You probably saw this left brain/right brain image test on Facebook. All I saw was the gray sneaker with the aqua shoelaces, making me left-brained, according to the test. How can this be? I do not want to have all the dry and dull characteristics like being practical, analytical and logical. I want to be right-brained with all the hip and cool characteristics like creativity, imagination and passion. Years ago I also heard that when you naturally clasp your hands, the thumb that is on top shows whether you are left- or right-brained. For a long time, I tried to will myself to always have my right thumb on top, but I finally gave up.
History
According to Kendra Cherry’s April 10, 2020 article “Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Dominance” in Verywell Mind, that is medically reviewed by Steven Gans, M.D., the theory that left-brained people are more logical, analytical and objective and right-brained people are more intuitive, thoughtful and subjective is a popular psychology myth. It grew out of observations of the human brain that were then dramatically distorted and exaggerated.
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 1,000 participants had their brains analyzed 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.
While the idea of right brain/left brain thinkers has been debunked, its popularity persists. So what exactly did this theory suggest?
Right 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.
- Creating music.
- Reading emotions.
- Appreciating color.
- Using imagination.
- Being intuitive.
- Being creative.
Left Brain
The left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language and analytical thinking. The left-brain is described as being better at:
- Language.
- Logic. - Critical thinking.
- Numbers.
- Reasoning.
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.
While overgeneralized 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.
Tips for keeping your brain sharp
According to Ann Pietrangelo’s March 7, 2019 article “Left Brain vs. Right Brain: What Does This Mean For Me?” in Healthline, that is medically reviewed by Deborah Witherspoon, Ph.D., R.N., CRNA, COI, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, keeping your brain active may help increase vitality and possibly generate new brain cells. It also suggests that a lack of mental stimulation may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few tips to keep your brain stimulated:
- Spend some time each day reading, writing or both.
- Never stop learning. Take a class, go to a lecture or try to acquire a new skill.
- Tackle challenging crossword and sudoku puzzles.
- Play memory games, board games, card games or video games.
- Take on a new hobby that requires you to focus.
In addition to thinking exercises, your brain benefits from a good physical workout. Just 120 minutes of aerobic exercise a week can help improve learning and verbal memory.
Avoid junk food and be sure to get all the essential nutrients you need through diet or dietary supplements.
And, of course, aim for a full night’s sleep every night.
Tips for boosting creativity
If you’re trying to nourish your creative side, here are a few ways to get started:
Read about and listen to the creative ideas of others. You might discover the seed of an idea you can grow or set your own imagination free.
Try something new. Take up a creative hobby, such as playing an instrument, drawing, or storytelling. A relaxing hobby can help your mind wander to new places.
Look within. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what makes you tick. Why do you gravitate toward certain activities and not others?
Keep it fresh. Break your set patterns and go outside your comfort zone. Take a trip to a place you’ve never been. Immerse yourself in another culture. Take a course in a subject you haven’t studied before.
Tricks
- When you get new ideas, write them down and work on developing them further.
- Brainstorm. When faced with a problem, try to find several ways to get to a solution.
- When doing simple chores, such as washing the dishes, leave the TV off and let your mind wander to new places.
- Rest, relax and laugh to let your creative juices flow.
Even something as creative as music takes time, patience and practice. The more you practice any new activity, the more your brain adapts to the new information.
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