Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
11:51
Combining Behavioral Endocrinology and Experimental Economics: Testosterone and Social Decision Making
Published on: March 2, 2011
Does Testosterone Affect Cognitive Reflection? Evidence From a Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study of 1,000
Erik L Knight1, Gideon Nave2, Steven D Shaw2
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder.
Psychological Science
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Testosterone administration did not significantly impact cognitive reflection test performance in men. However, it did significantly decrease confidence levels, challenging previous findings and emphasizing the need for large-scale replications in cognitive science research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- The Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) assesses intuitive versus deliberate thinking.
- Previous studies suggested testosterone impairs CRT performance, but replications yielded null results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To rigorously investigate the effect of testosterone on CRT performance and confidence.
- To address conflicting findings in prior testosterone-cognition research.
Main Methods:
- A large, preregistered, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment with 1,000 adult men.
- Administration of intranasal testosterone or placebo, followed by CRT and confidence ratings.
Main Results:
- No significant effect of testosterone on CRT performance (βLOGIT = 0.118, CI = [-0.099, 0.335]).
- Significant negative effect of testosterone on confidence ratings (βLOGIT = -0.329, CI = [-0.558, -0.100]).
Conclusions:
- Findings challenge prior claims of testosterone impairing cognitive reflection.
- Highlight the necessity of high-powered studies for reliable replication in cognitive research.
- Long-term or developmental testosterone effects warrant further investigation.
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