11/18/2009
Feeling a little brainy...

I was read the Understanding Your Brain for Better Design: Left vs. Right article on the Web Designer Depot website yesterday about how we, as creative people, can harness the understanding of the left and right brain to be more creative, as well as succeed in other work-related tasks. I discovered some interesting factoids about myself and thought I'd share them with the world.

The original article links to a Brain Type test sponsored by the Art Institute of Vancouver. It contained 54 multiple-choice questions, didn't take long to complete (major plus), and provided some interesting insight into my mind. The detailed evaluation explains in great detail the exact nature of your brain's halves' ability to communicate with each other and how that communication affects your life in how you learn, remember, process data, and contemplate issues.

What are the results you ask?

The results show my brain dominance as being:
Left Brain (39%) – Right Brain (61%)

Shocker, I know. But the split was higher on the left brain side than I had imagined. So, what does that mean?

I am more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of my brain controls the left side of my body. In addition to being known as right-brained, I am also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. I retain this information through the use of images and patterns. I are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. My thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that I use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. It suggested that I probably find it easy to express myself using art (check), dance (uh, no), or music (check). Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger (cool!), athlete (in an earlier life), beautician (uh, no), actor/actress, craftsman, and artist (bingo!).

The explanation then went deeper into examining percentages for each side of the brain. The details are quite long but read on if you'd like (it's mostly here for my future reference).

Percentages
My left brain/right brain percentage was calculated by combining the individual scores of each half's sub-categories. They are as follows:

My Left Brain Percentages

  • 40% Sequential (most dominant characteristic)
  • 34% Symbolic
  • 32% Linear
  • 17% Logical
  • 14% Reality-based
  • 0% Verbal (least dominant characteristic)

My Right Brain Percentages

  • 64% Concrete (most dominant characteristic)
  • 64% Fantasy-oriented
  • 45% Random
  • 19% Nonverbal
  • 15% Intuitive
  • 12% Holistic (least dominant characteristic)

What Do These Percentages Mean?
Low percentages are common in the Brain Type Test and are not indicative of intelligence. Instead, medium to high scores (30 - 50%) are desireable, as they show an ability to utilize a processing method without an abnormal reliance on it. Special focus should be paid to highly dominant (50% or above) or highly recessive (0 - 30%) methods, as they tend to limit your approach when learning, memorizing, or solving problems.

If you have Highly Dominant characteristics, your normal thinking patterns will naturally utilize these methods. Conscious effort is required to recognize the benefits of other techniques. Using multiple forms of information processing is the best way to fully understand complex issues and become a balanced thinker.

If you have Highly Recessive characteristics, your normal thinking patterns naturally ignore these methods. You may only consider these under-utilized techniques when "all else fails," or possibly not at all. It is important to recognize the benefits of all of your brain's capabilities in order to become a balanced thinker.

Left Brain Categories

Sequential Processing
Sequential processing is a method used by the left hemisphere for processing information. The information that is received is processed in order from first to last. Information is processed in a systematic, logical manner. Through sequential processing, you can interpret and produce symbolic information such as language, mathematics, abstraction, and reasoning. This process is used to store memory in a language format. Activities that require sequential processing include spelling, making a "to-do" list, and many aspects of organization.

My Sequential Analysis
I show moderate ability to organize information sequentially. I are capable of processing information I receive in a systematic, logical order from first to last. However, at times I will process information you receive quite randomly, or may give it only a semblance of order. I am probably an average mathematician and speller, and may or may not enjoy tasks such as making "to-do" lists.

Symbolic Processing
Symbolic processing is a method associated with the left hemisphere that is used for processing the information of pictures and symbols. The majority of functions associated with academics involve symbols such as letters, words, and mathematical notations. This process is what aids you to excel in tasks such as linguistics, mathematics, and memorizing vocabulary words and mathematical formulas.

