PhotoDude.com

Fri. Jun 13, 2003

Check Your Wiring

Check Your Wiring – Have you ever had someone ask you to write down directions, and when you draw them a graphic map with arrows and the like, they then take the paper, flip it over, and re-write the directions in words only? We humans are very variable beasts, and our brains each process information in unique ways, according to which sense is predominant, and how the two sides of our brain interrelate. A person whose right brain and visual sense are dominant will draw a graphic map, and their left brain auditory counterpart will repeat it in words only.

From Metrocake, I learned about an online test that supposedly allows you to “Discover the role of left-brain/right-brain plays in your personality,” determines which of your senses is dominant, and gives you a “Brain Usage Profile.”

I figured I’d bust the test’s curve. I spent nearly a decade working in radio (auditory), followed by nearly twice as long in photography (visual). I’m left handed (right brain), but, other than writing and eating, I do everything else (throwing, batting, golf swing, etc.) in a typical right handed manner (left brain).

But damned if they didn’t pretty well nail me.

The results: Your Brain Usage Profile:
Auditory : 41%
Visual : 58%
Left : 36%
Right : 63%

Reid, you possess an interesting balance of hemispheric and sensory characteristics, with a slight right-brain dominance and a slight preference for visual processing.

Since neither of these is completely centered, you lack the indecision and second-guessing associated with other patterns. You have a distinct preference for creativity and intuition with seemingly sufficient verbal skills to be able to translate in any meaningful way to yourself and others.

You tend to see things in ”wholes” without surrendering the ability to attend to details. You can give them sufficient notice to be able to utitlize and incorporate them as part of an overall pattern.

In the same way, while you are active and process information simultaneously, you demonstrate a capacity for sequencing as well as reflection which allows for some ”inner dialogue.”

All in all, you are likely to be quite content with yourself and your style although at times it will not necessarily be appreciated by others. You have sufficient confidence to not second-guess yourself, but rather to use your critical faculties in a way that enhances, rather than limits, your creativity.

You can learn in either mode although far more efficiently within the visual mode. It is likely that in listening to conversations or lecture materials you simultaneously translate into pictures which enhance and elaborate on the meaning.

It is most likely that you will gravitate towards those endeavors which are predominantly visual but include some logic or structuring. You may either work particularly hard at cultivating your auditory skills or risk ”missing out” on being able to efficiently process what you learn. Your own intuitive skills will at times interfere with your capacity to listen to others, which is something else you may need to take into account.

Yep, with only a couple of minor quibbles, I’d say that’s me.