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 Aspergers 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 speakers words and a speakers 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, dont work too hard.
Others were neutral, such as this: Joe came to work and immediately began to work. His boss noticed his behaviour and said: Joe, dont work too hard.