My Symbolic Analysis
I have the ability to process the information of symbols at times, but I may need to first view the real object before I can understand what I am trying to process. For example, in solving math problems it occasionally helps me to "draw out" the problem, which allows me to better understand it through visualization. At other times I do not need visualization to aid in forming my answers.

Linear Processing
Linear processing is a method by the left hemisphere to process information. In this process, the left brain takes pieces of information, lines them up, and proceeds to arrange them into an order from which it may draw a conclusion. The information is processed from parts to a whole in a straight, forward, and logical progression.

My Linear Analysis
When processing information using this method, I will occasionally feel the need to see the "whole picture" before I am able to achieve results. At other times, I am able to piece all of the parts together in a straight and logical progression to form a whole, which then enables me to understand what I have processing. The information, my mood, and my level of comfortable are all factors that determine my response to a linear processing problem.

Logical Processing
Logical processing is a method that is used by the left hemisphere to take information piece by piece and put it all together to form a logical answer. When information is received through reading or listening, the left hemisphere will look for different bits of information that will allow it to produce a logical conclusion. This aspect of the left hemisphere is what aids you in solving math problems and science experiments.

My Logical Analysis
Logical processing is not one of my strengths, so I may tend to rely on a "gut" feeling to help me make your decisions from the information I have received. For example, I will often choose an answer on a test because it "feels" right, and I may be correct. This is due to the fact of my tendency to look for the whole picture but not the details that create it. I can often start with the answer and work my way back to allow myself to see the process and parts that create the whole. I may find math problems and science experiments difficult because of this.

Reality-based Processing
Reality-based processing is used by the left hemisphere as a method for processing information with a basis on reality. This processing tool focuses on rules and regulations. An example of this would be how a left-brained person would completely understand the repercussions of turning in a late assignment or failing a test. A left-brained person also usually easily adjusts to changes in their environment.

My Reality-based Analysis
The information I process may lack a basis on reality, but it does open the door to creativity. I do not show much focus for rules and regulations and do not adjust well to change in the environment. In fact, upon experiencing change in the environment, it spurs me to try to change it myself instead of adjusting to it. Whenever I become emotionally involved in project I am more likely to learn and succeed.

Verbal Processing
Verbal processing is a method used by the left hemisphere to process our thoughts and ideas with words. For example, through verbal processing, a left-brained person giving directions may say, "From this point continue east for two miles and turn north onto Bellevue Road. Continue north on Bellevue Road for seven miles and turn west on Main Street". With verbal processing, exact, logical directions are given in a very sequential manner compared to a right-brained person who, in giving the same directions, would use more visual landmarks.

My Verbal Analysis
I am not a verbal person. When I process my thoughts, I tend to use very few words, preferring instead to illustrate a problem or solution. I often find myself in situations where it is hard for me to "find the right words." Upon reading or hearing new information, I must first create a "mental video" before I can process and understand the information of my thoughts.

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Right Brain Categories

Concrete Processing
Concrete processing is a method associated with the right hemisphere that is used for processing things that can be seen or touched. It processes much of the information you receive from real objects. For example, a right-brained person is not just satisfied that a mathematical formula may work, but will want to know why it works. A strongly concrete person often finds it easier to solve a mathematical problem by "drawing it out" because it allows them to visualize it. The more a concrete person can visualize something the easier it is for them to understand it.

My Concrete Analysis
I am strong in concrete processing. When I process information about things that can be seen or touched I show great comfort. But when contemplating something without concrete form, I may have difficulty, and attempt to understand what is trying to be processed in visual terms. For example, if solving a math problem, it would help me to "draw out" the problem and visualize it. Only after visualization, would I feel comfortable solving it.

