Human brain forms a comparatively small but very important part of a human being. It practically controls every action that a person performs. Consciously or subconsciously all other body organs depend on the brain to behave in any particular way. The brain is therefore a crucial organ, and if anything happens to it, the whole body will come to a stop. Notably, the brain is divided into two portions with each having various distinct roles. Nevertheless, sometimes it is very difficult to differentiate between the functions of the two theories.
Arguably, assignments and various functions are balanced between the two parts of the brain to ensure maximum output. The two parts of the brain are known to work in close connection thus making them almost similar. Still, the functions executed by the two parts are different.
To begin with, the right part of the brain conducts intuitive, subjective and holistic thinking (Luys, 2012). This means that it is bound to be random in thinking. On the other hand, the left part of the brain carries out thinking in a logical, rational and objective way. Therefore, human beings are either based towards subjectivity or objectivity depending on the part of the brain that they use most.
It should be stated that the left hemisphere is responsible for actions of the right muscles. On the same note, the left hemisphere controls the sensory activities and the right motor.
For example, handwriting and language are controlled by the left hemisphere. As a result, people who tend to rely more on the left brain part are usually very comfortable with language (Darvas, 2007). On the other hand, the right hemisphere controls speech and hearing processes. Therefore, people who depend more on the right side of the brain have good verbal expressions.
Another difference between the two sides of the brain is that the left side deals with information in pieces. Once information is received, the left hemisphere will break it down and then tries to understand each bit individually. Moreover, this part of the brain will arrange the various bits of the information in a chronological manner before drawing conclusions (Annett, 2013).
As a result, the left part of the brain will take a bit longer to respond to an issue. On the other hand, the right part of the brain considers any information wholesomely. Details are not given much attention and thus it starts with the answer before getting to the main problem.
The brain can also be categorized on the way it conducts its day-to-day tasks. The right hemisphere is known for the random manner in which it executes its duties. It is carrying out many assignments at the same time. Without any form of arrangement, the right brain starts with any task but can move to the next without necessarily completing the first one.
As a result, it performs a huge number of tasks in the end but not necessarily the most important ones. On the contrary, the left brain is systematic in its approach to tasks (Noite, 2008). It always has a schedule of the duties to be accomplished in their order of preference. Consequently, it completes its tasks as per its list and does so effectively.
Similarly, the left hemisphere works well with symbols. As a result, letters and words do not become a problem to it. It prefers distinctions between events and characters. Therefore, working with mathematical notations is carried out by the left brain. It is also very good at memorizing and is usually tasked with the role of retrieving information whenever required.
Al Ghraibe (2012) finds in his study that repetitive learning and thinking processes are based on the left part of the brain, while the right hemisphere works well with tangible materials and things that can be felt (Al Ghraibeh, 2012). This hemisphere enjoys words that form a sentence and prefers calculated mathematical examples to the notations. Linking one event to another is the way this part of the brain works and therefore connectedness of issues is better to it.
This brings about the difference we see in human beings (Nunez, 2010). While there are people who read once and understand issues, others have to see pictures for them to remember well what they have learnt. On the same note, people who rely more on the left hemisphere of the brain can easily be given a formula and then do a calculation. However, people who rely more on the right hemisphere have to see calculations where formulas are used in order to understand them.
When solving a problem, the two hemispheres of the brain again exhibit differences. The left hemisphere does not stop until all decisions have proof. In other words, it uses logic to come up with any decision. It plans and structures any problem in order to apply concrete and credible information.
As a result, this part of the brain prefers multiple choice tests because then it can be able to logically come up with an answer. Not only does the left hemisphere look at the causes of any problem, but also at the effects of the same (Northoff, 2004). According to Al Ghraibeh (2012), logical intelligence is related to the left hemisphere. However, the right part of the brain is always guided by emotions in any problem-solving situation.
It does not take into consideration what information is available but rather takes what feels like the right thing to do. Moreover, the right part of the brain does not like giving straightforward answers on any issue. So, it prefers open ended questions which give room for discussion. In this regard, while the left part of the brain covers talking and writing, the right hemisphere prefers drawings because they have room for manipulation.
Arguably, the left part of the brain has no problems using words for expression. People who tend to rely more on the left side of the brain are good communicators and can make good orators. The conducted studies show that linguistic intelligence is influenced by the left hemisphere (Al Ghraibeh, 2012).
On the other hand, the right hemisphere of the brain has a lot of difficulty explaining issues. Even when the picture is clear to this part of the brain about what should be said, getting the correct words to use is a problem. In this regard, people who use the right hemisphere easily get emotional when explaining themselves (Mildner, 2008). As a result, these people usually have to get a backup of every issue. They are highly likely to make notes of what they would like to say.
Additionally, the left dominated people are more obedient to the rule in place at any scenario. They do not want to be on the wrong at any given instance. As a result, they will try to know every detail regarding the laws that are present wherever they are. Due to their fear of breaking rules, these people will always set their own rules and follow them even if they are not applicable.
People whose left hemisphere dominates will always want to fit in every situation perfectly and will therefore adjust in under different circumstances (McGilChrist, 2012).
On the contrary, the right part of the brain is driven by imagination and emotions. Thus, people, whose right part of the brain dominates, learn well by attaching emotions to various aspects. When they have no emotional attachment to something, it becomes difficult for them to remember it. In many instances, they do not give much thought to the repercussions of their emotional attachments.
Considering various differences existing between the two hemispheres of the brain, it should be noted that they have several similarities. Notably, both parts of the brain execute their functions with a high degree of interdependency. Information like sensory observations is transmitted equally between the two hemispheres of the brain (Gazzaniga, 2000).
In fact, it has been proved that people whose one part of the brain has been removed due to sickness usually recover and carry out their daily chores effectively. This implies that the remaining part of the brain takes up the functions of the other part. However, it should be stated that there are some differences in the way these people behave. As far as the structure of the brain is concerned, the two hemispheres are almost the same. They are also connected by nerve fibers to enhance communication between the two.
References
Al Ghraibeh, A. M. (2012). Brain Based Learning and its relation with Multiple Intelligences. International journal of Psychological Studies, 4(1), 103-113.
Annett, M. (2013). Handedness and Brain Asymmetry: The Right Shift Theory. Oxford, England: Psychology Press.
Darvas, G. (2007). Symmetry: Cultural-historical and Ontological Aspects of Science-Arts Relations; the Natural and Man-Made World in an Interdisciplinary approach. New York, NY: Springer.
Gazzaniga, M. S. (2000). Cerebral Specialization and Interhemispheric Communication: Does the Corpus Callosum Enable the Human Condition? Brain Journal of Neurology, 123(7), 1293-1326.
Luys, J. B. (2012). The Brain and Its Functions. Memphis, TN: General Books LLC.
McGilchrist, A. (2012). The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.
Mildner, V. (2008). The Cognitive Neuroscience of Human Communication. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis.
Noite, J. (2008). The Human Brain: with Student Consult Online Access. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsivier Health Sciences.
Northoff, G. (2004). Philosophy of the Brain: The Brain Problem. Amsterdam, Netherlands: John Benjamins Publishing.
Nunez, P. L. (2010). Brain, Mind, and the Structure of Reality. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.