Children with long ring fingers are more likely to do well in math, while those with shorter ring fingers are more adept at literacy tests

Telegraph:

It is possible to predict how well children will do in certain exams - by measuring the length of their fingers, a study claims today.

Children whose "ring" fingers are as long as their index fingers are more likely to do well in maths, while those with shorter ring fingers are more adept at literacy tests.

Scientists believe the link is caused by different levels of testosterone and oestrogen in the womb, and the effect they have on brain development and finger length.

The study, to be published in the British Journal of Psychology, compared the finger lengths of 75 children with their Standardised Assessment Test (SAT) scores.

Dr Mark Brosnan, head of the psychology department at the University of Bath, said: "Testosterone has been argued to promote development of the areas of the brain associated with spatial and mathematical skills. Oestrogen may do the same in the areas associated with verbal ability.

"These hormones are also thought to have a say in the lengths of our fingers."

The "finger" test could hardly replace SAT tests, added Dr Brosnan, but it does "provide us with an insight into our innate abilities in key cognitive areas".

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