2D:4D digit ratio and types of adult paranormal belief: An attempted replication and extension of Voracek (2009) with a UK sample

Abstract

This study examines the extent to which mean digit length (MDL), second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), digit asymmetry (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) correlate with belief in three types of alleged paranormal phenomena (extrasensory perception, psychokinesis, and life after death). An opportunistic sample of 275 undergraduate students completed standard paranormal belief and demographics questionnaires with the absolute length of their 2D and 4D on both hands measured by participants themselves (direct self-based measures) as well as by two independent from hand photocopies (indirect rater-based measures). As hypothesised, females presented a lower MDL (both measurement sources) but higher indirect rater-based 2D:4D ratio than males. Additionally, females’ left hand 2D:4D correlated positively with their belief in psychokinesis with their right hand 2D:4D correlating with belief in both extrasensory perception and psychokinesis. Females' direct self-based FA was also associated with stronger PK beliefs. These trends did not exist for male participants. Finally, no significant relationships were found between either MDL or DA and any belief type regardless of measurement source, hand or participant sex. Results are discussed in relation to previous work by Voracek (2009) and their support for genetic bio-markers of adult paranormality. Methodological limitations are also considered.