The Wikipedia definition of humor research is:

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“Humor research (also known as humor studies), is a multifaceted field which enters the domains of linguistics, history and literature. Research in humor has been done to discover the psychological and physiological effects, both positive and negative, on a person or groups of people. Research in humor has revealed many different theories of humor, and many different kinds of humor, including their functions and effects personally in relationships and in society."

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humor_research

 

List of humor research papers on Wikipedia

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_humor_research_publications

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