Reflection on my Research Process

Content: My preliminary research proves to just be preliminary as I continued to learn everyday throughout this journey. I learned all of the factors that can influence 2d:4d ratio(growth defects, broken/jammed fingers, post-puberty teenagers, errors in measurement), as well as influences on the score(background in spatial activities, effort on the exam, experience taking exams), and how all of that affected my final results. Even though my data did not support a linear relationship between prenatal androgenization exposure and spatial intelligence, I believe that in the future, if replicated in a more-controlled environment with less confounding variables, conclusions could be drawn. 

Product: Compiling all of my research into my ultimate presentation and paper has instilled in me the importance of assuming accountability for my lack of findings. It is crucial to recognize that research does not follow a straightforward path, and one should not anticipate definite outcomes. By being cognizant of and openly acknowledging the constraints encountered, one becomes a more trustworthy and dependable researcher. 

Process: In my capacity as a researcher and student, I have come to realize the importance of adhering to strict deadlines in order to effectively manage my time and stay on track. Additionally, as a human being, I have learned that despite encountering obstacles in my research endeavors, I remain determined and acknowledge the inherent limitations that exist within the realm of research.

Acknowledgments: I want to sincerely thank Mr. Seaquist, my mentor, for helping guide me throughout my research process and support me through all of it. Another big thanks to Mrs. Dobos and Mr. McBride for helping me with time management, the IRB process, and assisting me in any way they could during data collection. 

Final Paper and Presentation: Below is my abstract + links to my final paper and presentation.

In a world where we place the definition of our intelligence in the International Quotient(IQ) test, speculation about its accuracy naturally arises. “What about intelligence in other areas? What about education level?,” While these are all great questions, let’s break down the nature of an IQ test first. IQ tests aim to test you in ways you have never been tested before. According to Caitlyn Meyer, IQ tests actually test your capacity to learn, not your acquired knowledge. To do so, IQ tests measure “spatial recognition, short-term memory, mathematical ability, and analytical thinking”(Meyer 2023). In this paper, the focus will be on that first measurement: spatial recognition, or spatial intelligence. I will be investigating if there is a correlation between spatial intelligence and 2d:4d finger ratio. 2d:4d finger ratio is a non-invasive measure of prenatal androgenization. If a correlation is found between prenatal androgenization and spatial intelligence, it would rule IQ tests an unfair analysis of intelligence because it is limited in what it measures. Overall, this investigation has the potential to contribute to the discourse on the relationship between prenatal androgenization and cognitive development, and to advance our understanding of the factors that shape individual differences in intelligence.

Paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZ4DYQCo2deXPhUES31Moi41vdEWw4zZGn_Y4gLxBg/edit?usp=sharing

Presentation:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1so9ga6JZ37kU24WZ0GRUr8mwvktBvIxztKNWgHH8FWs/edit?usp=sharing

The Future: 

In the fall, I will be attending University of Colorado-Boulder, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Business. I'm super excited to start this new chapter of my life and dive into research as soon as I can!!! SKO BUFFS!!!!!