1. Brain Lateralization
2. Left Brain vs. Right Brain Dominance

Left Brain vs. Right Brain

By Eagle Gamma, published May 18, 2021

The brain consists of twin halves, a left hemisphere alongside a nearly symmetrical right hemisphere.

Hemispheric lateralization is the idea that both hemispheres are functionally different and that certain mental processes and
behaviors are mainly controlled by one hemisphere rather than the other.

The left hemisphere controls the right hand side of the body and receives information from the right visual field controlling speech,
language and recognition of words, letters and numbers.

The right hemisphere controls the left hand side of the body and receives information from the left visual field controlling creativity,
context and recognition of faces, places and objects.

According to the left-brain, right-brain dominance theory the left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks which are considered logical, rational, calculating.
By contrast, the right side of the brain is best at artistic, creative, and spontaneous tasks (Corballis, 2014; Joseph, 1988)

Left Brain
Right Brain

Language
Creativity

Logic
Emotional Intelligence

Critical thinking
Recognizing faces

Numbers
Using imagination

Reasoning
Being intuitive

Research

Roger W. Sperry, a twentieth-century neuroscientist, made numerous contributions to the understanding of the twin halves of the brain.

Sperry (1967) conducted investigations on split-brain patients, people whose left and right brains lack the normal connections between them. These people sometimes exhibit brain side dominance, but they also display a range of distinctive behaviors from only one side or the other.

Sperry also studied animal subjects, rewiring their nervous systems to send signals to the opposite side of the body. This showed how some mental features have hard-wiring on one side of the brain, while other mental features can adapt to function correctly on either side of the brain.

Sperry’s work revealed that the left side of the brain contains critical modules for producing sentences, but that the right side of the brain retains some language capacities such as understanding social context of speech.
The psychology of left brain versus right brain dominance indicates that humans have brains with overlapping yet distinct halves.

Brain Lateralization

Brain lateralization has become a somewhat controversial topic. While evidence supports some mental capacity occurring predominantly on one side of the brain or the other, science has overturned several earlier notions relating to this topic.

Psychologists now consider functions like language, spatial processing, and certain broader tasks to have lateralization.
Language uses several brain modules, many or which are situated on the left side of the brain (Taylor, 1990).

In fact, language represents one of the main areas of interest for brain lateralization, and the function for which this neurological division was first found. Even the language neurons, however, may also be split among both halves of the brain (Riès et al., 2016), or located on the right side, which is more common in left-handed people (Beaumont, 2008).

The left side of the brain often contains language-processing regions such as Broca’s Area, which produces understandable sentences, as well as Wernicke’s area, which understands speech (Griggs, 2010).

Injuries to these areas result in speech pathologies, such as an inability to speak or listen normally (Broca, 1865; Pinel & Barnes, 2017).
Other language functions, like associating emotions with phrases, occur on the right side of the brain (Kandel et al, 2012).

As such, language can be seen as bridging together both halves of the brain, but with some specific functionality located on one side or the other (Riès et al., 2016).
Scientists have studied language, memory, and other topics through various methods, such as the “Wada test.”

This involves disabling one side of the brain chemically, then observing how the other side operates.
Logical thinking, like language, often resides primarily on the left side of the brain (Dehaene, 1999).

Again, this applies more often to right-handed people, with the reverse holding true for many left-handed people.
The right brain, by contrast, has more active involvement than the left in visual or spatial processing.

As such, this works while drawing, navigating around a room, or in other comparable situations. People who have right brain injuries may become clumsy or artistically inept (McGilchrist, 2019).
The right brain also becomes active while recognizing faces.

As with other functionalities, there is some degree of symmetry. The left brain can also do facial recognition, but it is more perfunctory than the right brain’s work. The right brain deals with other social perception, too, like body posture (Lane & Nadel, 2002).

Another feature of the right brain is to focus one’s attention. When a person thinks on one topic, this lights up regions on the right side of the brain.
Numerous other mental activities operate differently on each side of the brain.

For example, the left brain is more associated with positive emotions, while the right brain is more associated with negative emotions (Lane & Nadel, 2002). People with depression often suffer from a disproportionate ratio of right-to-left brain activity (Atchley et al., 2003; Hecht, 2010).

Comparing the left versus right sides of the brain, the left brain processes new information into an understanding of events (making it the “interpreter”), while the right brain accounts for social behaviors.

For example, the left brain may assess which actions would lead to eating food, while the right brain may nix some of these actions on the basis of social norms (one doesn’t just run through a crowd at a party to grab food).

The left brain can be seen as an analyst, breaking apart concepts into smaller, manageable chunks. By contrast, the right brain can be seen as a synthesist, developing a more cohesive view (McGilchrist, 2019).

Interestingly, the lateralization of the brain has deeper roots, in the peripheral nervous systems (Craig 2005). Nerves throughout the body feed into and out of the brain.

The left brain largely receives connections from the parasympathetic system, while the right brain largely receives connections from the sympathetic system (Conesa 1995).

Together, the two halves of the brain work with the rest of the nervous system to maintain a homeostatic balance.
The two sides of the brain are connected together by several components called “commissural nerve tracts”, largely the corpus callosum.

This segment bridges the left and right brains, sharing information. In rare cases, people are born without the corpus callosum, or have it surgically removed to reduce epileptic seizures.

These cases have revealed interesting information about the two halves of the brain.
In people without a corpus callosum, the brain can reorganize to perform functions normally occurring on one side instead on the other.

This may even result in the person developing the use of brain regions on both sides for the same task, allowing for example a person to read two texts simultaneously, one on each side of the brain.

The brain can also reorganize itself under other conditions (Gómez-Robles et al., 2013). Often this involves using either a nearby region, or a mirror opposite region, to replace lost function. This shows how the brain structure has largely symmetrical functionality on the left versus right halves.

There are, however, some slight differences.
The body is connected to the brain so that senses as well as control usually take place on the opposite side. The left brain senses and controls the right hand, the right foot, the right half of the visual field, the right ear, and so forth.

Scientists discovered this by electrically probing the brain, observing the body’s responses, which produced a map of the body’s associations in the brain.
The motor cortex produces motions for the opposite side.

In right-handed people, the left motor cortex is usually larger than the right motor cortex. Left-handed people, by contrast, often have right-brain dominance.

In addition, some people are ambidextrous (able to use both sides effectively), or have mixed dominance (using the left side for some activities, but the right side for others).

The brain evolved to have some asymmetry (Vallortigara & Rogers, 2005), which occurs at multiple levels from the basic cell arrangements differing on each side, to the right hemisphere sitting slightly forward of the left hemisphere (called Yakovlevian torque).

Numerous specific brain regions like the parietal operculum or the central sulcus have left-right asymmetry. People who have less brain asymmetry may suffer from less effective thought processes, even schizophrenia or mood disorders (Sun et al., 2015; Ribolsi et al., 2014).

Numerous other disorders also have bases in left-right brain problems (Royer et al., 2015).
In one contentious theory, called bicameralism, the left-right human brain evolved only over the last three thousand years or so from having two different identities within it.

One of these minds would speak, issuing commands, while the other mind would listen, obeying. In fact, split-brain patients often act as though they have two minds, which some neuroscientists argue may actually be the case (called “dual consciousness”).

For example, one side of the body may work to prevent the other side of the body from acting. This would put a more literal spin on the phrase “being of two minds.”

Critical Evaluation

How lateralized are brain functions? Not nearly as much as people often think. While one’s brain lateralization can affect personality, this only has a small part in the overall development of an individual.

People generally use both sides of the brain about equally. There are, however, numerous specific brain regions on either the left or right side, which can have powerful effects.

For example, a person who had part of the right prefrontal lobe removed became incapable of valuing long-term rewards over short-term considerations, while people with regions of the left brain removed exhibit different symptoms (Lane & Nadel, 2002).

The two sides of the brain have somewhat different contributions in many ways: how one thinks, how one perceives other people and the environment, how one feels (both consciously and unconsciously), how mentally healthy one is, as well as countless other facets of personality and behavior.

Left-handed people have right brain dominance for body control, which may also result in the more artistic personality for which such people are known. However, as can be seen by the fact that there are numerous right-handed artists as well as left-handed rational thinkers, brain lateralization only goes so far.

The notion of left brain versus right brain dominance has some basis in fact, but represents a false dichotomy. The complexity of the brain involves features on both sides working together, often communicating with each other through the center (Beaumont, 2008).

Many mental functions require both sides of the brain to work in unison, undermining the claim that either side outdoes the other. As a whole, the brain remains poorly understood, with scientists continuing to investigate (Halpern, 2005).

What we do know about left brain versus right brain dominance is that it seems to have certain patterns, such as language or logic often occurring in the left brain, or emotion and social cognition often occurring in the right brain.

However, these sides can be reversed in individuals, or more balanced between both sides. Also, all of these functionalities have at least some equivalent on their opposite side of the brain.
The brain has plasticity, and in cases such as injury will recruit other regions which can easily be located on the opposite side (Pulsifer, 2004).

However, each brain is unique. Some have different lateralization than others, and the location of functions can even develop during the course of one’s life.

About the Author

Eagle Gamma writes about psychology as well as other topics in science and culture. He also produces 3D animations, games, and wearable products.

How to reference this article:

How to reference this article:

Gamma, E. (2021, March 24).
Left brain vs. right brain . Simply Psychology. www.simplypsychology.org/left-brain-vs-right-brain.html

APA Style References

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Left Brain vs Right Brain : What’s The Difference?

Do you often wonder why a friend is yours perform brilliantly in logical reasoning while you face difficulty doing the same!

Or While you can see the next Picasso or William Shakespeare within you and this friend of yours can barely write his own Insta bio!

Well, the answer behind this is simple…

You are a right-brain thinker and in the case of your friend the left brain dominates his thinking. Now if you are pondering what left brain vs right brain theory is all about then continue reading…

*Don’t forget to test which brain thinker you are with the two fun tests*

The Left Brain/Right Brain Theory:

We all know that our brain is divided into parts left hemisphere and right hemisphere (theory of lateralization). Ideally, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking patterns. However, we as homo sapiens allow one part to dominate over the other by choosing a particular thinking pattern.

But wait! Does that mean only one side of your brain is handling all the bodily functions?

The answer to it is a NO!

As mentioned above one side of the brain will dominate the other thus, classifying you as a left-brain thinker or the right one. However, this does not imply that only that side of the brain is functional for you. In fact, as a science writer, Carl wrote–

“No matter how lateralized the brain can get, though, the two sides still work together”

To put it in simple words, one side of the brain may dominate the other, however, they still work as a whole brain!

Quick Fact: Math skills are found to be the strongest in the ones who have both sides working equally!

So are there any specific characteristics associated with these sides of the brain?

Yes, perhaps the dual nature of your brain comes into play! Let us explore what left brain vs right brain has to offer to you

Difference Between Left Brain and Right Brain:

According to Left-Right brain Belief, Everyone has one side of the dominant brain that determines the person’s personality. Check how differently Left and right brain works?

1. Qualities of Left Brain Thinkers

This brain is also referred to as the analytical side. Left side brainers are generally goal-oriented, organized, critical thinkers and demonstrate the following qualities:

• Brilliant language and comprehension
• Uses logic
• Computation Skills
• Analyses information
• Detail and fact-oriented

2. Characteristics of Right Brain Thinkers

The right-brainers are also referred to as creative thinkers. The hallmark of their thinking pattern is emotions. Along with this, there are good people and philosophy. Some of the key characteristics associated with them are:

• They excel in expressive and creative tasks
• Have free-thinking
• Try to look at the bigger picture of life
• Trust their institutions
• Imaginative thinking

Are you a Left-Brainer or a Right-Brainer: Left vs Right Brain Test

For you to find out whether you are a right-brainer or a left-brainer we have two activities for you. So, let us explore them…

1. What You See FIRST

In this fun activity you have to follow these basic steps to find out whether you are right-brained or left-brained:

• Below you will find a series of 7 images with three options each. 

• You have to choose the option that you see at the FIRST glance of the image. 

