Understanding the Myth and Reality of
Left Brain and Right Brain Dominance
By Kendra Cherry
Have you ever heard people say that they tend to be more of a right-brain or left-brain thinker? From books to television programs, you've probably heard the phrase mentioned numerous times or perhaps you've even taken an online test to determine which type best describes you.
What Is Left Brain -
Right Brain Theory?
According
to the theory of left-brain or right-brain dominance, each side of the brain
controls different types of thinking. Additionally, people are said to prefer
one type of thinking over the other. For example, a person who is
"left-brained" is often said to be more logical, analytical and
objective, while a person who is "right-brained" is said to be more
intuitive, thoughtful and subjective.
In
psychology, the theory is based on what is known as the lateralization of brain
function. So does one side of the brain really control specific functions? Are
people either left-brained or right-brained? Like many popular psychology
myths, this one has a basis in fact that has been dramatically distorted and
exaggerated.
The
right brain-left brain theory grew out of the work of Roger W. Sperry, who was
awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981. While studying the effects of epilepsy, Sperry
discovered that cutting the corpus collosum (the structure that connects the
two hemispheres of the brain) could reduce or eliminate seizures.
However,
these patients also experienced other symptoms after the communication pathway
between the two sides of the brain was cut. For example, many split-brain
patients found themselves unable to name objects that were processed by the
right side of the brain, but were able to name objects that were processed by
the left-side of the brain. Based on this information, Sperry suggested that
language was controlled by the left-side of the brain.
Later research has shown that the brain is not
nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, recent research has shown that abilities in subjects such as
math are actually strongest when both halves of the brain work together.
The Right Brain
According
to the left-brain, right-brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is
best at expressive and creative tasks. Some of the abilities that are popularly
associated with the right side of the brain include:
● Recognizing faces
● Expressing emotions
● Music
● Reading emotions
● Color
● Images
● Intuition
● Creativity
The Left Brain
The
left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic,
language and analytical thinking. The left-brain is often described as being
better at:
● Language ● Logic
● Critical thinking ● Numbers ● Reasoning
● Critical thinking ● Numbers ● Reasoning
The Uses of
Right-Brain, Left-Brain Theory
While
often over-generalized and overstated by popular psychology and self-help
texts, understanding your strengths and weaknesses in certain areas can help
you develop better ways to learn and study. For example, students who have a
difficult time following verbal instructions (often cited as a right-brain
characteristic) can benefit from writing down directions and developing better organizational
skills.
By Kendra Cherry
By Kendra Cherry