The Science of Laughter Quiz

What happens to your breathing when you laugh?

• It increases in pressure in the chest cavity

• It becomes irregular

• It becomes slower

• It stops completely

What is one of the reasons that laughter is contagious?

• It triggers the release of stress hormones

• It activates key regions in the brain

• It inhibits reflexes and muscle control

• It causes leg weakness

What do scientists think laughter may have originally developed to signal?

• Surprise

• Fear

• Friendly, non-aggressive intent

• Aggressive intent

What do researchers believe is the reason for human laughter being generally louder than the play vocalizations of most animals?

• To communicate with other species

• To scare off predators

• To attract mates

• To signal between individuals and broadcast to everyone around

What do fake, or volitional, laughter and spontaneous laughter rely on?

• Different networks in the brain

• The release of stress hormones

• The same networks in the brain

• The same neurotransmitters

What do our brains release when we laugh?

• Feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins

• Adrenaline

• Cortisol

• Stress hormones

What does some research suggest about people who laugh more?

• They have better cardiovascular health

• They are more prone to illness

• They can't cope with stress effectively

• They have worse cardiovascular health

At what age can babies laugh?

• Before they can speak

• After they turn 3 years old

• After they turn 2 years old

• After they turn 1 year old