Which way is the dancer spinning… clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Most people will see her turning counter-clockwise, which apparently means you’re more left brained (logical). I see her spinning that way, and it’s at first almost impossible to imagine her going clockwise. But it happens, usually by focusing or when something unexpectedly alters your perception.
Here’s the typical run down on left versus right brain:
LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe
RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
“big picture” oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can “get it” (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking
Many people associate the right brain with creativity and lateral thinking, and there’s certainly something to that. Our left brains create structures that can act as barriers to alternative solutions and perspectives.
But your left brain plays a crucial role in creativity as well. Seeing logical associations between seemingly unrelated things is a hallmark of creativity. And the critical-thinking skills necessary to tell a good idea from a bad one are pretty important too.
So… tell us which way your dancer spins for you in the comments. And weigh in with your opinion about the right brain versus left brain for creativity… isn’t it a really a “whole mind” thing?
P.S. Want to know how this optical illusion works? Read this.
About the Author: Brian Clark is a new media entrepreneur and co-founder of Lateral Action. Subscribe today to get free updates by email or RSS.
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« Previous 1 2 3 4 … 41 Next »No way she is spinning counter-clockwise! I can't see it. She is spinning clockwise for me no matter how hard I try to alter it. Fascinating and it the right-brain functions line up perfectly for me as well.
just stare at her long enough and you'll see her going the other way.
Clockwise all day. I dont think the left hemisphere of my brain even works at all.
I saw her spinning clockwise first, then afterwards counter-clockwise. I would gather that I lead with my right brain and follow up with my left brain. Great observation on how we view things. Self examination is always great if it helps us bring to light how we do things, especially if theyre done in an automatic unknowing way. Shed light upon that which had none.
@damienbasile
I am wholly convinced she is turning clockwise. The more I look and analyze and interpret what I see logically, the more I am absolutely certain of it. I think anyone who sees it as counterclockwise is just gullible: the article says people see it that way, and so some people believe it.
It's easy to tell whether she is facing forwards or backwards, and the rotation between those extremes is straightforward to see as well, because of the ponytail and the shape of her face.
So what is this, an attempt at a hoax, or a test of public perception and gullibility?
Ok, this is just cool and weird. I spend so much of my day doing left-brained stuff. But I can't see her going counter-clockwise at all, as hard as I try. It's freaking me out to read that most see it the moving counter-clockwise.
Great find....I'm gotta go test some others with this.
Mostly, it's clockwise, but she switches back and forth.
Is there any correlation to the fact that everything I draw faces left? Does anyone have insight on what that says about our brains (if anything)?
No way is she spinning counter-clockwise. All I see is her going right, right, right. I have even refreshed the browser to see if this is some sort of a mind-trick. I am right-brained. That's it. I guess as a wedding photographer, that's a very good thing.
Qrystal, what an interesting comment! You could only see her going clockwise, yet you gave such a left-brain analytical reason for doing so. Hmm...
To answer your question, a test of perception - yes. Of gullibility or hoax - wow, such powerful words. Anyone else feel this strongly?
Definitely spinning clockwise, can't see it any other way! I'm not too surprised (as I daydream about writing and music and arts and crafts).