• Once you have all the seven answers with you swipe to find out which brain dominates you. Also, find some interesting facts about the same.

Let the fun begin…

Q1. What do You See First a Duck, a Bunny, or Something else?



Q2. What Do You See First White Column, Two People or Something Else?



Q3. What Do You See First Old Woman, Young WoMan, or Something Else?



Q4. What Do You See First 3 Columns, 4 Columns, or Something Else?



Q5. What Do You See First a Face, Women Collection, or Something Else?



Q6. What Do You See First a Skull, Two Children or Something Else?



Q7. What Do You See First Apple, Two Faces, or Something Else?



Hope you are ready with your options! Time to see your results:

More A options= You are Right- Brained

Look at those creative juices flowing! Following your heart over your head not only makes you spontaneous but fills in energy within you. No doubt people love your spirit. Believing in performing rather than telling about a task, choosing physical rather than practical solutions sets you apart. P.S. Don’t stop practicing what you love doing, we see the next big artist in you.



More B options= You are LEFT-Brained

Hello Smarty-pants or shall we call you the Logical thinker! You have an eye for details. Everyone around you truly trusts you for your organization and planning. So, how about planning a surprise b’day party for someone you love 😉 Trusting the facts over your guts gives you that practical approach in life. With memory as sharp as yours even dolphins can take lessons from you (JK)!



More C options or equal A & B options = You Got Best of Both the Worlds

Kudos! You are a blessed soul, you have good from both worlds. You tend to switch between logical and creative thinking depending on what situation has to offer to you. Thus, you are out of trouble and have unique answers to the problems. Making you the Wiseman everyone turns to for solutions. Keep it up!



2. The Color or the Color

Sounds a little tricky right? It is my favorite test though!

All you have to do is look at the image given below and read the color that you see instead of the word written. Good Luck!!!



Well, if you tried to say the color more than the words then you are a right-brainer person and vice-versa. A major difference between the left brain and right brain is that the former focuses on the language more and the latter trusts the visuals represented.

Wasn’t this fun? Finally putting your left brain vs right brain confusion to an end! Don’t forget to try it with your friends and find out which side of the brain dominates their thinking pattern.

Here are Some FAQs On Left Brain vs Right Brain Theory:

1. Can a person be both left and right brained?

YES! You can be both left and right brained person. Even the test “What do you see first” gives the interpretation of you are both- left and right brained person. Depending on a situation demand either part of your brain dominates.

2. Do right and left brain see different colors?

Well, it’s a maybe situation here. There are various color perception images out there claiming that the color you see predicts which part of brain is dominates your thinking pattern. However, no one can really vouch for these ideas.

3. What jobs are good for right brain thinkers?

Some of the job profile that best fits the right brainers are:
• Managers
• Artists. …
• Graphic Designers. …
• Interior Designers.
• Psychologists and counsellors. …
• Teacher.
• visual careers like illustration, television, or marketing

4. What jobs are good for left brain thinkers?

Some of the job profile that best fits the left brainers are:
Lawyer.
Health and Safety Engineer.
• Medical Scientist. …
• Operations Research Analyst. …
• Cost Estimator
• Machine Learning Scientist
• Computer Programmer

5. Which brain dominant is best?

While the right-brain dominance ensures that you are best at expressive and creative tasks. On the other hand, the left-brain dominance is reflected in your verbal and analytical aspects of life. This makes one point clear that both brain dominance have its own perks to offer. So, irrespective of the fact which brain dominates you it is at its best. No good, better, best comparison cannot be made here.

Alarming Fact!!!

The theory of left-brain vs right-brain holds true only up to an extent! Recent research has found that this theory may be a myth!

A study in which brain scans of 1000 people were analyzed to see which part of the brain is more powerful than the other found that no sidedness in brain functioning existed. However, some brain areas were more active in particular tasks than others.

To put it in a nutshell, the concept of left-brain vs right brain is better used in the form of a figure of speech than an anatomical description.

So be a smart user of the information that is available online and use these tests and claims for fun and historical purposes only instead of letting them paint the whole picture of your personality.

Remember you are more than just the two sides of your brain!

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