Step 1
Otten et al suggested that people have stronger emotional responses when laughter ac-
companies negative comments as opposed to positive ones.
Step 2
Further research into this topic could look at whether an individual’s age and their level of
education affects the N400 and LPP spikes.
Step 3
Use real faces and voices to deliver the statements on film, rather than using silhouettes of
crowds and reading the statements on-screen.
Step 4
With regards to the chosen suggestion there are a couple of ways in which the changes to
the research could be implemented. The footage could show a group of actors in a room,
with one delivering the statement whilst the rest deliver the response (laughter) depending
on the condition. To increase the ecological validity of this approach, the film could be shot
from a first person perspective. This would place the participant on the other side of the
camera which would increase the immersion for the participant by creating the illusion that
they are physically present in the scenario. Whilst this would still restrict the level of eco-
logical validity, it would ensure the ethical protection of the participants. Another option
would be to record the footage on a phone, restricting the view and giving the illusion that
the crowd is bigger, thereby increasing the level of embarrassment for the participant.
Step 5
I advise other students to read the article as soon as the eTMA opens in order to get an
idea of what they will be summarising. Ideally every few weeks at least scan through the
article as well, this will keep the research fresh in their minds and will help in summarising
the article. It will also mean they can come up with more ideas on changes that could be
made. I also recommend checking the forums daily; although I didn’t post, I did spend a
few minutes reading suggestions from my fellow students which helped me develop my
own ideas.
Otten et al suggested that people have stronger emotional responses when laughter ac-
companies negative comments as opposed to positive ones.
Step 2
Further research into this topic could look at whether an individual’s age and their level of
education affects the N400 and LPP spikes.
Step 3
Use real faces and voices to deliver the statements on film, rather than using silhouettes of
crowds and reading the statements on-screen.
Step 4
With regards to the chosen suggestion there are a couple of ways in which the changes to
the research could be implemented. The footage could show a group of actors in a room,
with one delivering the statement whilst the rest deliver the response (laughter) depending
on the condition. To increase the ecological validity of this approach, the film could be shot
from a first person perspective. This would place the participant on the other side of the
camera which would increase the immersion for the participant by creating the illusion that
they are physically present in the scenario. Whilst this would still restrict the level of eco-
logical validity, it would ensure the ethical protection of the participants. Another option
would be to record the footage on a phone, restricting the view and giving the illusion that
the crowd is bigger, thereby increasing the level of embarrassment for the participant.
Step 5
I advise other students to read the article as soon as the eTMA opens in order to get an
idea of what they will be summarising. Ideally every few weeks at least scan through the
article as well, this will keep the research fresh in their minds and will help in summarising
the article. It will also mean they can come up with more ideas on changes that could be
made. I also recommend checking the forums daily; although I didn’t post, I did spend a
few minutes reading suggestions from my fellow students which helped me develop my
own ideas.
