The purpose of this research study is to determine whether the relative lengths of the index and ring fingers are predictive of task performance in males and females. Since the association between the length of the human digits and cognitive function may not be immediately apparent, it is important to delve into current literature that explores the relationship between the sex differences of physiological structures and the associated behaviors of males and females. This exploration of the literature will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the purpose and significance of this research study.
The relationship between physiological structures that are characterized by sex differences and the associated behaviors and performance of males and females has captured the interest of researchers for several decades. In order to explore the nature of these relationships, many researchers have compared the brains of males and females to identify the structural differences and explore their implications for the respective behaviors of males and females (Spratt, 1999; Sowell, Trauner, Gamst, & Jernigan, 2002). For example, the study of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTc) that is related to gender identity indicated that the BSTc was larger and consisted of more neurons in men, in comparison with those of women (Chung, De Vries, & Swaab, 2002). Another study conducted by Gur, Gunning-Dixon, Bilker and Gur (2002) showed that the comparatively larger orbital frontal cortices in women than men explained women's enhanced capacity for processing emotions and controlling their aggression. The sex differences in the emotional processing capacities of men and women were also supported by the Buss and Perry (1992) who found that men had far higher levels of physical aggression and slightly higher levels of verbal aggression than women, even though they had the same levels of anger. Essentially, the women demonstrated a g...