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We study how the ratio between the length of the second and fourth digit (2D:4D) correlates with choices in social and risk preferences elicitation tasks by building a large dataset from five experimental projects with more than 800 subjects. Our results confirm the recent literature that downplays the link between 2D:4D and many domains of economi...
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... all studies, we scanned both hands and we measured 2D:4D following the protocol set up by Neyse and Brañas-Garza (2014). By using this procedure, we avoid measurement errors usually associated with self-reported statements (Brañas-Garza and Kovárík, 2013). The 2D:4D measure reported in what follows is a dummy equal to 1 for subjects with a right hand 2D:4D above the gender-specific median value, high 2D:4D hereafter, and equal to 0 otherwise. This choice is based on the non- linear relationship between 2D:4D and behavioral outcomes that is reported in Brañas- among others. Gender difference in 2D:4D, with men exhibiting a lower 2D:4D as shown in Figure 3, have been taken into account by defining our binary measure of high or low 2D:4D by computing median values separately by gender. An additional advantage of using a dummy to discriminate between high and low 2D:4D rather than 2D:4D, that takes values in a very small interval around 1, is that it tends to simplify the interpretation of coefficients of interactions between the high 2D:4D dummy and other covariates in regressions 6 ...
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... this section we report descriptive statistics of 2D:4D and estimates of its correlation with the CRT score and with CRT categories dummies, our proxies for cognitive ability by way of pairwise correlations. Figure 3 reports the distribution of 2D:4D in our meta-dataset for the full sample and separately for subsamples by gender. The distribution tends to be symmetric and the median value is slightly smaller than one for the full sample as well as for subsamples by gender. In addition, Figure 3 shows that 2D:4D tends to be smaller for males, in line with evidence that 2D:4D is sexually dymorphic in related studies. Table 2 shows the correlations between 2D:4D, gender and proxies of cognitive ability. In addition, it report correlations using as a measure of prenatal exposure to testosterone a dummy equal to 1 if 2D:4D is greater than the gender-specific median and, also, a dummy equal to 1 if 2D:4D is either in the top or in the bottom tercile of the 2D:4D distribution by gender. The correlation between 2D:4D and the female dummy is positive and highly significant for both hands. 2D:4D is, instead, negatively and highly significantly correlated with the CRT reflective group dummy for the left hand when using the top-bottom tercile dummy. In addition, Table 2 shows that correlations between 2D:4D and the frequency of risky choices, our proxy for risk attitudes, are negative and, hence, qualitatively in line with results in related studies. However, estimates are not significant, even when using binary measures of prenatal exposure to testosterone. Since our proxies for social preferences are estimated parameters of Fehr and Schmidt (1999) model, the estimation procedure and their relationship with prenatal exposure to testosterone are reported in section 5 7,8 ...
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... this section we report descriptive statistics of 2D:4D and estimates of its correlation with the CRT score and with CRT categories dummies, our proxies for cognitive ability by way of pairwise correlations. Figure 3 reports the distribution of 2D:4D in our meta-dataset for the full sample and separately for subsamples by gender. The distribution tends to be symmetric and the median value is slightly smaller than one for the full sample as well as for subsamples by gender. In addition, Figure 3 shows that 2D:4D tends to be smaller for males, in line with evidence that 2D:4D is sexually dymorphic in related studies. Table 2 shows the correlations between 2D:4D, gender and proxies of cognitive ability. In addition, it report correlations using as a measure of prenatal exposure to testosterone a dummy equal to 1 if 2D:4D is greater than the gender-specific median and, also, a dummy equal to 1 if 2D:4D is either in the top or in the bottom tercile of the 2D:4D distribution by gender. The correlation between 2D:4D and the female dummy is positive and highly significant for both hands. 2D:4D is, instead, negatively and highly significantly correlated with the CRT reflective group dummy for the left hand when using the top-bottom tercile dummy. In addition, Table 2 shows that correlations between 2D:4D and the frequency of risky choices, our proxy for risk attitudes, are negative and, hence, qualitatively in line with results in related studies. However, estimates are not significant, even when using binary measures of prenatal exposure to testosterone. Since our proxies for social preferences are estimated parameters of Fehr and Schmidt (1999) model, the estimation procedure and their relationship with prenatal exposure to testosterone are reported in section 5 7,8 ...
