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It's time for sex in cognitive neuroscience
Dylan S Spets1, Scott D Slotnick2
1Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, United States.
Cognitive Neuroscience
|November 1, 2021
Summary
This study examined factors influencing sex differences in long-term memory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). No experimental parameters determined findings, but meta-analysis revealed sex differences in brain regions like the prefrontal cortex.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Investigated experimental parameters in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of sex differences in long-term memory.
- Examined the influence of factors like participant number, stimulus type, performance matching, and statistical methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if specific experimental parameters influence the reporting of sex differences in long-term memory fMRI studies.
- To conduct a meta-analysis identifying brain regions with consistent sex differences in activation.
- To address commentary feedback and statistical misconceptions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed parameters of published fMRI studies on sex differences in long-term memory.
- Conducted a meta-analysis of brain activation patterns.
- Synthesized and discussed feedback from expert commentaries.
Main Results:
- None of the examined experimental parameters determined whether sex differences were reported.
- Meta-analysis revealed significant sex differences (male > female) in the lateral prefrontal cortex, visual processing areas, parahippocampal cortex, and cerebellum.
- Commentaries highlighted the need to consider sex hormones, gender, performance matching, and statistical reporting.
Conclusions:
- Sex should be consistently included as a factor in cognitive neuroscience research.
- Further discussion is needed on statistical practices and the interpretation of group differences.
- The findings underscore the complexity of understanding sex-based variations in brain function.
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