ASSUMPTIONS AND VALIDATIONS OF STATISTICAL TESTS FOR FUNCTIONAL NEUROIMAGING

We contrast two statistical methods: three-dimensional cluster analysi s and statistical parametric mapping. We show that three-dimensional c luster analysis is based on a neurobiological theory of the regulation of blood flow and, unlike statistical parametric mapping, carries a m inimum of assumptions that are tested, Statistical parametric mapping is a formal approach, which is based on a multitude of assumptions of which the majority have not been validated. We also demonstrate that i n practice three-dimensional cluster analysis has a reasonable balance between sensitivity and the probability of false positives, giving hi gh reproducibility with data on e.g. colour discrimination.