Right Brain – Left Brain: Which Does What?

You’ve probably heard the question: ‘Are you left-brained or right-brained?’ For normal, healthy individuals the answer is ‘both’. However, the two halves of the brain do have some very different, specialized functions. There is also some truth in the claim that the left brain deals with logic and the right side with creative processes, but this is an oversimplification of the subject. The human brain is an extraordinary organ and a full understanding of the secrets of its functioning is still a long way off.

Brain Lateralization

The brain is divided into two halves or cerebral hemispheres. A structure called the corpus callosum allows communication between them. Much of what we know about the specialization of the right and left hemispheres comes from studies of people who have had the corpus callosum bridge cut. This is still sometimes done to treat severe epilepsy. The behavior of patients after this operation revealed much about brain lateralization. The discovery of specialized areas in the brain involved in language and other functions has also provided insights into the different functions of the two hemispheres.

The differences between right and left brain aren’t always clear-cut. Right and left-handedness gives clues to brain lateralization and which hemisphere is dominant. Around 90% of right-handers process language and speech in the left hemisphere, but only about 66% to 75% of left-handers process language on the right side. So left-handers can have left-hemisphere dominant brains. About 20% can process language on both sides of their brain. In brain-damaged patients, one hemisphere can sometimes take over functions usually associated with the other side.

Left versus Right Brain

Though differences between left and right hemispheres are identifiable, many are really tendencies rather than absolute differences. Retrieving facts is solely linked to the left brain while facial perception and visio-spatial abilities are strongly linked to the right brain. The left hemisphere is more geared to logic, analysis and reasoning. The right hemisphere is more strongly linked to intuition and creativity, but these are not hard and fast rules.

Studies of speech, language and vision show how much more complicated matters are. In most people the speech center is in the left brain. However, different aspects of language are handled by different sides of the brain. Grammar and vocabulary are right brain linked, but other language functions are handled by the left brain. Language does not belong to just one side. Studies also show that both sides of the brain are involved in processing visual images. The ability to both name and describe a given object is disturbed if communication between the hemispheres is impaired.

Often popular psychology and personal growth approaches seek to apply right-brain left-brain theory in order to help individuals make desired changes in their behaviors and live more fulfilling lives. Bookstores are filled with books and audios on applying brain lateralization to subjects ranging from developing your artistic talents to improving your skills at playing pool, along with accelerating test scores, assisting with weight loss and much more.

Understanding your typical behavior can help you make changes in many areas of your life. Take a weight loss goal, for example. A person who may find it difficult to follow verbal instructions (often cited as a right-brain characteristic) presented at a weight loss meeting can benefit from keeping a food diary and developing better organizational and planning skills for weekly food shopping.

Without a doubt brain lateralization is real and it is a fascinating phenomenon. Ongoing research is still exploring its many mysteries and its role in human behavior.

© Deborah A. Lindholm

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