Citations
... These hormones are thought to regulate brain structure and function, with 2D:4D often considered a reliable indicator of athletic potential. [6][7][8] A low 2D:4D ratio has been linked to success in financial endeavors, admission to medical schools, and strong performance in sports such as basketball, skiing, and football. [9][10][11][12][13] Elevated levels of fetal androgens are believed to contribute to the development of the cardiovascular system, improve visual-spatial skills, enhance physical stamina and speed, and increase tendencies toward aggressive behavior-traits that may provide competitive advantages in sports. ...
Objectives: The ratio of the length of the 2nd digit to the 4th digit of the hand, known as the digit ratio (2D:4D), has been widely studied in health, behavioral, and sports sciences as a potential indicator of prenatal testosterone exposure. This study aimed to compare the 2D:4D ratios of male individuals who are athletically and academically successful and to evaluate whether 2D:4D can serve as a marker for occupational selection, talent identification, and the impact of individual characteristics on job performance. Methods: This study included 32 male professional volleyball players and 39 male medical students. The lengths of the 2nd and 4th digits of both hands were measured using a digital caliper, and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. The dominant hands of the participants were also recorded for analysis. Results: Intra-group comparisons of the right-hand and left-hand 2D:4D ratios within both the student and volleyball player groups showed no statistically significant differences (p=0.225; p=0.922). Inter-group comparisons of the 2D:4D ratios for the right hand and left hand were also statistically similar (p=0.388; p=0.939). Additionally, the difference between the right-hand and left-hand 2D:4D ratios (Dr-l) did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.525). Comparisons based on dominant hand preferences revealed no statistically significant findings. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for larger, multicenter studies with more participants to further explore the potential relationship between 2D:4D ratios and occupational or performance traits. We hope this research serves as a foundation for future investigations and provides valuable insights for researchers in this field.
... Gender is an important discriminator of the ratio, with men typically having lower ratios than women (Lutchmaya, Baron-Cohen, Raggatt, Knickmeyer, & Manning, 2004;Hönekopp & Watson, 2010). There is no consensus about the effects of PTE; some studies have shown that higher PTE yields lower risk aversion (Garbarino, Slonim, & Sydnor, 2011;Branas-Garza & Rustichini, 2011;Barel, 2019;Stenstrom, Saad, Nepomuceno, & Mendenhall, 2011), while others do not support this finding (Parslow, et al., 2019;Alonso, Di Paolo, Ponti, & Sartarelli, 2018;Apicella, et al., 2008;Neyse, et al., 2020;Pearson & Schipper, 2012). ...
Purpose- This study investigates the complex relationship between sensation-seeking, biological indicators, and financial risk-taking behavior. Utilizing a digital research approach, the study examines how individual differences in sensation seeking, measured by the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS-V), correlate with financial risk tolerance. Methodology- Each unit of analysis is categorized as a risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-lover according to both biological and probabilistic game attitudes. Biological indicators, specifically the 2D:4D ratio, are used to categorize individuals as risk-averse, risk-neutral, or risk-lover. The research employs a probabilistic lottery game to further classify participants' risk preferences. Findings- Findings reveal that while sensation seeking is generally associated with higher financial risk-taking, the interplay between biological indicators and risk behavior is nuanced. Probabilistic game categorization results indicate that sensational-seeking score not only for total but also for subdimension is not statistically significant. Conclusion- Notably, individuals with higher sensation-seeking scores do not always exhibit higher financial risk tolerance. Biological indicators and probabilistic game classification will indicate the different mean values of the sensational-seeking score. Biological indicators differentiate the mean difference of individuals’ sensational-seeking scores. The study contributes to the understanding of how psychological traits and biological factors jointly influence financial decision-making. Keywords: Financial risk-taking, 2D:4D ratio, digital research, sensation seeking, risk tolerance JEL Codes: D81, D84, D91
... It has been proposed that prenatal androgens influence the developing brain in later stages of life by increasing sensitivity to testosterone, regulating the structure and function of the brain. It has also been suggested that the 2D:4D finger length ratio could contribute as a reliable indicator of athletic potential (Reed & Meggs, 2017;Alonso et al., 2018). However, this situation should not be perceived as the sole indicator of performance. ...
