Claim #1: The two hemispheres are specialized to process different types of cognitive tasks.
Figure 3.35 for a summary of specialized tasks.
Qualification:
The two hemispheres are specialized to handle different tasks only to a degree
- Superiority of one hemisphere over the other is usually modest (See Figure 3.37).
- Most tasks involve engaging both hemispheres.
- People differ in their patterns of specialization.
Claim #2: Each hemisphere has its own independent stream of consciousness.
Qualification:
There is very little evidence that people have two independent streams of awareness.
Claim #3: The two hemispheres have different modes of thinking.
Qualification:
Although plausible, there is very liitle evidence to support different modes of
thinking.
Claim #4: People vary in their reliance on one hemisphere opposed to the other.
Qualification:
This is only plausible if it means that some people consistently display more
activation of one hemisphere. There is no convincing evidence tht brainedness is
linked to musical ability or occupational choice.
Claim #5: Schools should place more emphasis on teaching the right side of the brain.
Qualification:
Encouraging schools to emphasize more holistic, intuitive thinking is useful, but it is unrelated to issues of cerebral specialization.
