An improved theoretical P value for SPMs based on discrete local maxima

Neuroimage. 2005 Dec;28(4):1056-62. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.06.053. Epub 2005 Aug 25.

Abstract

We present a new continuity correction to the P value for local maxima of a statistical parametric map that bridges the gap between small FWHM, when the Bonferroni correction is accurate, and large FWHM, when random field theory is accurate. The new method, based on discrete local maxima, is always an upper bound (like the Bonferroni), but lower and hence more accurate for large FWHM, without increasing false positives. It resulted in P values that were approximately 43% lower than the best of Bonferroni or random field theory methods when applied to a typical fMRI data set.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Brain Mapping / methods*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / statistics & numerical data*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Models, Statistical
  • Neural Pathways / physiology
  • Normal Distribution