NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND

BEHAVIOURAL CEREBRAL
DIFFERENCES
Well known differences in hemispheric functioning

exist. However, the stereotype of left brained or

right brained has resulted from the oversimplified
notion that one set of hemispheric skills will become
dominant in a particular person.
In a normally functioning brain all capabilities are

used to some degree, although, they may be

developed to different degrees.
A number of behavioural differences are evident in
the functioning of the 2 hemispheres. The differences
related to the left hemisphere for different functions
are:

PRIMARY SENSORY AND MOTOR FUNCTIONS

In general, except for smell and taste, sensory
processing is funneled from the site of sensory
stimulation to the contralateral hemisphere.
FOR EXAMPLE:
The somatosensory strip of the parietal lobe of the
left hemisphere processes objects placed in the right
hand.
Visual Sense

Visual sense is completely crossed, so the primary

occipital cortex of the left hemisphere, processes
information only in the right visual field.

Auditory Sense
Audition is only partially crossed. The left
hemisphere processes majority of information
presented to the right ear.
Olfactory and Gustatory Sense
Each hemisphere receives smell and taste
sensations from its respective side. (ipsilateral)
Motor Function Control
The primary motor strip of the left hemisphere
controls motor movements of the right hand.

 NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES FOR

HIGHER ORDER PROCESSING:
Neuropsychologists recognize the integrative
nature of higher order skills, but some abilities
demonstrate greater lateralization than others.
Language Related Aspects:
The left hemisphere is usually more proficient in
speech production and understanding. It is facile or
not so proficient in manipulating the symbols of
language.
Sound Related Aspects:
Both hemispheres are comparable in processing
sound, with the left hemisphere (temporal region)
responding selectively to meaningful language
(Giraud & Price,2001).
Attention:
The left hemisphere plays a significant role in
divided attention.
(Harvey et al, 2005).
Verbal Sequential Processing:

Verbal sequential processing (eg. Involved in

calculations and algebra) is typically associated
with the left hemisphere.