Experimental design and data analysis for fMRI

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) methods continue to evolve rapidly. Subtle experimental designs have been joined by more powerful data analysis methods to detect and interpret evoked changes in neural activity. Despite constant development, there are several core principles of fMRI methodology that can be used as a guide to understand both the current state of the field and whatever advance awaits tomorrow. This chapter concerns itself primarily with this core understanding, but considers several specific aspects of fMRI experiments. Along the way, the chapter also notes some of the specific challenges that exist in the fMRI studies of clinical populations, although a detailed consideration of these issues is contained in Chap. 22