Question

Scientists believe that there is a communal aspect to laughter, even when that laughter is artificial. Research suggests that people laugh more commonly when they watch sitcoms with a laugh track (a prerecorded clip of audience laughter that is played after a character makes a funny statement) than when watching a sitcom without one. While this may suggest that people need cues for humor, research suggests that people are also more laughter-prone when spending time with individuals than when spending time solo (Rogers).

According to the passage, what is a laugh track?
a) A live audience's spontaneous laughter
b) A recorded audience laughter played after a funny statement
c) Background music in sitcoms
d) Actors' scripted responses to jokes

Answer 1

A laugh track is a prerecorded clip of audience laughter that is played after a character in a sitcom makes a funny statement.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the passage, a laugh track is b) A recorded audience laughter played after a funny statement. It is a common practice in the production of sitcoms to use a laugh track to cue the audience to the humorous parts of the show, suggesting that the presence of laughter can prompt viewers to find the content funnier. This concept goes hand in hand with the idea that laughter has a communal aspect, as people are more likely to laugh in the presence of others than when they are alone.