The influence of digit ratio on the gender difference in learning style preferences

Fetal testosterone has been shown to affect the areas in the brain that are critical for learning and memory. The present study was designed to investigate if prenatal testosterone exposure is a candidate for having a causal role in sexual dimorphism observed in learning style preferences. A total of 183 students (mean age: 20.65 ± 2.42) from a population of 247 (74%) were enrolled in the study. Learning style preference was determined via the Turkish version of the learning style inventory, and the digit lengths of both hands were measured using digital calipers. Unimodal learning was more frequent among males (30.6% vs. 17.1%; p < 0.01). There was no marked difference in learning styles with respect to age. Digit ratio (2D/4D) of both hands was determined to be significantly lower in males, when compared to females (p < 0.001). Lower 2D/4D ratios were determined to be associated with unimodal learning significantly in both genders. In conclusion, represented by digit ratio (2D/4D) as a proxy marker, prenatal testosterone exposure may have a causal role in the sexual dimorphism observed in learning style preferences.