Fantasy-oriented Processing
Fantasy-oriented processing is used by the right hemisphere as a method for processing information with creativity. It focuses much less on rules and regulations than the processing method of a left-brained person. Due to the fantasy-oriented processing mechanism of a right-brained person, they do not adjust well to change. Instead of adapting to the change in the environment, a right-brained person attempts to change it back to the way they liked it. But fantasy-oriented processing also provides the advantage of creativity to right-brained individuals, and since emotion is integral of the right side of the brain, anything a fantasy-oriented person becomes involved in emotionally will aid their ability to learn.

My Fantasy-oriented Analysis
I am highly able to process information I receive with creativity. My focus does not get caught up in rules and regulations. However, I usually do not adjust well to change. Instead of adapting to it, I often try to keep things as they were. Creativity is my big advantage as well as my tendency to become emotionally involved in your work.

Random Processing
Random processing is a method used by the right hemisphere for processing information. The information that is received is processed without priority. A right-brained person will usually jump from one task to another due to the random processing by their dominant right hemisphere. Random processing is, of course, the opposite of sequential processing therefore making it difficult for right-brained individuals to choose to learn in sequence. In order to overcome this, a right-brained person may want to attempt to learn sequence by using colors since the right hemisphere is sensitive to color. For example, you may want to associate the first step with green, the second step with blue, and the last step with red. Consistently using the same sequence will allow you to see that this strategy can be applied to many tasks involving sequence.

My Random Analysis
I have some ability to process data randomly. I am at times able to make "leaps of logic" and discover unique things by thinking "outside of the box." However, I may tend to ignore my random processing thoughts unless I am desperate for a solution. It is important I recognize this skill as not grasping at straws, but a viable way to discover new ways of approaching a problem.

Nonverbal Processing
Nonverbal processing is a method used by the right hemisphere to process our thoughts with illustrations. Reliance on this method is why it is occasionally difficult for right-brained people to "find the right words" in certain situations. A right-brained person cannot just read or hear information and process it, but first must make a mental video to better understand the information they have received. For example, through nonverbal processing, a person giving directions may say, "Continue going straight until you see a big, red-brick courthouse. At the courthouse turn right, and go down that street for a couple of miles until you se a gray stone church which will be on your right. Straight across from the church is the road to the left you need to take." With nonverbal processing, the directions that are given are extremely visual compared to the exact, sequential directions that would be given by a left-brained person.

My Nonverbal Analysis
I have little ability in nonverbal processing. When I process my thoughts and ideas I mainly use illustrations instead of words.

Intuitive Processing
Intuitive processing is a method that is used by the right hemisphere to process information based on if it "feels" right or not. For example, a right-brained person may choose an answer on a test because they had a "gut" feeling and often they will be correct. Another example of this is how a right-brained person will know the correct answer to a math problem but will not understand the procedure of how they arrived at the correct answer. A right-brained person will usually have to start with the answer and work their way backwards in order to be able to see and understand the parts and process that create the whole.

My Intuitive Analysis
When I process information using this method, I do not rely on "gut" feelings but take the information and put it together piece by piece to form your conclusions. I often look at all of the different bits of information before piecing together my solution. I probably excel in such tasks as solving math problems and performing science experiments, because the intuitive method is not needed.

Holistic Processing
Holistic processing is a method used by the right hemisphere to process information. The information is processed from whole to parts. A right-brained person, through holistic processing, is able to see the big picture first, but not the details that accompany it. A strongly holistic person may often find that prior to listening to a lecture given by an instructor, they must first read the chapter so that they better understand what the lecture is about. This function is also what provides to you your visual spatial skills. It also aids in tasks such as dancing and gymnastics. Through holistic processing, memory is stored in auditory, visual, and spatial modalities.

My Holistic Analysis
I have difficulty seeing the whole picture, especially at the beginning of a project. I tend to process information I receive from its parts to its whole in a straight, progressive manner. When given a task, I tend to not bother asking "why," but instinctively am able to do it.

Pretty cool, huh? Overall, I'd say that this explanation was a fair representation of how my brain works. Which side dominates your life? Take the creativity test for yourself »

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