Peter McGraw
American academic
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Q: What is Peter McGraw known for?
A: Peter McGraw is known for his work in the field of humor research. He is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and the author of the book "The Humor Code".
Q: What is "The Benign Violation Theory"?
A: "The Benign Violation Theory" is a theory of humor proposed by Peter McGraw and his colleague Caleb Warren. According to this theory, humor occurs when a situation is both a violation and benign, meaning it is a departure from the norm but does not pose a threat to one's well-being.
Q: What is an example of a benign violation?
A: An example of a benign violation is a harmless prank. It violates social norms by deceiving and surprising the target, but it does not pose any real harm or danger.
Q: How did Peter McGraw become interested in humor research?
A: Peter McGraw became interested in humor research after surviving a near-death experience during a skydiving accident. He realized that laughter played a significant role in helping him cope with adversity and wanted to understand the science behind it.
Q: What are some practical applications of Peter McGraw's research?
A: Peter McGraw's research on humor has practical applications in various fields. It can be used to improve advertising and marketing strategies, enhance workplace relationships, and even help individuals cope with stressful or traumatic events.