What are "left-brained" people like? They are described as logical, analytical, and orderly. The theory suggests that people who are left-brain dominant do well in careers that involve linear thinking, math, and verbal information, such as an accountant, scientist, or computer programmer.
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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.
You've probably also spotted at least a few infographics on Pinterest or Facebook claiming to reveal your dominant brain hemisphere. And maybe you have come across a few articles or books suggesting you can unleash the hidden creativity of right-brain thinking or the deductive logic of left-brain thinking.
People described as left-brain thinkers are told they have strong math and logic skills. On the other hand, those who are described as right-brain thinkers are told that their talents are more on the creative side of things.
Given the popularity of the idea of "right-brained" and "left-brained" thinkers, it might surprise you to learn that this idea is just one of many myths about the 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 popularly associated with the right side of the brain include :
Recognizing faces
Expressing emotions
Creating music
Appreciating color
Using imagination
Being intuitive
Being creative
So what are so-called "right-brained people" like? They are often described as being more emotional, intuitive, and creative. They are often described as doing well in careers that involve creative expression and free-thinking, such as becoming an artist, psychologist, or writer.
Left Brain Traits
The left side of the brain is adept at tasks involving logic, language, and analytical thinking. The left brain is described as being better at:
Language
Logic
Critical thinking
Numbers
Reasoning
What are "left-brained" people like? They are described as logical, analytical, and orderly. The theory suggests that people who are left-brain dominant do well in careers that involve linear thinking, math, and verbal information, such as an accountant, scientist, or computer programmer.
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. A person who is "right-brained" is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective.
In psychology, the theory is based on the lateralization of brain function. The brain contains two hemispheres that each perform a number of roles. The two sides of the brain communicate with one another via the corpus callosum.
The left hemisphere controls the muscles on the right side of the body while the right hemisphere controls those on the left. This is why damage to the left side of the brain, for example, might have an effect on the right side of the body.
1:28 Click Play to Learn About the Left Brain and the Right Brain
This video has been medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD.
History
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The right brain left brain theory originated in the work of Roger W. Sperry, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981. He studied brain functioning in patients who had their corpus callosum (the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain) surgically severed to treat refractory epilepsy.
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.
Generally speaking, the left side of the brain tends to control many aspects of language and logic, while the right side tends to handle spatial information and visual comprehension.
Research
Later research has shown that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as once thought. For example, research has shown that abilities in subjects such as math are strongest when both halves of the brain work together.
Today, neuroscientists know that the two sides of the brain collaborate to perform a broad variety of tasks and that the two hemispheres communicate through the corpus callosum. "No matter how lateralized the brain can get, though, the two sides still work together," science writer Carl Zimmer explained in an article for Discover magazine.
"The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship. The left hemisphere specializes in picking out the sounds that form words and working out the syntax of the phrase, for example, but it does not have a monopoly on language processing. The right hemisphere is more sensitive to the emotional features of language, tuning in to the slow rhythms of speech that carry intonation and stress."
In one study by researchers at the University of Utah, more than 1,000 participants had their brains analyzed in order to determine if they preferred using one side over the other.
The study revealed that while activity was sometimes higher in certain critical regions, both sides of the brain were essentially equal in their activity on average.
“It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be on the left, attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a stronger left- or right-sided brain network. It seems to be determined more connection by connection," explained the study's lead author Dr. Jeff Anderson.
So while people are often described as being either right-brained or left-brained, the truth is that they are actually both. While the idea of right brain/left brain thinkers has been debunked, its popularity persists.
Persisting Myths
Researchers have demonstrated that right-brain/left-brain theory is a myth, yet its popularity persists. Why? Unfortunately, many people are likely unaware that the theory is outdated. In fact, the idea seems to have taken on a mind of its own within popular culture.
From magazine articles to books to online quizzes, you are bound to see information suggesting that you can unleash the power of your mind if you just discover which side of your brain is stronger or more dominant.
Today, students might continue to learn about the theory as a point of historical interest—to understand how our ideas about how the brain works have evolved and changed over time as researchers have learned more about how the brain operates.
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While 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) might benefit from writing down directions and developing better organizational skills.
The important thing to remember if you take one of the many left brain/right brain quizzes that you will likely encounter online is that they are entirely for fun and you shouldn't place much stock in your results.
How to Keep Your Brain Healthy
Whether you feel like you tend to be more of a creative type or an analytical type, there are things that you can do to keep your mind sharp and your brain healthy.
Get regular exercise : Research has found that exercise has a protective effect on cognition and brain health as people age.
: Research has found that exercise has a protective effect on cognition and brain health as people age. Keep your mind active : Studies found that people who are mentally active and work in mentally challenging fields, such as academics, tend to have better brain health.
: Studies found that people who are mentally active and work in mentally challenging fields, such as academics, tend to have better brain health. Socialize : Social support is important for psychological well-being, but it is also essential for the health of your brain, particularly as you age.
: Social support is important for psychological well-being, but it is also essential for the health of your brain, particularly as you age. Eat a healthy diet : The foods you eat can also impact your brain's health and function. Focus on eating a balanced diet focused primarily on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
: The foods you eat can also impact your brain's health and function. Focus on eating a balanced diet focused primarily on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Get enough rest: Sleep is essential to brain health and mental function, so focus on getting enough rest each night. Practice healthy sleep habits and stick to a regular sleep-wake schedule.
A Word From Verywell
No matter what type of thinking you are doing, both sides of your brain are involved. The right-brain, left-brain theory might be inaccurate, but that doesn't mean that understanding your strengths is not helpful. You can also take steps to protect the health of your brain by getting regular exercise, sleeping well, staying social, and putting your mind to use.
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