What are some characteristics of left vs. right brain dominant people?

ThoughtCo / Hilary Allison

While there are differences of opinion when it comes to brain hemisphere dominance, one thing seems clear: there are some students who are more comfortable with logic and reasoning than they are with creativity and intuition. These preferences are characteristic of people who are sometimes called left brain dominant.

Are you very organized? Do you believe that there is a right way and a wrong way to do things? Do you enjoy math homework more than English homework? If so, you may be left-brain dominant.

Characteristics of Left Brain Dominant Students

  • Work well with a daily task list
  • Tend to be the critic in class
  • Consider themselves naturally good at math or science
  • Are rational and logical
  • Perform research that is precise and well-documented
  • Enjoy setting goals
  • Find it easy to interpret information
  • Have a neat and tidy room
  • Answer questions spontaneously
  • Like to read and follow directions
  • Tend to be less emotionally open
  • Can listen to a long lecture without losing interest
  • Prefer action movies to romantic comedies
  • Tend to sit up when they read
  • Use precise language

Left Brain Dominant Students in Class

  • Find it easy to remember dates and processes
  • Enjoy going through long math calculations
  • Prefer the logical order of science
  • Excel at understanding grammar and sentence structure

Advice for Left Brain Dominant Students

  • Study in a quiet room to avoid distraction.
  • If you become impatient trying to explain concepts to other students, don't volunteer to tutor classmates.
  • If you like to take the lead in study groups, you might enjoy volunteer work.
  • Try to find opportunities to participate in the debate team, science fair, or math league.
  • When reading for pleasure, you might prefer non-fiction books.
  • Be aware that you might be more comfortable with factual questions and assignments, as opposed to open-ended questions.
  • Use your organization skills to keep your class notes and papers organized.
  • Keep your room organized to maintain order in your personal space.
  • Even if you disagree, try to refrain from arguing with your teachers.
  • When selecting assignments, choose analytical essays instead of creative writing.
  • If you find yourself frustrated with other students who don't take their work seriously, work alone if possible.
  • Be aware that you might find “free-thinking” teachers confusing.
  • Finally, take more risks and don’t be afraid to be creative.

With all of your factual knowledge, you might be a finalist on Jeopardy someday.

Watch Now: Differences in Left-Brain and Right-Brain Thinkers

Children with a Strong Left Brain Function Typically Perform Well Academically But May Struggle Socially and Behaviorally.

Our brains consist of two sides or hemispheres. Children with behavioral, academic, social, or other challenges often have an imbalance where they predominantly use one side of the brain. This causes one side of the brain to be stronger, while the other side develops more slowly and is weaker.

The left hemisphere of the brain controls learning and information processing. Children who have stronger left-brain functions tend to be more analytical in their thinking and typically perform well academically. They may have a great ability to memorize large amounts of data, have a large vocabulary, and are detail-oriented.

Left-Brained Child: Behavior at Home

If your child’s left hemisphere controls are in charge, you will notice him or her displaying certain traits at home. For example, he or she may like to keep the same routine, such as eating the same foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Left-brained children also appreciate directions and tend to follow directions well.

One of the most noticeable left-brain characteristics is a tidy room. If you rarely tell your child to clean, he or she may have dominant left hemisphere controls. As helpful as this can be at home, you might notice that many left-brained children are not very emotional or super affectionate. They are inclined towards logical thinking instead, and according to Funderstanding, they may often like to spend time alone.

Left-Brained Child: Behavior at School

Parents are not the only people who might notice left-brain characteristics in children. Teachers often notice characteristics too, based on how left-brained children behave in school. The good news is that according to Psychology Today, schools usually cater to left-brained children since most classes require good analytical skills. Children with a strong left brain and a less mature right brain may excel in these areas:

  • Science
  • Details
  • Memorization
  • Setting goals
  • Reading directions
  • Math

Many of these children prefer to study alone, so ensure your child has a quiet place for homework. In addition, since many left-brained kids tend to do well with lists, make it easy for your child to make as many lists as possible, providing a whiteboard, chalkboard, paper, and writing utensils. Not only will your child be grateful for the help, but he or she will likely find success in school and at home.

How to Use This Information to Help Your Child

If a child has a strong left brain and a less mature right brain, he may experience social difficulties and have little interest in sports or outdoor activities. This imbalance in skills can be tough on kids and parents. 

It was once thought that the brain was static, unable to grow or change. But extensive research has shown that the brain remarkably adaptable, able to create new neural pathways in response to stimulus in the environment. This is a branch of science called neuroplasticity.

What are some characteristics of left vs. right brain dominant people?

What are some characteristics of left vs. right brain dominant people?

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What are the characteristics of a left

Children who have stronger left-brain functions tend to be more analytical in their thinking and typically perform well academically. They may have a great ability to memorize large amounts of data, have a large vocabulary, and are detail-oriented.

What are the characteristics of right brain dominant individuals?

Right-brainers can be disorganised, unpredictable and more often than not, very good with people. They are spontaneous, creative and more emotional than left-brainers, often pondering and acting on their feelings. They are intuitive, good at problem solving and more comfortable with the unknown.

What are 3 characteristics of the right brain?

While everyone uses both sides of their brains in work (and in life), people who think of themselves as right-brained tend to be creative, emotional, and intuitive.

What is a right sided brain person like?

Those who are right-brained are supposed to be intuitive and creative free thinkers. They are "qualitative," big-picture thinkers who experience the world in terms that are descriptive or subjective. For example, "The skies are gray and menacing; I wonder if it's going to rain?"