Theory: The Left Half of the Brain Is Analytical; the Right Half Is Creative
Compiled by Lori Gracey | Excutive Director | TCEA.org
Summary of the Belief: This is the idea that the left side of the brain is “rational” and the right side “creative” and that individuals have a built-in preference for which side they routinely use.
Points About the Belief:
- The concept of different and independent halves of the brain originated during the nineteenth century when doctors discovered that if one side of the brain was damaged, certain functions would disappear.
- It is true that the two halves are different, and that the majority of people do use the left half for most aspects of language while using the right side for more specialized spatial skills.
- Current research seems to state that, if someone needs to approach a problem creatively, he uses his whole brain.
Resources:
- Differences in Interhemispheric Interaction during Global/Local Processing
- The Two Halves of the Brain
- The Truth About the Left Brain/Right Brain Relationship
Your Analysis:
Is the theory:
- Myth
- Unproven
- Based on truth
What This Should Mean to Teachers: