DUAL CONSTITUTION THEORY - Ms. KIRUBASHINI R / I M.Sc Psychology / MKJC(A)

 DUAL CONSTITUTION THEORY 

Introduction:

Ever noticed two conflicting inner voices when making a decision? One says “you can do it,” while the other says “it’s impossible”. This isn’t just a metaphor, it’s rooted in the brain’s dual processing. The Dual Constitution Theory explores how the brain’s left and right hemispheres control opposite sides of the body and distinct functions, communicating via the corpus callosum. But what happens when this connection is disrupted?.

What Happens in the Brain?

Left Hemisphere: Controls the right body, language, logic, and analytical tasks.

Right Hemisphere: Controls the left body, spatial awareness, and creativity.

The corpus callosum bridges the two hemispheres, allowing coordination.

The Experiment: Split-Brain Studies

In a famous study, patients with a severed corpus callosum (split-brain patients) were tested:

- A hammer was shown to the *left visual field (processed by the right hemisphere, which controls the left hand).

- When asked to verbally identify the object, the patient said “pencil” (the left hemisphere, which controls speech, didn’t “see” the hammer).

- When asked to pick the object with the left hand, they chose the hammer (right hemisphere directed the left hand).

- If asked to write the answer, the left hand (right hemisphere) wrote the correct object, but the patient couldn’t explain why.

Result:

The experiment shows the hemispheres operate independently, and without the corpus callosum, they can’t share information. This highlights the brain’s lateralization and the delicate balance of its functions.

Benefits of Understanding This:

1. Explains cognitive conflicts (e.g., impulsive vs. Logical decisions).

2. Aids in treating epilepsy, stroke recovery, and understanding brain disorders.

3. Improves decision-making by recognizing biases (left: analytical, right: intuitive).

Example:

A split-brain patient sees a cat in the left field and a dog in the right. Asked verbally, they say “dog.” Asked to draw with the left hand, they draw a cat.

Conclusion:

The Dual Constitution Theory reveals the brain’s intricate duality. While we often feel torn, it’s our hemispheres working in tandem or opposition. Understanding this can help us harness our full potential.

A Blog By

Ms. R. Kirubashini

I MSc Psychology

PG Department of Psychology

Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women (Autonomous)

Vaniyambadi.