The 2d:4d Ratio and Economic Experiments

Abstract

The paper presents a review of studies in behavioural economics looking into the relationship between economic agents’ behaviour in standard experimental settings (dictatorship games, ultimatum games, prisoner dilemma, etc.) and the ratio of their second (index) and fourth (ring) finger lengths that indicates the level of prenatal testosterone. The review shows that in a number of experiments the 2d:4d ratio exhibit significant associations with participants’ behavour and the outcomes of experimental games.