The left brain vs. the right brain
Abstract
There are many theories that seek to explain how the human brain functions. One of them is the left brain versus the right brain theory. This theory argues that the human brain is divided into two hemispheres; the left and the right hemisphere. It is believed that the two sides of the brain function independent of one another and that their functions are totally different. People have one side of their brain being dominant to the other. This implies that the person’s personality, ability or thinking capacity is dependent on the side of the brain they rely. The side of the brain one relies upon affects their ability to work. The left brain focuses on logic, sequence, rationality, analytics and objectivity. The right brain is concerned with intuition, holistic issues, and synthesis, and subjectivity, random and whole issues. Therefore, the left brain vs. right brain theory can be used to explain people’s behaviour and characteristics.
Introduction
The left brain versus the right brain is a theory that explains the functions and structure of the human mind. The theory suggests that the right side and left side of the human brain are used to control different modes of reasoning and behaviour. The theory also asserts that every individual prefers one mode of reasoning over the other. Therefore, the left brain versus right brain theorem explains how the human brains` hemispheres process facts and their specific functions. Generally, the right human brain specializes in visual and information processing while the left brain deals with mainly the verbal information processing in a logical and analytical way.
The firs obvious difference is the location of the two. The two sections of the brain are named after their location in the human head. The left brain is in the left hemisphere while the right is in the right hemisphere. The differences between the two parts of the human brain are basically functional differences. The physical appearance of the left and right brain are identical. The left brain versus the right brain theory was developed by Roger Sperry, who was then studying epilepsy impacts. The theory is used to explain the thought that individuals rely on one side of the brain to conduct different things. It also explains how various functions of the brain are carried out by different hemispheres.
The right brain
The right brain is the human brain that is located in the right hemisphere of the head. It is used for certain functions in the body. Based on the right brain versus the left brain theorem, the right side of a human being’s brain is specialized in creative and expressive functions. The right side is utilized by the individual when trying to express some emotions of pass across some information to some people. Further, it is also used as the creative pivot. The creative and innovative individuals tend to have their right side of the brains more active than the left. Therefore, the right side of the brain specializes in the control of emotions, creativity and other expressions.
Some of the examples of the things controlled by the right side of the brain include; big picture orientation, where the individual is able to recognize faces, symbols and images. Human beings also use the right side of the brain when expression their emotions such as happiness, sorrow and others. The right side is also responsible for the recognition of things like music. It also affects the visual aspect of human beings because it is responsible for recognition of colours and images. The recognition of emotions includes the reading of emotions on other people’s faces and expressions. This side of the brain is also responsible for intuition where an individual uses their instincts. Finally, the right side is also involved in creativity. Creativity includes all forms of innovation of original thoughts.
Therefore, the right brain affect work in different ways. Because if determines creativity, the right brain increases the quality of work performed by individuals. People who use their right brain more often are more resourceful at work because they are more creative than those who use the left brain. Secondly, a perfectly functioning right brain increases the effectiveness of the individual. This is because the person will have good intuition and perfect visualization. The individual will be able to tell different colours, recognize images and many other visual aspects. Finally, good right brains enhance the individual’s interaction ability. Such a person can easily read the emotions of other people. They will also know how to express their emotions to other people. Therefore, the right side of the brain promotes effective communication. The right brain matters because it determines the mood, expression, intuition, creativity and visualization in people.
The main differences between the right and left brains are the functional differences. While the left brain gives logical reasoning, the right one makes random ones. The left brain is sequential and orderly while the right one is intuitive. Rationality is emphasized in the right brain while the right brain is involved in holistic issues. While the right brain synthesizes information, the left brain focuses on the analytical aspect. In the right brain, information is subjective while the left brain treats information as objective. The left brain views things in the form of parts while the right brain views them as wholes. Therefore, the two parts of the brain are complementary in nature. The roles they perform cannot be performed by the other part. There must be a balance in functioning of the two brain hemispheres to allow the individual to reason well.
The left brain
The left brain is considered by many to be the focal point of human activity. It is responsible for all the sensible and resourceful things a human being can do. It is responsible for coordination and logic. It also involves things like analytical thinking and language. It enables an individual to think logically, giving detailed orientation of facts. Most of the things processed in the left brain are factual, unlike the right brain where creativity rules. In the left brain, people can master languages and comprehend information. This brain also allows critical and analytical thinking where individuals can assess facts and establish the truth or make conclusions. The left brain is also responsible for numerical assessment and reasoning. It allows one to count and reason out issues whenever there are dilemmas.
The effect of the left brain on work depends on how well the individual utilizes this part of the brain. Through the mastering of language, it allows for effective communication when at wok hence; it improves the individual’s productivity. In this part of the brain the individual can reason logically using the available facts. This boosts productivity because work is done according to the instructions, which are logical and factual. It also helps improve the quality of work because it enhances perceptions, strategy formation and critical thinking.
Conclusion
Therefore, the left brain versus the right brain is a theory that is used to describe the functions of the hemispheres of the brain. The left brain is concerned with factual and real information processing and analysis while the right brain is concerned with creativity. The left brain is objective while the right one is subjective. The two brain parts are complementary to one another. They both enhance work because they contribute towards effective communication, creativity, strategy formation and analysis. An individual can use one side of the brain more than the other. This results in different personalities where the strength of one’s mind is based on the characteristics of the side of the brain they use most.
References
Molfese, D. L., & Segalowitz, S. J. (1999). Brain lateralization in children: developmental implications. Los Angelos: Guilford Press.
Springer, S. P. (1997). Left Brain, Rigth Brain: Perspectives from Cognitive Neuroscience. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
Sullo, B. (2012, October 12). Right Brain vs. Left Brain. Retrieved from Funderstaning: http://www.funderstanding.com/brain/right-brain-vs-left-brain/
Turgeon, M. (1993). Right Brain/Left Brain Reflexology. New York: Inner Traditions / Bear & Co.
