Right Brain and Left Brain Characteristics
Left Hemisphere
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Right Hemisphere
Controls right motor and sensory activities.
Is the location of reacting, language, and
handwriting.
Has the centers for speech and hearing.
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Left Hemisphere Style
Controls left motor and sensory activities.
Is the location of special relationships,
artistic expression, and visualization.
Right Hemisphere Style
Linear
• Processes information from part to whole
– takes pieces, lines them up, and
arranges them in a logical order, then it
draws conclusions.
Holistic
• Processes information from whole to part
– starts with the answer and sees the big
picture, not the details, first.
Sequential
Random
• Is a list maker and would enjoy making a
• Flits from one task to another.
master schedule and doing daily planning.
• Gets many things done but without having
• Completes tasks in order and takes
addressed priorities.
pleasure in checking them off when they
are accomplished.
Symbolic
• Has no trouble processing symbols such
as letters, words, and mathematical
notations.
• Is good ad memorizing.
• Prefers distinctions.
Concrete
• Wants to see, feel, or touch real objects.
• Prefers to see words in context and how
formulas work.
• Prefers connectedness.
Logical
• Makes decisions based on logic – proof.
• Looks at differences.
• Is planned and structured.
• Prefers established, certain information.
• Prefers talking and writing.
• Prefers multiple choice tests.
• Sees cause and effect
Intuitive
• Makes decisions based on gut feeling –
what “feels” right. Is fluid and spontaneous
• Prefers elusive, uncertain information.
• Prefers drawing and manipulating objects.
• Prefers open ended questions.
• See resemblances.
Verbal
• Has little trouble expressing him/herself in
words.
Non-Verbal
• Knows what something means but often
has trouble finding the right words
• Needs to back everything up visually –
write things down.
Reality-Based
• Deals with things the way they are.
• Wants to know the rules and follow them.
• Adjusts to the environment.
• Makes up rules to follow when there are
no rules.
Fantasy-Oriented
• Is creative.
• Remembers well anything he/she
becomes emotionally involved in during
the learning process.
• Is sometimes unaware of consequences.
Information compiled by: Kimberly M. Gay, B.S.; M.L.S
Academic Reference and Instruction Librarian- John B. Coleman Library at PVAMU.
Reference:
www.wmich.edu/
http://www.wmich.edu/multicultural/stem/documents/Peer%20Mentor/Right%20Brain%20and%20Left
%20Brain%20Characteristics.pdf
Summer 2013