Background. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship of 2D:4D finger length ratio (also known as digit ratio) with biomotoric features and sports performance in adolescent basketball players. 24 male basketball players with a mean age of 14.83±0.71 years and a training age of 7.08±1.92 years participated in the study. Materials and methods. The participants’ 2D and 4D finger lengths of both hands, height (cm), body weight (kg), some biomotoric characteristics and sports performances were determined by measurements. The German Heidelberger Basketball Test was conducted to evaluate the basketball-based sports performances of the participants. The SPSS 25.0 package program was performed in the statistical analysis of the obtained data. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine whether or not the data showed a normal distribution. Parametric tests were preferred for statistical analysis as the data were found to have a normal distribution. Results. It was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the 2D:4D finger length ratio, some motoric features and basketball-based sports performances of the participants (p>0.05). It was concluded that the ratio of 2D:4D finger lengths in adolescent basketball players did not have an effect on biomotoric features and basketball-based sports performance. When the correlation between 2D:4D finger length ratio and sports performance parameters was examined, no statistically significant relationship was observed (p>0.05). Conclusions. Although some studies show a significant negative correlation between performance tests and the 2D:4D ratio, it should be noted that the 2D:4D finger ratio is not the only determinant for sports performance.
... Research in physical and social sciences has looked to physical and biological markers to predict or explain human behavior and performance (Alonso et al., 2018). One such observation is right hand second finger digit length relative to right hand fourth finger digit length, or second-tofourth digit ratio (2D:4D; Manning et al., 2014;Alonso et al., 2018). ...
... Research in physical and social sciences has looked to physical and biological markers to predict or explain human behavior and performance (Alonso et al., 2018). One such observation is right hand second finger digit length relative to right hand fourth finger digit length, or second-tofourth digit ratio (2D:4D; Manning et al., 2014;Alonso et al., 2018). The digit ratio is thought to be established during early prenatal development. ...
... Specifically, prenatal testosterone exposure is known to influence sexual dimorphism in utero (including 2D:4D) as early as the end of the first trimester (Manning et al., 2014). Unsurprisingly, therefore, females typically have a higher 2D:4D ratio than males (Manning et al., 2014;Alonso et al., 2018). Although the age at which right 2D:4D "stabilizes" is unknown, once it does it is constant throughout life (Jeevanandam and Muthu, 2016) with change generally only through structural deformation such as when trauma to the hand occurs. ...
In this short report we explore the predictive nature of finger digit ratio (i.e., second/index finger length divided by fourth/ring finger length; 2D:4D) and achievement. This research, with niche and specialized populations, was intended to support and grow on knowledge obtained from other large population 2D:4D studies and help form a directional hypothesis for future work exploring finger digit ratio and “success.” Twenty-nine professional rugby players aged 25.1 ± 4.2 years, height 185.2 ± 6.3 cm and weight 101.9 ± 11.8 kg; n = 16 orthopedic surgeons aged 55.3 ± 9.3 years with height 183.8 ± 10.2 cm and weight 90.8 ± 14.0 kg; and n = 18 political journalists with age, height and weight of 38.8 ± 7.3 years, 182.8 ± 7.8 cm, and 84.4 ± 11.4 kg, respectively, were recruited. Three experiments were conducted where we (1) explored relationships for 2D:4D with testosterone and cortisol responsiveness to low stress exercise, (2) explored relationships for 2D:4D with pupil constriction and pupil constriction latency (pupillometry measures related to testosterone and cortisol responsiveness and to attentiveness), and (3) compared 2D:4D between rugby players, surgeons, and journalists. Our results revealed 2D:4D was not predictive of testosterone and cortisol responsiveness to low-level exercise stress. However, relationships exist for 2D:4D and pupillometry measures (p < 0.05). Journalists right minus left 2D:4D difference was significantly different to rugby players’ and surgeons (p < 0.05). We argue 2D:4D is likely predictive of testosterone sensitivity and associated ability to focus attention; a skill important to high achievement in various contexts.
... There are some reports on investigations by other researchers on digit ratios in various indigenous populations [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. ...
... This low digit ratio seen in men is considered a positive trait as several other authors who have worked on this subject reported that low digit ratios are typical masculine traits. Alonso et al., [14] reported that low digit ratio correlates with high social preference; Aycinena et al., [15] in his study asserted that women with low digit ratio tend to be more patient; motioned that a low digit ratio positively correlates with static and explosive strength, speed and agility which is a typical masculine trait exemplified in digit ratio. Furthermore, it was also mentioned that a study on sports activities showed that those who got to the highest level of competition in their respective games had low digit ratios [16] which were mostly men. ...
