Here Is the Introduction by the Authors

“Hemispheric Dominance

Inventory”

http://www.mtsu.edu/~studskl/hd/learn.html

Here is the introduction by the authors.

Boldface is added for emphasis.

[Comments are in boldface, italics, and brackets.]

Please notice the claims made by the authors and the evidence presented to support the claims.

Differences Between Left and Right Hemisphere

One way of looking at learning styles is to determine your hemispheric dominance. Are you more right brained or left brained? [Do the authors present any evidence that there is such a thing?] We know that the cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that houses rational functions. It is divided into two hemispheres connected by a thick band of nerve fibers (the corpus callosum) which sends messages back and forth between the hemispheres. And while brain research confirms that both sides of the brain are involved in nearly every human activity, we do know that the left side of the brain is the seat of language and processes in a logical and sequential order. The right side is more visual and processes intuitively, holistically, and randomly. [Again, where is evidence that this is true?] Most people seem to have a dominant side. [Evidence?] A key word is that our dominance is a preference, not an absolute. When learning is new, difficult, or stressful we PREFER to learn in a certain way. [Evidence?] It seems that our brain goes on autopilot to the preferred side. And while nothing is entirely isolated on one side of the brain or the other, the characteristics commonly attributed to each side of the brain serve as an appropriate guide for ways of learning things more efficiently and ways of reinforcing learning. [Who commonly attributes learning characteristics to one side of the brain vs. the other? Are they brain researchers? What evidence do these persons have? Notice that the authors say that you can prescribe ways of learning things based on a person’s hemispheric dominance. Where is experimental evidence that this is has beneficial effects?] ….

[Regarding levels of research, this article represents NONRESEARCH. It’s purpose is persuasion. It states numerous claims (please identify and reread these claims) but it give no evidence to support them. It all rests on opinion. Yet, the authors state that teaching should be guided by the unfounded claim that one side of the brain is dominant; that this side does certain things; and that persons prefer to learn in certain ways because one side of their brain is dominant. What if the authors are wrong?]

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Notes to the student reading this. Please review entries for conceptual and operational definitions in “Vocabulary” and in “Guidelines for evaluating research and research claims.”

The questions in the “Hemispheric Dominance Inventory” below are supposed to be examples of (operational definitions and measures of) hemispheric dominance---“right brain” or “left brain.”

Evaluate the inventory. Ask yourself and answer these questions.

1. Can this instrument be validated? That is, can it be shown that answers to the questions point to something in the brain?

2 If not, then can you be confident that the instrument measures what it purports to measure? Why?

If not, then can you ethically use the instrument to recommend any educational practices that would be beneficial to persons who received certain scores? If not, why not?

2. Can preferences be the result of something besides hemispheric dominance?

If so, what?

3. Is it clear what all of the words in the questions mean? [“usually” ]

If not, how might this affect the scores (e.g., 75% are said to prefer left- brain) in a group?

4. Is it possible that these questions measure something else? What?

Give examples (from the questions below) to support your evaluation?

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Hemispheric Dominance Inventory

Check the answers that most closely describe your preferences. Press the "Score" button at the bottom to see your results.

1. Are you usually running late for class or other appointments? Yes No

3 2. When taking a test do you prefer that questions be Objective (true false multiple choice, matching) Subjective (discussion or essay questions)

3. When making decisions You go with your gut feeling—what I feel is right? You carefully weigh each option

4. When relating an event to a friend You go straight to the main point and then fill in details You tell many details before telling the

conclusion

5. Do you have a place for everything and everything in a place? Yes No

6. When faced with a major change in life, you are Excited Terrified

4 7. Your work style is like this You concentrate on one task at a time

until it is complete. You usually juggle several things at

8. Can you tell approximately how much time has passed without a watch? Yes No

9. Which is easier for you to understand? Algebra Geometry

10. It is easier for you to remember people’s names or to remember people’s faces Names Faces

11. When learning a new piece of equipment You jump in and wing it. (Manual is

last resort) Carefully read instruction manual

before beginning.

12. When someone is speaking, do you respond to What is being said (words) How it is being said (tone, tempo,

5 volume emotion)

13. When speaking, do you use few or many gestures? (Do you use your hands when you talk?) Few (very seldom use hands when you

talk) Many (couldn’t talk with hands tied)

What is your desk, work area, or laundry 14. area like? Neat and organized Cluttered with stuff I might need

15. When asked your opinion, You Immediately say what’s on your mind

(often foot in mouth) Think before you speak

16. Do you do your best thinking sitting at your desk or walking around or lying down? Sitting Walking around or lying down

17. When reading a magazine do you Jump in wherever looks most interesting Start at page one and read in sequential order

18. When you’re shopping and see something you want to buy You save up until you have the money. You charge it

6 19. If you were hanging a picture on a wall. Would you Carefully measure to be sure it is centered and straight. Put it where it looks right and move it if necessary.