The Theory of Cognitive Modes

Despite the pop-culture myth, the left and right aides of the brain always work together. No one is truly "left-brained" or "right-brained"—not either "analytical" or "intuitive."

Left Brain - Right Brain

Sperry, Jenkins: Left Brain, Right Brain

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on April 25, 2014

The improbable "meeting" of a noted neuroscientist and a suffering veteran of World War II in 1962 underlie the left brain, right brain story, which is accepted by many as truth, but is in fact largely a myth. First of two posts.

The improbable "meeting" of a noted neuroscientist and a suffering veteran of World War II in 1962 underlie the left brain, right brain story, which is accepted by many as truth, but is in fact largely a myth. First of two posts.

Relationships

Social Prosthetic Systems

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on March 16, 2014

The Theory of Cognitive Modes posits that any individual has one dominant way of thinking and behaving, based on utilization of the top and bottom brain systems: Stimulator, Mover, Adaptor, or Perceiver. But if you lack the ability or skill to accomplish something, what then? Social Prosthetic Systems may hold the key. TV's 'Modern Family' provides an example.

The Theory of Cognitive Modes posits that any individual has one dominant way of thinking and behaving, based on utilization of the top and bottom brain systems: Stimulator, Mover, Adaptor, or Perceiver. But if you lack the ability or skill to accomplish something, what then? Social Prosthetic Systems may hold the key. TV's 'Modern Family' provides an example.

Environment

Are You Most Comfortable Operating in Adaptor Mode?

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on February 23, 2014

Adaptor Mode results when neither the top-brain nor the bottom-brain systems are highly utilized. According to our theory, those who rely habitually on Adaptor Mode may be free-spirited and good team members. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Adaptor Mode behavior include Britney Spears and Jesse Ventura. From the past: Elizabeth Taylor.

Adaptor Mode results when neither the top-brain nor the bottom-brain systems are highly utilized. According to our theory, those who rely habitually on Adaptor Mode may be free-spirited and good team members. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Adaptor Mode behavior include Britney Spears and Jesse Ventura. From the past: Elizabeth Taylor.

Relationships

Are You Most Comfortable Operating in Stimulator Mode?

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on February 16, 2014

Stimulator Mode results when the top-brain system is highly utilized, but the bottom is not. Tiger Woods, Courtney Love, Glenn Beck and Stephen Colbert (in character) are among the contemporary people who seem to exemplify Stimulator Mode. Creative types seem to benefit.

Stimulator Mode results when the top-brain system is highly utilized, but the bottom is not. Tiger Woods, Courtney Love, Glenn Beck and Stephen Colbert (in character) are among the contemporary people who seem to exemplify Stimulator Mode. Creative types seem to benefit.

Motivation

Are You Most Comfortable Operating in Mover Mode?

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on February 10, 2014

Mover Mode results when both the top-brain and bottom-brain systems are highly utilized not. According to our theory, heads of companies, school principals and other leaders should rely habitually on Mover Mode. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Mover Mode include Oprah Winfrey, Michael Bloomberg and dance pioneer Alvin Ailey. From history: the Wright Brothers.

Mover Mode results when both the top-brain and bottom-brain systems are highly utilized not. According to our theory, heads of companies, school principals and other leaders should rely habitually on Mover Mode. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Mover Mode include Oprah Winfrey, Michael Bloomberg and dance pioneer Alvin Ailey. From history: the Wright Brothers.

Motivation

Are you most comfortable operating in Perceiver Mode?

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on February 3, 2014

Perceiver Mode results when the bottom-brain system is highly utilized but the top is not. According to our theory, many librarians, naturalists, and pastors should rely habitually on Perceiver Mode. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Perceiver Mode include the Dalai Lama, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and the novelists Philip Roth, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison.

Perceiver Mode results when the bottom-brain system is highly utilized but the top is not. According to our theory, many librarians, naturalists, and pastors should rely habitually on Perceiver Mode. Contemporary people who seem to exemplify Perceiver Mode include the Dalai Lama, photographer Annie Leibovitz, and the novelists Philip Roth, Alice Walker and Toni Morrison.

Neuroscience

A National Medal of Science Pedigree

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on January 30, 2014

The roots of the Theory of Cognitive Modes lie in a landmark report published in 1982 by neuroscientist Mortimer Mishkin and Leslie G. Ungerleider, of the National Institute of Mental Health. Mishkin later received the National Medal of Science. This study of the top/bottom brain function in monkeys inspired many other scientists and psychologists.

The roots of the Theory of Cognitive Modes lie in a landmark report published in 1982 by neuroscientist Mortimer Mishkin and Leslie G. Ungerleider, of the National Institute of Mental Health. Mishkin later received the National Medal of Science. This study of the top/bottom brain function in monkeys inspired many other scientists and psychologists.

Scientists have long known there is no solid basis for the belief that people are either "left-brained" or "right-brained,” based on their neuroanatomy. Where did the story begin?

Cognition

A New Way of Thinking about Thinking

Stephen M. Kosslyn, Ph.D. and G. Wayne Miller on January 23, 2014

The left brain/right brain story is just that: A story, with little basis in credible neuroscience. But a new theory of cognitive function based on another, frequently overlooked, anatomical division of the brain draws on more than 30 years of valid scientific research to give us a new way of understanding ourselves and the people in our lives.

The left brain/right brain story is just that: A story, with little basis in credible neuroscience. But a new theory of cognitive function based on another, frequently overlooked, anatomical division of the brain draws on more than 30 years of valid scientific research to give us a new way of understanding ourselves and the people in our lives.