Analysis of family-wise error rates in statistical parametric mapping using random field theory

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Statistical Analysis
• Brain Mapping

Background:

• Revisiting family-wise error rate (FWE) analyses in statistical parametric mapping (SPM).
• Addressing interpretations of prior findings on FWE in SPM (Eklund et al.).

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the implications of Eklund et al.'s findings for parametric methods in neuroimaging.
• To reaffirm the utility of parametric assumptions and random field theory (RFT) in neuroimaging analysis.

Main Methods:

• Revisiting statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analyses.
• Applying random field theory (RFT) for family-wise error rate (FWE) control.
• Comparative analysis of parametric versus nonparametric approaches.

Main Results:

• The re-analysis supports the use of parametric assumptions in functional neuroimaging.
• Random field theory (RFT) remains a valid approach for controlling FWE in SPM.
• Parametric analyses offer distinct advantages over nonparametric alternatives.

Conclusions:

• Findings endorse the continued use of parametric methods and RFT in neuroimaging.
• The study clarifies the implications of Eklund et al.'s work for SPM.
• Parametric approaches are recommended for robust functional neuroimaging data analysis.