Lecture 4- analysis and experimental design Flashcards
Typical preprocessing steps for fMRI analysis
Spatial smoothing
Motion correction
Temporal filtering
Statistical maps in fMRI show the probability of…
Type 1 error
To support robust statistical inferences which can be extended to a wider population, multi-subject fMRI experiments typically employ…
random/mixed-effects, within-subjects design
Why are voxel’s activity modelled by combining predicted time series for each distinct class of event (or block) which are fitted to the fMRI data?
to minimise residual variation
If BOLD responses to individual experimental trials of the same task are to be compared (e.g., correct versus incorrect trials) in an fMRI study, it is essential to use:
an event related design
Advantage of block design
High signal to noise
In an fMRI experiment, what is the IV and the DV?
IV= task DV= BOLD signal
What is cognitive subtraction?
Choose 2 tasks which differ in one critical aspect
Then compare BOLD signal in one from the other
How can confounding factors be controlled for?
Randomisation and counterbalancing
Why should fMRI experiments be within-subjects?
To reduce individual variation in BOLD signal and differences in anatomy
What is block design?
Conditions are divided into distinct blocks
Typically several trials within each block (5-30 secs)
IV = constant within a block
What does the transition between blocks represent?
Changes in the level of the IV
Advantage of longer interblock intervals
the hemodynamic response can return to baseline during the control condition = more signal change
Advantage and disadvantage of shorter interblock intervals
Allows for more repetitions
BUT
The sluggish nature of hemodynamic response means less signal change
Disadvantage of block design
Response to individual trials cannot be distinguished
Why is there a high signal:noise ratio in block design?
Because of plateau within a block, there’s excellent power to detect active voxels
What is an event related design?
Each event (trial) is modelled separately
How can responses be estimated for different classes of trial in an event related design?
Carefully spaced and time-locked trials
Disadvantage of event related design
Reduced detection power (smaller signal change)
Advantage of event related design
Data can be analysed according to PS response
Time course of BOLD response can be accurately estimated
How is motion corrected?
Successive images are aligned with one another