Your brain is divided into two halves (the cerebral hemispheres) connected by a band of nerve fibers called the corpus callosum.
The two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex are almost identical in appearance, and they are symmetrical for basic sensory and motor functions.
For a long time researchers assumed that they were also symmetrical for cognitive and behavioral functions. . .
but that idea turned out to be wrong.
Let us first examine some of the evidence for hemispheric specialization – the idea that each hemisphere has unique abilities.
Later on we will demonstrate one aspect of hemisphere differences by reenacting a classic study involving word recognition.