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fMRI research: do we need statistically better studies, larger studies, or no more studies?
John P A Ioannidis1,2,3,4
1Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
None:
fMRI research is highly prolific but raises multiple concerns. Many competing statistical methods and respective packages are available using different assumptions, none of which applies equally well to all settings. However, the most fundamental concerns are not about the statistical machinery, but about issues of reproducibility, utility, and even construct validity. One can probe how much the field would benefit by statistical refinements, the conduct of larger studies and/or improved reproducibility practices. Alternatively, maybe fMRI research should largely be abandoned with focus shifting toward developing imaging methods with construct validity for granular neuronal activity and higher potential for clinical utility.
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