Introduction

This lesson is about the steps used to process fMRI data before it can be subjected to statistical analysis. Collectively, these steps are known as preprocessing. In this lesson, we will discuss all the major preprocessing steps, reviewing the theory of each and their practical implementation within SPM. At the end of the lesson, we will discuss some of the choices that need to be made when building a preprocessing pipeline for your own data.

Contents

• The Structure of fMRI Data
• Step 1: Motion Correction
• Step 2: Slice Timing Correction
• Step 3: Normalisation
• Step 4: Smoothing
• Building the Preprocessing Pipeline
• Summary and Quiz

About the Author

Dr Martyn McFarquhar | PhD FHEA

Lecturer in Neuroimaging

G28 Zochonis Building | Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience | School of Health Sciences | The University of Manchester M13 9PL

t: +44 (0)161 275 2688 | e: martyn.mcfarquhar@manchester.ac.uk