Popular Misconceptions of the Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain Theory

The left versus right brain theory originated with researchers in the 1960s who were developing potential treatments for severe epilepsy. What they found was an assortment of regional differences present in the left and right side of the brain. They also discovered differences in function within these regions and the two hemispheres themselves. Soon their observations gained traction in both scientific literature and in the public sphere. It was then widely circulated that the “right brain” is the creative, emotional, visual and spatial half, while the “left brain” is analytical, logical and verbal.

For additional brain-boosting exercises, along with a side-by-side comparison of the left and right brain, please see the accompanying resource.