In the college cafeteria, your friend Larry, who is an art major, loudly proclaims that because he is an artist he is right-brained and it's no wonder he's having trouble with his college algebra class. Because you have read this chapter, you are able to tell him that:
A) with special training, he should be able to better educate his left brain, so that he will at least pass algebra even if he'll never be very good at it.
B) he should drop algebra and take geometry, which takes a more right-brain approach to mathematics.
C) his problems with algebra cannot be blamed on either his right or left hemispheres; it is a myth that people are either "right-brained" or "left-brained."
D) given the right degree of environmental stimulation, he should be able to increase his left-hemisphere abilities, but doing so will undoubtedly lessen his artistic creativity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The idea that people are either "right-brained" or "left-brained" is a myth. While certain functions may be more associated with one hemisphere of the brain, the brain is a highly interconnected organ where both hemispheres are constantly communicating and working in tandem. Larry's difficulty with algebra is not due to which hemisphere of his brain he is using more, but rather his lack of understanding or practice with mathematical concepts.

In the College Cafeteria, Your Friend Larry, Who Is an Art