If you would like to interview or get a quote from Dr. Elena Hoicka on child development, joking, pretending, deception, creativity, language learning, or altruism, please contact her directly at elena.hoicka at stir.ac.uk

BBC Radio Scotland's MacAuley and Co. February, 2012: radio interview.

The Daily Record, November, 2011: “Joking around can give children head-start in life according to Scottish researchers” Link

BBC Newsnight Scotland, October, 2011: 5-minute feature on research on joking and pretending

BBC Good Morning Scotland, October, 2011: radio interview

Central FM, October, 2011: radio interview

BBC News Online, October, 2011: “Joking and pretending ‘key to toddler learning”. Link

The Mirror, October, 2011: “Parents who joke with toddlers ‘give them a head start”. Link

The Toronto Sun, October, 2011, “Joking with kids helps them learn: Study”. Link

The Daily Telegraph, October, 2011: “Joking aside, fun can provide real lesson in life for toddlers.”

Scottish Daily Mail, October, 2011: “Toddling in for a good old laugh.”

The Scottish Sun, October, 2011: “School to play fool.”

Scotland on Sunday, September, 2011: “Have you heard the one about the children who are born to become comedy stars?"

Daily Record, November, 2010: " Scots researchers launch hunt to find whether mums or dads are funnier". LINK

Sunday Post, September, 2010: "What's the secret of a baby's laughter?"

Scottish Sunday Express, January, 2010: "Babies with a sense of humour? No kidding"  LINK

Stirling Observer, September, 2009: " Stirling University looking for babies for psychology project" LINK

APA Monitor, November 2007: “The joke’s in you”. LINK

British Psychology Society (BPS) Research Digest, March, 2008: “Little comedians”. LINK

Mind in the Making: The Science of Early Learning LINK