Validation of an abstract reasoning paradigm for Functional Magnetic Resonance (fMR)

Abstract

The paradigms are the experimental tasks that are used to map the brain through functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Its previous validation is essential to guarantee a successful record of the cognitive activity. A paradigm of abstract reasoning formed by a task of semantic and visual analogies was validated in young-adults between 18 and 30 years in the city of Cuenca- Ecuador. The paradigm was programmed in PsychoPy 3, a free software for neuroscience experiments. The results indicated that the experimental paradigm was understandable and easy to solve. It was also found that the average response time in the semantic reasoning task was significantly lower than the average resolution time of the visual reasoning task. Therefore, it was possible to establish the number of stimuli and their average exposure time needed for a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.