The Left and Right Brains

Left Brain Right Brain verbal mathematical responds to word meaning intellectual sequential processes info linearly responds to logic objective plans ahead prepositional recalls people's names analytic speaks w/ few gestures punctual prefers formal study setting introspective likes structure, predictability wants to read about it first visual, tactile, kinesthetic creative responds to word pitch, feeling intuitive holistic processes info in chunks responds to emotion subjective spontaneous imaginative recalls people's faces relational gestures when speaking less punctual prefers music/sound while studying extroverted likes open-endedness, surprises wants direct experience

Individuals tend to identify with one of the sets of characteristics listed above. In the late nineteenth century, a hypothesis postulating the idea that one side of the brain is more dominant than the other began to emerge. The hypothesis holds that this process of preferring the use of one side of the brain begins to develop soon after birth.

The vast majority of humans experience a left brain dominance. Neuropsychologists and psychologists have argued that the right half of the brain is responsible for creative capabilities. They arrive at this inference because the right brain can operate abstractly and utilize new information more quickly than the left.

Traditionally, the study of purposes and scopes of the two brains have been conducted by psychologists and neuropsychologists on only humans. Recently, however, the field of biology has become increasingly interested in attempting to find evidence to support the theory for the separate functions of the left and right sides of the brain. With the development of new technologies that, for example, can measure cerebral blood flow and the application of other technologies such as EEGs, biologists have already revealed information regarding infant development.

In the development of the human brain, infants began with right brain dominance. This idea arose when researchers found that there is increased blood flow in the right brain during the first three years of life. Following three years, at some point in the fourth year, the left half of the brain receives more blood and becomes dominant.

Physically, each half of the brain controls opposite sides of the body. Brain damage and disorders, such as strokes, have revealed these details. For example, when a stroke occurs in a specific part of the right brain, an individual could lose control over the use of their left eye, left arm, and/or left leg. To learn more about brain disorders, click here. To learn more about brain disorders and creativity, click here.

Thus, one could infer that left-handed individuals have a right brain dominance and tend to be more creative. Right-handed individuals are thought to be more analytical and logical. However, it is highly cautioned not to over generalize. When learning or thinking creatively, a human's ability to process information is enhanced when he or she uses both hemispheres simultaneously. To learn more about creativity, click here.

For Further Information:
C Chiron, I Jambaque, R Nabbout, R Lounes, A Syrota, and O Dulac. "The Right Brain Hemisphere is Dominant in Human Infants." Brain, v. 120 issue 6, 1997, pp. 1057 - 1065.

Dräger, Bianca. "Rethinking brain asymmetries in humans. Behavioral & Brain Sciences, v. 28 issue 4, 2005, p. 598.