Bernhard Fink1, John T Manning2. 1. Department of Behavioral Ecology, University of Goettingen, Germany; Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg, Institute for Advanced Study, Delmenhorst, Germany. Electronic address: bfink@gwdg.de. 2. Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise, and Medicine (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D), has been the subject of many studies. However, the best method of measuring digit length, either directly (d2D:4D) or indirectly (i2D:4D), is controversial. In many reports i2D:4D has been found to show a directional effect such that d2D:4D > i2D:4D. The exception is three studies from one group of researchers in Austria. Thus, it is unclear whether this effect is nation- or lab-specific. AIMS: To examine evidence for effects of direct versus indirect measurements of mean 2D:4D in Austrians. STUDY DESIGN: We compared 2D:4D based on direct and indirect measurements of digit lengths of Austrians. SUBJECTS: There were 80 participants, 21 adults and 59 children. OUTCOME MEASURES: 2D:4D of right and left hands, measured directly (from the palm) and indirectly (from hand scans). RESULTS: Repeatability was high for both d2D:4D and i2D:4D, with the latter slightly higher than the former. d2D:4D and i2D:4D correlated strongly and the sex difference in 2D:4D (males < females) was greater for i2D:4D. With regard to directional differences, we found d2D:4D > i2D:4D for both right (d = -0.53) and left hands (d = -0.80). CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of an "Austrian" effect on direct versus indirect measurements of 2D:4D, i.e. mean d2D:4D was greater than i2D:4D. We discuss our findings in the light of issues regarding "clarity of report" from earlier Austrian studies.
BACKGROUND: Digit ratio (2D:4D), has been the subject of many studies. However, the best method of measuring digit length, either directly (d2D:4D) or indirectly (i2D:4D), is controversial. In many reports i2D:4D has been found to show a directional effect such that d2D:4D > i2D:4D. The exception is three studies from one group of researchers in Austria. Thus, it is unclear whether this effect is nation- or lab-specific. AIMS: To examine evidence for effects of direct versus indirect measurements of mean 2D:4D in Austrians. STUDY DESIGN: We compared 2D:4D based on direct and indirect measurements of digit lengths of Austrians. SUBJECTS: There were 80 participants, 21 adults and 59 children. OUTCOME MEASURES: 2D:4D of right and left hands, measured directly (from the palm) and indirectly (from hand scans). RESULTS: Repeatability was high for both d2D:4D and i2D:4D, with the latter slightly higher than the former. d2D:4D and i2D:4D correlated strongly and the sex difference in 2D:4D (males < females) was greater for i2D:4D. With regard to directional differences, we found d2D:4D > i2D:4D for both right (d = -0.53) and left hands (d = -0.80). CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of an "Austrian" effect on direct versus indirect measurements of 2D:4D, i.e. mean d2D:4D was greater than i2D:4D. We discuss our findings in the light of issues regarding "clarity of report" from earlier Austrian studies.
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