The left brain/right brain theory suggests that different types of thinking are controlled by one side of the brain or the other. The concept of brain function lateralization originated with the work of the American neuropsychologist Roger Sperry, but today the scientific community no longer considers the theory of hemisphere dominance to be tenable. However, the idea that some people are left-brained while others are right-brained lives on as an artifact of popular culture.
This test will categorize you as left-brained or right-brained according to the original theory. To take the test, indicate your answers to each of the following questions below.
IDRlabs developed the Left Brain/Right Brain Test (IDR-LB/RB-T), which is based on the paper of Dr. Loren D. Crane, who created the Alert Scale of Cognitive Style, a 20-item assessment tool. The IDR-LBRBT is not connected with any specific researchers in the field of psychology or any associated research institutions.
The Alert Scale of Cognitive Style criteria for brain hemisphere activity informed the IDR-LB/RB-T, as published in Lawrence, A. (2015). Gender-wise analysis on brain dominance and leadership style of the high school teachers. International Journal of Scientific Research. 4. 123-124. Suresh, V., Poornima, C., Anjana, K., & Debata, I. (2020). Assessment of brain dominance and its correlation with academic achievement among medical students: A cross-sectional study. Archives of Mental Health, 21 (1), pp. 25-29.
As noted, the left-brained/right-brained dichotomy no longer enjoys mainstream scientific support. Free online quizzes and tests like the IDR-LB/RB-T are merely initial assessments and cannot yield highly accurate measures of your cognitive style. Therefore, this test is only meant for educational or entertainment purposes. A conclusive psychological assessment can only be made by a qualified mental health professional.
The test provides feedback such as the following: Left-brained people are usually adept at activities that involve critical thinking, numbers, and analytical reasoning. They usually excel in mathematics, science, history, and working with computers. They tend to be methodical and analytical in processing information, and they usually relate more to facts and logic than to images or emotions. Left-brained people prefer consistency over spontaneity and are likely to thrive in structured environments. They prefer their information to be linear, reality-based, and properly sequenced. Right-brained people tend to be adept at activities that involve arts, intuition, imagination, creativity, and expression of emotions. They usually excel at design, music, fiction, drama, and the rest of the arts. Right-brained people tend to be spontaneous, intuitive, and emotion-oriented. They prefer open-ended and imaginative pursuits where there is often more than one correct answer, just as they tend to look for similarities and patterns in everything they do. For this reason, right-brained people are likely to thrive in environments that leave room for spontaneity and afford them the freedom to change course as new inspirations present themselves.
We, the publishers of this free online Left Brain/Right Brain Test, have strived to remain true to the theory of brain hemispheres as indicating variances in cognitive styles. Still, this free, self-report online quiz does not provide expert evaluations or recommendations of any kind; the IDR-LB/RB-T is provided entirely “as-is.” For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.
The brain is a highly complex organ that plays an essential role not just in thinking but in all body functions. It’s divided into two halves, the right and left brain. Specific areas are responsible for different functions, but the brain works as a whole.
The human brain is an intricate organ. At approximately 3 pounds, it contains about 100 billion neurons and 100 trillion connections. Your brain is the command center for all that you think, feel, and do.
Your brain divides into two halves or hemispheres. Within each half, particular regions manage certain functions.
The two sides of your brain look very much alike, but there’s a huge difference in how they process information. Despite their contrasting styles, the two halves of your brain don’t work independently of each other.
Nerve fibers connect different parts of your brain. If a brain injury severs the connection between sides, you might still function typically. But the lack of integration would cause some impairment.
The human brain constantly reorganizes itself. It’s adaptable to change, whether it’s physical or through life experience. It’s tailor-made for learning.
As scientists continue mapping the brain, we gain more insight into which parts control necessary functions. This information is vital to advancing research into brain diseases and injuries, and how to recover from them.
Share on PinterestThe theory is that people are either left-brained or right-brained, meaning that one side of their brain is dominant. If you’re mostly analytical and methodical in your thinking, the theory says that you’re left-brained. If you tend to be more creative or artistic, you’re right-brained.
This theory is based on the fact that the brain’s two hemispheres function differently. This first came to light in the 1960s, thanks to the research of psychobiologist and Nobel Prize winner Roger W. Sperry.
The left brain is more verbal, analytical, and orderly than the right brain. It’s sometimes called the digital brain. It’s better at things like reading, writing, and computations.
According to Sperry’s dated research, the left brain helps you with:
- logic
- sequencing
- linear thinking
- mathematics
- facts
- thinking in words
The right brain is more visual and intuitive. People sometimes refer to it as the analog brain. It has a more creative and less organized way of thinking.
Sperry’s dated research suggests the right brain helps people with:
- imagination
- holistic thinking
- intuition
- arts
- rhythm
- nonverbal cues
- feelings visualization
- daydreaming
We know the two sides of our brain are different, but does this necessarily mean that we have a dominant brain just as we have a dominant hand?
A team of neuroscientists set out to test this premise. In a 2013 research review, they found no proof that this theory is correct. Magnetic resonance imaging of 1,000 people revealed that the human brain doesn’t actually favor one side over the other. The networks on one side aren’t generally stronger than the networks on the other side.
Bundles of nerve fibers tie the two hemispheres together, creating an information highway. Although the two sides function differently, they work together and complement each other. You don’t use only one side of your brain at a time.
Whether you perform a logical or creative function, you receive input from both sides of your brain. For example, people credit the left brain with language, but the right brain helps you understand context and tone. The left brain handles mathematical equations, but the right brain helps out with comparisons and rough estimates.
General personality traits, individual preferences, or learning styles don’t translate into the notion that you’re left-brained or right-brained.
Still, it’s a fact that the two sides of your brain are different, and certain areas of your brain do have specialties. The exact areas of some functions can vary a bit from person to person.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, keeping your brain active via mentally challenging activities, like learning a new skill, may have benefits for brain health in the short and long term. They also suggest that a lack of mental stimulation may increase the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few tips to stimulate your brain:
In addition to thinking exercises, your brain benefits from a good physical workout. According to a 2022 research review, aerobic exercise “positively influences” episodic memory among adults 55 years and older, and who have a dementia diagnosis.
Nutrition is also extremely important to help keep both sides of your brain in tip-top shape. Try to eat a nutrient-dense diet that includes:
- whole grains
- fresh vegetables and fruits
- nuts
- beans and legumes
- poultry
- fish
And, of course, aim for a full night’s sleep every night. Sleep is one of the best ways for your brain to help neurons communicate with each other, remove toxins that can build up when you’re awake, and keep your memory sharp.
If you would like to nourish your creative side, here are a few ways to get started:
Read about and listen to the creative ideas of others. You might discover the seed of an idea you can grow or set your own imagination free.
Try something new. Take up a creative hobby, such as playing an instrument, drawing, or storytelling. A relaxing hobby can help your mind wander to new places.
Look within. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and what makes you tick. Why do you gravitate toward certain activities and not others?
Keep it fresh. Break your set patterns and go outside your comfort zone. Take a trip to a brand-new place. Immerse yourself in another culture. Take a course in an unfamiliar subject.
Even something as creative as music takes time, patience, and practice. The more you practice any new activity, the more your brain adapts to the new information.
Whether you work out a complicated algebraic equation or paint an abstract work of art, both sides of your brain actively participate and provide input.
No one is truly left-brained or right-brained, but you can play to your strengths and continue broadening your mental horizons. A typical, healthy brain is capable of lifelong learning and boundless creativity, especially when it gets fuel from proper nutrition, a dose of physical exercise, and mental stimulation.
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