As the Field Matures … We Begin

Toward valid and reliable brain imaging results in eating disorders

“…Some have suggested minimum numbers of study participants per group to capture the most prominent findings (Thirion et al, ). However, there is no standard approach and methods should describe what measures were taken to avoid Type I or Type II errors, including correction for multiple comparisons (Carter, ). Task stimuli in fMRI should be well matched with their respective control condition. Studies should ensure that outliers, for instance due to extremely altered brain structure, do not drive group results. Whether data are normally distributed should be assessed and the appropriate test selected for statistical analysis. Studies should follow the latest recommendations for brain imaging analysis (see cited publications above) and describe in detail how motion correction was conducted.…”

“…Some have suggested minimum numbers of study participants per group to capture the most prominent findings (Thirion et al, 2007). However, there is no standard approach and methods should describe what measures were taken to avoid Type I or Type II errors, including correction for multiple comparisons (Carter, 2016 Report on the weight that a participant lost or gained within the last weeks before brain imaging procedures 2 Report the last food intake before brain imaging procedures, and standardize pre-scan meals Report 5 3, Test 5 2 Quantify exercise quantity and quality and test their effects on brain imaging data 1 Report the history of other eating disorders than the type described in study and test whether this affects brain measures Report 3, Test 5 1 Test to what extent regional brain structure measures, such as gray matter volume, may contribute to regional functional imaging findings 1…”