What is left and right brain
Human brain is akin to Central Processing Unit or CPU of a computer. Brain controls the functions of the human body in an orderly manner. The brain is divided into two parts or hemispheres according to its functionalities that each of these hemispheres play. The brain’s right hemisphere or right brain controls the muscles of the left side of the human body while left-brain or left hemisphere of the brain controls the muscles on the right side of the body. Each of the human brain hemispheres operate independently and in concert with each other.
The scientific study of left and right brain as to its functions was the prerogative of Noble laureate – Dr. Roger Sperry whose experiments has lead to the concept of left and right brain hemispheres and how these two hemispheres communicate with each other and perform a fairly distinct set of operations.
Functions of Conscious & Sub-Conscious brain / left and right brain – Few points to note
The functions of left and right brain are aptly divided as per their role or functions they perform on the human body. The left part of the brain performs the function of processing information in an analytical and sequential way by examining each piece of information then putting together to get the whole meaning out of that information. The left brain thinking is analytical and verbal and performs the following below mentioned functions-
Left Brain:
- Logical functions
- Analysis
- Sequencing
- Linear functions
- Mathematical functions
- Language functions
- Deriving facts
- Computational functions
- Verbal and grammatical functions
The right hemisphere of the brain mainly performs the functions that are related with spatial abilities, face recognition, and non-verbal thinking. The right hemisphere of the brain is regarded as more creative and intuitive. The right brain performs the following functions as given below-
Right Brain:
- Creativity functions
- Imagination
- Holistic thinking
- Intuition
- Motor Skill functions
- Rhythm functions such as tapping to the sound of music, tune of songs etc.
- Non-verbal functions
- Aspects pertaining to day dreaming
Even though both right and left-brain hemisphere performs different functions but no one is better than the other as their functions are just different ways of thinking that work in tandem with the others for carrying out day to day activities of the human body.
Link between intelligence with your brain
There is an inherent link between intelligence with your brain as intelligence can be defined as the general mental ability for reasoning, problem solving and learning. Intelligence can be termed as a pool that integrates the cognitive functions of the brain such as perception, attention, memory, language or planning.
The relationship between intelligence and brain can be measured through a technique called Brain Volume. Psychologists over the years have developed various tests for the standardized measurement of intelligence and one such means is the Standard Progressive Metrics Test or SPM. Further, studies do indicate that there is a close link between the brain size and the human intelligence. Researchers do agree that a larger brain size and volume is associated with better cognitive functioning and higher intelligence and vice versa.
Scientific Relation of consciousness and unconsciousness
In simple terms, consciousness mind determines the actions and an unconscious mind determines the reactions with both actions and reactions playing an important role in the human behavior of an individual. Consciousness is the state of the brain where it remain aware or awake of external objects or subject that is seen through its sensory perceptions. In medical terms, consciousness is persons’ state of arousal and responsiveness that is measured in terms of full alertness, meaningful communication, and through the normal motor functions of the human body.
Unconsciousness mind is simply the state of mind where the human mind’s ability to maintain awareness of self and environment is lost and involves the complete lack of responsiveness to people and other external environment factors. However, unconsciousness does not mean the loss of cognitive process of mind but it is like a storehouse of all memories and experiences that are repressed for the time being due to trauma or consciously forgotten as per their importance.
Psychologists have found scientific relation of consciousness and unconsciousness with unconsciousness mind evolving as a storage house or place for all memories that a person has repressed or does not wish to recall but by choice a person cannot remember anything in his/her unconscious mind without some specific technique or event. Scientific studies through phenomenology methods helps in examining the structure of consciousness in relation with the physical world.
Magical stories of left and right brain
The brain is an amazing part of the human body that performs variety of functions through its left and right hemispheres. The creative and intuitive people are thought to be right sided and logical, whereas those who are objective are termed as left sided. Children especially suffering with autism prefer to play left brained board games, as they are very structured, predictable and are rule based sequentially. In the same way, children with right brain inclination play games that involve problem solving, imagination and creativity. It is found that boys are more leaned towards right brain activities resulting in them enjoying video games.
