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Digit ratio (2D:4D) and altruism: evidence from a large, multi-ethnic sample
Matteo M Galizzi1, Jeroen Nieboer1
1Behavioural Research Lab, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science London, UK.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|March 11, 2015
Summary
The digit ratio (index to ring finger length) shows an inverted U-shaped relationship with giving in the Dictator Game for Caucasian subjects. This association was not found in other ethnic groups or when pooling all participants.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Anthropology
- Psychology
Background:
- The digit ratio (index to ring finger length) has been linked to prenatal testosterone exposure and certain behaviors.
- Previous research primarily focused on Caucasian populations, limiting generalizability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between digit ratio and Dictator Game giving in a diverse ethnic sample.
- To determine if the inverted U-shaped relationship observed in Caucasians extends to other ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of digit ratios (right and left hands) and Dictator Game giving behavior.
- Inclusion of a large, ethnically diverse participant sample.
- Regression analysis to assess the relationship between digit ratio and economic decisions.
Main Results:
- A significant inverted U-shaped relationship was found between right-hand digit ratio and giving for Caucasian subjects, replicating prior findings.
- No significant association was observed between right-hand digit ratio and giving in non-Caucasian ethnic groups or the pooled sample.
- No significant association was found between left-hand digit ratio and giving in the Dictator Game across any group.
Conclusions:
- The digit ratio's association with economic behavior, specifically Dictator Game giving, appears to be ethnicity-dependent.
- Findings suggest that the influence of digit ratio on prosocial behavior may not be universal across diverse populations.
- Further research is needed to explore the biological and cultural factors underlying these ethnic differences.
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