Giving science the finger-is the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) a biomarker of good luck? A cross sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To explore whether random chance, weak research methodology, or inappropriate reporting can lead to claims of statistically significant (yet, biologically meaningless) biomarker associations, using as a model the relation between a common surrogate of prenatal testosterone exposure, second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), and a random indicator of good luck.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

University sports performance laboratory in the United States. Data were collected from May 2015 to February 2017.

Participants

176 adults (74 women, 102 men), including university students, faculty, and staff with no history of injuries, disease, or medical conditions that would affect digit length.

Main outcome measures

2D:4D, body composition paramete

SUBMITTER: Smoliga JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8672321 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature