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2D:4D and Self-Employment: A Preregistered Replication Study in a Large General Population Sample

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  • Fossen, Frank M.
  • Neyse, Levent
  • Johannesson, Magnus
  • Dreber, Anna

Abstract

The 2D: 4D digit ratio, the ratio of the length of the second finger to the length of the fourth finger, is often considered a proxy for testosterone exposure in utero. A recent study reported, among other things, an association between the left-hand 2D:4D and self-employment in a sample of 974 adults. In this preregistered study, we replicate the 2D:4D results on a sample of more than 2100 adults from the German Socioeconomic Panel-Innovation Sample (SOEP-IS). We find no statistically significant associations between 2D:4D and self-employment.

Suggested Citation

  • Fossen, Frank M. & Neyse, Levent & Johannesson, Magnus & Dreber, Anna, 2022. "2D:4D and Self-Employment: A Preregistered Replication Study in a Large General Population Sample," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 46(1), pages 21-43.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:235855
    DOI: 10.1177/1042258720985478
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