Digit ratio (2D:4D) a possible biomarker for cognitive style: A study on Iranian engineering and mathematics university students. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rajab, Armin; Shafizadeh, Milad; Nakhjavani, Manouchehr; Vahabie, Abdol-Hossein; Salehi, Mahdiyeh; Zarei, Sahar; Memari, Amirhossein; Mirfazeli, Fatemeh Sadat
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 172(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Digit ratio -- Systemizing and empathizing -- Reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET) -- Gender difference; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110575
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Digit ratio (2D:4D) is a biomarker for prenatal hormonal exposure. Some studies suggest that prenatal hormonal exposure might influence our cognitive styles characterized by systemizing and empathizing tendencies while other studies do not support these findings. By assessing 156 university students of engineering or mathematics (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) (female: 63 and male 93) we concluded that digit ratio may support the hypothesis on sexual differences in cognitive styles. Highlights: Digit ratio in both gender reversely correlated with higher score in SQ. There was no correlation between empathizing quotient and digit ratio. Cognitive empathy in women correlated with higher digit ratio. Digit ratio as a biomarker of prenatal testosterone exposure predict cognitive style.