The Myth

You most likely have heard that a person who is logical uses more of the left side of their brain, and a person who is creative uses more of the right side of their brain. Most of us were probably told at some point that if we are more creative, artistic, and emotional; then we are more right-brain-oriented. Similarly, if we are more logical, analytical, and pay attention to details; that must mean we are more left-brain-oriented. 

However, this is not true and is a common misconception among a lot of people. This myth has actually been disproved by many scientific studies. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, even MRI scans show that simple activities require most of our brain to be active. There have not been strong indications or scientific studies that prove that our personalities come from which side of our brains we use more, rather than how we were raised. 

Origin

The left brain vs. right brain myth came about in the 1960s. It was actually a theory of American neuropsychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Roger W. Sperry. After conducting research of his own, where he studied the brain functions of patients who had their corpus callosum surgically severed to treat refractory epilepsy. His theory argued that we have a more dominant side of our brain, similarly to how we have a dominant hand.

Scientific Studies

A two-year study was conducted by the University of Utah. Where the researchers analyzed 1,011 brain scans of people ranging from the ages of 7 to 29.  In their research they studied brain scans to evaluate the left-brain vs. right-brain hypothesis. Their research proved that we don’t use one side of our brain more than the other. 

“Turns out, individual differences don’t favor one hemisphere or the other.”, said the lead writer of the study, Jeff Anderson, MD, Ph.D

This is not to say that the functions of the brain are not separated into the two halves of the brain, however, they don’t work in isolation, they function together as a unit. 

“It’s absolutely true that some brain functions occur in one or the other side of the brain. Language tends to be on the left, and attention more on the right. But people don’t tend to have a stronger left-or-right-sided brain network. It seems to be determined more by connection.”, said Jeff Anderson, MD, Ph.D 

Conclusion

Even after scientific studies disproved this myth many people still believe it, and that is simply due to them not knowing the truth about the viral myth. 

The fact of the matter is that though this is a well-known theory, it is just that, a theory. Which people took to be completely factual. This viral speculation is mostly not legit because even though the theory is false, it is rooted in truth. The brain does have two different hemispheres (the left and right), which provide different functions, however, they do not determine our personality types, and people do not just use one side of their brain. Just because one person is excellent at math does not mean they use the left side of their brain more than someone who isn’t. The prime takeaway is that no matter if someone is doing an algebraic equation, or completing a piece of art for class, both sides of their brain are actively participating.