Difference between Right Brain and Left Brain
Most people have probably heard of the fact that the brain is divided into two distinct hemispheres–the left and the right–although not everyone is aware of the implications of such a division. The fact of the matter is that the left and right sections of the brain are responsible for different functions, and whether you unconsciously favor one or the other has a lot to do with various factors such as your temperament, your personality, and how you react to certain stimulus. Far from being two separate organs, the left brain and the right brain are essentially two sides of the same coin, and each has complementary roles to play with each other, as you will see in this comparison article.
Left Brain - Right Brain Theory
Much of the study into the specific functions of the left brain and the right brain stem from a theory that is called the “Left Brain-Right Brain Theory” appropriately enough.The theory states that each of us is either left-brain or right-brain dominant in persuasion, and our way of thinking reflects our leanings. People who are "left-brained" for instance, are though to be more logical, analytical and objective in thought and action, while "right-brained" people tend towards the intuitive, thoughtful and subjective side of the spectrum.
Characteristics
According to the Left Brain-Right Brain Theory, the right side of the brain is more at home with expressive and/or creative tasks. Some key characteristics and abilities of the right brain have to do with recognizing faces and expressing emotions and such people are thought to have a better aptitude for music, colors, images, and even reading emotions. In addition, right brained people are often though to be highly intuitive and creative. As for the left-side of the brain, scientists attribute this with logical and linguistic tasks, as well as those that require analytical thinking. People who are left brain dominant may have considerable facility with languages, number, and logic. In addition, such people are widely held to be better at critical thinking and reasoning.
Relative Importance
One of the most significant developments in the study of the brain occurred in the mid-1800s, when a French physician named Paul Broca discovered an area on the left side of the brain that is vital to understanding and using language. The area is named “Broca’s area,” in honor of his research, and any damage incurred there causes people to lose their facility for speech. In contrast, the corresponding region on the right side of the brain did not seem particularly special. What the right brain has, however, is a keener ability to recognize faces.
Summary
Right Brain
- Is thought to result in more intuitive, thoughtful and subjective thinking
- Better suited to expressive and creative tasks
- Typically associated with facial recognition, emotions, music aptitude, colors and images, intuition and creativity
Left Brain
- Is thought to result in more logical, analytical and objective thinking
- More suitable for tasks involving logic, language and analytical thinking
- Typically associated with language, logic, critical thinking, numbers and reasoning
