Deep Thoughts About Use of Brain Typing

After reading the series of articles in the Sunday Times [Aug. 9] about athletes and brain types, I could not figure out what it was that I found the most disturbing. Was it that The Times devoted the better part of four pages to a technique that has not apparently been researched by anyone in the scientific community?

Maybe it was reading the praise bestowed on these techniques by basketball coaches--guys I would talk to if I wanted to improve my jump shot, but not exactly my first choice when it comes to understanding the nature of the human condition.

Actually, what I find most disturbing is that this “advertisement” tells parents that for $500 they can be told whether to push little Jimmy into being the next Tiger Woods, Mark McGwire or Troy Aikman. This appears to be the beginning of an unfortunate trend if one realizes that Jimmy’s mind, heart and determination may actually be a much better indicator of who or what he will be.

PETER A. PETITO

Corona

*

“Brain Matters” bastardizes both the field of psychology and the study of personality. Nowhere is any data presented to validate [Jonathan] Niednagel’s claim that sports heroes’ brains are “wired differently” due to inborn personality differences. Claims that athletes of one personality type are better at certain sports than athletes of a different personality type requires more than mere speculation. Comparative data from representative samples of athletes is not presented because it does not exist.

The so-called “brain doctor,” Niednagel, is not a scientist, researcher, nor medical doctor. His claims are better placed in the trash bin of pseudo-science. You have done a disservice by printing such a poorly researched article.

ART OLGUIN, PhD

Santa Barbara

*

Though I was flattered to appear in Chris Dufresne’s “Skull Sessions” piece, your allowing a psychologist to give his opinion of my profession without interviewing me so I could respond was surprising.

For 20 years I have been a writer, teacher and clinician in the field of sports hypnotherapy. I’ve helped many players in different sports overcome poor performance levels.

One of my recent successes, Damion Easley’s transition from underachiever with the Angels to an all-star second baseman with the Detroit Tigers, is something psychologists might not understand. But results speak for themselves.

I feel it would have been appropriate to interview me so my views could have appeared to balance those of the psychologist who was interviewed.

PETER C. SIEGEL

Marina del Rey

*

I greatly appreciate The Times’ effort to explain my brain-typing work. One specific impression I would like to correct was a [quote] regarding Mike Bibby, saying “He’ll be arguably one of the greatest point guards in the league.” Though Mike has the top brain type for an NBA point guard, I stated qualifications for his ultimate success that were not included--such as the influence of his new coach and system, his questionable stature and athleticism, his future work ethic. Bibby may or may not turn out to be a great NBA point guard, though he has the potential and brain type to be one.

I do not believe Bibby was a better choice for the Clippers than Michael Olowokandi. According to their greatest need, the Clippers valued a talent with size. Under the proper influences, Olowokandi could emulate--and develop an even better offensive game than--his fellow brain type, Bill Russell.

JONATHAN P. NIEDNAGEL

Laguna Niguel