Brain, Perception, Information Processing and Sensation

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RESPONSE:

1. How is the brain comprised of two hemispheres: the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere?

Each of the brain hemispheres is a cerebral hemisphere, which is defined as one of the two regions of the brain that are identified by the body's median plane, (medial longitudinal fissure). This divides the brain into left and right cerebral hemispheres, each having an outer layer of grey matter called the cerebral cortex that is supported by an inner layer of white matter. The corpus callosum links the two hemispheres. The corpus callosum is a very large bundle of nerve fibers. These nerve fibres transfer information between the two hemispheres to coordinate localized functions. The brain structure includes neurons (brain cells), with different types of cells, types of neurotransmitters and receptor subtypes that are all distributed among the two hemispheres in a markedly similar (asymmetric) fashion. However, there are some observable individual differences, but on average, each side has its own roles to play in information processing.

In other words, the cerebral hemispheres are divided right down the middle into a right hemisphere and a left hemisphere. Each hemisphere appears to be specialized for some behaviors. The hemispheres communicate with each other through a thick band of 200-250 million nerve fibers called the corpus callosum. (Smaller bands of nerve fibers called the anterior commissure, posterior commissure, and hippocampal commissure also connects parts of the cerebral hemispheres). These commissures transfer information between the two hemispheres to coordinate localized functions (http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/split.html).

2. What is a list and differentiate the information processing styles used by both the left and right brain?

So generally, the left and right hemispheres of your brain process information in different ways. We each have a dominants side, often the opposite side from our handedness. We tend to process information using our dominant side. However, the learning and thinking process is enhanced when both side of the brain participate in a balanced manner, by strengthening your less dominate hemisphere of the brain.

Dominant Functions of the two hemispheres:

Left Hemisphere
1. Language
2. Math
3. Logic

Right Hemisphere
1. Spatial abilities
2. Face recognition
3. Visual imagery
4. Music ( see http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/split.html)

From another source, listed below are information processing styles that are characteristically used by your right or left brain hemisphere.

1. Linear Vs. Holistic Processing
2. Logical Vs. Intuitive
3. Sequential Vs. Random Processing
4. Verbal Vs. Nonverbal Processing
5. Symbolic Vs. Concrete Processing
6. Reality-Based Vs. Fantasy-Oriented Processing
(URL: http://www.web-us.com/brain/LRBrain.html).

Please see a discussion of each in the excerpt at the end of this response.

3. Sensation and perception are both related to how we process information. How would you distinguish between sensation and perception?

Sensation is an "indefinite generalized body feeling: a sensation of lightness?(http://www.thefreedictionary.com/sensation), or a sensation of a sound, a sensation of warmth, a sensation of ...