The Differences Between Right & Left Brain Thinking

The human brain is split into two halves - Left Hemisphere and Right Hemisphere with one hemisphere being the dominant hemisphere.

The theory was proposed by researchers Michael Gazzaniga and Roger Sperry as the concept of lateralization. The theory suggests that while the two hemispheres communicate with each other through physical connections, both the left hemisphere and right hemispheres have very different functions.

The Brain Dominance theory describes the left side of the brain as giving rational orders to the right side of the brain, and the right hemisphere as giving commands based on emotions. Many recent studies project that the right and left halves of the brain are used equally.

The brain hemispheric dominance theory, or left brain right brain theory, proposes that each hemisphere of the brain controls certain cognitive processes.

The separation of functions between two hemispheres of the brain is called lateralization or laterality. The idea is that two separate frontal lobes of your brain - left and right sides - are somewhat independent of each other and each does its own job. The hemispheric dominance theory also indicates that one of the two sides has more influence over learning and personality.

Left-brain characteristics

Left Brain people are Critical Thinkers and collect information using logic and sense. This information is normally retained using words, numbers and symbols. Left-brain functions include:

• Understanding the sum of any situation to get "the big picture"
• Large muscle movements like running
• Sense about one's body location
• Maintain Balance of the body
• Nonverbal communication
• Emotional functioning
• Sense of smell, sound and taste

According to the research, the left side of the brain:

• Is positively stimulated by new experiences.
• Controls the immune system.
• Is responsible for the involuntary bodily functions, for example, breathing, digestion and heart rate.

Left-brain functions also include the ability to pay attention to details, fine motor movement skills and the ability to convert sounds to language and translate their meaning. Left-brain also controls analytical/logical thinking, including a person's mathematical ability and problem-solving skills.

Right brain characteristics

Brain dominance and gather information by feelings and intuition. This information is retained by using images and patterns.

• The right brain hemisphere allows young children to understand concepts of more versus less. Left brain involves understanding of specific number values.
• Some of the other cognitive activities governed by right hemisphere of the brain include attention to, and processing overall visual shape of items, understanding verbal ambiguity, and emotional and implied meanings.
• In terms of brain development, research indicates that until about 3 years of age, the right brain tends to have the dominant role in brain function.