Digit Ratio in Relation to Short-term Memory Among the Three Major Ethnic Groups in Nigeria

Abstract

Among other sexually dimorphic traits, second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is said to be higher in males as compared to females. It Is confirmed in the uterus, and it’s found in unborn, children and it’s unaffected by puberty. It is said to be cosmopolitan across ethnic groups, and also exists among other primates. 2D:4D digit ratio has positive correlation with prenatal estrogen but reverse is the case with prenatal testosterone. The present study is focused at investigating the presence of any association between digit ratio (2D:4D) with short-term memory recall skills among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. A total of 150 students (75 males and 75 females) participated in the study from Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa. Relevant data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire which include anthropometric measurement of finger length and memory assessment test (picture free recall, picture placement, word free recall and word placement test). The study found that digit ratio (2D:4D) showed great significant difference in the left hand of both sexes (p<0.01). The memory assessment test showed a very weak correlation with digit ratio (2D:4D), but there was a positive correlation between picture recall, picture placement and word recall skills. Our result also shows no statistical difference among the three major ethnic group. As regard to age, it shows that the earlier the age, the greater the memory recall.