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We have all heard about type "A" and type "B" personalities, right? Type "A's" tend to be the workaholics while type "B's" are the laid back people. The notion of type "A's" and type "B's" may have it's origin in which side of the brain we use more predominantly. Have you ever thought about which brain-side you may be? Some of us likely already have a good idea. A type "A" is said to be left-brain while type "B" is likely right brained. Have you ever wanted to be more like the other type? Numbers and organization are identified with the left-brain, and you may have thought about "how the other half lives". Right brain people may be able to look at things in a different, more global way, but they may wonder about being more organized in their thoughts and processes. Let's look at some of the brains functions and behaviors:
The identification of left-brain versus right-brain functions illustrate some very interesting differences, as outlined below.
Left-Brain behaviors
Sequentially processing information
Systematic problem solver
Thinks in rational and analytical terms
Identifies with details and facts
Objective in thought
Problem solves through logic
Looks at the parts rather than the whole
Right-Brain behaviors
Can problem solve through intuition
Remembers images and pictures
Learns through exploration
Summarizes rather than outlines
Subjective and intuitive in thinking
Random in thought
Looks at the whole rather than individual parts
Above are some of the behaviors that can make up the two sides of the left-brain/right-brain theory. However, David Sousa has another theory of looking at the brain and its functions:
Left Brain functions
Processes
Speech - Recognizes and remembers verbal expression, language, and words.
Analysis - Does logical thinking with one input at a time.
Time - Processes information in a linear, sequential, and logical manner.
Recognizes: Letters, numbers, and words.
Right Brain functions
Processes
Creativity - Controls the brain functions of intuitive and holistic thinking.
Context - Integrates many brain inputs at once.
Spatial awareness - Can processes information diffusely and simultaneously.
Recognizes: Faces, places, objects, and music. (Sousa, 1995).
Since there are multiple theories regarding the brain and how we think, it likely comes as no surprise that there are also some myths associated with the functions of the brain.
Myths
Left and right-handedness affects your left-brain and right-brain functions.
There is a good and bad half of the brain.
One side of the brain is smarter than the other.
Women tend to be more right-brain dominant and men tend to be more left-brain
dominant.