Neuroscientists and psychologists worldwide have put considerable effort into investigating the characteristics and functions of the left and right sides (the technical name is hemispheres) of the brain.
Though the two sides of a humanâs brain look alike, they process information very differently. Over the years, studies have consistently shown that there are many differences between the left brain and the right brain. However, although the two halves work in two contrasting styles, they are very much interconnected.
In this Custom Writing article, you will learn everything about the left and right brain hemispheres, including the differences in how they function.
đŒïž Left & Right Brain Functions: Infographic
đ Right Brain & Left Brain Functions List
Based on hundreds of experiments, scientists have made a list of features that are typical for each of the two hemispheres. The list above features just some of the everyday skills that the brain shows a left or right hemisphere preference for.
However, in everyday life, we use both hemispheres equally. How do we know? Neuroscientists have been studying brain injuries for many years. We know that if the left hemisphere is damaged, it leads to speaking, understanding, and coordination problems. When the brain’s right hemisphere is damaged, the patient has difficulties with visual perception, impulsiveness, and slow learning.
đ What Does the Left Side of the Brain Control?
There is still not enough evidence to determine the exact functions of this side of the brain. Because of this, hundreds of scientists are dedicated to finding answers.
This doesnât mean, however, that we donât know anything; the facts we know are still impressive! The left side of the brain is responsible for processing and accomplishing hundreds of operations.
First of all, we should mention the various language skills that the left brain is responsible for, like forming words, understanding phrases, and constructing sentences. Almost every action connected with languageâboth spoken and writtenâis a function of the brain’s left side. For example, writing is a typical left-brain trait for both left- and right-handed people. Did you know that the left brain controls the right side of the body? It’s true! Yet studies have shown that both left-handed and right-handed people use the left hemisphere when they write.
When discussing the left brain vs. right brain, it’s essential to talk about logic and analytical thinking. Analytical thinking is a mental process that starts when you investigate a problem by logically breaking it down into smaller issues or steps. By doing so, you begin to develop solutions not by intuition but instead by logic.
Typical left brain questions are:
This also means you are relying on your left analytical brain when you make any calculation, even an easy one. Whether it’s addition, subtraction, or division, every math skill depends on the left brain’s work.
Try to remember how old your best friend is. Did you remember correctly? Congratulations, you’re a great friend! But more importantlyâyou’ve just activated your left brainâs thinking process. When you retrieve facts, statistics, or other information from memory, it’s the left side of the working brain.
So let’s sum things up. The left hemisphere is the math side of the brain. It is responsible for calculations, logic, reasoning, puzzle-solving, spoken language, writing, and criticism. But what about the other side? Read on to find out who’s the winner in the right vs. left brain game!
đ What Does the Right Side of the Brain Control?
Right-brain activities are diverse and just as significant for everyday living as those mentioned in the previous section. One of the essential right-brain functions is perception and visualization. People whose right side of the brain is damaged sometimes have trouble evaluating the distance between objectsâsome seem to be far away when they’re near and vice versa. That is how much our vision of reality relies on the right hemisphere. With its help, we can understand what we seeâincluding every object, its traits, and the distance from it to any other item in the room.
Without the hard work of your brain’s right side, you couldn’t even tell your mom from your best friend. Why? Because face recognition capability also lies in the right hemisphere.
If you’re looking for creativity, the right brain will be there to help. Your right brain controls creativity and imagination, including any task that is deeply connected with visual perception. Whenever you create stories or imagine new characters to draw, the brain’s right side starts to work.
You may be thinkingâthat’s all? Can the creative side of your brain do math or anything? Actually, it can! Though calculations aren’t a regular activity of this hemisphere, it does make great estimations and comparisons. But it’s up to you to improve these skills.
When it comes to language, the right and the left brain make an excellent pair. While most of our written language functions depend on the brain’s left side, the right hemisphere makes our spoken language informative and beautiful. Here’s why: the right hemisphere helps us recognize intonation, tone, and pitch. It also helps us understand metaphors and idioms. That’s why people with damage to the right side of the brain can have difficulty understanding figures of speech.
Let’s move on to another part of right-brain processing â intuition. Intuition is the ability to make decisions instinctively without reasoning or thinking. It may seem like a useless skill for a logical person, but think how often you have to use intuition in your daily life. Every time you need to make a rapid decision or get used to new circumstances, it’s intuition that helps. It’s the right hemisphere’s responsibility to make decisions and help you adapt to new circumstances. This way youâre not frozen to the spot whenever youâre in an unexpected situation.
So, what are the best words to describe the right brain? Artistic, creative, emotional, and holistic. Now everything is clear, right? Each hemisphere has its own set of important responsibilities.
đ§ Right-Brain vs. Left-Brain Dominance
You’ve probably heard about left-brained vs. right-brained peopleâthis is a popular theory that allows you to determine your type of thinking. Have you ever asked, “What side of your brain do you use?” Well, there are lots of left brain vs. right brain tests out there that will tell you whether you’re a logical or artistic person. Just answer some simple questions like “Do you easily remember names?” or “Do you often make impulsive decisions?” and the quiz will tell you which side of your brain you rely on most. Sounds like a lot of fun, right? Take the test with your friends and then argue about the left vs. right brain to uncover which one is the best.
What does it really mean to be left-brain dominant or right-brain dominant? According to popular tests, a right-brained person is an emotional and artistic individual who is excellent at playing music and visualizing things. On the other hand, a left-brain person is a logical thinker who makes precise calculations, always wins arguments with strong evidence, and has strong talents in criticism.
But is this just a myth or a stereotype? Can you really be left or right-brained? Brain dominance theory is absorbing and enjoyable, plus it allows people to think about stereotypes and labels. In reality, though, psychology is complicated, and the truth is that there are very few people who have the traits of only one of these descriptions. More often, we have an intricate combination of both.
Think about itâis there a typical “left brain” artist among your friends? Or have you ever met a musician with excellent analytical skills? There is no doubt that everyone has specific talents, but they don’t come from some fundamental aspect of our personality. It’s always up to you to decide whether to improve your analytical thinking or learn how to play the guitar. So don’t put yourself into a box!
đ€ž Right-Brain & Left-Brain Exercises
Look at this picture and name the colors. Try to answer as quickly as possible!
We bet you found that difficultâand we can explain why. This mini-experiment shows how the left and right brain can sometimes come into conflict. Your right hemisphere tries to call out the color, while your left side of the brain focuses on the words’ meanings.
If you practice a little, this funny task will become much more manageable. Practice makes perfect for every skill! That’s why we have collected some useful exercises that will help you develop both your left and right brain. You will find them beneficial, so try some of them right now.
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Well done. This captures the overall essence of the STEAM – Right/Left Brain ecosystem. Bravo Jack!
Thank you so much, Edward!
Sharp looking post! What a wealth of information. It’s fascinating what our minds can do.
Thanks for the feedback, Laura đ Indeed, the human mind is incredible!
This information is very interesting and accurate.
Thanks for the feedback, Anne! Much appreciated.