with previous self-report measures of humor, which have been based on a conformist definition. Reliability coefficients in the .70s are reported. The validity studies reveal significant correlations between the SHRQ and a number of criteria, including observed mirth responses during an interview, peer ratings of subjects' sense of humor, a measure of positive mood, and rated wittiness of impromptu comedy monologues. The results indicate that this scale may be useful in assessing humor in productive as well as quantitative terms. Although we found greater support for males than for females, the data provide considerable evidence that validates the SHRQ for both sexes.