Original Research Article Background: This study was aimed at investigating gender variation in digit ratios of the Igbo ethnic group. The study was an analytical cross-sectional design with volunteers age ranging from 18-60 years. For the purpose of this study, an individual was considered to be a Nigeria of a particular ethnic group if the parents and four grandparents are of the same ethnic group. Materials and Methods: Cluster sampling method was used for the study. The selection and collection of required parameters relied on informed consent of volunteers. This was done by giving them a copy of the informed consent letter which was signed and dated. A total of 460 subjects (230 males, 230 females) subjects were recruited for the study. The fingerprints were obtained using print scanner (Hp G3110 Photo scanner). Results and Discussion: Descriptive statistics of digit lengths and ratios of Igbo ethnic group. In the males the following Mean±SD were seen: Males Left L2D (cm) 7.05±0.72, Right L2D(cm), 7.07±0.69, Left L4D(cm) 8.14±1.23, Right L4D(cm) 8.10±1.27, In females: Left L2D (cm) 7.50±1.01, Right L2D(cm) 7.48±0.99, Left L4D(cm) 8.20±1.06, Right L4D(cm) 8.21±1.21. The males on the left had the Digit Ratio 0.87±0.04, while on the Right Digit Ratio was 0.87±0.02; In the females, the Left Digit Ratio was 0.91±0.03, Right Digit Ratio 0.91±0.04. In the total population, the Left Digit Ratio was 0.88±0.02 while the Right Digit Ratio was 0.87±0.04. Sexual dimorphism was seen in the mean lengths of the digits with the females having higher values than the men. It suggests that there could be hormonal contribution in the formation of the digit lengths. These implies that averagely, females have longer digit than men which could be used in forensic investigation where the sex of victim or assailant is unknown. Conclusion: The longer digits in women is thought to be a typical feminine feature. The result of the study depicted sexual dimorphism again in the digit ratios with the females having higher digit ratios than the males. This dimorphism results from the difference in androgen level between both genders. The more exposure to testosterone, the lower the digit ratio. This further strengthens what has been reported in the digit lengths.
... Alonso and colleagues [33] observe that low 2D:4D is related to less generous and more selfish behavior in a multiple-rounds dictator-type of economic game when people are already in a disadvantaged position (i.e. worst paid agent) and when they score low on the cognitive reflection test (hereafter CRT). ...
The current study seeks confirmation for the hypothesis that 2D:4D (positively) predicts prosociality when people are more likely to rely on intuition than deliberation. We assess intuition and deliberation using the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) and measure prosociality via the validated Social Value Orientation (SVO) slider measure. Although our results do not provide collective evidence for our main proposition, we observe in the data that for low (right) 2D:4D men, the more intuitive they are, the less prosocial they become, whereas for high (right) 2D:4D men the thinking style does not affect their prosociality. Importantly, we find that two alternative measures of cognitive reflection, CRT and CRT-2, differently relate to prosocial decision making such that only CRT-2 (but not the classic CRT) positively predicts prosociality. Given that previous research on the role of cognitive reflection and 2D:4D in prosocial decision making provided inconsistent results, the present study findings are highly valuable to get a better understanding in this domain of study. Furthermore, some of our findings invite further confirmatory tests, thereby opening up multiple avenues for further research.
... (Holt and Laury, 2002) generates a similar discrepancy. Studies using the Holt and Laury task with real monetary incentives (Sapienza et al., 2009;Schipper, 2012;Aycinena et al., 2014;Drichoutis and Nayga, 2015;Alonso et al., 2018) do not report any significant correlations, while Brañas-Garza and Rustichini (2011) reports that males with higher 2D:4D were more risk averse under unicentivized version of it. 3 Finally, the Gneezy and Potters method (Gneezy and Potters, 1997) also produced conflicting results: High 2D:4D is associated with higher risk aversion in Dreber and Hoffman (2007) while Apicella et al. (2008) could not show any significant relationship. ...
Resumo As preferências ao risco e tempo são fatores importantes que auxiliam entender a dinâmica do comportamento humano para tomada de decisões. Este estudo teve como objetivo replicar um experimento baseado nas formas funcionais derivadas da Teoria do Prospecto em uma amostra composta por universitários brasileiros, analisando em profundidade com 110 perguntas (2.420 observações), e estimando por máxima verossimilhança os parâmetros de risco e tempo. Foi utilizado o modelo sugerido por Harrison, (2008) e Andersen et al. (2008), o SMPL (Switching Multiple Price List), com a teoria do desconto hiperbólico e a função de máxima verossimilhança. Os resultados apontaram que os respondentes apresentam comportamento assimétrico em relação a ganhos e perdas. Também foi possível observar que a taxa de desconto encontrada (diária) no experimento equivale a uma taxa de desconto anual de 44,0%, consideravelmente alta, resultado que pode ser atribuído ao chamado “efeito magnitude” em investimentos.
