University at Buffalo (UB)
Humor & Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Students will examine the relationship between humor understanding and cross-cultural adaptation.
Project description
Selected students will work with the faculty member on a research project examining humor and cross-cultural adaptation. When individuals cross cultures they face a myriad of personal and social challenges, one of which is learning and understanding humor patterns in the new culture. This research project seeks to answer a specific research question related to Singaporean humor understanding and friendship network formation in Singapore. The findings could potentially advance cross-cultural adaptation theory, humor styles theory, and inform international educators.
Ideal Student Profile:
Students considering graduate school or research-oriented profession
Students with connections to international student associations.
Project outcome
This project aims to give students an opportunity to learn survey and network analysis methodology, produce empirically driven knowledge, and experience the research process. Over the course of two semesters students will help conduct a literature review, design survey items, chose humorous video prompts, collect data, analyze data, and interpret results. The objective is to produce an academic conference worthy and/or publishable journal article. Students will also become familiar with theories related to cross-cultural humor, cross-cultural adaptation, and humor styles.
Project details
| Length of commitment | (Longer than a semester; 6-9 months) |
| Start time | Fall (August/September) |
| In-person, remote, or hybrid? | In-person Project |
| Level of collaboration | Small group project (2-3 students) |
| Benefits | Research Experience |
| Who is eligible | Juniors & Seniors |
Project mentor
Blake Hendrickson
Communication Instructor
UB-SIM Communication Department
Phone: (656) 248-5464
Email: blakehen@buffalo.edu
Start the project
- Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
- After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.)
Preparation activities
Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase.
Commit for two semesters (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024)
Attend bi-monthly research team meetings
Meet deadlines for all individually assigned tasks (e.g. literature review)
Complete CITI human subjects training modules for social/behavioral research and responsible conduct of research
Keywords
Intercultural Communication, Cross-Cultural Psychology, International Education, Singapore, UB-SIM Communications Department