Is there a test that can determine how much of your brain you use?

Question

I have heard that most people use about 10% of their brains. Is there a test that can determine how much of your brain function you are using?

Answer 1

The thing is we use about 10% of our brain on average. It's not like one part is always used and the other is just there for no apparent reason. Research on intelligence using MRIs,etc. have shown that what part is used depends on the task at hand. However it is generally true that we can't utilise more brain function to excel at a specific task. Even when people's brains are 'multitasking' the trend is the same.
It is a long standing belief that IQ tests are affected mainly by the maximum percentage of brain usage and some think that chess players etc. who analyse moves almost simultaneously utilise a greater percentage of their brains.
Both claims have not been substantiated but that might just be owing to the apparent lack of proper research.

Answer 2

While we do not understand how the brain functions in its entirety, it is absolutely certain that we do not utilize some small fractional percentage of our brains. Functional MRIs and PET scanning make clear that different parts of the brain are activated and repressed during specific activities but one thing they never show, large segments of the brain that do nothing.

Answer 3

You use all of it.
Big brains are expensive in terms of oxygen and nutrients. To have one there must be a really compelling reason for it -- all of it.

You never hear a neurosurgeon talking about an upcoming brain surgery in terms of "He'll be fine because the injury is in the 90% of his brain that he doesn't use anyway."

Answer 4

Yes. X-ray studies can show the specific areas of the brain which are consuming energy.

Answer 5

Thats actually an urban myth. We use all parts of our brain although not all at once. Different parts are used at different times.

Answer 6

a functional MRI can show what areas are active at relative strengths. an EEG may be used for similar purposes

Answer 7

have you read some of the answers you get? most of us here aren't even using that much!

Answer 8

nop

there is no such test