Left Brain vs. Right Brain

Illustration of Left Brain vs. Right Brain. Some researchers suggest that specific brain operations are more dependent on the dominant hemisphere for an individual.

Neuroscience researchers propose lateralization as the best explanation for brain function. This theory states that the right and left hemispheres of the brain perform different functions and communicate through connections.

Hemisphere dominance is predicted by handedness and has been categorized as left brain or right brain functioning.

What are the differences between the left brain and right brain hemispheres?

Many neuroscientists consider the purely left-brain vs. right-brain characteristics a myth. However, there are numerous theories that explain the functions of the hemispheres.

Michael Gazzaniga and Roger Sperry proposed lateralization. This theory suggests that the left and right hemispheres have distinct functions but communicate through physical connections.

• For example, language function is typically left hemisphere dominant.
• The split-brain theory describes the left side of the brain as rational and the right hemisphere as emotional.

Brain lateralization occurs in specific functions. Recent studies show that both hemispheres are used equally and have functional and physical connections.

Memory function varies based on hemisphere dominance. However, physical appearance does not correlate with left or right hemisphere dominance.

QUESTION

Which side of the brain is dominant in characteristics and functions?

Differences between right brain vs. left brain characteristics and functions

Neuroimaging techniques show distinct differences between the left and right brain hemispheres, known as lateralization.

• Language function is typically located in the left side of the brain.
• Language function areas correspond to the opposite side of handedness.

Left brain characteristics and functions

Left brain functions include:

• Understanding the big picture
• Large muscle movements like walking
• Body awareness and balance
• Nonverbal communication
• Emotional functioning
• Smell, sound, and taste perception
• Regulation of avoidance behaviors

According to neuroscience research, the left hemisphere:

• Responds positively to new experiences
• Controls the immune system
• Controls involuntary bodily functions like breathing and heart rate

Left-brain psychology describes functions including attention to details, fine motor skills, and language processing.

Right brain characteristics and functions

• The right hemisphere allows young children to understand concepts of more versus less.
• Cognitive processes governed by the right hemisphere include visual processing, verbal ambiguity, and emotional understanding.

Is there a right brain vs. left brain test?

While recent research contradicts strict right-brain vs. left-brain laterality, learning styles can be categorized as left-brain or right-brain functioning.

• Brain Works software is an effective test for left-brain vs. right-brain dominance.
• The test uses written text and graphs to calculate brain dominance.

How does left-brain vs. right-brain dominance affect learning styles?

Understanding the dominant brain hemisphere in learning can help determine the most effective teaching and studying methods.

• Left-brainers are visual learners, while right-brainers are auditory learners.

References:

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Kosslyn SM, Miller GW. Left brain, right brain? Wrong. Psychology Today 2014 January.

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Nielsen JA, Zielinski BA, Ferguson MA, Lainhart JE, et al. An evaluation of the left-brain vs. right-brain hypothesis with resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging. PLoS ONE August 2013; 8(8): e71275.

Ries SK, Dronkers NF. Choosing words: left hemisphere, right hemisphere or both Perspective on the Lateralization of Word Retrieval 2016 January; Wiley Online Library.

Sperry RW. Hemisphere deconnection and unity in consciousness. American Psychologist 1968; 23: 723-733.

Tatera K. Left-brained vs. right-brained? Myth debunked. Brain and Body 2015 November.