Controlling false positive rates in mass-multivariate tests for electromagnetic responses
2011

Controlling False Positive Rates in Mass-Multivariate Tests for Electromagnetic Responses

Sample size: 200 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gareth R. Barnes, Vladimir Litvak, Matt J. Brookes, Karl J. Friston

Primary Institution: The Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, UCL

Hypothesis

Can a heuristic based on the number of unique lead-field extrema effectively control false positive rates in mass-multivariate tests for electromagnetic responses?

Conclusion

The heuristic based on unique lead-field extrema provides a reasonable estimate for controlling false positive rates in mass-multivariate tests.

Supporting Evidence

  • The heuristic performs well for both mass-univariate and mass-multivariate tests.
  • The study validated the heuristic against empirical permutation thresholds.
  • The method accommodates multivariate effects in tests.

Takeaway

This study helps scientists figure out how to avoid mistakes when testing brain signals by using a smart counting method.

Methodology

The study used simulations and real data to validate a heuristic for controlling false positive rates in mass-multivariate tests.

Limitations

The heuristic may not hold when the number of sensors is small, leading to potential aliasing problems.

Participant Demographics

Participants were involved in a study with 200 trials and 274 MEG sensors.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.neuroimage.2011.02.072

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication