Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 215-230

Journal: Intelligence

Volume number: 33

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0160-2896

eISSN: 1873-7935

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2004.11.004

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Based on stimulating findings suggesting that prenatal levels of steroids may influence cognitive functions, a study with N=40 healthy volunteers of both sexes was conducted. Prenatal levels of testosterone (T) were estimated by use of the second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) which is supposed to be controlled by the same genes involved in maturation of gonadal tissue and therefore may reflect the level of prenatal T. Moreover, activational effects of T were investigated by measuring T levels in saliva directly. Subjects completed several subtests of intelligence batteries for verbal, numerical and spatial abilities. Levels of T were not related to any of the cognitive functions. The 2D:4D was lower in males as compared to females. Males outperform females on spatial ability. Moreover, females with low 2D:4D performed better on cognitive tests measuring spatial as well as numerical ability as compared to females with high 2D:4D. Results are discussed with respect to the assumed role of prenatal and present levels of T in brain development and cognitive functioning. (c) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Harvard Citation style: Kempel, P., Gohlke, B., Klempau, J., Zinsberger, P., Reuter, M. and Hennig, J. (2005) Second-to-fourth digit length, testosterone and spatial ability, Intelligence, 33(3), pp. 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2004.11.004

APA Citation style: Kempel, P., Gohlke, B., Klempau, J., Zinsberger, P., Reuter, M., & Hennig, J. (2005). Second-to-fourth digit length, testosterone and spatial ability. Intelligence. 33(3), 215-230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2004.11.004