Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

4D Microscopy of Yeast
Published on: April 28, 2019
Discounting and Digit Ratio: Low 2D:4D Predicts Patience for a Sample of Females
Diego Aycinena1, Lucas Rentschler2
1Departament of Economics, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
Abstract:
Inter-temporal trade-offs are ubiquitous in human decision making. We study the relationship between preferences over such trade-offs and the ratio of the second digit to that of the forth (2D:4D), a marker for pre-natal exposure to sex hormones. Specifically, we study whether 2D:4D affects discounting. Our sample consists of 419 female participants of a Guatemalan conditional cash transfer program who take part in an experiment. Their choices in the convex time budget (CTB) experimental task allow us to make inferences regarding their patience (discounting), while controlling for present-biasedness and preference for smoothing consumption (utility curvature). We find that women with lower digit ratios tend to be more patient.
Related Concept Videos
Predicting Molecular Geometry
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Poisson's Ratio
Odds Ratio
External Female Genitals
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

